Hell's Gate: A Thriller

Bill Schutt · J. Finch

Jun 2016 · HarperCollins

About this ebook

When a Japanese submarine is discovered abandoned deep in the Brazilian wilderness, a smart, adventurous, and tough zoologist must derail a catastrophic plot in Hell’s Gate.

1944. As war rages in Europe and the Pacific, Army Intel makes a shocking discovery: a 300-foot Japanese sub marooned and empty, deep in the Brazilian interior. A team of Army Rangers sent to investigate has already gone missing. Now, the military sends Captain R. J. MacCready, a quick-witted, brilliant scientific jack-of-all-trades to learn why the Japanese are there—and what they’re planning.

Parachuting deep into the heart of Central Brazil, one of the most remote regions on the planet, Mac is unexpectedly reunited with his hometown friend and fellow scientist Bob Thorne. A botanist presumed dead for years, Thorne lives peacefully with Yanni, an indigenous woman who possesses mysterious and invaluable skills. Their wisdom and expertise are nothing short of lifesaving for Mac as he sets out on a trail into the unknown.

Mac makes the arduous trek into an ancient, fog-shrouded valley hidden beneath a 2000-foot plateau, where he learns of a diabolical Axis plot to destroy the United States and its allies. But the enemy isn’t the only danger in this treacherous jungle paradise. Silently creeping from the forest, an even darker force is on the prowl, attacking at night and targeting both man and beast. Mac has to uncover the source of this emerging biological crisis and foil the enemy’s plans . . . but will he be in time to save humanity from itself?

Ratings and reviews

Immensely intriquing and well-written tale! Although I tend to steer away from WWII-era tales (as well as double-author offers), the narrative created by authors Schutt and Finch works perfectly under the circumstances of that time! The factual, reality-based (or even just plain real) aspects of the novel also work completely in favour of this gripping story and only enhance the excitement as the story unwinds. I did find myself though not entirely warming up to the character of 'Mac', however, that might have been owing in part to my own expectations of him rather than any missing descriptives. And no, I wasn't looking for 'Indiana Jones' but partially in my mind I did expect someone more along the lines of Doc Savage in terms of scientific exploration and such nonsense. Now, if you'll excuse me, I definitely want to read the 2nd book pronto!

Disjointed read, not worth the time or money.

You don't need me to tell you how wonderful this novel is. The resurch alone was magnificent. Great work!

About the author

Bill Schutt is a vertebrate zoologist and author. He is a research associate in residence at the American Museum of Natural History and a professor of biology at LIU-Post. Bill’s first book, Dark Banquet: Blood and the Curious Lives of Blood-Feeding Creatures, was critically acclaimed by E. O. Wilson and the New York Times. His next nonfiction work will explore the natural history of cannibalism. Bill lives with his wife and son in Long Island. J. R. Finch is a painter, history buff, and cave explorer. He lives in New York City with three cats.