The Ninth Day
Emma Caldridge Series, No 3
Jamie Freveletti

HarperCollins
September 27, 2011 / ISBN 978-0062025319
Thriller
Amazon

Reviewed by Linda Morelli


Emma Caldridge is a biochemist and marathon runner, who was recruited by the Department of Defense, provided with intensive training, and now reports possible drug or human traffickers to her superior at “Darkview,” Edward Banner. When she is discovered and becomes a prisoner of La Valle, Mexico’s largest drug cartel, she learns her life will be spared if she can save the man’s mistress from a flesh eating disease. This disease has attacked most of La Valle’s marijuana crop and his guards, and he believes it was the result of the Department of Defense dusting his crop with herbicides. In retribution, La Valle intends to ship the infected crop to the U.S.

The most endearing character in the book is Osward Kroger, Oz for short, an MIT drop out, who has agreed to transport the drugs to the U.S. for money. After meeting La Valle, he regrets that decision, but his presence provides Emma with a sounding board and his assistance is invaluable in escaping La Valle and his henchmen. Emma’s highest priority is to find the cause of and cure for the disease, especially when she and OZ become infected.

Emma is a strong protagonist, a female James Bond with a sharp mind and a brave heart. But unlike Bond, Emma has no tools to use other than her cunning and experience as she breaks into labs in her attempt to diagnose the disease and find a cure. She fights to survive against men who wouldn't hesitate to kill her, and against a disease that, within nine days, surely will.

The Ninth Day is the third release in the author’s series, and though I missed the first two in this series, I was drawn into the novel from the very first page. The author’s writing is fast-paced, the action non-stop: In short, a superb thriller and believable scenario.

First and second in series: Running from the Devil [review] and Running Dark [review]