The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian is a thriller about clandestine traffic in biological weapons. Alexis is an ER doctor with a new boyfriend, Austin, and they are on a bike tour in Vietnam. Austin has a second reason to be in Vietnam. He wants to visit where his uncle died in the war and where his father was wounded. At least that’s what he tells everyone. But when Austin on solo ride is kidnapped by someone he knows, the reader realizes that something else is going on. After Austin’s death in a staged accident, Alexis is determined to find out what happened and who Austin really is. Alexis’s quest draws her nearer to the truth but also puts her and the world in danger. The author unwinds the plot and characters bit by bit, building suspense and keeping us turning pages. The context also makes it a relevant book to read during the COVID19 crisis. Here’s what Kirkus Reviews says.
Mike Wilson-excellent review. I want to read this book yesterday. If you have a copy you will loan out for a few weeks…COVID broke-just saying.
Borrowed it on kindle.