Red Dust and Bones

Sandy Sampson
Purple Sword Publications (2010)
ISBN 9781936165384
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (08/10)

 

An emergency call from the outpost Glenn Station on Mars sets in motion a rescue mission of far reaching consequences. The rescue crew of seven includes Colonel John Hellman and Doctor Sarah Carpenter. The presence of a biological alien disease raises suspicions of a security breach within the PEC department as well as the possibility that sinister foreign powers may be involved.

Complications mount as illness, mistrust, technical challenges, inexcusable mistakes, and other major glitches, put the lives of the crew at risk at every turn.

Upon arrival at Glenn Station, Doctor Carpenter learns of a mysterious “it” which may be further endangering the lives of every member of the team.

Personal grudges, personality conflicts, and dysfunctions relationships come to light which further complicate dangerous threats to the success of the mission. 

Clandestine meetings and surreptitious communications heighten the suspense in this scientific puzzler. Marie Hellman is questioned by the police regarding the death of Tom Moran. Baffled and concerned, as to the cause of Tom’s death, Marie determines to personally investigate unexplained events surrounding his mysterious death.

The action continues at Glenn Station as fear of the unknown attacker and whatever else is lurking on Mars cause the crew members to urgently insist that they return to earth immediately. Pilot in charge John Hellman angrily demands a delay of one day so that Keller can finish his tests at the station.

Disappearing crew members, romantic liaisons, inconsistent communications, and an escalating mistrust between the crew members add another dimension to the multifaceted plot, leaving the reader with a lineup of suspects that include the whole cast of key players.

Tension, conflict, and inner turmoil among the characters insure the reader’s involvement in Samson’s compelling dialog, his unforgettable scenes, his technical savvy and his creative imagination.

Sandy Samson is well on his way to establishing himself as a leader among the growing number of new writers in the genre of modern fantasy and science fiction. “Red Dust and Bones” is destined to be another important rung on Samson’s ladder to success.

Make comment on weblog

FTC Disclosure