by Robert Wolfe
Dojo alumnus John Bailor has published his first novel, a highly satisfying blend of grit, guns, girls and martial arts — all the necessary ingredients. Genetics lab DNAY is ready to begin human trials of what is advertised as a cure for HIV/AIDS, but is the “cure” a spectacular boon or a death-warrant for fifty million people around the world? Special agent Trevor Byrne investigates what initially seems no more than an unusually rapid FDA approval of the human trials, but is quickly drawn into a cauldron of deceit and murder. Realizing what is at stake, Byrne must find a way to prevent DNAY from releasing its toxic cure, but just staying alive himself will prove tough enough.
Members of the dojo will be entertained by the many central Pennsylvania landmarks figuring prominently in the adventure, as well as by the accurate depictions of martial arts. There's even a description of Agent Byrne visiting his dojo to train. Strangely though, there's no mention of the sage-like martial arts instructor — clearly an oversight to be corrected in the sequel...
But here's what other, more reasonable critics have to say:
“John E. Bailor’s Death Dealt the Hand is a cross between the hard-bitten realism of Lee Child and the scientific intrigue of Michael Crichton. Tautly drawn, razor sharp... and outstanding debut novel.” — James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of Black Order.
“In Death Dealt the Hand, author John E. Bailor has created an unique and scary world threatening situation as well a a unique villain for government agent Trevor Byrne to deal with. Byrne has his own personal fears plaguing him. His vulnerability is what really makes the story work as he gets into a bizarre situation to take down the villain. This fast psychological thriller will keep you asking yourself, “What if?” — Paul Kyriazi, author of How to Live the James Bond Lifestyle.
Paperback release of Death Dealt the Hand is scheduled for August 2007 — and copies will be available at the dojo — but for those who can't wait the book can be purchased now in electronic form (PDF, HTML, or LIT) directly from the publisher: www.mardigraspublishing.com/deathdealtthehand.html.