Absolutely superb! A fantastic mystery, set in the past and present, about the polio epidemic of the 1950's and a pharmaceutical company manufacturing the vaccine. The repercussions of their actions at the time rippling through to present day. Plenty of twists and turns to keep the story moving along nicely. Really enjoyed this.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyed this book. Spent time moving between the past and present and delving into the ins and outs of what really happened back then.

Strangely, I drew parallels with what happened during the covid pandemic - so almost putting a different lens on the story.

Overall, I very much enjoyed this and would recommended it.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. #AQuietContagion

A Quiet Contagion

I was introduced to Jane Jesmond’s writing by a blog tour and I thoroughly enjoyed her series, the most recent of which was Cut Adrift - a novel I reviewed earlier this year. A Quiet Contagion is a very inventive stand-alone thriller that brings together a dark history and medical ethics for a fast paced and well-researched mystery. and fast-paced mystery into an engrossing novel. Phiney’s grandfather Wilf, committed suicide after an incident at a pharmaceutical company. Using a dual timeline narrative we jump between 1957 and 2017 to uncover the truth around work to find a vaccine during the polio epidemic. The author combines the tension of a thriller with extensive historical research to unearth the secrets of the past and ask questions about healthcare ethics in public health emergencies.

There are obviously parallels to the the COVID epidemic here, including lessons that still haven’t been learned, but the author grounds her narrative very successfully in the historic sections. Having had oxygen therapy for MS, I’m very aware of the use of hyperbaric chambers and the antiquated ‘iron lungs’ that were used to treat polio patients in the 1950s. I thought the descriptions of the epidemic were outstanding, really bringing home to the reader the terrible truth of a disease most people younger than me have ever seen. I’ve met people with post-polio syndrome and there’s no denying the life-long effects of this terrible disease. The author’s medical knowledge brings the epidemic to life but also brings an authenticity to the characters affected by this disease.

I thought the challenges faced in a real medical crisis were well-presented and illuminating, resonating particularly with contemporary issues around the COVID pandemic, such as the race against time to produce a vaccine and get as many vulnerable people vaccinated as soon as possible. We can see the origins of ‘big pharma’ with profit becoming the main goal, rather than public health. I don’t know if the author used the recent pandemic to inform her character’s thoughts and feelings, but the anxiety and panic felt very real and timely. 

The novel’s characters were well-developed and felt thoroughly grounded in her world. Phiney’s determination to unravel the mystery and understand what happened to her beloved grandfather is admirable, but I worried that she was taking too many risks in her search for the truth. I enjoyed the moral dilemmas faced by her friends and family too. The struggles of character added so much depth to the novel but we’re also thought provoking, and I love it when I find myself thinking about a book days later. Many thrillers are all action and feel empty, but this is an intelligent thriller full of emotion. This combination made it hard to put down and equally hard to forget.

Tense thriller beginning with the suicide of Wilf Patterson, a much loved Grandfather and husband. He'd suffered with polio all his life but this was totally out of character; he was happy, loved . One witness saw what happened - a journalist called Matt. Phiney his Grandaughter is determined to find out more - but can she and Wilf's wife Dora trust this journalist?
The only clue Phiney has to work with is an old news story with photo of Wilf and colleagues outside the Poulters Pharmacy Company in Coventry from 1957 - which Wilf had left out on a table top in his workshed. Why? Another death on the same day of someone else in the photo raises more suspicion. Then another.
Fascinating look at moral dilemnas (separate from greed, though that is also here).This is fiction but the 'Cutter Incident' in the US 1955 was not (don't look that up if you don't want spoilers). Loved this - it was very exciting and at points a bit too wordy (or was that just me getting too excited!!) Highly recommended.

I enjoyed this book. It had a complex interesting storyline was fast paced and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
The book had a great start first couple of chapters had me quickly enthralled . A young woman discovers that her grandfather apparently had committed suicide by jumping off a railway bridge. He is family had no idea that he was. A suicide risk and his granddaughter therefore starts to investigate why he decided he needed to do this.
There is a thoroughly satisfying mystery element of the novel with a strange, dark figure lurking in the bushes adding to the excitement. The author really does have the skill of feeding you little tantalising clues as the novel progresses.
The sections set in the children’s ward with the nurse are very realistic ,is the author a nurse ?
The characters all or seem real three-dimensional people .
They also has a lovely prose style, which moves the story on at a fast pace and kept my interest throughout.

I thought that the book, would make the most fabulous TV series. I hope the right are bought up quickly .
I read an early copy of the novel on NetGalley UK. The book is published in the UK on the 28th of November 2023 by the crime and mystery club verve books.

This review will appear on NetGalley UK, good reads and my book blog bionicsarahsbooksa@wordpress.com. After publication review would appear on Amazon, UK.

Thanks to #NetGalley and publishers for an #ARC of #AQuietContagion.
Oh WOW, that was the feeling while reading and finishing reading this book. Based in Coventry in the 1950s and 2017 we try to discover the mystery behind what happened which caused one man to take his own life.
As the story unravels it becomes more gripping and thrilling.
Highly recommend.

•Dual Timelines
•Inspired by the 1957 Coventry Polio Epidemic
•Most Recent Global Coronavirus Pandemic
•Pharmaceutical Mystery

The writing is compelling , mystery is gripping and the characters have such a poignant back stories. It was such a touching and emotional read. And it’s inspired by 1957, Coventry Polio Epidemic and Global Coronavirus pandemic. There is history of deaths in family and then people are dying because of a perilous secret. The secret has kept many lives at stake. It must be unraveled. The book is well researched.

In 2017, Wilf has committed suicide, Phiney, his granddaughter and Dora, his wife is shocked to learn about his death. While it’s both; devastating and mysterious for them. Was Wilf harbouring a secret? What happens that he choose to take such a big step to end his life? They are trying to get to the bottom of the mystery of his death. There is only one witness, unanswered questions, and inevitable mystery and secrets. Though the 1957 catastrophic event seems to have some connection with the death of Wilf. Will they get to the bottom of mystery and unravel the secret before it’s too late?

Thank you Publisher, Author, and Netgalley.

A fatal error has occurred in a lab working on a new vaccine. Should the problem be hushed up in order to maintain public confidence and safeguard the greater good? And if so, how far should the people responsible for the cover-up go in order to maintain their secret? Lying, bribery, blackmail or even murder?
In A Quiet Contagion, these questions arise not from the recent pandemic but from a story inspired by the 1957 outbreak of polio in Coventry. This terrifying disease particularly affects children and a fictional drugs company in the town is rushing to step up vaccine production. In 2017, sixty years after the ‘incident’ at the heart of A Quiet Contagion, Wilf, a polio survivor and beloved grandfather of a young nurse, Phiney, takes his own life. But Phiney can’t accept this explanation for his death. And when other sudden deaths emerge among Wilf’s former colleagues at the same Coventry pharmaceutical lab, Phiney, along with local journalist Mat, begin to wonder whether there might be a connection. The story moves to 1957 when polio is ravaging Coventry’s children and the race is on to immunise at all costs. But by 2017, the desperate consequences of excessive haste in vaccine development finally begin to unravel.
Unusually for a novel with a dual timeline, Jane Jesmond’s chapters set in the past are every bit as engaging as those told by Phiney in 2017. The writing is beautifully balanced between humour and grief, page-turning suspense and ethical dilemma. An author’s note explains that the pharmaceutical storyline, though fictional, is based on a real incident in the US in 1955. It also reveals, astonishingly, that the novel was started before ‘any of us had ever heard the word ‘Covid’.’ Yet the central theme of openness during a public health emergency is compellingly current. The enigmatic journalist, Mat says “people deserve to be told the truth and make their own minds up.” Yet as A Quiet Contagion makes devastatingly clear, in a time of disease, as in war, the truth can be both elusive and deeply dangerous.
This compulsive thriller blends real events with a clever fictional plot. Thoughtful, topical and gripping, A Quiet Contagion is bound to win Jane Jesmond even more acclaim.

This is a story based around the polio epidemic in Coventry in the 50s. Mis-management and poor decisions lead to devastating consequences. What has remained a secret for all those years is about to be uncovered, but someone is so determined to keep it jmgidden that they will do whatever it takes. Even murder.
A great book, that feels completely real. After covid, I've come across a lot of books about pandemics and epidemics that are quite far fetched, and usually lead to a post apocalyptic world. This, however, is really understated and well explained. The characters are believable, their actions are believable. I really enjoyed it. It had a good amount of mystery and suspense, and a really exciting ending.

When Phiny’s grandad Wilf commits suicide following a secret reunion, she sets out to discover what drove him to this tragic event.
Her investigation leads her back to 1957 where a 16 year old Wilf is working at Poulters during the summer, alongside his dad and other colleagues.
An incident occurs and a cover up is hastily agreed. But 60 years later, somebody wants the truth to come out.
With twists and turns and other sudden deaths, this was an enjoyable read.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is a really interesting book, particularly in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic and subsequent vaccinations. It deals with a fictional cover-up by big pharma of an active polio vaccination during the (factual) Coventry polio epidemic.

It’s a gripping book, but the plot was complicated and it became difficult to identify who was who and who had done what, which was frustrating.

However, it’s a decent read and I’d recommend it.

Phiney is a nurse working with her long time friend Meg. Her beloved grandfather Wilf dies suddenly, a suicide, which is a surprise and she contacts Mat, a journalist who saw her grandfather die. Phiney is then drawn into an incident surrounding the development of a polio vaccine that happened decades before, when Wilf worked briefly with his father for a local firm. However, it seems the incident is having more repercussions as other people connected with that firm in the 1950s also die. Mat is a journalist and decides to help Phiney find out what happened, in the hope of a good story. Instead they are involved in a scheme to ensure the past remains covered up, and someone is willing to kill to keep their secrets.

The result raises questions about ethics, about whether covering up an action that had bad results is better if it protects others in the future. Its a good read, and I enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley, The Crime and Mystery Club and Verve Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

very well written dual pov book about a fictionalised disaster regarding the polio outbreak in Coventry in the 1900s.
it follows Phiney Whistman and her grandfather/his colleagues as we discover why her grandfather killed himself so suddenly, and why it all appears to be linked to a pharmaceutical company and a select few coworkers he was working with during the summer of 1957.

I really enjoyed this book, it was really interesting to see a new sector of history I've never thought about before; and to see how an epidemic with such devastating consequences affected not only the children that were first infected, but also their descendants and the wider population for years thereafter.
I very much enjoyed the thriller / mystery aspect of it as well, having to wait to the next chapter for a pov switch to get more clues as to the greater mystery kept me hooked and the terrifying plausibility of the reveal just made it even spookier!

A world away from my normal reading, I enjoyed this a fair bit. I felt that it had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing all they way! Written well and good story. A bit disappointed that the reveal wasn’t quite as shocking as expected. Many things seemed to lead away from the obvious in the build up, only to be confirmed shortly after. Overall, a good read.

“A Quiet Contagion” by Jane Jesmond is an inventive thriller that weaves together a dark history, medical ethics, and fast-paced mystery into an engrossing novel. At its core, the narrative revolves around an incident 60 years ago at a pharmaceutical company and the subsequent fallout, including the suicide of Phiney’s grandfather, Wilf. Jesmond skilfully builds a suspenseful atmosphere as Phiney and others connected to the company dig into the past to unravel the truth.

A dual timeline structure, jumping between 1957 and 2017, adds to the complexity of the story and heightens the intrigue. This format offers readers a comprehensive view of both the incident itself and its repercussions, allowing the narrative to explore not only the secrets of the past but also the question of healthcare ethics in community-based models.

One of the standout aspects of the novel is its well-researched descriptions of polio and the epidemic that ravaged the UK in 1957. The portrayal of the disease, rooted in the author’s medical knowledge, brings authenticity to the story. It serves as both a recurring theme and a stark reminder of the challenges faced in a real medical crisis. This aspect draws parallels between the past and the present, resonating with contemporary themes such as the recent Covid pandemic.

Developed characterisation enables the reader to relate to them and the relationships they have formed. From Phiney’s determination to unravel the mystery, to the moral dilemmas faced by her friends and family, each character’s personal struggle adds depth to the novel. The ethical questions posed are both timely and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect on the current state of the medical industry.

The pace of the book is swift, and the narrative pulls the reader along easily. Though the mystery might become clear early on for some readers, it doesn’t detract from the enjoyment. The unique storyline, which focuses on polio and the pharmaceutical industry instead of typical crime or murder, gives the thriller genre a fresh perspective.

The author manages to recreate the palpable anxiety and panic of those times, especially for those who lived through similar experiences, adds to the book’s appeal. A detailed portrayal of the era and depiction of characters affected by polio creates a vivid and unsettling atmosphere.

In conclusion, “A Quiet Contagion” is a strong mystery thriller that considers the vital issues in healthcare and ethics. Its combination of historical facts, engaging characters, and intense suspense makes it not just an exciting summer read but a novel that provokes deeper reflection. Jesmond’s expertise in writing and research culminates in an excellent read, offering a unique perspective on issues that continue to resonate in today’s world. It’s a highly recommended book for those who appreciate a thrilling yet thoughtful narrative.

#AQuietContagion #NetGalley.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Verve Books for providing me with and ARC.

Phiney (Josephine) receives news that her grandfather, Wilf, has died. It’s not just this news which sends her reeling but the fact that he has thrown himself off a railway bridge. He hasn’t left a note to anyone, so why on earth would he do such a thing, especially when there has been nothing to even hint that he was suicidal. This is what sends Phiney on a mission to determine exactly what led her grandfather to take his own life.

The trail leads back to 1957 and an incident at a pharmaceutical company where Wilf worked as a summer employee, alongside his father Harry and various others, all of whom seem to be involved in the mystery.

It took me a while to get into this book, as I found it slow-paced and heavy on unnecessary detail, such as Wilf’s dog Jack who doesn’t really add anything to the story except hairy padding. However, by halfway through I was beginning to become more involved with the characters and the story, even though I found the timeline, at times, somewhat confusing. I have to admit, though, that by the time I got to the 80% mark on my kindle I skimmed through as the plot and Phiney’s sleuthing all became preposterous.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I honestly don’t know if I would read any of her other books.

My thanks to Netgalley for an ARC

I’ll be perfectly honest in that this isn’t the kind of book I would normally jump up to read but this really surprised me,

The two-timeline storytelling flowed perfectly, there was no pace splitting and the story was told beautifully.

Whilst fictional, you could see this happening today.

This was my first look into this authors works and I’ll be looking into the others as this really did keep me hooked.

I am so impressed! Every chance I got, I was sneaking in a few pages of this thrilling book… Gripped my attention in a way not many books do

"A Quiet Contagion" is an interesting, thought provoking read. Very easy to read, set in the 1950´s and the present day, you are introduced to medical ethics and how terrifying polo was. A good, enjoyable summer read.

My thanks to NetGalley and Verve Books for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

I didn't really enjoy the writing on this book too much, which kind of soured the experience for me and I considered dnfing but eventually stayed for the plot, which is something I regret now