Book review: Eruption by Michael Crichton and James Patterson

Published in 2024. Thriller. Dr. John MacGregor is the geologist in charge of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory located on the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano on the big island. His team has detected signs of a volcanic eruption, estimated to be over116 hours away. He prepares for the eruption by notifying the proper authorities and having a press conference. Based on the team’s research, the eruption will be large but will not harm the city of Hilo with over fifty thousand residents. Shortly after he makes the announcement, he learns about a major problem created by the U.S. Army over fifty years ago when they stored dozens of canisters in a nearby cave with enough dangerous herbicides to kill all plant life on Earth. As he attempts to figure out a solution, General Rogers, the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, arrives and takes over command. Together, they work toward a solution, until they get some unsolicited help from a rogue billionaire and a television show glamorizing volcanic eruptions.

Excellent book. Michael Crichton passed away in 2008 but had left behind a treasure trove of research and notes for his widow. She searched for a suitable collaborator and found James Patterson. I was captivated from the beginning to the end of his novel, just as I did for Jurassic Park. I really enjoyed this book.