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An Air That Kills: How long can you hold your breath?
'Poulson is currently unrivalled as a writer of scientific mysteries combining elements of both the thriller and the whodunnit.' Morning Star
The atmosphere in the lab is toxic.
It is only a matter of time before there is a flu pandemic with the potential to kill billions.
Or so wealthy entrepreneur Lyle Lynstrum believes. That is why he is funding research into transgenics - the mechanism by which viruses can jump the species barrier - at a high security lab on a tidal island off the North Devon coast.
A suspiciously rapid turnover of staff has him worried. He sends in scientist Katie Flanagan as an undercover lab technician. Something is clearly very wrong, but before Katie can get to the bottom of what is going on, a colleague is struck down by a mysterious illness.
Has the safety of the facility been compromised, allowing a deadly virus to escape? Katie begins to suspect that the scientists are as deadly as the diseases - and that her cover has been blown.
Then the island is cut off by high seas and a terrifying game of cat-and-mouse begins...
'Nobody writes medical mysteries with more authority than Christine Poulson.'
PETER LOVESEY, author of Killing with Confetti
'A thrilling, thought-provoking read. A real page-turner.'
KATE ELLIS, author of The Mechanical Devil
'The stakes are high, the suspects are many and the solution is satisfying. I loved it.'
CATRIONA McPHERSON, author of Strangers at the Gate
The atmosphere in the lab is toxic.
It is only a matter of time before there is a flu pandemic with the potential to kill billions.
Or so wealthy entrepreneur Lyle Lynstrum believes. That is why he is funding research into transgenics - the mechanism by which viruses can jump the species barrier - at a high security lab on a tidal island off the North Devon coast.
A suspiciously rapid turnover of staff has him worried. He sends in scientist Katie Flanagan as an undercover lab technician. Something is clearly very wrong, but before Katie can get to the bottom of what is going on, a colleague is struck down by a mysterious illness.
Has the safety of the facility been compromised, allowing a deadly virus to escape? Katie begins to suspect that the scientists are as deadly as the diseases - and that her cover has been blown.
Then the island is cut off by high seas and a terrifying game of cat-and-mouse begins...
'Nobody writes medical mysteries with more authority than Christine Poulson.'
PETER LOVESEY, author of Killing with Confetti
'A thrilling, thought-provoking read. A real page-turner.'
KATE ELLIS, author of The Mechanical Devil
'The stakes are high, the suspects are many and the solution is satisfying. I loved it.'
CATRIONA McPHERSON, author of Strangers at the Gate
272 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2019
2 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Christine Poulson
27 books32 followersChristine Poulson was born and brought up in North Yorkshire, England. She is now a research fellow at the Centre for Nineteenth-Century Studies at Sheffield University and chair of the William Morris Society. She has written widely on 19th-century art and literature, and her most recent work of non-fiction was a book on Arthurian legend in British art from 1840 to 1920. She lives with her family in a water mill in Derbyshire, England.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 22, 2019
4.5 rounded up
I really enjoyed this book! This has come at the perfect time in my life, I’ve just passed an interview to start a placement working in a medical laboratory so I was even more engrossed by this book! I believe that this is the third in the Katie Flanagan series however I felt at no disadvantage not having read the others, so it stands on it’s own really well.
I haven’t read many scientific thrillers but this has made me want to read a hell of a lot more of them. I loved the plot to this book, a killer who uses a deadly virus that should be concealed in the high security lab, also the way that this was done is pretty ingenious.
Read the rest of my review here: https://feedthecrime.wordpress.com/20...
I really enjoyed this book! This has come at the perfect time in my life, I’ve just passed an interview to start a placement working in a medical laboratory so I was even more engrossed by this book! I believe that this is the third in the Katie Flanagan series however I felt at no disadvantage not having read the others, so it stands on it’s own really well.
I haven’t read many scientific thrillers but this has made me want to read a hell of a lot more of them. I loved the plot to this book, a killer who uses a deadly virus that should be concealed in the high security lab, also the way that this was done is pretty ingenious.
Read the rest of my review here: https://feedthecrime.wordpress.com/20...
January 20, 2020
Loved this book! I am a scientist yet learned a lot as well. I felt that at the student level this book would be awesome. The characters were well developed and the plot kept me guessing. All of the time Katie spent at the laboratory, I felt tension and suspense.
Unusual and different types of characters blend together well in the story. Yet, the reader knows something sinister is going on...
Katie/Caitlin is always "on pins and needles" afraid that she may break her cover. Working with Lyle Linstrom, is a plus as is Justin, Katie's friend from her time working in Antarctica.
Highly recommend - give this book a try!
Many Thanks to Lion Hudson Ltd. and NetGalley for the great read!
Unusual and different types of characters blend together well in the story. Yet, the reader knows something sinister is going on...
Katie/Caitlin is always "on pins and needles" afraid that she may break her cover. Working with Lyle Linstrom, is a plus as is Justin, Katie's friend from her time working in Antarctica.
Highly recommend - give this book a try!
Many Thanks to Lion Hudson Ltd. and NetGalley for the great read!
November 24, 2019
Katie Flannagan is pleased to be back from Antarctica not least because she can catch up with her friends Daniel, Rachel and their daughter Chloe. Katie met them through her work as a researcher in blood disorders, as Chloe has the rare and serious blood condition DBA. Now Rachel is expecting another child. There is an outside chance that the new baby may be a match for Chloe which could alleviate her illness. Katie is also pleased that Justin whom she met when she was out in Antarctica has been in touch to arrange a meeting.
When she arrives for dinner at Daniel and Rachel’s house, she is greeted by ‘surprise’ from Daniel and there is the wealthy entrepreneur Lyle Lynstrum. Over supper he says he believes that there is likely soon to be a flu pandemic with the potential to kill billions and there is a need to research the mechanism which causes the virus to jump from the insect species to the humans. Basically, he has invested a great deal in the research, which is set up at Debussy Point, off the coast of North Devon, but he feels there is something wrong, but he can’t put his finger on what. One of the anomalies is a high turnover of lab technicians which while for seemingly perfectly good reasons, still seems high. Katie offers to go undercover to see what she can suss out, but Lyle says no. She is totally overqualified for a job as lab technician. But Katie says, well she is currently unemployed. When another lab technician gives notice, Lyle accepts Katies offer to go undercover to see if she can pinpoint the problem.
For Katie it’s a job well below her capabilities and all she has to do is take an opportunity to check the work being done and see if she can spot any irregularities. However, the reader is aware from the opening of the book that there is someone who has access to the high security lab and who has deadly intent.
She receives a warm welcome from Casper Delaney, the head of the facility. Her accommodation is pleasant rather like a holiday let. On her first morning there after collecting her security pass from Siobhan, she meets Maggie in the malaria lab, the glamorous Claudia for whom she will be directly working, Tarquin, and Bill whose main interest is moths. On her second day she is introduced to Professor Gemma Braithwaite who makes it clear that a mere lab technician is beneath her. Katies wonders if Gemma’s rudeness might have contributed to the high turnover of lab technicians. Katies tries to discover by casual probing why her predecessor Sophie left so suddenly but the answers she receives are vague offering no concrete reason.
Then Katies decides on another way to check the work. Unexpectedly, one of her colleague’s is struck down with a mystery illness and. Could a deadly virus have escaped? Are they all at risk?
This is an on the edge of your seat read and is highly recommended for lovers of a mystery.
-------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
When she arrives for dinner at Daniel and Rachel’s house, she is greeted by ‘surprise’ from Daniel and there is the wealthy entrepreneur Lyle Lynstrum. Over supper he says he believes that there is likely soon to be a flu pandemic with the potential to kill billions and there is a need to research the mechanism which causes the virus to jump from the insect species to the humans. Basically, he has invested a great deal in the research, which is set up at Debussy Point, off the coast of North Devon, but he feels there is something wrong, but he can’t put his finger on what. One of the anomalies is a high turnover of lab technicians which while for seemingly perfectly good reasons, still seems high. Katie offers to go undercover to see what she can suss out, but Lyle says no. She is totally overqualified for a job as lab technician. But Katie says, well she is currently unemployed. When another lab technician gives notice, Lyle accepts Katies offer to go undercover to see if she can pinpoint the problem.
For Katie it’s a job well below her capabilities and all she has to do is take an opportunity to check the work being done and see if she can spot any irregularities. However, the reader is aware from the opening of the book that there is someone who has access to the high security lab and who has deadly intent.
She receives a warm welcome from Casper Delaney, the head of the facility. Her accommodation is pleasant rather like a holiday let. On her first morning there after collecting her security pass from Siobhan, she meets Maggie in the malaria lab, the glamorous Claudia for whom she will be directly working, Tarquin, and Bill whose main interest is moths. On her second day she is introduced to Professor Gemma Braithwaite who makes it clear that a mere lab technician is beneath her. Katies wonders if Gemma’s rudeness might have contributed to the high turnover of lab technicians. Katies tries to discover by casual probing why her predecessor Sophie left so suddenly but the answers she receives are vague offering no concrete reason.
Then Katies decides on another way to check the work. Unexpectedly, one of her colleague’s is struck down with a mystery illness and. Could a deadly virus have escaped? Are they all at risk?
This is an on the edge of your seat read and is highly recommended for lovers of a mystery.
-------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
November 21, 2019
I have not read such an engrossing scientific thriller since 'The Andromeda Strain' or 'Outbreak', and now 'An Air That Kills' joins that illustrious throng. The title is very apt as you hold your breath waiting for the tension to wind its way around you, engrossed in the story of a privately funded laboratory on Debussy Point, a tidal island which becomes isolated off the Devon coast due to bad weather conditions. The laboratory is trying to determine a break through in viral strain jumping -eg mammal to avians or vice versa-and as brilliant post doctorate scientist Claudia Carter is getting closer to the solution, strange goings on abound.
The entrepreneur who has funded this is concerned enough to consider a private investigator, but a chance meal with friends Katie, Rachel and Daniel brings up an opportunity he had not considered. As Katie is currently unemployed following a disastrous Antartic trip, and happens to be a an excellent research scientist, why not send her undercover to find out what is going on? What's the worst that could happen?
Apart from running away from her troubles and abandoning her new, fledgling romance there is getting cut off from the mainland and a potential outbreak of a deadly disease to contend with that is!
Neatly parsing the currrent fears over flu, and the increasing vulnerability the human race has to fight it, alongside the lack of vaccines which are concerning a nation posed on the edge of a potential Brexit induced medication shortage, Christine Poulson manipulates the fears of the reader into a very real world sense of danger.
Her in depth knowledge of science and research laboratories supported by the latest malaria studies grounds the novel in a very real sense of fear and danger. The reader does not necessarily need to have an understanding of methodologies in order to appreciate the tension and suspense of working out who is the sabatoeur at the base and who will survive an outbreak. As the team race against time to contain what they know, the reader is hyper aware of the potential world wide pandemic effects of the virus getting out. I really , really enjoyed reading this book and hopefully there will be more featuring Katie as I really took a shine to her character and feel there may be more to explore! Highly recommended to lovers of thrillers- especially those who can hold their breath!
The entrepreneur who has funded this is concerned enough to consider a private investigator, but a chance meal with friends Katie, Rachel and Daniel brings up an opportunity he had not considered. As Katie is currently unemployed following a disastrous Antartic trip, and happens to be a an excellent research scientist, why not send her undercover to find out what is going on? What's the worst that could happen?
Apart from running away from her troubles and abandoning her new, fledgling romance there is getting cut off from the mainland and a potential outbreak of a deadly disease to contend with that is!
Neatly parsing the currrent fears over flu, and the increasing vulnerability the human race has to fight it, alongside the lack of vaccines which are concerning a nation posed on the edge of a potential Brexit induced medication shortage, Christine Poulson manipulates the fears of the reader into a very real world sense of danger.
Her in depth knowledge of science and research laboratories supported by the latest malaria studies grounds the novel in a very real sense of fear and danger. The reader does not necessarily need to have an understanding of methodologies in order to appreciate the tension and suspense of working out who is the sabatoeur at the base and who will survive an outbreak. As the team race against time to contain what they know, the reader is hyper aware of the potential world wide pandemic effects of the virus getting out. I really , really enjoyed reading this book and hopefully there will be more featuring Katie as I really took a shine to her character and feel there may be more to explore! Highly recommended to lovers of thrillers- especially those who can hold their breath!
November 22, 2019
Katie Flanaghan has been in the Antarctic, as a medic for 9 months - there's limited daylight most of the time there. Whilst she was there she became close to Justin, but they kept it low key, in case it was just a case of being trapped with few others and once back out in the 'real world' their feelings would change. This doesn't seem to be the case, they arrange to meet up and they get on just as well in the outside world too. Katie is trying to stay calm about it but thinks Justin is maybe the one.
Don't be fooled though, this isn't a love story!
When Katie goes to visit her friend Rachel, whos reaching the end of her pregnancy, she's delighted when she asks her to be her birthing partner, as her husband Daniel didn't cope well after complications with her last birth with their daughter Chloe, who has a rare blood disorder - DBA - Diamond Blackfan Anemia. Their mutual friend Lyle Linstrum, a venture capiltaliset has a problem with some research hes invested in and is concerned about the results that seem too good to be true. Katie has previous lab technician experience and goes to Debussy Point as an undercover Cat 3 - technician to find out if Claudia's Carter's research really is going as well as she says.
Suspicions arise when Katie, now undercover as Cailtin Marsh, cannot re-create the transfer of Bird Flu, like Claudia says she can, despite following Claudia's written instructions and then Gemma Brathiwaite, Claudia's professor is taken ill. Very ill.
Things go from bad to worse and with the added complications of Debussy Point being cut off from the mainland at high tide, Justin's and Katie's long-distance relationship, Katie develops a case of shingles and after a near-fatal 'accident' she cracks it, the mutation that Claudia has been trying to crack, but not in the way she said she could. This all adds to the tension and creates extras drama for all involved.
A really intricately woven web of deceit and lies, with great details based around scientific laboratories, a great sleuths tale that will keep you on your toes and ensure you watch out for mosquitos.
Don't be fooled though, this isn't a love story!
When Katie goes to visit her friend Rachel, whos reaching the end of her pregnancy, she's delighted when she asks her to be her birthing partner, as her husband Daniel didn't cope well after complications with her last birth with their daughter Chloe, who has a rare blood disorder - DBA - Diamond Blackfan Anemia. Their mutual friend Lyle Linstrum, a venture capiltaliset has a problem with some research hes invested in and is concerned about the results that seem too good to be true. Katie has previous lab technician experience and goes to Debussy Point as an undercover Cat 3 - technician to find out if Claudia's Carter's research really is going as well as she says.
Suspicions arise when Katie, now undercover as Cailtin Marsh, cannot re-create the transfer of Bird Flu, like Claudia says she can, despite following Claudia's written instructions and then Gemma Brathiwaite, Claudia's professor is taken ill. Very ill.
Things go from bad to worse and with the added complications of Debussy Point being cut off from the mainland at high tide, Justin's and Katie's long-distance relationship, Katie develops a case of shingles and after a near-fatal 'accident' she cracks it, the mutation that Claudia has been trying to crack, but not in the way she said she could. This all adds to the tension and creates extras drama for all involved.
A really intricately woven web of deceit and lies, with great details based around scientific laboratories, a great sleuths tale that will keep you on your toes and ensure you watch out for mosquitos.
November 16, 2020
I love brainy British mysteries — those that make you think while you are trying to figure out whodunit! The third book in Christine Poulson’s series featuring researcher Katie Flanagan, An Air That Kills, does just that. At first I was reluctant to read this book with the blurb promising a threat of pandemic, but you needn’t be worried about that. Yes, there are deadly viruses involved in the book, but it is the murderous humans that the characters really have to worry about. Katie impersonates a lab tech to discover if anything is going on with the research at the Cat 3 infectious lab that studies, among other things, influenza. And plenty is. I have to admit, I trusted no one! The remote island location with its mists sets up a very mysterious atmosphere that made the story even more enjoyable. Katie is an atheist, but is perhaps a bit of a seeker as well, though her journey towards faith is very slow — and realistic. The theme of the novel — public persona vs. hidden self — is explored in more than one character. While this is the third in the series, it is not necessary to read the first two to enjoy the complex twistings. However, I recommend beginning at the beginning 😉 . This book refers to Cold, Cold Heart a lot. I have it on my Kindle, and now I have to read it too!
Please note: An Air That Kills is published by a British imprint that focuses on Christian fiction. However, CF outside of the US may contain some elements not all American CF readers like. There is no adult language in this book, but there is some off-stage sex that is hinted at. If that bothers you, I would skip this book.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Lion Fiction for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Please note: An Air That Kills is published by a British imprint that focuses on Christian fiction. However, CF outside of the US may contain some elements not all American CF readers like. There is no adult language in this book, but there is some off-stage sex that is hinted at. If that bothers you, I would skip this book.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Lion Fiction for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
September 28, 2020
4,5 stars
After spending 6 months on a scientific expedition in Antarctica, Katie came back home in Ely to find that her friends have moved on in there life while she felt that her career was stagnating. To remedy her restlessness she decides to work in one of her friend's lab as an undercover technician named Caitlin to investigate the work of one of the researchers, who seems to have always "perfect results".
"An air that kills" was an interesting dive into the world of virology and tropical medicine. I was enchanted by the atmosphere of cat 3 labs and insectaries.
The mystery in the story was well constructed and kept me guessing until the end. The details were thorough and accurate and the dynamics between the characters were strong and lively. It's definitely not your usual morose thriller. the story got a sweet undertone of new friendships and the promise of love.
There were some details that I couldn't wrap my head around like Katie's illness, was it really the shingles, or did she got malaria too when she got bitten? and what happened Antarctica for Katie to be called a whistle-blower?
Highly recommended to all thrillers, and medical thrillers fans.
Many thanks to Netgalley, and Lion Hudson Ltd for my review copy
After spending 6 months on a scientific expedition in Antarctica, Katie came back home in Ely to find that her friends have moved on in there life while she felt that her career was stagnating. To remedy her restlessness she decides to work in one of her friend's lab as an undercover technician named Caitlin to investigate the work of one of the researchers, who seems to have always "perfect results".
"An air that kills" was an interesting dive into the world of virology and tropical medicine. I was enchanted by the atmosphere of cat 3 labs and insectaries.
The mystery in the story was well constructed and kept me guessing until the end. The details were thorough and accurate and the dynamics between the characters were strong and lively. It's definitely not your usual morose thriller. the story got a sweet undertone of new friendships and the promise of love.
There were some details that I couldn't wrap my head around like Katie's illness, was it really the shingles, or did she got malaria too when she got bitten? and what happened Antarctica for Katie to be called a whistle-blower?
Highly recommended to all thrillers, and medical thrillers fans.
Many thanks to Netgalley, and Lion Hudson Ltd for my review copy
November 23, 2019
Katie has returned to the UK after many months on a project in Antarctica. She is looking for a job, when a friend mentions problems at a research facility, Debussy Point. So she goes to work there under a new identity to see what she can find out.
But then a colleague contracts ‘flu……or is it something else?
There’s a lot of details into how a research facility operates, which I found fascinating and disturbing at the same time…..just what is floating around in these places?
This is a thriller, but that really doesn���t give it credit. This is the tale of what could happen, if something escaped or was purposely let out…a potential pandemic? Or just a clever murder?
Can Katie find the culprit?
Gripping and scarily realistic…..I read this in one sitting. Great characters and a clever, believable plot, what more could you ask for. I can thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you to Amber at Midas PR for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour, for the promotional material and a free copy of the book. This is my honest and unbiased review
But then a colleague contracts ‘flu……or is it something else?
There’s a lot of details into how a research facility operates, which I found fascinating and disturbing at the same time…..just what is floating around in these places?
This is a thriller, but that really doesn���t give it credit. This is the tale of what could happen, if something escaped or was purposely let out…a potential pandemic? Or just a clever murder?
Can Katie find the culprit?
Gripping and scarily realistic…..I read this in one sitting. Great characters and a clever, believable plot, what more could you ask for. I can thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you to Amber at Midas PR for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour, for the promotional material and a free copy of the book. This is my honest and unbiased review
November 23, 2019
This crime thriller really is a 'hold your breath and see what happens' sort of a read. It is difficult to second guess and there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. The setting on an isolated island off the North Devon coast is wonderfully evoked which adds to the feeling of impending danger. I found the premise of possible scientific wrongdoing to be quite convincing and could readily believe in the culture of the science lab itself.
In Katie Flanagan you have a cool headed but relatable central character who is well used to living and working in isolated surroundings. There is quite a web of secrecy to untangle and plenty of suspects to consider. You find that you trust no one and can see the situation through Katie's eyes. There are just enough red herrings and false clues to keep you on your toes. A very enjoyable crime thriller which repays you for the reading.
In short: Suspicion settles in the air. Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
In Katie Flanagan you have a cool headed but relatable central character who is well used to living and working in isolated surroundings. There is quite a web of secrecy to untangle and plenty of suspects to consider. You find that you trust no one and can see the situation through Katie's eyes. There are just enough red herrings and false clues to keep you on your toes. A very enjoyable crime thriller which repays you for the reading.
In short: Suspicion settles in the air. Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
January 14, 2020
I wasn't sure about this book at first. It had some parts that confused me. But gradually I grew to like the main character and her quiet ways. The book has some science to it but it's kept on a pretty basic level of understanding. I liked Katie interactions with her co-workers and her boyfriend Justin. I felt the investigating was softly done and that the killer was a mystery right up to the ending. That there was a killer was a mystery right up to the end. I ended up enjoying this book. #AnAirThatKills #NetGalley
May 3, 2020
A very well written and researched book. this book is the second in a series but can be read as a standalone. The characters are well developed,interesting and believable. The story line of this book is creepily timely so if you find current world situations frightening you want want to save this one for a later date. But this book is extremely good and I do recommend it!!
I received this book from NetGalley and Lion Hudson LTD for an honest review.
I received this book from NetGalley and Lion Hudson LTD for an honest review.
October 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, the third in the series featuring medical researcher Katie Flanagan. Katie is back from the Antarctic and it was nice (for me!) to have some of it set in Ely, a city I know well. I was a bit worried that the parallels with Covid would put me off the book, but they didn't at all. The background was very realistic (to me as a non scientist) but didn't get in the way of an exciting story.
July 11, 2020
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