Set in Charleston, South Carolina and the islands off the coast, "Code", the third novel in the Virals series, continues where "Seizure" left off.
Dr. Marcus E. Karsten is the head of the Loggerhead Island Research Institute (LIRI). The Virals are on a quest to learn how Karsten used the parvovirus in order to alter their DNA.
In previous books in the series, this band of adolescent guys and gal pals have discovered that an experimental drug has changed their DNA, leaving each of them with strange and special powers such as increased abilities to see, smell, hear, run swiftly and even to read the minds of other Virals.
The Virals have organized a secret underground laboratory, complete with spy gear, solar panels and computers to continue their research.
The third book in the Virals series continues to find them interrupted in their scientific pursuit. The Virals are lured into a Geo-Caching game. At first they find the game fun and exciting -- that is, until it turns deadly. Their Gamemaster is not a good master. The clues he leaves are life-threatening. Spurred on by the challenge, the Virals go out to locate and solve yet another crime puzzle. There are bombs out there with intended victims. Their mission is to locate them and stop them before they stop someone else.
American crime writer Kathy Reichs is a writer of crime thrillers. She is also a forensic anthropologist whose background gives her keen insight into the scientific processes of dealing with crimes. A professor of anthropology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Reichs has authored over 16 adult novels and continues to write her books geared toward young adults.
She has also produced television shows based on the popular heroine, Temperance "Tempe" Brennan, of "Bones" fame.
Reichs continues to work on young adult novels with her son and co-author, attorney Brendan Reichs.
“This book manages to be a crossover between
middle grade fiction and young adult. It will certainly appeal to a wide range
of ages while not containing anything inappropriate. The main character models
strong character in her quest to do the right thing—even if it means
sacrificing her life for the lives of others. There is also a lot of scientific
information that is revealed as the group struggles to figure out the clues
that will help them stop the murder of innocent people. Those who read Virals and Seizure will certainly want to read the next installment in this
great young adult series. But be forewarned, reading this series will probably
result in a strong yen to visit Charleston. It sounds fabulous.”
—
National Book Examiner