“Whiteout" by Ken Follett

It is Christmas Eve and one of the top pharmaceutical facilities, Oxenford Medical in Scotland is facing a crisis. Two doses of an experimental drug are missing. A lab technician is suffering from Madoba-2 an incurable form of viral disease. A group of professional thieves are determined to break into Oxenford’s BSL4 facility which is the most secure and heavily protected. It houses  viruses which has no antidote or vaccine like Madoba-2. It also contains experimental drugs and vaccines.

Antonia Gallo is the head of security. A shrewd and intelligent woman who is meticulous and will do anything to protect the Oxenford Medical. She is up against professional thugs and traitors of the worst kind who are determined to pull off the robbery come what may. They are ruthless and do not value human life.

The novel is thrilling, full of suspense. It is well researched and educative. The story is certainly one that can happen in a real world situation where terrorism and certainly bio-terrorism is not out of place.

The characters are well developed and certainly humanized. The characters by their actions and character flaws mirrors us and we can relate to them.  Follett displays a great knowledge of human psychology which reflects in the characters. You are made to feel part of the unfolding story.

The plot is well written and the suspense is intense. . It is never boring.You are unable to put the book aside for an instance. Follet shows us why he is the great master thriller . Follett knows how to write. His writing is concise and beautiful. It is a story that is interspersed with love and romance.It is certainly a must read.

The setting is Scotland over the Christmas festivities and the snow was indeed falling heavily. Perhaps informing the title and inspiring the cover.

PS. It is a thriller taking place over Christmas and I had the privilege of reading it over Christmas.