Review of Cleopatra's Needle: Maelstrom

[Merits Anih]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Cleopatra's Needle: Maelstrom" by Tony Kayden.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Four boys, basking in youthful exuberance, were armed with spray cans and an axe. What started as an act of vandalism fueled by racism turned bloody, leading to the death of a homeless Turk and a broken obelisk. After the dead body was discovered near Cleopatra's Needle obelisk in Central Park, Mayor Marcus Tippet was under pressure to take action, bearing in mind that the result of this action would definitely affect the next election. He made this clear to Commissioner Francis Xavier Donnelly, who set out a team headed by the Afro-American Captain Charles "Biggs" Mosley and called it "Operation Normandy." But it was soon noticed that they were dealing with something more than a murder mystery.

Robert Kraft was the first to report the dead body to the police as he found it while jogging with his dog, Maggie. Maggie soon died after the encounter, after vomiting a sand-like substance. The dead man also had traces of sand on his fingertips. Ramos, the forensics that examined the dead body, noticed it to be unusual as it seemed like something was drinking the man's bodily fluid. Animals around Central Park also started dying. What followed was the sudden and painful death of most people and animals who came in contact with the case. What could be this, ravaging any human or animal who comes in contact with it?

Set in New York, this crime thriller will scare you but not pull your eyes away. It was scary because it gave me a picture of what happens when there is a disease or virus outbreak just before doctors or scientists figure out what it could be. Just imagine the lives of the population that could be lost or the lives of those who are trying to contain it. Their lives, too, would be at risk. I loved how the team of investigators always tell jokes and talk about unrelated things while they are at a crime scene, busy doing their jobs. Just like in the movies, it lightens the mood and makes you anticipate what will be discovered. The humor was superb, and I have to give the author accolades for it. This is the sort of book that should be adapted into a movie.

As expected in most crime thrillers, there are a lot of characters. There are numerous doctors, officers from Wildlife Control, affected citizens, and police officers. I want to mention this so that the next reader will anticipate it and not be overwhelmed by it. However, one thing I admire about the characters is that they are all active, as the author took time to fully develop them.

This is my ideal book, and the author delivered more than I anticipated. I couldn't figure out what was going on for a long time, which made me not lose interest in the book until the end. The book deserves 5 out of 5 stars because I disliked nothing about it. Those who enjoy detective books and science fiction will love Cleopatra's Needle: Maelstrom by Tony Kayden. Hence, I recommend it to them. The book was also professionally edited.

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Cleopatra's Needle: Maelstrom
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[NetMassimo]

When a novel depicts some kind of disease spreading that has some "special" characteristics, you hope it's science fiction but you always fear it's a realistic story. This one seems well-constructed and suspenseful. Thank you for your great review!

[Conshelle Dwight William]

"Cleopatra's Needle: Maelstrom" by Tony Kayden is a thrilling crime novel set in New York. A murder mystery involving a disease outbreak leads to numerous deaths. The investigative team, filled with humor and charm, works tirelessly amidst the chaos. The book is rich with well-developed characters, maintaining suspense till the end. It's a must-read for lovers of detective and sci-fi genres.

[Aaron Joseph Maupin]

This review is informative and well-written, providing a detailed overview of the book Cleopatra's Needle: Maelstrom by Tony Kayden. It offers insights into the plot, characters, and atmosphere of the story, highlighting the element of suspense and the author's skillful use of humor. Overall, the review appears to be helpful and sufficient in informing potential readers about the book's strengths. It has the potential to motivate interested individuals to purchase the novel, especially those who enjoy crime thrillers and science fiction. From the reviewer's perspective, Cleopatra's Needle: Maelstrom seems to be a captivating addition to anyone's library.

[Donaking]

The review for "Cleopatra's Needle: Maelstrom" by Tony Kayden suggests that the book is a gripping crime thriller set in New York. It explores the consequences of a mysterious outbreak and the efforts to contain it. The well-developed characters, humor, and suspenseful plot make it a recommended read for fans of detective books and science fiction. The reviewer praises the author's ability to maintain interest throughout the book, giving it a 5 out of 5 star rating.

[Ivan Kovic]

The commentary suggests a compelling fusion between police procedural drama and science fiction elements with an injection of humor. That blend offers wide appeal across multiple audiences.

[Victoria Ukamaka]

A mystery epidemic triggering sudden unexplained deaths offers rich metaphorical potential to explore societal fears of inexplicable forces abruptly shattering our assumed safety at any time.

[Salome Ogani]

The uncertainty around whether discovery efforts prove fruitless or fruitful in determining the scourge outbreak's source likely maintains dramatic tension throughout. Perpetual unknowns keep readers on edge.

[Richard Thomasalw]

The premise of a mysterious deadly contagion emerging feels timely given global pandemic events. Exploring fictional outbreaks allows processing anxiety over real threats we cannot control manifesting at any time.

[William Wrightmill]

I appreciate the reviewer offering specificity around the humor woven into ominous scenes, which provides appealing balance. Moments of levity amidst building tension make darkness feel more bearable.

[Brian Adamss]

Television or film adaptation certainly seems plausible given the crime thriller genre tends to translate powerfully visually when executed skillfully, as this review suggests of the book.

[Azaz Raja]

This review vividly captures the essence of "Cleopatra's Needle: Maelstrom" by Tony Kayden, highlighting its gripping storyline and well-developed characters. The reader's engagement with the mystery and appreciation for the humor woven throughout the narrative attest to the book's compelling nature. With its seamless blend of detective fiction and science fiction, this novel promises an enthralling read for fans of both genres.