Reviews
DEVIL IN THE MIST
Book Description: While Southern Africa struggles with a deadly plague, one lone detective and a cast of unlikely heroes discover the virus was engineered, specifically for killing. Zack Monstar is assigned a simple murder case that’s anything but simple. Two men dead, one black, one white, both associated with nations’ leading health organization. After, NBA All-star, Akewali Dimbi dies returning from Africa, Zack finds himself immersed in case that will leave a trail of bodies from Africa to Atlanta . Zack discovers an intricate plot, involving government agencies, biological agents and deadly immunizations. In this modern day tale of David versus Goliath, Zack risks it all to save the woman he loves, taking on the government, the world, and finally The Devil in the Mist.
Romantic Times Magazine Review—December 2005—4.5 stars
Dorce weaves a diabolical plot that holds readers captive from the first page. Set in Atlanta, years after the Olympics, this novel centers on Zack Monstar, who risks everything to protect those he loves and to face a stealth killer who claims the lives of everyone in his path.
When two bodies are found, a shocking revelation suggests that one of the victims may have been exposed to a deadly virus. Coincidentally, an unidentifiable virus is killing thousands of people each day in Africa, leaving the same stamp on its victims.
Police detective Monstar discovers that the one connection between the murder victims and the virus is World Health Systems, one of the largest health organizations in the world. Zack must take on a billion-dollar industry of human experimentation and germ warfare to bring down the greedy scientists and the "ghost killer" that pose a threat to him and all humanity.
Dorce spins a tale of corporate conspiracy, germ warfare, greed and human determination that readers will not be able to put down. Her characters are well developed and really fit the setting of the book. This is not your typical thriller-with-a-happy-ending; it's a realistic representation of the underworld, and it will leave you eagerly anticipating her next book. (Dec., 368 pp., $14.00)
—Autumn Harrison
Reviewer: MBS Book Club Member (Atlanta):
I thought the book was highly entertaining - I finished it in 4 days. It reminded me of my favorite show "24" with its fast pace and constantly changing aspects (scenes). One downfall was the many typographical errors, mispelling of words, and the unnecessary characters (the skulls, devils, etc) that were displayed throughout the book. Note to publisher: please use spellcheck and proof readers. Other than these, which I got over, I look forward to reading more about Mr. Monstar, Paulina and Sashay!
RAWSISTAZ REVIEWERS – 4 STARS
Zack Monstar is a detective assigned to what appears to be just a murder case, in the heart of Atlanta. Yet, upon closer inspection, the bodies are damaged so badly it's impossible to identify them and one has symptoms of a virus that is circulating in Africa, killing thousands of people. After numerous events, which close off all leads, Zack begins to believe some type of conspiracy is taking place. Witnesses begin disappearing and everything leads back to World Health Systems (WHS), a company known for its biological work locally and abroad. Dead end after dead end, Zack continues working the case, with the assistance of Regina Miller, an employee at WHS. Neither of them are sure what's going on or who is behind the murders, mayhem, and mystery of the deadly virus, but they do know their lives are at stake.
Diane Dorce, in her debut adult fiction book, introduces a fascinating and sexy image of good guy Zack Monstar, whom I look forward to seeing in future books. Readers will immediately love him, become interested in his background, and want to know more about his life as a detective. Additionally, Dorce does a great job of keeping the reader immersed in the happenings of the story, the development of the various characters, and the outcome, to find out who is behind the original murders. It is suspenseful, a bit horrifying, and has a touch of romance that will appeal to readers across various genres. The one thing, however, that would make the book better is a round of proofreading to catch the typographical errors as they were a bit distracting and slowed down the story. Fortunately, DEVIL IN THE MIST is intriguing enough the reader will want to continue. It is a realistic portrayal of what big companies have the power to do to an unknowing world.
—Tee C. Royal of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers
