The Return of the Spanish Lady

Nicolette Scott Mystery #4

by Val Davis

Nicolette Scott, an archaeologist and old plane expert, is asked to join a search for a Japanese plane downed in Alaska during WWII. The mission is being funded by a pharmaceutical company "in the interest of history". However, a much darker motive powers the search, one which Nick gradually becomes aware of. Knowing that the virus of the dreaded Spanish flu that killed millions around the world in 1918-9 will survive in corpses kept frozen, company executives hope to find the bodies of three First World War veterans who died of the flu while hunting for gold. Their plan is to callously unleash a similar epidemic and then ride in on a white horse with their antidote -- to enormous profit. Nick, horrified, determines to stop the plot even if she must lose her life in the process.

Genres: Thriller

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2001

About the author

A pen name used by Robert Irvine with his wife Angie.

Val Davis studied anthropology and archaeology at the University of California at Berkeley and now lives in Northern California.

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the historical aspect! WWII ace pilot wants to find the Japanese Pearl Harbor bomber he shot down along the Alaska inland coast. The main character, Nicolette Scot, has just been hired at the Smithsonian and is given this plum assignment funded by a large pharma business. It's not only the Alaskan weather that's tricky. Enjoyable quick read.