In Reaper the killer virus lies within a computer not a microorganism, but the investigative techniques are the same. The star characters attempt to find common threads among many uncommon deaths. The two medical sleuths ponder hideous deaths and unearth peculiar similarities among the victims. As they near a diagnosis, the story blossoms with one incredible fact followed closely by another.

The characters are likable, but very imperfect humans. Nick Barnes was a renowned surgeon before personal tragedy began to strike. His accelerating downfall into notoriety has reached an apparent plateau, but impulsivity still overshadows his professionalism. As the story opens, he is eking out a daily existence riding with ambulance crews. He has neither conquered the past, nor brought his ghosts under control.

Samantha Craig's suffering is also ongoing. Unfortunately, the author only vaguely defines her particular cross. It clearly revolves around her older brother's death, but the details are lacking. There is never an adequate explanation given for her extreme reactions. She, like Nick, has demonstrated life-threatening emotional consequences. The two dysfunctional individuals become colleagues in a spark-filled relationship.

The story moves along smartly, but is occasionally erratic in the presentation of minor facts. Without question the basic plot is outlandish – and rather chilling! However, fans of Majel Barrett will be disappointed that the supercomputer is voiceless and lacking in personality. As expected, the major investigative break comes by way of a red herring medical discovery missed by all of the highly trained experts and spotted by the troubled Dr. Barnes.

Overall, this novel is pleasant reading. There is some gore, but the story is too far-fetched to elicit nightmares. This reviewer found it to be a briefly mesmerizing distraction during a twice daily ride on Boston's T. The spell evoked was not intense enough to cause a missed stop.

--Steve Nemmers