Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Audible sample
Interference Kindle Edition
“Readers will fully engage with the well-drawn characters as Parks convincingly reveals the science that buttresses the suspenseful plot. Michael Crichton fans won’t want to miss this one.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
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?
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherThomas & Mercer
- Publication dateSeptember 1, 2020
- File size1765 KB
Customers who bought this item also bought
- But they were always better together than apart. Fact was, you needed sunshine and clouds to make a rainbow.Highlighted by 211 Kindle readers
- Wasn’t that one of the secrets to a lasting marriage? When one person was down or doubting themselves, the other person lifted them up, made them believe. Made them better than they would be alone.Highlighted by 201 Kindle readers
- Matt was always reminding me the triangle is the strongest shape in nature.Highlighted by 144 Kindle readers
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Readers will fully engage with the well-drawn characters as Parks convincingly reveals the science that buttresses the suspenseful plot.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A twisty tale…Parks’ suspenseful novel will beguile, entrance, and fool the sharpest readers.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The mix of science and heart-pounding thrills will have you on the edge of your seat.” —Medium
“Parks is an award-winning novelist with an admitted amateur interest in physics and the talent to craft page-turners. In Interference he takes science out of central casting to fuel an espionage-abduction-virus story that fans of Michael Crichton and Lee Child will ride to the end.” —Mountain Times
“Parks, better known for character-driven mysteries, ventures into Michael Crichton and Blake Crouch territory with a procedural thriller with an SF edge and a ton of heart that leads to an explosive (and emotional) finale.” —Library Journal
“To be pleasurably bamboozled, try this nifty scientific thriller…” —The Washington Post
“Brad Parks has written a mystery, Interference, that is filled with delightful characters and an intriguing plot line that twists and puzzles with rousing energy.” —The Virginia Gazette
“A cutting-edge stunner…that reminded me of Michael Crichton in all the right ways…It’s been awhile since I read a book that checked all the technological boxes, while telling a great story.” —Providence Journal
“Parks shapes the narrative with fast turns and switchbacks that lead readers to second guess what they think they know about the characters…It all leads to a finale that’s both thrilling and heartfelt, and a good reason to trust the science of Parks’ fine storytelling.” —New York Journal of Books
“This is a mystery thriller you won’t want to miss.” —The Virginia Gazette
“A smart, innovative thriller that evokes the best of Michael Crichton and Blake Crouch. Parks proposes the seemingly improbable, makes it plausible, then weaves in twists and turns, taking the reader on a mind-bending ride.” —Robert Dugoni, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite series
“Interference brings all the right ingredients to a novel! Brad Parks has created a story with a fascinating plot line and great characters—an up-all-night page-turner. I loved it!” —Heather Graham, New York Times bestselling author
“Utterly absorbing, relentlessly paced, and cunningly assembled. Brad Parks is the sort of master craftsman who makes everything look easy. I hate him a little bit.” —Marcus Sakey, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Afterlife
From the Publisher
In fact, it’s Brigid’s devotion to Matt and her potential entanglement with him that very well may save his life.
In Matt’s head, his research is benign and esoteric; however, entangled particles could be big money and prestige for businesses, competing universities, and even other governments. So when Matt starts having seizures and is kidnapped, Brigid is sure it’s connected to his work—no matter what Matt and his devoted assistant might have thought. Now, with Matt missing, it’s Brigid’s seemingly otherworldly link with her husband that keeps the investigators hot on his kidnapper’s trail—kidnappers who will stop at nothing to harvest this research, even if it means taking it directly from Matt.
Interference is at once an action thriller, a scientific exploration, and a love story. And it’s proof that while entangled particles might not make scientific sense to the likes of Einstein, it’s our entanglement in each others’ lives that makes them richer.
- Jessica Tribble Wells, Editor
About the Author
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 published in fifteen languages and have won critical acclaim across the globe, including stars from every major prepublication review outlet. A graduate of Dartmouth College, Parks is a former journalist with the Washington Post and the Star-Ledger (Newark, New Jersey). He is now a full-time novelist living in Virginia with his wife and two school-age children. A former college a cappella singer and community-theater enthusiast, Brad has been known to burst into song whenever no one was thoughtful enough to muzzle him. His favored writing haunt is a Hardee’s restaurant, where good-natured staff members suffer his presence for many hours a day, and where he can often be found working on his next novel.
Product details
- ASIN : B07Z3NFQPD
- Publisher : Thomas & Mercer (September 1, 2020)
- Publication date : September 1, 2020
- Language : English
- File size : 1765 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 401 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #203,775 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #529 in Technothrillers (Kindle Store)
- #2,330 in Kidnapping Thrillers
- #3,416 in Psychological Thrillers (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
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 fifteen 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. For more, visit www.BradParksBooks.com.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoy the book's plot, describing it as an intriguing mix of thriller and techno-fantasy. They find it engaging and easy to read, with well-developed characters. The writing quality is described as good and the author does a good job with the characters. Readers appreciate the science presented in an entertaining way. The pacing is described as fast and linear. Overall, customers describe the book as a true page-turner.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the plot. They find the mystery well-done and the story engaging. The book keeps readers guessing until the end, with adroit blending of science and domestic fiction.
"...The main storyline is quite rich as the possible scenarios for Matt’s disappearance, are abduction by Sean Plottner, by another professor, by his..." Read more
"...The author did a great job writing a unique mystery full of great characters." Read more
"...without having to re read pages, I take that as an indication of a well planned, and well crafted Plot. This book has a great Plot...." Read more
"...What I liked about this book: - The story itself was a well-written crime novel, probably not one of the top books in the genre, but overall it..." Read more
Customers enjoy reading the book. They find it engaging and exciting, keeping them hooked until the end. The story is simple and straightforward, with a satisfying plot that flows smoothly.
"This is a great read! I love missing novels and mysteries so this book caught my eye...." Read more
"...is quite linear, in that the story flows along (like the plot) satisfactorily...." Read more
"...It was easy to read through in one sitting, and held my attention throughout. What I liked about this book: -..." Read more
"...Anyway, this is a grand read, keeping me on the elliptical past my allotted time, and taking me down several trails of possible villains...." Read more
Customers like the well-developed characters. They find the older detective character a pleasant change. The third-person voice works effectively for the characters and allows them to show their personalities.
"...The author did a great job writing a unique mystery full of great characters." Read more
"...This book has a great Plot. Character Development is another important characteristic...." Read more
"...alternating chapters in first and third person voices worked effectively for the characters, and allowed them to show and tell their stories in this..." Read more
"...This older detective character was a pleasant change; he's a retired decent guy and deeply mourning the non-violent death of his wife and their..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's writing quality. They find the storyline believable, well-written, and easy to read. The characters are relatable and the English mastery is excellent. The subject matter and settings are believable, making it an entertaining read.
"...Matt and Brigid are well developed. Emmett is well developed. I really felt that I really understood these characters...." Read more
"...Science is really a background part of the novel and very well explained when needed to follow along but this book is really a missing persons novel...." Read more
"...But, suffice it to say, the author does a good job with the characters’ motivations quite well...." Read more
"...It was VERY basic, including things like sound and light. I still didn't totally get everything, but I tried, and I completed all the assignments...." Read more
Customers find the book's science engaging and well-researched. They appreciate the author's basic explanations of quantum physics and entanglement. The book is described as an educational read that provides good cocktail party facts about quantum physics.
"...I was greatly relieved that quantum mechanics was an integral part of the novel and not a crutch...." Read more
"...Not so in this case. It is handled very well and makes for a satisfactory ending to the book...." Read more
"...And Brad Parks was good enough to present the science in a way that was both entertaining and pretty much understandable...." Read more
"...I love a book that keeps me tethered to the mystery, invested in its solution, and that doesn’t give everything away...." Read more
Customers find the book's pacing well-done. They describe the story as fast-paced and linear in time. The plot keeps readers engaged with its twists and turns, keeping them on their toes. Readers appreciate the crossover between theoretical physics and police detective work.
"...Where is missing physicist Matt? The story is fast paced and told well by alternating narrators, the wife Brigid and the detective assigned to his..." Read more
"...The pace is fast and furious readers are confronted with a new trauma on every page...." Read more
"...The plot is very well paced and linear in time...." Read more
"...What you're getting is a quick read and we all know sometimes we need one of those...." Read more
Customers find the book engaging with unexpected twists that keep them turning pages. They say it's a real page-turner from start to finish and very entertaining.
"...I found this an enjoyable, page turner and I would recommend it." Read more
"...well-developed characters, and unexpected twists make it a compelling page-turner...." Read more
"...This is a page turner. Enjoy." Read more
"...Keeps you guessing and turning pages to learn more. The race to the end was exciting. I had to keep reading." Read more
Customers enjoy the variety of suspects in the book. They find the mystery fast-paced and unpredictable, with lots of twists that keep them guessing. The book has many plausible suspects, each with different motives, keeping them torn between multiple suspects. The scientific research and police investigation keep their interest throughout the book.
"...me on the elliptical past my allotted time, and taking me down several trails of possible villains...." Read more
"...this is an excellent and enjoyable mystery that had me torn between multiple suspects, when usually I’ve got it figured way in advance...." Read more
"...characters, an evolving and intriguing mystery, a variety of suspects, a hole-free yet complex plot, and a surprising perpetrator and..." Read more
"...filled situations that involve quantum physics, medicine, local police procedures, federal intelligence, university politics, relationships, and..." Read more
Reviews with images
Compelling story!
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2020This was my Amazon First Read for August. My selection was down to two. I was leery of this novel because the reference to quantum mechanics. This aspect could be used as a crutch so some aspects would just be described due to quantum mechanics and not explained. I was greatly relieved that quantum mechanics was an integral part of the novel and not a crutch.
The novel opens with Matt Bronik, a quantum mechanical physicist at Dartmouth College, preparing and providing a presentation to Sean Plottner, a rich alumni philanthropist. Sean is so impressed with the presentation on a potential quantum mechanical break through; he offers Matt a job to come work for him. Sean told him that he would think about it. Matt starts suffering fits that leave him unconscious for hours at a time. No medical reason can be found to explain what is happening. He is working with a tobacco virus, but it is not known to infect humans. Matt turns down Sean’s very substantial employment offer. While outwardly accepting Matt’s decision, Sean further actions do not indicate his acceptance of that decision. Matt has a third attack and is rushed off by EMTs. When his wife, Brigid, arrives at the Dartmouth medical center, Matt isn’t there. There is no record of him in any nearby hospital or the only ambulance service in Hanover. At this point the other major character in the novel, Detective Emmett Webster, enters the novel. He was retiring from the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit. His wife died so he decided not to retire but his position at Major Crime already was taken. He is transferred to an unwelcoming Missing Persons Unit. Emmett is not on good terms with his new boss, and just warms his chair all day. His boss gives him this missing person case. The novel proceeds from this start.
The main storyline is quite rich as the possible scenarios for Matt’s disappearance, are abduction by Sean Plottner, by another professor, by his post doc, by the Chinese government, and by Matt himself. While more in the background, as Matt’s research is funded by Department of Defense, his lab is secured for national security so they are a hindrance to solving Matt’s disappearance. The author weaves all these threads where one than another explanation comes to the forefront until displaced with another theory. The author primarily tells this story in three voices, Brigid, Sean and Emmett. The main storyline is presented clearly and does not wash out. It captured my attention quickly and kept a rock-solid grip on it throughout the entire novel. This is a major criterion for a high star rating for me.
The B-storyline also is quite rich and complements the main storyline. Matt and Brigid are well developed. Emmett is well developed. I really felt that I really understood these characters. Sean is just developed by his character is more focused on finding new ways to make money, but this was on purpose, I believe. As with most standalone novels, which this novel appears to be, as part of the main storyline, much is learned about the other characters. That is true here also.
For readers who do not like vulgar language and intimate scenes, you will like this novel. There was only one minor swearword used four times. There are not any intimates scenes but some inferred intimate activity. There are murders but none of the violence is emphasized.
The worst aspect that I can remember is that until the abduction, it seems that the flow was a little slow. After that point, the read for me was quick and compelling. I particularly liked how at several points in the novel when the characters were overwhelmed trying to make sense of all the facts known at that point, discuss the possibilities, I was doing the same. Several times, I wrote notes in my kindle on how I felt about all of the possibilities. I do not do this very often, but this clearly shows how well this novel engaged me.
I can say unequivalently I want to read more novels by this author. I rate this novel with five stars and strongly recommend reading it.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2020This is a great read! I love missing novels and mysteries so this book caught my eye. My knowledge of physics, like a character in this book, also does not go much beyond Schrödinger’s cat so an interest in or knowledge of Quantum Physics is definitely not required. Science is really a background part of the novel and very well explained when needed to follow along but this book is really a missing persons novel. Where is missing physicist Matt? The story is fast paced and told well by alternating narrators, the wife Brigid and the detective assigned to his case. There is also narration by a rich tech guy but he plays a smaller part in carrying the chapters. I don’t tend to pay much attention to the author listed in these Amazon First Reads unless I know them so I completely forgot that the author was a man until I came to the end and saw his name again. He did a brilliant job writing the sympathetic Brigid who wants answers and her husband back. I read a lot of mysteries and usually know where a book is going but this one completely had me fooled! I’d thought I’d seen what was going on but I was way off so this book is extra fun for fans who like to be kept on their toes. A great read I read quickly because I was so caught up in the story. The author did a great job writing a unique mystery full of great characters.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2020Every once in a while I need to pinch myself to recall that there really are some good reads out there on the Amazon Book-of-the-month list, from which I select one from five choices to read.
“Interference”, by Brad Parks, was such a selection.
I don’t retell story lines in my reviews. Aside from the countless other reviewers that feel compelled to do so, I regard the author’s fly leaf works fine for me.
I like to analyze a book using Plot, Character Development, Rising/Falling Action, Anti-Climax (where warranted), and Resolution to convey my thoughts on what I regard was a decent read That way, other reviewers can decide for themselves whether they agree or disagree that the book was a decent read after having also read the book.
Plot is the most important overall characteristic for me. I measure it by how well I can recall what’s going on, when returning to the story after having set the book down for awhile. When I can recall immediately what’s going on from where I left off, without having to re read pages, I take that as an indication of a well planned, and well crafted Plot.
This book has a great Plot.
Character Development is another important characteristic. The good guys have to be good and the bad guys (using the Mae West analogy), have to be “better”. Believe me, both are.
What is interesting here would become a ***Spoiler Alert*** if I were to further that narrative, so, I will leave it alone. But, suffice it to say, the author does a good job with the characters’ motivations quite well.
I’d say that the Rising Action is quite linear, in that the story flows along (like the plot) satisfactorily. There are no side stories, whose only premise is to sew confusion with the main theme.
There is Falling Action, but, it segues into the Anti Climax, which, I thought, was exceedingly well done. That hearkens back to what I say above about “good guys” and “bad guys”.
I generally find the Resolution to be rather maudlin, or sappy. Not so in this case. It is handled very well and makes for a satisfactory ending to the book.
If you have read this, then you can guess that I liked this book, and will keep an eye out for this writer. He seems to be rather prolific. Hopefully, his other works are as well worth reading as was this one.
Top reviews from other countries
- Sherry AdamsReviewed in Canada on September 30, 2020
3.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable
It was a very good read and very enjoyable while also educational.
- K. G. A. AlaviReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 24, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Quantum Virus
A great book. I loved everything about this book the characters are awesome, great story, and a superb mystery. Lot of twist and turns, false leads double negatives. It had me guessing right to the end.
Great researched novel especially on the Quantum Physics theory, as well as the other parts of the book. The great thing about Quantum Physics is the are so complicated and advanced, yet still theoretical, so it is a small step to Science Fiction till it become science fact.
One touch I really liked is the characters own prejudice or thinking made some people higher on the suspect list. Why I liked this is because it make the characters more relatable and realistic.
This is a top book for anyone who is a fan of mystery, criminal investigations or even scifi book. The start is a bit slow, but that is all parts of setting the scene. The pace definitely picks up gradually till I got half way through the book, from there I could not put it down. I am also a fan of the writing style. Short chapters a a checkin with the other characters, then a slightly longer chapter but nothing super long could be chipped away on quick breaks, but be warned it could become addictive.
- Ozzie.scientistReviewed in Australia on October 21, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Great intriguing story.
I love science and intrigue and this story had both.
The physics theme was terrific. Well written, a joy to read.
- Will IReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 31, 2020
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting thriller, handled with skill
Without wishing to spoil the plot for future readers, I can say that the physics content, though present, is less prominent than one might assume from the blurb. A good easy read that holds the interest through its alternating viewpoints and core cast of characters. Brad Parks doesn't linger over descriptions or philosophies of life, but manages to slip in some wry observations without slowing the pace. It's less literary than I would normally prefer, but it all works surprisingly well - unpretentious, but effective.
- tomeraiderReviewed in Australia on August 26, 2020
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoy
As soon as I see a cookie-cutter description I move on. X is living a normal life, something bad happens, X gets involved, deep, dark secret from the past, snore. Write by numbers; wrong by novelty.
Brad had an original idea then twisted and turned it into a well turned novel.
A couple of "weaknesses" in my opinion: some of the characters were too "perfect", as was the main relationship; and we were told too much about one of the main characters to make them a suspect. However an enjoyable read to the satisfying finish.