Four years ago, bacterial infections started spreading across the globe. Modern-day antibiotics were no longer effective to treat them, leading to thousands of deaths. Now, a common cold can kill. Chemotherapy can’t be used anymore because it weakens the body’s immune system to the point of being useless. Most surgeries have been canceled due to the great risk of infection. Sick people are being isolated from the general population in special hospitals, but they are not there to be healed --- they are there to die.

"This outstanding sci-fi thriller takes place in the future, but it’s a future with a frighteningly real scenario that doesn’t seem too far-fetched after all we’ve experienced with the pandemic."

To make matters worse, a terrorist has released a lethal combination of viruses that immediately infect the people subjected to it. Then they unknowingly spread it to others.After the release of the toxins, a large part of Central Park has been sealed off, placing its inhabitants in perpetual quarantine. Many have died, and most of those remaining are living in squalor. No one is supposed to leave the area until they can prove they are healthy.

There is a report of an apparent mass murder in the quarantined area of the park, and detectives are called in to investigate. When the victims are autopsied, the results are startling. All of them were healthy before they were killed. How could this be? Why were they murdered, and who is responsible? The answers may not be so obvious.

Two people also have escaped, one of whom is known as "Child Zero." He is being sought by both the good guys and the bad guys. Who exactly is he? How did he get away, and why is he so special?

This outstanding sci-fi thriller takes place in the future, but it’s a future with a frighteningly real scenario that doesn’t seem too far-fetched after all we’ve experienced with the pandemic. It’s a warning to humanity about the overuse and misuse of antibiotics and where that could possibly lead. It’s also a story of hope --- that scientists can come up with different solutions, and there may be those among us with natural immunities who can help others.

For the most part, the writing is fast-paced and full of action, with plenty going on to keep the attention of readers. Chapters are sometimes separated by newspaper headlines, text messages and other correspondence related to what’s happening in the novel, which adds even more interest to the overall story. CHILD ZERO is the first book I have read by Chris Holm, but it certainly will not be my last.