I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Interference
by Brad Parks
Published by Thomas & Mercer on September 1, 2020
Genres: Police Procedurals Mystery
Pages: 397
Format: Kindle
Goodreads
BookBub
Get Your Copy at: Amazon, Book Depository
From international bestselling author Brad Parks comes an emotional, heart-pounding thriller that explores the scientific unknown—and one woman’s efforts to save her husband from its consequences.
Quantum physicist Matt Bronik is suffering from strange, violent seizures that medical science seems powerless to explain—much to the consternation of his wife, Brigid.
Matt doesn’t think these fits could be related to his research, which he has always described as benign and esoteric. That, it turns out, is not quite true: Matt has been prodding the mysteries of the quantum universe, with terrible repercussions for his health. And perhaps even for humanity as a whole.
Then, in the midst of another seizure, Matt disappears. When foul play is feared, there is no shortage of suspects. Matt’s research had gained the attention of Chinese competitors, an unscrupulous billionaire, and the Department of Defense, among others.
With Matt’s life in clear danger, Brigid sets out to find him. Will Matt be killed before she reaches him, or could the physics that endangered him actually be used to save his life?
Interference by Brad Parks is a fast-paced, brilliantly written mystery that keeps you guessing.
What happened to Professor Matt Bronik, and why now is everyone interested in his research?
We have three points of view in this story, Brigid Bronik (Matt’s wife), Detective Emmett Webster (of the New Hampshire State Police), and Sean Plottner (millionaire entrepreneur). We see how the disappearance of Professor Matt Bronik affects the lives of three people and how it also changes their lives.
This story delves a lot on quantum physics, and it’s theories. I am not a scientist and couldn’t dispute any of the ideas used in the book. However, it is written in a way that I understood what was going on. The quantum physics gave the story that element of newest and more intrigue, which I truly enjoyed.
Brigid Bronik
Brigid is a librarian, mother, and wife of Matt. She has also lost the majority of her hearing, wears hearing aids, and can read lips. Brigid’s support system outside of her marriage is small. In fact, it consists of her sister Aimee. That doesn’t seem like a lot, but their devotion and love for each other is phenomenal. Aimee steps in to take care of Brigid and Matt’s son, Morgan, while Brigid assists in looking for Matt.
What I like about Brigid is her strength and deep love for those close to her. Brigid doesn’t let her disability stop her from engaging with those searching for her husband. I think it makes her better suited to figuring things out.
Detective Emmett Webster
Emmett was supposed to be retired, but the sudden loss of his wife has him still working. However, the higher-ups have transferred him from homicide to missing persons, due to his age and that he didn’t retire. Emmett is old school when it comes to his job. He is out there beating the pavement and writing everything down in a notebook as opposed to using an electronic tablet. This transfer works out well for the Broniks as Emmett really helps with saving Matt.
Emmett is a gentleman and a great investigator. What I liked most about him is his ability to listen and draw his own conclusion, but also his heart. He is still entirely devoted to his wife and family.
Sean Plottner
Sean is a street smart, intelligent man, with way too much time on his hands. He is also spoiled. It has been a long time since anyone has told him, “no.” Sean is used to getting what he wants, one way or another. Unlike the other two points of view, Sean is a suspect in Matt’s disappearance. Sean offered Matt a job with an insane salary and benefits, but Matt turned him down. No one turns down a million a year, and Sean is going to find a way to get Matt to work for him. Sean wants to be part of the physics world and share in Matt’s research and notability.
Once Matt’s disappearance is deemed with foul play, Sean insinuates himself into the investigation and pushes things in the direction that works best for Plottner’s end game. I didn’t think much of Sean, yet, I admire how he treated his employees with respect and pays them for value. He surprises me throughout the story.
Five Stars
Interference by Brad Parks is a fabulous mystery. I love the story and was sucked into it immediately. The characters are perfectly flawed, the setting is well developed, and the mystery is supremely plotted. My rating is five stars.
If you are into mysteries, then I recommend that you read Interference by Brad Parks. It will intrigue you to the end. But watch out for the red herrings and false clues.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Interference by Brad Parks.
Until the next time,
About Brad Parks
International bestselling author Brad Parks is the only writer to have won the Shamus, Nero, and Lefty Awards, three of American crime fiction’s most prestigious prizes. His novels have been translated into 15 languages and have won critical acclaim across the globe, including stars from every major pre-publication review outlet. A graduate of Dartmouth College, Parks is a former journalist with The Washington Post and The (Newark, N.J.) Star-Ledger. He is now a full-time novelist living in Virginia with his wife and two school-aged children.
Brad Parks is the only writer to have won the triumvirate of Shamus, Nero, and Lefty Awards, and his new book is not to be missed.
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