Status
Available
Genres
Collection
Publication
Penguin Books (2005), 480 pages
Description
Fiction. Literature. Suspense. Thriller. HTML:"Everyone likes a page-turner, and Follett is the best." �??The Philadelphia Inquirer "A hell of a storyteller" (Entertainment Weekly), #1 New York Times bestselling author Ken Follett reinvents the thriller with each new novel. But nothing matches the intricate knife-edge drama of Whiteout. . . . A missing canister of a deadly virus. A lab technician bleeding from the eyes. Toni Gallo, the security director of a Scottish medical research firm, knows she has problems, but she has no idea of the nightmare to come. As a Christmas Eve blizzard whips out of the north, several people, Toni among them, converge on a remote family house. All have something to gain or lose from the drug developed to fight the virus. As the storm worsens, the emotional sparks�??jealousies, distrust, sexual attraction, rivalries�??crackle; desperate secrets are revealed; hidden traitors and unexpected heroes emerge. Filled with startling twists at every turn, Whiteout rockets Follett into a class by… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member taylorsteve
This was a surprising slow read for me. The plot line was weak and mostly predictable, and both the protagonist and antagonist were frequently portrayed doing unbelievable things for unbelievable reasons. The background current of sex was a frequent theme for most characters, so much so that it
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became offensive, especially with the 14-16 year old characters. The book wasn't worth the time it took to read it - even though I was on a plane for 10 hours with nothing else to do. Show Less
LibraryThing member dougwood57
'Whiteout' features a break-in to a high-security biomedical lab in Scotland. A deadly, more robust variant of the ebola virus is the target. The son of the lab's owner is in on the dirty job and terrorists are the buyers. Ken Follett gathers the elements of a good page-turner, but fails miserably
The book contains numerous groaners. The characters are all carciatures. The lab owner's son had been in charge of the security software before he was caught stealing from dad, but the passwords aren't changed! The lab's security director just happens to be the ex- of the top cop in charge of the case, but they continue to bicker like 6-year olds while an extremely deadly virus has been stolen and remains unaccounted for. Later, a fight occurs in which the four combatants all end up in a pile at the bottom of a staircase - at which point I begin to wonder if Follett isn't just pulling our leg and the whole book is supposed a comedic farce. Victims that clearly should simply be shot dead by the bad guys are instead tied up - how do you think that works out? Didn't I see that in an Austin Powers movie?
Has Follett gone downhill or have I become pickier? I used to enjoy his works (The Pillars of the Earth and Lie Down With Lions), but combine this one with the more recent World Without End, the long-awaited sequel to Pillars, and I am ready to look elsewhere for a good thriller - like Lee Child's Without Fail (Jack Reacher Novels).
Avoid this book - dare I say, like the plague.
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to translate it into a credible story. The book contains numerous groaners. The characters are all carciatures. The lab owner's son had been in charge of the security software before he was caught stealing from dad, but the passwords aren't changed! The lab's security director just happens to be the ex- of the top cop in charge of the case, but they continue to bicker like 6-year olds while an extremely deadly virus has been stolen and remains unaccounted for. Later, a fight occurs in which the four combatants all end up in a pile at the bottom of a staircase - at which point I begin to wonder if Follett isn't just pulling our leg and the whole book is supposed a comedic farce. Victims that clearly should simply be shot dead by the bad guys are instead tied up - how do you think that works out? Didn't I see that in an Austin Powers movie?
Has Follett gone downhill or have I become pickier? I used to enjoy his works (The Pillars of the Earth and Lie Down With Lions), but combine this one with the more recent World Without End, the long-awaited sequel to Pillars, and I am ready to look elsewhere for a good thriller - like Lee Child's Without Fail (Jack Reacher Novels).
Avoid this book - dare I say, like the plague.
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LibraryThing member john257hopper
This was until now the only Ken Follett novel I hadn't read. It's slightly unusual in that it is a modern thriller set in the 2000s, not a World War II, Cold War or historical novel. It revolves around the theft of a deadly virus from a research facility in Scotland and its use as a weapon of
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biological terror. In places it read a bit more like a Michael Crichton novel though I think Follett is better at creating more believable, rounded characters. The latter part dealt with a very tense, gripping hostage situation with some extremely unpleasant villains (one in particular). All the same, this isn't one of my favourite Follett novels. Show Less
LibraryThing member alienhard
3.5 stars
This is one of those 100-pages-at-a-time barnburners. And to think I was about to give it away. I was amazed at how many characters Follett introduced in such a short novel and how he was able to keep it all afloat throughout. Of course the content is nothing new: scary virus, bad guys,
This is one of those 100-pages-at-a-time barnburners. And to think I was about to give it away. I was amazed at how many characters Follett introduced in such a short novel and how he was able to keep it all afloat throughout. Of course the content is nothing new: scary virus, bad guys,
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family drama, unrequited love, even a strange car chase. And it all wraps up in a nice bow at the end. But, if you want fast-paced entertainment, this fits the bill quite nicely. Show Less
LibraryThing member JBreedlove
A deadly virus is stolen and the mastermind is the owners' son. All during a blizzard in Scotland. A well written well paced interesting read. I will read another Follet book.
LibraryThing member tvordj
The story of a robbery at a medical research facility in Scotland where there are deadly viruses and, hopefully, cures. The disgruntled son, Kit, of the man that runs the lab is deep in debt and his father won't bail him out anymore, neither will his sisters so he facilitates the break in. He used
A few days before Christmas, a lab worker dies at home and it's discovered that he smuggled an infected rabbit out of the lab. The new-ish head of security, a strong woman called Toni Gallo, ups the security which puts a bit of a glitch into Kit's plans. The robbery ends up going horribly wrong but the getaway is confounded by a blizzard and the criminal element along with Kit end up at his father's house along with the rest of his family.
A good pager turner, I like Follett's books and this was pretty good.
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to work at the lab and is aware of the security protocalls and knows how to get around them. He is unaware that he is also being used by the people he is helping. A few days before Christmas, a lab worker dies at home and it's discovered that he smuggled an infected rabbit out of the lab. The new-ish head of security, a strong woman called Toni Gallo, ups the security which puts a bit of a glitch into Kit's plans. The robbery ends up going horribly wrong but the getaway is confounded by a blizzard and the criminal element along with Kit end up at his father's house along with the rest of his family.
A good pager turner, I like Follett's books and this was pretty good.
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LibraryThing member Kelberts
least favorite Follett book I have read - what was the significance of the puppy?
LibraryThing member Neilsantos
Better, a little more thrilling than the last one. Reads a lot like Night over Water.
LibraryThing member luvmysteries5
An exciting story. Different from previous spy thriller novels that he wrote.
LibraryThing member SLuce
Read in one day. Really enjoyed. Like Follett mysteries.
LibraryThing member evert
a real page-turner! I could not put it down, and just had to read it in one go! ;-)
LibraryThing member mbotos
Good, but not as engaging as some of his other books
LibraryThing member punxsygal
Whiteout by Ken Follett
4 stars
A young worker from a biohazard lab in Scotland dies a horrible death from a virus. Then, the son of the owner of the lab plans and executes a robbery at the lab, believing the target of the theft is a vaccine. He is involved in the robbery to settle a gambling debt.
4 stars
A young worker from a biohazard lab in Scotland dies a horrible death from a virus. Then, the son of the owner of the lab plans and executes a robbery at the lab, believing the target of the theft is a vaccine. He is involved in the robbery to settle a gambling debt.
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During the robbery he learns the real theft is to be of the virus. A blizzard is raging over Scotland and things start going wrong with the "perfect" plan. A fairly good thriller--but cuddle up with a blanket as the descriptions of the blizzard will make you cold. Show Less
LibraryThing member bruce_krafft
OK, I wasn’t prepared to like the story. I read the description and thought, hum sounds a bit dull, the description makes it sound as though the entire story takes place at the house (it doesn’t.) But it takes place in Scotland where they have lovely accents and was read by David Tennant, who
It is quite a thriller and you are ‘on the edge of your seat’ quite a bit. I loved the character of Toni’s mother, who added a bit of spice to the story. No thinking or any intellectual engagement is needed to understand and follow the plot and there are memorable moments of emotional exchange between the various characters, and the characters are well developed.
DS
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does audio books brilliantly so I had to get it. It was entertaining. I admit that I didn’t like it as much as the other non-Doctor Who audio book that I have read by David Tennant [Quite Ugly One Morning] but I don’t feel that I wasted my money.It is quite a thriller and you are ‘on the edge of your seat’ quite a bit. I loved the character of Toni’s mother, who added a bit of spice to the story. No thinking or any intellectual engagement is needed to understand and follow the plot and there are memorable moments of emotional exchange between the various characters, and the characters are well developed.
DS
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LibraryThing member miyurose
I just can't say enough about Ken Follett. I am just immediately engrossed in his books, before the first chapter is even done. I actually spent over 3 hours last night reading (during American Idol!), I was so interested. This is the first of his I've read that actually takes place in modern
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times. Most everything else I've read was set in the WWII era, so this was a nice change of pace. Show Less
LibraryThing member jacketscoversread
I’m really glad my mom handed me this book. It was thrilling but overall not scary, just suspenseful. It was easy to read and had some very 3-dimensional characters.
LibraryThing member afyfe
I really liked this book, a very quick red compared to some of the other Ken Follett books. The majority of the story took place within 3 days which is very different then most of the other Follet books I've read which tend to take place over a few years. This one was kept a little more simple and
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I liked the family that was involved, just like any other family. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick thriller. Show Less
LibraryThing member labelleaurore
Talking about reading a book that goes up and down in entertaining and that you are hoping it will pick up speed... well this one is it. I read Whiteout on vacation and because it was the only book available in the store, I got it but .... I took two weeks to finish it and left it at the hotel. I
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didn't like this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Cecilturtle
A happy melange of intense thriller and family discord, this book transcends genres by mixing espionage, terrorism, relationships and comedy. The characters are believable and spunky; the scenes are alternately nail-biting and hilarious. Follett managed to create an entertaining, original and
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unpretentious piece which will certainly appeal to most. Show Less
LibraryThing member heidialice
In a high-security biomedical lab in remote Scotland, a deadly virus goes missing on Christmas Eve, as a blizzard moves in. The lab director and security director race against the clock and the fast-moving storm to find the virus before it is too late. In a slightly contrived denouement, the main
Fun, fast-paced if a little cliched. There are certainly better and better-written thrillers out there, but a fine plane read.
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characters all get snowed in at the lab director's isolated manor.Fun, fast-paced if a little cliched. There are certainly better and better-written thrillers out there, but a fine plane read.
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LibraryThing member Amethyst.Mirfi
Initially I thought this would be a fairly pedestrian read, but as the story progressed I found that there were twists and turns in the plot which kept me turning the pages.
LibraryThing member SandyAMcPherson
This was one of Follett's more forgettable novels. It was a terribly contrived situation for a break in by an angry ex-employee. [Spoilers] it was blatant idiocy of the security chief not having the computer software revised for protecting the building access after the software developer was caught
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stealing. Duuuh. The bad guys holding the family hostage later on continued this implausible pot boiler. Show Less
LibraryThing member Carol420
An ex policewoman, Toni Gallo is now head of security at a pharmaceutical firm, Oxenford Medical. As the Christmas holiday approaches a cannister holding a lethal virus has gone astray.
Characters in this evil vs. good battle all converge upon the Oxenford family home in Scotland. Once there,
"Whiteout" reads like a rushed book, in the style of i-had-to-do-it-fast-because-my-publisher-wanted-something-out-by-the-deadline. In sum, do not read this book if you never read Follett before. Start out with either "Pillars" or "Eye of the Needle" and then move to this one if you are compelled.
Characters in this evil vs. good battle all converge upon the Oxenford family home in Scotland. Once there,
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they're kept captive by a blinding winter storm. Toni has eyes for her boss, Stanley Oxenford. But, she'd be better off to keep her attention fixed on his son, Kit, a gambling ne'er do-well who plots to steal from his dad's lab to pay off debts."Whiteout" reads like a rushed book, in the style of i-had-to-do-it-fast-because-my-publisher-wanted-something-out-by-the-deadline. In sum, do not read this book if you never read Follett before. Start out with either "Pillars" or "Eye of the Needle" and then move to this one if you are compelled.
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LibraryThing member AReCafe
I enjoyed this book. The plot moved smoothly and quickly. While the plot itself is nothing new, it still had plenty of drama, romance, humor and sex. The location is different and adds something new and exotic to the story. The characters are well developed and are a good example of opposites
~ TRS for AReCafe
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attracting. The more confident, outgoing and boisterous Ryan and the quiet somewhat nerdy Cameron, yet fundamentally the two men end up being more alike than different. I also liked that Cameron had a friend, someone to help him along and get past his shyness, in Jason. Jason is friendly and outgoing and his character added a bit more realism to the story and kept Cameron from seeming so whiny and self-involved. There are also plenty m/m situations, some are steamy and some are just raunchy fun. If I had one complaint it would be that I would have liked more information in the epilogue, as to what happened and how Ryan, Cameron and Jason all got along. This one of those stories that you will enjoy anytime as long as you do not try to take it too seriously or make more of it than it is. I would recommend it to anyone who likes m/m romances.~ TRS for AReCafe
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LibraryThing member Proustitutes
I used to think it was weird that Follett wrote mostly mid-sized page-turner crime/mystery/adventure type novels, and then he wrote PILLARS OF THE EARTH and the like. I couldn't understand how the same author could write two wildly differing books.
Now I get it. What made Pillars of the Earth and
THAT is what made this novel so amazing for me. This was another one of his regular page-turners that I picked up at a garage sale for fifty cents. I read it on a five hour car ride and enjoyed myself immensely. I wanted to know what happened to all of my quickly cherished new friends, and loved the novel all the way throughout. A solid plot, very realistic, and SUPER entertaining.
Thank you Ken Follet! I'm now persistently on the lookout for more of your books!!
Now I get it. What made Pillars of the Earth and
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World Without End and Fall of Giants so lovable, to me, was the character development. He got you inside the minds of his characters, made you cheer for them, and wrote flawlessly of their intrigues and actions and thoughts without boring you one bit. THAT is what made this novel so amazing for me. This was another one of his regular page-turners that I picked up at a garage sale for fifty cents. I read it on a five hour car ride and enjoyed myself immensely. I wanted to know what happened to all of my quickly cherished new friends, and loved the novel all the way throughout. A solid plot, very realistic, and SUPER entertaining.
Thank you Ken Follet! I'm now persistently on the lookout for more of your books!!
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Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2004-11-23
ISBN
0451215710 / 9780451215710