A reporter and a scientist come up against a strange virus in this international medical thriller.

Nate Fisher is a journalist investigating a suspected terrorist cell. Juliette Fernandez is a virologist researching a mysterious virus and running from something in her past. They and their respective worlds meet in the Comoros Islands in this often gripping debut novel by Schieffelin. Nate is anticipating a routine research trip and mission, but he is instead thrust into a nightmarish ordeal when he awakens to find his colleagues dead—at least, he thinks they’re dead. They soon wake up, though, and Nate encounters Juliette and French scientist Darrien Gauche, who are tracking a mysterious virus that induces a state resembling death, blurring the boundary between existence and oblivion. Juliette is also dealing with her past (which includes an abusive relationship) and the fear of long-buried secrets being exposed (“Goran’s eyes on me usually spelled trouble”). As Nate and Juliette’s professional and personal bonds deepen, Juliette is forced to confront her history—particularly the violent chapter that led her into hiding. When government agents close in, she must choose between continuing to flee or standing her ground. Meanwhile, Nate, untangling more than he bargained for, is unsure of whom to trust. It all amounts to a high-stakes medical mystery riddled with global conspiracies and deceptions. A blend of romance, thriller, and medical suspense, this novel explores themes of survival, redemption, and the fragile divide between life and death. Schieffelin has created two flawed but captivating characters in Nate and Juliette, and their relationship provides the beating heart of her narrative. The story jumps back and forth from Nate’s point of view to Juliette’s; this structure largely works, even if it does get a bit convoluted at times. Another strength of Schieffelin’s yarn is its international scope, bolstered by some regional recipes and an international music playlist at the back of the book. All in all, this is a promising effort from a first-time novelist who takes her readers on a gripping and romantic adventure.

Solid characters and an intriguing story make for a satisfying read.