Only Wrong Once

FBI and CDC Medical Thriller #1

by Jenifer Ruff

A sinister experiment outside Aleppo.

Two mysterious deaths: one in LA, one in Boston, each with the same horrific symptoms.

In Los Angeles, FBI counterterrorism agent Quinn Traynor receives an urgent call from CDC agent, Madeline Hamilton. She’s discovered the first victim of a lethal, unfamiliar virus. Their joint investigation uncovers an imminent bio-terror attack and their only hope is to identify the terrorists carrying the disease. With just two days remaining before it’s too late, the FBI and the CDC race to prevent a pandemic. The ensuing nightmare will hit closer to home than they ever anticipated and one of them will pay an unimaginable price for protecting the country.


"Jenifer Ruff does an outstanding job of weaving personal stories in the lives of the characters amidst the action. This book will keep you glued to the pages from beginning to end, wondering what will happen next." – Susan Mills Wilson, author of Hunt for Redemption

"The story is riveting, the characters are well-drawn, and the plot moves at break-neck speed. Be prepared to be mesmerized. You won't put the book down until you get to the end." - Reita Pendry, author of Discovering Grace.

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Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Medical, Action

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2017

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Jenifer Ruff writes dark and twisty mystery thrillers, including the award-winning Agent Victoria Heslin Series. Jenifer spends her days writing with the goal of keeping her readers eagerly turning the pages and putting the clues together. She adores peace and quiet, animals, and exercise, especially hiking. If she’s not writing, she’s probably out exploring trails with her dogs. Sign up for her Reader's Newsletter at Jenruff.com and never miss a new release.

Reviews

[Wiseask · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s a pity that the author’s alleged degree from Yale University wasn't in Literature. On what basis would anyone with a brain and a modicum of taste, talent and education consider this good writing? No wonder this book was offered for free.

Take a look at this excerpt from Chapter Two — and you be the judge:

“Holly smoothed her dress into place and picked up her spiked heels from the polished concrete floor of her office. She inspected the luxurious couch for any telltale stains and said, ‘Please hurry up. People are going to be arriving any minute.’ Christian stood from the sofa and finished re-buttoning his shirt. ‘Come here. Just for a second.’ Holly didn’t move. Unfazed by her refusal, he walked toward her. With only inches separating them, he ran his fingers through her lush red hair. His deep kiss took her breath away and caused a stir between her legs. ‘You’re so beautiful,’ he whispered. ‘Not now.’ Holly wet her lips and pulled away. ‘I have to get ready.’ Behind her office door, a gorgeous designer dress hung, waiting to cling to her body in all the right places. The caterers were already buzzing around outside her office, busy setting up tables in the gallery. Fortunately for Holly, they had an established routine and hadn’t needed to bother her. She had to admit, the last thirty minutes had been delicious. She turned and began walking to the door, a slight smile crossing her lips. ‘C’mere, you,’ said Christian.”

This book is billed as a Suspense Thriller. I mean, seriously?

[Happy Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only wrong once is a suspense thriller written about a very powerful ISIS leader plotting to kill innocent lives by hiring a microbiologist. He has this graduate to create a weapon, a virus, and to spread it across the American citizens.

FBI agent Quinn Traynor is adamant to stop his massacre from happening. With the help of Madeline Hamilton, he only has a few days to prevent this horrific incident from happening.

When I began reading this book, I felt that it just sounded too close to home. With everything that is currently happening in the world, this book is a good reminder of what we really are dealing with. The author displays a very realistic suspenseful feel in her writing. The principal characters grow on you and the feeling of wanting to simply demolish the bad guys runs through your veins, as you read the book.

The literature is outstanding and the descriptive nature of the storyline is strong, creating the ability for the reader to easily dive into the action scenes and imagine them as real as you want them to be. I also enjoyed the double dimensional approach the story took. It wasn’t just all about Quinn or Madeline trying to save the world. The reader also gets a glimpse of the other side. How a lonely banker ends up losing his job, and flies to Syria, getting mixed in, with ISIS.

I believe anyone looking to read on an exciting journey filled with delicious action scenes will enjoy this book.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 stars

Upon reading the blurb for Only Wrong Once, I was reminded of a book that I read last year called Phage . While the story is different in many ways, there's the common thread of bio-terrorism.

Only Wrong Once feels relevant in today's society. Jenifer Ruff expertly weaves a tale of religious men corrupted by hate with the personal tales of  the story's characters.

It took a few chapters for the story to find its momentum, in my opinion, but when it did it certainly took off. The desire to know what happens next kept me glued to this book. From beginning to end, it was thoroughly enjoyable. Just like Phage, I definitely recommend Only Wrong Once if you're looking for a realistic thriller.

* This book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. *

[D.J. Adamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thriller offers so much more than a terrorist plot. It offers a very possible, chilling terrorist possibility. Engaging characters, this story is suspenseful and intriguing. Bioterrorism is relevant, realistic and scary in our world today. The possibilities of what human beings will do to human beings is terrifying. The story is told from several viewpoints. The value of this page-turner is that the viewpoints add to the terror, tension, and awaiting hope— all the way to its end.

Reviewed in Le Coeur de l'Artiste

[Gina · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not a good book. And I have read a lot of books and I don’t think this is anywhere near a 4 star book. The plot was boring, the dialogue was very simplistic, and there was just nothing that made this stand out in any way at all. I definitely won’t be reading any more of the series. There are so many more Unlimited books that are worlds better than this book. 1 star.

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[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because of the outbreak aspect and the search for answers. This is the second Jennifer Ruff book I've read and I'll definitely be reading more.

[Christine M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Couldn’t Really Happen, Could It?

Loved this book! Once you step into Jenifer Ruff’s conceptualized world centered on an international bioterrorism plot you will be captivated. ‘Only Wrong Once’ by Ruff is a gripping novel relevant for 2017 and beyond, a real eye opener without sensationalism. Quinn and Maddie’s race against time is told so well, you will ache for the innocent and want to warn the characters of impending danger. Ruff intricately explores the personal and professional relationships of those silently protecting us, those out to destroy us and those caught in the middle.

It is a fascinating book that will make you wonder how much risk is out there and do we really want to know? It will give you a strong appreciation for the selfless, brave and dedicated men and women of this country that keep us safe from unspeakable horrors that never make the news.  

Upon reading this intriguing tale, you will be more aware of your surroundings, more conscious of that little voice inside and will certainly stiffen the next time the person behind you sneezes.

Definitely hoping for a sequel!

[karen pettit · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good

The character development was awesome, made you feel for them. It was my first book by this author and won't be the last. It was a great story and certainly very timely.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with a very current topic. The thought of a bio-terror disease is frightful and scary and very realistic. Enjoyed this fast past storyline and the levels of details. Look forward to reading the next book by this author.

[Lana L Fiems · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virus, terrorism and high tension!

A fast paced mystery about deadly viruses. I read it over 2 days and couldn't wait for end. This the first of a series of three and I will be reading the remaining two.

[Geoffrey Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Fast-moving story of bioterrorism, with FBI and CDC collaborating to neutralize a new and very lethal virus. And great characters.

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you keep your promise this time? Quinn knows that things have been bad at home lately but his job will always come first and Holly can't understand. If only Quinn could let her know what is happening in the world then she would understand how important his job is at the FBI. Quinn is the assistant special agent in charge of counterterrorism for LA and a new threat is about to change everything. Somewhere in Syria a scientist is about to release a virus that could kill millions and it has just been tested on many and killed them all. Kareem knows that he is doing what is right no matter the cost he believes that America needs to pay for everything that is happening the world and his resolve has only gotten stronger now that his parents have been killed. He needs to find more recruits in America and he knows that his cousin Amin will be perfect for the job.
Amin is very lonely the only thing he has is his job and that has just come to an end and the girl that he likes is engaged so when Kareem invites him to visit he decides to go hoping that he can talk his cousin around. But what he finds scares him and he decides to go back home and try to forget what he has since. But Kareem is coming to visit and everything will never be the same again. Can Quinn & his team stop this madman from killing millions or will they be too late? Holly is angry that Quinn has broken his promise she can't keep on going with this life and no matter what happens now there will be no going back. Quinn is so wrapped up in what is happening that he has to cancel he never thought for a minute that his life is going to change and he left her all alone. A great read full of action.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book kept me up until the the early hours of the morning because I wanted to hear what happened next, although with a plot line like this is might also have been because of nightmares. In today's world it is a scary thought that something like this could actually happen. Full marks for a great plot line I just hope a terrorist doesn't read it. I liked the characters and the way it jumped from each character so you didn't just have the perspective of the lead agent, you also got to know the terrorist to.
Quinn is an FBI special agent in charge of counterterrorism with a somewhat strained home life, well when you are never there it is hard to have a relationship. While trying to patch up his relationship by planning a much needed holiday he once again finds himself answering a call to arms. This time however it is much worse than even he can imagine, there is a bio weapon in America and with two dead bodies it is proving to be fatal. His team are racing against time with the help of the CDC to track the carriers down before it spreads. With the few clues they have they have to work out how many many are infected, how it spreads and what the targets are all before the public finds out a deadly pandemic is about to it them.
I liked the narrator and never got confused who was speaking as he did a good job with all the different voices needed to tell this great story.

[Marbea Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful thrilling intriguing and very eye opening information about government agencies. Bio Terror is real, in today's society dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic gives us a little insight on the origin of steps taken in the process of stopping the disease from spreading much worse. The story has many enlightening elements, and the author made sure to throw in some relationship drama so reading wouldn't be a bore with too many acronyms and redundant speeches on Muslim and Terrorism. These are the few highlights that I enjoyed encountering in reading this novel.

Highlights&Notes
*"One. Just one decision. You only had to be wrong once to change the course of many lives"

*"Quinn pointed to him. “Is the point of a biological attack to kill as many people as possible?” “Good question. The main goal is to create fear. The direct casualties associated with the outbreak would be minor compared to the financial and economic damage. The ensuing fear-induced panic could cripple a country. Imagine the scenario of a contagious epidemic. Most people would be too afraid to go to work, so our basic
infrastructure would be paralyzed. Public order collapses. Basic services fail. The result—complete chaos— is what radical terrorists are aiming for.”

[Alesebrockmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent read that tackles the heavy subject matter of bioterrorism. Ruff is brilliant in her execution of a believable and terrifying plot that begins in war torn Syria and ends in the United States.

At the heart of the story are Kareem and Amin, two Muslim Americans who are cousins. Kareem is a bright young scientist with a promising career ahead of him. However, instead, he uses his skills for evil. Kareem tries to radicalize his unsuspecting and innocent cousin, Amin, a naive banker who lives in Charlotte. Ruff juxtaposes the cousins throughout the novel. Although both men read the Quran, Kareem chooses evil and violence while Amin is steadfast in his pursuit of a life of peace and love.

Ruff's book is a fictional story about a topic that we all fear. The story is intelligently written and moves at a fast pace. Through Ruff’s characters, we can see the age old struggle of good and evil and the tenacity of the human spirit in the face of challenge and unimaginable terror.

[Janice Spina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Wrong Once is a frightening thriller that hits home now that we are in the midst of a Pandemic with Covid-19! The characters are real and interesting while the storyline is gripping in detail and substance.

When FBI counterterrorism agent Quinn Traynor receives an urgent call from CDC agent, Madeline Hamilton, they both take on this case and do all they can to protect and defend their country and its citizens from harm. A bio-terror attack is responsible for taking the lives of people in different parts of the nation. Will they be able to find the terrorists responsible for this virus? How many people will be infected before they stop the spread? The author creates sub stories about her characters and how they are connected which makes for an intriguing inner story.

This is a thrilling book 1 of a 2-part series that kept me in suspense until the last page. I look forward to reading book 2.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC by the author and boy what a privilege. From the moment I read the first page I was captivated. I think what drew me in the most were the characters. Well written, complex characters are a difficult thing for writers to master, but Ms. Ruff manages to do so quite eloquently. Bioterrorism is something that chills me to the bone, and this author captures the intensity of such a plot with skill. I was impressed at the research that must have gone into writing a story this in depth.

The internal conflicts all the characters face bring this story to life. They each struggle with their role in this crazy cat and mouse hunt, and how it effects not only their life but the lives of those around them, compelling the reader to keep moving and turn the page.

Well played, Ms. Ruff. I recommend this story if you enjoy Tom Clancy like suspense.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

scary good

Likable characters and equally dislikable characters are all throughout the story. The introduction of the series is well developed with complex characters and deep storylines of the case and relationships. The team dynamic is fun and I look forward to seeing how Rick works out and how Rashid does going forward! The title is perfect and the case is creepy with realism. Holly is a horrid character and while horrible and vivid I was happy that they weren’t married at the end. The meetings and level of secrecy was intriguing and makes you wonder. Flew through the story and can’t wait to see what happens next for a new favorite couple as they work to save lives through the FBI and CDC.

[Nicole C. Ayers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only Wrong Once let me mine through lots of controversial issues—a troubled marriage, loneliness, intolerance, immigration, refugees, terrorism—with characters that are easy to find empathy for. And I got to explore the ideas of the “what-ifs,” and how every decision I make can have repercussions I’ll never even know about. I witnessed the high stakes stress of the unsung law enforcement heroes who silently keep us safe, as well as the lonely individuals who are excluded from society and groomed by terrorists to spread pain to the Western world. Only Wrong Once is a thrill ride with space to ruminate on deeper questions.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entirely too real

Never mind horror novels. Do you want a terrifying and very plausible story that will keep you glued to the plot from the first chapter?


Simple version: terrorist creates a bioweapon using human vectors to spread it, and unleashes it on both coasts of the U.S. The FBI and CDC are put to the test in the worst ways, and the plot just get more intense from there.

I am a fiend for character development and this author deliver a collection that makes me think she has a real talent others lack.

This is a real ripped-from-the-headlines plot, a little too real sometimes.

[Gene Ballantyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

But right this time

I am always ready for a good medical thriller and especially one where a mysterious illness threatens widespread mayhem. Building tension and then maintaining it is a subtle art that this author handles very well. You also have to know a lot about the subject matter to maintain credibility and again the author has done her homework. I enjoyed the story, believed the characters and was sorry to see it end. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Allison Maruska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping!

Only Wrong Once is a "what if" story. What if a scientist engineered a deadly virus? What if he brought it to America? Ruff expertly tells the story from multiple points of view, including an FBI agent, his wife, and the bioterrorist himself, but the perspective I enjoyed most was Amin's, the bioterrorist's cousin. He provided an insight into Muslim life we don't often see in creative works.

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frighteningly realistic and encouraging read. Like the author’s style and rhythm. Well explained and better than most I’ve read in this genre. Recommended for those who like terror, Halloween 🎃, and not sleeping fo awhile after a good read. 😲

Lots of info on Islam. Than necessary — we’ve heard it all before and, personally, I’m getting very tired of the current need for authors to indoctrinate America using that tool for this theme.

[Nancy Stover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Ruff never fails to write medical thrillers, that pull you in from page one and never let go.
Only Wrong Once -CDC agent Madeline Hamilton calls FBI counter terrorism agent Quinn Traynor after a Syrian terrorist attack.
The story is told from multiple view points - Quinn, Madeline, as the bioterrorist.
With the covid-19 pandemic going on, it really hits home and makes you wonder if it could happen in the US.

[Diane E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second time I've read this book

Great story about bioterroism ! Just as good as the first time I read it . Great detail about the same underlying beginning of the threat . Lots of detail about the characters . We must be grateful for those who watch for and fight to protect us.
Don't know what happened that the Corona virus got here though . Someone really appears corrupt.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ticks all the boxes for a thriller

Totally absorbing as we’re drawn into a world threatened by bioterrorism. The work that all agencies must put in that are tasked with averting these threats was fascinating, gripping, and informative. At the same time I appreciated how the author provided insights as to how the the terrorists could become radicalized and totally believe that the purpose of their missions was to carry out Allah’s commands. Well done.

[WannaBuy SomeYarn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really surprised by all the praise. There was one particular story line that didn't belong with the other themes of the book, and it kind of ruined it for me. How the heck would holli and her friends not infect dozens of others unknowingly? Why the random over sexualized affair and porn industry references? It just didn't fit with any of the other characters, and made me think less of Quinn for being with her in the first place.

[Dicentra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dry

I usually love this style of book but found this one to be very dry and almost boring. I ended up skimming quite a bit and even skipping chunks of it from time to time. It's almost fully half of the book before we ever see Madeline, and Traynor's bratty wife is an unnecessary plot device that doesn't even make sense. Not sold on it so I don't know if I'll pick up book 2, maybe when I have nothing else I feel like reading....

[Blair H. Prigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC

What a compelling story. This well-written book could actually happen in today's world. Unfortunately, it is not difficult to picture it happening in today's world. I would definitely classify this book as a thriller. The characters seemed so real. I found it almost impossible to stop reading. The author deserves five stars plus.