Virus
by James Rose
Random Ax Media (e-book)
Virus is the first novel by James Rose, a journalist and media adviser specialising in corporate ethics and social justice. Rose has clearly brought his experience to bear on this zippy, enjoyable and rather sobering political thriller. Our hero is Asher Fox, a self-appointed 'ethics detective' who investigates the moral code of major corporations. 'I'm a bit of a dirt digger,' he confesses. Fox has been hired by an Aids charity (Save the Innocent) to investigate BioHorizons Corp, which is run by the charismatic Wonder Zap-Mills. BioHor is seeking a treatment for Aids. Fox soon uncovers darker undercurrents. The question is, who are the heroes and who are the villains in this convoluted case? Is Fox a righteous crusader, or has he been set up? Virus is sincere and entertaining - though occasionally a little too sincere. The early chapters are top-heavy with exposition, but once the narrative gets going things move fluidly from American politics to the Middle East to the sensitive political situation in Africa. This is an assured and convincing debut novel. I encourage you to contract Virus immediately.