Heather Lawrence’s long-awaited vacation to Salzburg wasn’t supposed to go like this. Mere hours into the transatlantic flight, the Houston FBI agent is awakened when passengers begin exhibiting horrific symptoms of an unknown infection. As the virus quickly spreads and dozens of passengers fall ill, Heather fears she’s witnessing an epidemic similar to ones her estranged husband studies for a … living–but this airborne contagion may have been deliberately released.While Heather remains quarantined with other survivors, she works with her FBI colleagues to identify the person behind this attack. The prime suspect? Dr. Chad Lawrence, an expert in his field . . . and Heather’s husband. The Lawrences’ marriage has been on the rocks since Chad announced his career took precedence over his wife and future family and moved out.As more victims fall prey days after the initial outbreak, time’s running out to hunt down the killer, one who may be closer to the victims than anyone ever expected.
more
Airborne was written about a year ago, but mirrors what is going on in the world right now. A virus released aboard a Germany bound jet starts a tale that kept me awake at night. The characters grabbed my attention and refused to let go. Mills keeps getting better with each novel.
This is an absolutely amazing book. DiAnn Mills wrote this book before anyone had heard of COVID-19, and yet it mirrors what the world is dealing with today. Heather Lawrence, an FBI Agent, whose specialty is analyzing behavior, is on the way from Houston, where she lives, to Salzburg, Austria for a much anticipated vacation. The past few months have been rough. Her husband wants a divorce and she has refused to sign the divorce papers, and she has learned she is pregnant, planning to raise her child alone since her husband had clearly stated he doesn’t want children. She chats briefly with her seatmate, then closes her eyes for some much needed rest. She awakens to the sounds of people vomiting, moaning and a sense of fear and panic throughout the aircraft. Heather immediately begins to help where she can, however, takes note that several of the passengers have already died. The plane finally lands at JFK in New York where the sick passengers are transported to a local hospital, and the remaining passengers are quarantined on an island. It soon becomes apparent that Heather’s husband, Dr. Chad Lawrence is the main suspect behind this strange virus that has affected so many. It is known that Dr. Lawrence has made it clear that his career as a researcher was his first priority and his marriage was just a distraction that he didn’t needed. He was preparing to move to Atlanta, where he’d accepted a job with the CDC. While sequestered on the island, Heather, begins paying close attention to the other passengers, who had not gotten sick. She actually isn’t totally convinced her husband didn’t play a part in this horrible situation. In the meantime, Dr. Chad Lawrence sets out to prove his innocence. This is a book of intrigue and suspense. So well written, that I could barely turn the pages fast enough. Truly one of DiAnn Mill’s best work yet.
Superb! DiAnn Mills did an exemplary job describing the details of a pandemic situation in this novel. Written before we faced an actual outbreak in our nation, Airborne found it’s way to the publisher and emerged in a timely fashion. Airborne is captivating and intriguing and takes readers on an unexpected adventure.
FBI Special Agent Heather Lawrence boards a plane in Houston, TX, for a trip to Salzburg that she hadn’t planned on going solo. Her husband, Dr. Chad Lawrence of Lawrence Laboratories, is an expert in CDC and pathogens. He was supposed to be by her side, but he’d chosen his job over her and walked out.
Heather settles into her seat, and a few hours into the flight, she finds herself in the middle of chaos. Passengers suddenly become ill, and it’s too many to be a coincidence. Her specialized training as an FBI agent alerts her to the realization that someone dispelled a deadly virus, and it was running rampant through the plane. But who would be so callused?
The plane lands, and a quarantine facility awaits those who are still alive. Heather fears the virus will spread and claim more lives, but she opts not to alert her husband. After refusing to sign divorce papers, he’d said she was in his way. Had he committed this crime to rid himself of her?
I give Airborne five-plus stars.
I highly recommend adding this romantic suspense novel to your reading library. Order your copy today. You won’t be disappointed.
The premise of this book grabbed my attention right away, with a virus released on an international flight. As FBI agent Heather Lawrence fights to survive exposure, her estranged husband, a noted virologist, battles to clear his name.
The characters and settings felt quite real and vivid to me, and the cast of secondary characters is woven in flawlessly. Meticulous research is evidence but this doesn’t present as a science lecture.
I was gripped by the end of the first page, and read the thrilling conclusion while holding my breath. If you’re looking for a compelling romantic suspense that offers hope, this is a must read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher but my opinions are my own.
AIRBORNE by Diann Mills is a Christian romantic suspense/mystery written before the current pandemic, this book is another type of viral nightmare that kept me turning the pages.
Houston FBI agent Heather Lawrence is on a flight alone to a vacation previously planned for herself and her husband to attend the famous Salzburg Music Festival in Germany. Not even over the Atlantic yet, several passengers begin exhibiting horrific viral symptoms of an unknown origin. As Heather helps the flight attendants where she can, she fears she is witnessing a viral epidemic similar to the type her estranged husband studies for a living. As she works to help other passengers, she prays for not only her own safety but that of her unborn child.
Dr. Chad Lawrence is separated from his wife of eight years. When he returned from his last trip with Doctors Without Borders, he announced that his career took precedence over his wife and any future together and that their marriage was over. He moved out and was planning to move to Atlanta for a job with the CDC, but that is now on hold as he is the prime suspect of the FBI in the viral attack on Heather’s plane.
The plane is rerouted to NYC for hospitalization of the sick passengers and all of those not showing symptoms are isolated on an island off the coast. Heather is tasked with discovering who on the plane released the virus and if her estranged husband is involved.
I enjoyed this book’s compelling main characters and the intense study of their relationship. At first, Chad really rubbed me the wrong way until I learned the reason for his actions with Heather. The questioning of beliefs and actions by both Heather and Chad in their relationship felt realistic and had me vested in the resolution. The underlying conflict between Heather’s religious beliefs and her husband’s atheism is woven throughout the story as well as other secondary character’s religious beliefs. The suspense/mystery plot is well paced and builds to a climax that was not a surprise, but was still satisfying.
I enjoyed this story’s main characters and plot and I would recommend it for readers of Christian fiction.
Looking for a book that will keep you up at night because you don’t want to put the book down? Airborne is that sort of book and I found myself reading it at work over lunch or on breaks and was sad when the story ended.
In today’s crazy world (all of 2020), this book hits a note with everything we have dealt with regarding COVID-19. While this book was written long before this virus, the similarities are uncanny. Perhaps DiAnn is a bit psychic.
The crux of this story is a deadly virus released on a plane and the search to determine how it was released, by who, and why. The cast of potential villains is not large and it is hard to decipher who is the guilty party. Is it who is being reported by the media, or is it someone else? Are there multiple players in this game? I have to say that I did figure out who but not the why. It was more of a gut reaction to this character for no specific reason other than they just seemed off. Not that there weren’t a few other likely choices and I nearly changed my mind or considered adding another character simply for their behavior. There are two chapters in the book that are told from the antagonist’s POV and there are no clues given as to the identity of the character. The second chapter might lead you down a path but will it be the right one? When all is revealed in the end, I was blown away by the why. It is a very complex story and while there are tiny hints, there are no overt clues to explain why this situation has happened.
While the main focus of this novel is the virus, there is also a major storyline between Heather and Chad and the demise of their marriage. Chad is dedicated to discovering a cure for some of our most deadly viruses after losing a friend to one. This affected him drastically to the point of cutting Heather out of his life. This wasn’t their only issue. Religion was a huge hurdle for Heather to overcome. She is a Christian but Chad is an Athiest. She knew this going in, but I suspect she thought she could change him or at least persuade him to be open to God and faith. Neither of them is perfect in this relationship and they both need to take some responsibility for the way their relationship cratered. I enjoyed watching them both admit to their mistakes and try and learn and grow and become better versions of themselves.
I appreciated that this book did not delve deeply into the science behind the virus or its creation. There is enough to set the stage for what happened but does not dive into the nuts and bolts of creating the virus or the research involved. It was intriguing to discover what they thought was the reason that some were not infected or become ill from the virus. Anything is possible when it comes to the human body and our ability to fight off disease.
There is a strong faith base to this story, as would be expected since the author writes Christian based novels. Not only is Heather a strong believer, but so are some of her FBI coworkers and a doctor friend of Chad’s. I enjoyed watching their stories unfold in a way that provided Chad with reason to reconsider his non-belief especially when confronted with works from several authors he admired. Chad’s transformation takes place over a weekend, but that weekend is intense and I was intrigued by the references to C.S. Lewis which sent Chad down a rabbit hole in his research.
Here are some of my favorite lines from this book because several of these are how I feel especially in today’s society. I feel the author has captured our society to a T and not necessarily in a good way.
“Heroes are built from adversity.”
“She craved confirmation God had not abandoned them.”
“Children are the seeds of a beautiful future. they should be nourished and loved.”
“…the world doesn’t revolve around the next scientific discovery by a man who doesn’t accept his humanity. Relationships matter.”
“Every virus has the potential to take lives.”
“One thing I’ll say about the media. They present news in a way that initiates responses, emotionally charged ones. The truth will be exposed, but in the meantime, we’ll hear facts and opinions.”
“Love was more important than prestige, power, and position. Chad called those the three p’s destined to destroy a man – or a woman.”
Overall, this book is a winner and I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys romantic suspense. We give it 5 paws up.
Airborne takes readers on an action-packed adventure where biological weapons in the form of a deadly virus are unleashed on an unsuspecting airplane full of people. The virus acts fast, and Heather Lawrence, an FBI behavioral analyst, happens to be on the flight and immediately starts to work on assessing the situation.
The story is intense. People are dying, trapped on a plane circling the airport because if they land, they risk triggering a pandemic. Heather’s estranged husband is a suspect, since Chad works in a laboratory that has been researching viruses. The suspense continues as the FBI hunts for the responsible party behind the attack.
I know the author wrote this story before we actually had a pandemic, making the story very timely. Lots of issues surround finding a vaccine and isolating the passengers of the plane that are exposed to the virus. The plot is complex with lots of twists. The story also focuses on Chad and Heather and their dying marriage. Lots of faith elements come to light as Chad struggles with “God vs science” and Heather tries to pick up the pieces of their marriage.
Overall, I enjoyed the action, suspense, and drama, and highly recommend that suspense fans check out Airborne.
Overall Rating:
4 stars (I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend)
Suspense Rating:
5 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
When DiAnn Mills started writing suspense novels, she found her niche. They are strong stories that keep the reader guessing. AIRBORNE was filled with twists and turns, and the villain came as a big surprise. I like books where the author keeps me turning pages and where it’s very near the end before I have an inkling of who the villain is. If you like stories like that, this is the book for you.
An estranged couple work from opposite sides of the country to stop a vicious contagion before time runs out.
FBI Agent Heather Lawrence is headed for a well deserved vacation to escape the stress of work and her disintegrating marriage. While on board her flight the passengers began falling ill at an alarming rate, it seems to be an intentional act of biological terror, and her husband is a prime suspect.
A different kind of suspense, because the killer is silent and unseen. A riveting mystery with high stakes, that kept me guessing. I liked how Heather was honest with herself about how she had made compromises on her faith in the past. She is very alert and aware of her surrounding, always observing. I loved how she was able to befriend other members of the flight as well as her compassion for others.
Dr. Chad Lawrence is almost completely absorbed in his job, working towards finding a cure for deadly diseases, to the point where he can’t be bothered to be an present husband. Suddenly he is a main suspect in an incident of biological terror, he is put in lockdown and he must find a way to clear his name. I really liked how one of the investigators challenges Chad to consider different possibilities and rethink his life.
Overall, this was a highly engaging read, with a different pace than your average suspense read, but no less riveting. I liked the unique angle that it takes, with strong protagonists and solid themes of faith. A satisfying read that I didn’t want to put down!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
FBI Agent Heather Lawrence’s husband moved out on her, so she decides to take a vacation alone. Aboard the plane several people started getting sick all of a sudden. It is decided a Deadly virus is released, being the cause of the problem. Heather’s husband Chad is the main suspect because of his job as a scientist, and he certainly has the knowledge and supplies it takes to create something like this.
Wow! This was kind of weird to read because it is so real with what the world has been going through. The characters were realistic as well and I enjoyed how well they developed throughout the story. I really like Heather. The insight into her hope’s and dreams and how crushed she is because of her husband’s actions is so heartbreaking. As she threw herself into helping with the victims on the plane, and the interactions with the FBI, I had to wonder if this is somewhat like what happened earlier this year with the virus outbreak.
Chad, on the other hand was a real jerk! Did he really release the virus because of Heather? For that you will need to read the book! But his character was more than I could take sometimes. And at times I found the story dwelling a little too much on Chad, but it was so good otherwise I just read through those times quickly.
It has been a while since I read a DiAnn Mills book but why, I don’t know, because I am looking forward to her next release. And I will go back and read some of her other books as well. After reading Airborne, I see how much her books need to be read! If you enjoy a good, clean suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is one for you!! Check it out. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Airborne gets a 5 plus stars from me!!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Wonderful read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
While we are in the midst of a Coronavirus outbreak, this book was a read I was intrigued by. On board an airplane when people start becoming sick, ok.. Now, they are dying too! She recognizes what is going on and immediately joins in helping the crew where she can with advise and safety protocols. A lot of action from start to finish, suspense and yes… I was certainly quickly turning the pages to see how this was going to end. One for my favorites list. I requested a copy and was gifted one through netgalley, no review was required. My opinion and review is voluntary.
DiAnn Mills’ book is timely and doesn’t disappoint. This is an exciting novel that nearly flips the pages on its own accord! It’s Rife with authenticity and tension, Airborne is a story that will earn your respect and attention. DiAnn submerges herself into factual information that medical experts, FBI, and other professionals provide. Then she pours out the story of her heart, which amazingly commands the ability to reach into this reader’s imagination. Could that be because DiAnn is so familiar with the situations and people involved that her computer keys naturally reveal the essence that makes stories great? Yes, I think that is why!
“You’re in my way, a liability. I can’t move ahead in my life saddled with a wife. Trust me on this one, Heather. I’ll do anything to make it happen.”
Devastated after being forced to separate from her husband, Houston FBI Agent Heather Lawrence books a trip to Salzburg, Germany hoping to salve her wounded heart with time away and beautiful music. Instead, the unthinkable occurs. Someone on her flight releases a deadly airborne contagion with horrific symptoms, and for multiple innocent victims, death arrives quickly. So rather than relaxing, Heather launches into full-blown agent mode; helping those that she can while ruminating on the fact that her husband’s expertise lies in the field of infectious diseases. A small spark of unease ignites into a flame of doubt, surely Chad wouldn’t risk dozens of lives to advance his career, or would he? Others agree; Dr. Chad Lawrence becomes the F. B. I.’s prime suspect.
Meanwhile, Heather escapes infection and is transported to a remote location for a lengthy quarantine stay, along with the other seemingly healthy passengers. It’s then Chad receives this troubling text – “The hospital said Heather’s in ICU.”
There are so many great takeaways from this story; first of all, the story line is uniquely plotted; secondly, the author allows plenty of room for her characters to live and breathe and change perspectives; thirdly, the perpetrator is devious and clever . . . it could be anyone, it could be everyone, he or she deftly dodges recognition in spite of the F. B. I. ‘s fast and furious attempts to bring the truth to light. But more importantly, what I think readers will remember most about this story is the spiritual journey that the two main characters share; their authenticity( while excruciating and difficult) is refreshing. By the end of the story, readers will have replaced their contempt with admiration, admitting that the ability of the Holy Spirit to change a life from within is a beautiful thing to behold.
“Echoes of mercy, whispers of love . . . . .”
I decided to read Airborne by DiAnn Mills because the premise intrigued given all that is taking place in our world. You may be wondering why would one want to read a book such as this during this time. Well, I am a sucker for these types of stories and I just could not resist. Ironically, this book was written prior to the start of COVID-19. However, the events which unfolded were a far cry from what we are facing at the present.
The story introduces FBI agent and Behavioural Analyst Heather Lawrence, who is heading to Salzburg, Germany for vacation. She needed the time away to evaluate her life and prepare herself to once again live as a single woman. In the middle of the flight some passengers fell ill, with a few succumbing to the illness. Somehow Heather was among those who were immune. The plane had to be redirected to New York where the sick passengers were transported to the hospital and those not displaying any symptoms were quarantined on Adams Island. The question was where did the virus originate and who was behind it. Heather’s ex-husband, Chad, headed the suspect list because of his work with viruses and his to end his marriage. Was he guilty or is someone trying to frame him?
The characters were persons one could relate to. Heather and Chad are experience marital problems. Heather is a Christian while husband is an atheist. This was a huge issue and the primary reason for the breakdown of their marriage. The author portrayed their struggles with communication, doubts, unbelief and trust quite eloquently. I enjoyed the character growth, especially as it relates to Chad. The reader also gets the religious views of a few of the secondary characters along with that of the protagonists. This was well done and did not have a preachy tone.
Now among these characters lay the villain behind the releasing of the virus. Each one was a suspect, as they all had motive and opportunity. I had a fair idea who may have been behind the mess, but it was not until near the end that the author confirmed my theory.
The author utilised the first and third person POVs to narrate the story. The author used the third person for the main characters while she applied the first person POV to the antagonist. The story does not provide much of the first person POV, but when it does it’s clear, this person is not only deadly but thinks highly of himself.
The pacing was slow and steady and not what one would expect with a suspense novel, but it worked well for this story. One thing for sure, I couldn’t wait to find to what was going to happen next.
Conclusion/Recommendation
I had a wonderful time with this book and would be reading more from this author. Airborne will appeal to readers who enjoy inspirational suspense novels.
DiAnn Mills has become a favorite author, so I was happy to have an offer to review her newest book, one that was on my to-read list when it comes out.
Reading Airborne at this time was especially interesting since it deals with a virus, and we have been dealing with the Covid virus for several months now.
Airborne was a lot different than Mill’s other books. A lot of the story took place on a plane, and the main character was quarantined for most of the book. Mills did an awesome job of describing the effects and fallout of such a virus.
Heather made an awesome main character, dealing with the breakup of her marriage, being on a plane where a virus had been released, and knowing her husband was the main suspect in the attack. I found myself liking her husband and hoping he was innocent, and that they would get back together. (You’ll have to read the book to find out).
One thing that really impacted me was the spiritual journey of one of the characters in the book. An atheist slowly found himself believing the Bible, and finally coming to know Jesus. The author wrote about this journey in such a way that it really moved me and has been on my mind. God does use Christian fiction.
I figured out fairly early who the bad guy was, but was not expecting the twist when it became clear.
Airborne was an awesome read that was full of suspense and non stop dram and action one can expect from Mills’ books. It had a great ending, and I appreciate the unapologetic Christian part of the story. I highly recommend this book.
Mills has written an intense and gripping novel about a deadly virus. I’ll admit at first I wasn’t sure I wanted to read this one as we are all in a pandemic from Covid- 19 and it has been a long one. The virus in this book is a whole different virus from our present one, which makes it a refreshing escape to read. This virus is let loose on an airplane full of people headed to Salzburg, Austria. FBI Behavioral Analyst, Heather Lawrence happens to be on this plane when after a short time fellow passengers throughout the plane began to exhibit horrific symptoms of an unknown virus. Bleeding from the nose and mouth. Heather recognizes this because she is married to a scientist, Dr. Chad Lawrence, whose research is in viruses. She begins offering her assistance to the affected passengers. Although it seems some of the passengers are beyond help. The plane finally gets permission to land in New York where the sick passengers are transported to a local hospital and the remaining passengers are quarantined on an island. It soon becomes apparent that Heather’s husband, Dr. Chad Lawrence is the main suspect behind this strange virus that has affected so many. Heather continues her work on the island as an FBI agent giving reports on the passengers as some succumb to the illness and have to be transported to the hospital. It is apparent that whoever loosed the virus on the plane is in the hospital or on the island. So emotions are tense as all wonder WHO is the culprit? Even Heather begins to wonder if her husband is the person behind the virus. This is certainly a book that will keep you wondering who and turning the pages quickly. DiAnn always includes a story of faith being renewed and a story of faith being found. In this book there is danger, suspense, horror, mental illness and the gift of God’s love to all who turn to Him. I recommend AIRBORNE to all who love a good mystery/ suspense.
You will feel like you’re watching a movie, or reading the daily paper as you begin this heart in you throat book, and you will be guessing whom could it be right to the end!
How could anyone be so evil? We know they exist, but so little regard for human life, but keep reading you will get a little look into what makes a sociopath, but there is a hope and we are all given a chance to believe.
I have read many books by this author and this one does not disappoint, it felt way to real, especially with all that is going on in the world right now.
You don’t want to miss this one, but warning you maybe up late looking for answers.
I received this book through Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.
With its fast-paced action, impeccably researched scientific facts, and super timely plotline, Airborne is totally unputdownable. I suggest for potential readers to schedule a few hours of uninterrupted reading time because they’ll surely be as absorbed in the story and characters as I was.
Content advisory: several on-page deaths, physical violence, description of abuse.
The full review is on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles.
Have you ever started reading a suspense novel and begun to wonder if you could finish it? Well, I did. DiAnn Mills has penned a gripping, high octane tale where her characters not only battle a hidden foe but their own hearts. The story has people on a flight that will eventually take most of them to a music festival overseas. Shortly after takeoff, passengers get sick and some don’t make it. The survivors have to be quarantined on an island until a vaccine can be found.
The story then begins to focus on a married couple who both who have stellar careers, but don’t look to have a promising future. One is Dr. Chad Lawrence who is a brilliant scientist who has dedicated his life to help bring healing and hope to those afflicted with various viruses. His wife is an FBI agent and she works as a behavioral analyst. The question on everyone’s mind is, of course, how to find a cure but for Heather it is finding out who released the virus.
When Heather’s husband becomes a subject and she can’t do much since being on the island, what hope does she have to find the person responsible? Is her husband truly the man responsible for all that has occurred? Can Heather keep herself healthy as well as the new life within her womb? On top of all the chaos and uncertainty, Chad and Heather’s marriage is crumbling.
In a gripping tale of when life seemed at its blackest, the light of hope comes shining through the novel. I was amazed at how the author brings together the themes of life, faith, forgiveness and freedom. The other background characters bring forth the hope and peace of God that buoys the soul even when circumstances are otherwise. The “who-done-it” aspect of the novel kept me turning pages. At times I thought I had identified the culprit, and then there would be a twist in the plot, and I wasn’t so sure.
I have enjoyed many of DiAnn Mills’ works and this one was no exception! Readers will be quickly pulled into the book and find themselves unable to put it down until the end! I recommend audiences sit, read and enjoy the novel as soon as they can. They won’t be sorry for taking the time to open the book!