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Yellow Death
(Kris Jensen #1)
by
Because the war on drugs is not going well, DEA conspirators initiate a secret project mixing a lethal Venezuelan hepatitis virus into heroin, rationalizing that a few deaths from a new type of hepatitis will deter drug abuse in many.
When Dr. Kris Jensen, a medical detective with the CDC's hepatitis division, arrives in Mississippi to investigate rapidly fatal hepatitis ...more
When Dr. Kris Jensen, a medical detective with the CDC's hepatitis division, arrives in Mississippi to investigate rapidly fatal hepatitis ...more
Paperback, 330 pages
Published
July 2015
by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
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Start your review of Yellow Death (Kris Jensen #1)

Feb 08, 2018
Carrie
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
medical-thrillers,
indies
Lots of medical jargon and plenty of action for hardcore medical thriller fans. Lettau takes you on a fast-paced journey from Mississippi to New Orleans to Venezuela, as a CDC investigator searches for the source--and treatment--of a rapidly fatal form of hepatitis. You'll want to be extra kind to your liver after this wild ride.
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Alex Lettau is an veteran infectious disease specialist who has written a medical thriller. So far, so good.
That being said, sometimes professionals who write thrillers about their field go off the rails; their stories are indulgent, poorly written, or cater to their various bias'.
Lettau, though, has crafted an excellent thriller that feels professional; in its prose, and communication of the story. Well written; it captures the reader quickly.
Doctor Kris Jensen is a young specialist called in b ...more
That being said, sometimes professionals who write thrillers about their field go off the rails; their stories are indulgent, poorly written, or cater to their various bias'.
Lettau, though, has crafted an excellent thriller that feels professional; in its prose, and communication of the story. Well written; it captures the reader quickly.
Doctor Kris Jensen is a young specialist called in b ...more

A smashing good story. It is written by a doctor, and the plot detail shows it. The main people involved are medical professionals … doctors, epidemiologists, public health officials … and there are many of them. The number of characters and the technical detail pose a challenge for the writer. Most of the characters would naturally speak in medical dialect most of the time, leaving most readers scratching their heads. The detailed medical terminology gives an air of authenticity to the story, a
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Honestly, this is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. Extremely interesting story with great characters. Whatever your favorite genre of reading, you can be certain there's something within that will "tickle your fancy." Not to mention there is an important lesson to be learned on the last page. This book will not disappoint. :)
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Kris Jensen is a very believable and likable character who also has a great sense of humor and an amazing sense of compassion and tenacity of purpose. The action keeps you wanting to read just one more page. I can't wait for Dr. Lettau to finish another episode!
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Page turner. Suspenseful.
I couldn't put it down! It kept my interest late into the night! Very suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat!! I would recommend to any virus hungry reader.
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I couldn't put it down! It kept my interest late into the night! Very suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat!! I would recommend to any virus hungry reader.
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I was very impressed with Kris Jensen's novel, Yellow Death. It was full of mystery and intrigue and contained plenty of plot twists to make it extremely interesting. I had a difficult time putting this one down! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys medical thrillers or suspense novels. This one has it all!
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3/22/2006, Corham, Mississippi. Dr. Kristen “Kris” Jensen (30, U of Wisconsin, epidemiologist, CDC Hepatitis Division) was examining the bloated body of Junior Murphee (chronic hepatitis C infection) at the Stevens’ health department.
Junior & his G/F LaDonna Fry (20) lived in the Dixie trailer park.
Kris had cut her finger while doing the examination.
Doc Calhoun did the autopsy on Billy Herman (21, chronic hepatitis C infection) who lived in Millerville Mississippi (town).
Kris & Dr. Dan Steven ...more
Junior & his G/F LaDonna Fry (20) lived in the Dixie trailer park.
Kris had cut her finger while doing the examination.
Doc Calhoun did the autopsy on Billy Herman (21, chronic hepatitis C infection) who lived in Millerville Mississippi (town).
Kris & Dr. Dan Steven ...more

While my experience in epidemiology is limited, I felt as though I was a researcher alongside the characters of Yellow Death by Alex Lettau. My mind swiftly generated thoughts for explanation as the plot unfolded in this infectious disease suspense novel.
The story begins as the protagonist, Dr. Kris Jensen, receives an unfortunate needle stick while investigating several suspicious deaths related to an unidentified fulminant hepatitis. As Dr. Jensen realizes she is in fact infected with this di ...more
The story begins as the protagonist, Dr. Kris Jensen, receives an unfortunate needle stick while investigating several suspicious deaths related to an unidentified fulminant hepatitis. As Dr. Jensen realizes she is in fact infected with this di ...more

I really enjoyed reading this medical thriller—for a first novel, Yellow Death is superb. Alex Lettau has created in Kris Jensen a well-developed character who is intelligent, driven, spunky, and yes, even a little funny. As a reader you have no problem rooting for her as she maneuvers her way through this story. Move aside Temperance Brennan, there’s a new leading lady of medical mystery on the way!
Without giving anything away (I hate spoilers in reviews) I’ll just say that the book moves along ...more
Without giving anything away (I hate spoilers in reviews) I’ll just say that the book moves along ...more

yay giveaways!
So this was a hard one to rate for me. I think it boiled down to issues of execution. The plot itself was my type of thing, and sometimes the writing was as good as the tale. But then there were the other times. I'd flip from thinking "total four star read!" to "ugh, I guess I can be generous and give it two." So I decided three was a fair representation of my overall experience, and I probably would recommend it.
I guess sharing the issues would help. It's mostly intrigue/thrille ...more
So this was a hard one to rate for me. I think it boiled down to issues of execution. The plot itself was my type of thing, and sometimes the writing was as good as the tale. But then there were the other times. I'd flip from thinking "total four star read!" to "ugh, I guess I can be generous and give it two." So I decided three was a fair representation of my overall experience, and I probably would recommend it.
I guess sharing the issues would help. It's mostly intrigue/thrille ...more

Scary-Realistic, A Solid Thriller
I enjoyed this medical thriller, and found the premise frightening and realistic. I loved the way the author interwove real life examples and included his professional expertise to give this story a gripping urgency. I would have liked (and expected) more emotional resonance in the characters, particularly from the main character. She seemed to simply accept the fact she would die--no tears, no gut-wrenching denial, no shock--only a "just the facts" self-diagnosi ...more
I enjoyed this medical thriller, and found the premise frightening and realistic. I loved the way the author interwove real life examples and included his professional expertise to give this story a gripping urgency. I would have liked (and expected) more emotional resonance in the characters, particularly from the main character. She seemed to simply accept the fact she would die--no tears, no gut-wrenching denial, no shock--only a "just the facts" self-diagnosi ...more

I could definitely tell Yellow Death was written by a doctor. There were just enough clues to figure out what was going on. This was a thrilling ride from beginning to end.
Dr. Jensen was called to the fatal death of a drug user, and while taking a sample pricked her finger. She begins a search to find out how the virus came to Mississippi and how, hopefully, to stop it before she dies. Her search takes her to a remote village in Venezuela, to find the village where this particular strain of hep ...more
Dr. Jensen was called to the fatal death of a drug user, and while taking a sample pricked her finger. She begins a search to find out how the virus came to Mississippi and how, hopefully, to stop it before she dies. Her search takes her to a remote village in Venezuela, to find the village where this particular strain of hep ...more

Nov 12, 2015
Valerie
added it
This book is a very intense medical thriller. It was very well written and a fast page turning read. The plot is highly believable and gives one a lot to think about and consider. The premise that a government would intentionally infect people with a virus who are drug users is just plain scary. Also thinking about the possibility of being a part of the medical community and being chased and having people try to kill you is frightening as well as being accidentally infected yourself. I recommend
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potential epidemic with killer virus, love and adventure combine with treachery and travel to conquer evil. In this case, a dysfunctional federal agency focused on killing anyone who discovers their secret to rid the world of drug users. Fun interesting and adventurous read where the hero is a woman
A potential epidemic with a killer virus, love and adventure combine with treachery and travel to conquer evil. In this case, a dysfunctional federal agency focused on killing anyone who discovers th ...more
A potential epidemic with a killer virus, love and adventure combine with treachery and travel to conquer evil. In this case, a dysfunctional federal agency focused on killing anyone who discovers th ...more

Great book!! I found myself saying ...."just one more chapter, then I'll stop reading for the evening". Really held my interest. Being in the healthcare profession, I could relate to some of the characters and scenes.....quite realistic! Suspenseful. I loved the humor mixed in. Looking forward to reading the next novel by Alex Lettau!!
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I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. This book is great! I read it in two days. I am a big fan of Robin Cook, but Alex Lettau gives him a run for his money. I thought Yellow Death was better than past several books I read of Robin Cook's. Highly recommended!
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Feb 17, 2016
Amy
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Anyone
Recommended to Amy by:
Dr. Lettau
Great book! I loved reading Yellow Death. This book is great for anyone in the medical field. I'm a nurse so I was able to relate to all the characters in the book. I read this book fast, after Chaper 6, it's hard to put down! I can't wait for book # 2. Start writing Alex Lettau!
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Great book. It was a thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. Couldn't put it down.
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topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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Making Connections: Thriller for Review - Yellow Death | 1 | 8 | Mar 29, 2016 07:58AM |
Alex Lettau is the pen name of Ludwig Alexander Lettau M.D., an infectious disease specialist who currently lives and works in Charleston, South Carolina.
In practice for more than 30 years, he holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Early in his career, Dr. Lettau was a medical mission ...more
In practice for more than 30 years, he holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Early in his career, Dr. Lettau was a medical mission ...more
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Kris Jensen
(3 books)
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