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We Are All Flawed

Author Interview
Pablo Zaragoza & Susan Griffin Author Interview

An Infectious Game follows a pseudohermaphrodite microbiologist who uses her extensive intelligence to commit murder. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Z came to mind during a troubling period in my life when the world was collapsing around me. I needed to find an outlet for my anger, and I came upon Zoe, a troubled human being misdiagnosed at birth, bullied, brought up by two uncaring parents. She becomes part of a child molester’s twisted fantasy, and she doesn’t want to be a victim. 

How did the idea for the character’s motives come to fruition for you?

Zoe’s curiosity leads her to a stash under her molester’s house where she finds the tools she needs to further her education. Not to be bullied, not to feel less than what she is, yet always striving for excellence. That has been my life goal, too, and my desire to achieve it keeps me moving forward.

What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?

We are unfinished. We are all flawed. That makes us interesting. I look at characters as individuals trying to become whole but facing impossible achievement. The journey of striving to become whole fascinates me.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

An Infectious Game is one of nineteen novels I have written across several categories: crime/detective, supernatural, horror, comedy/romance, faith-based, and historical fiction. All of these novels deal with flawed individuals searching for redemption, looking for the chance to be whole. I just finished a children’s fantasy called The Legends of Lake Nebagamon, and I am now writing a historical novel about James the Just, brother of Jesus. I expect it will be completed and published sometime in July 2023. Our website: pablozaragozabooks.com

Author Links: Website | Facebook | GoodReads | BookBub

When a neighbor man molests young Zoe, a pseudohermaphrodite and ugly duckling, she gains the means to build her first laboratory to explore microbes, eventually eliminating the predator and realizing her passion for using her tiny “friends” to murder those that persecute, harm, and threaten her.On a trip to Paris, she meets a man connected to the global underworld, and they create a company that provides terrorists the tools to eliminate their enemies. As a urologist affiliated with a prestigious New York hospital, Zoe privately continues to use her micro-friends to exact justice.Heartbroken by her infertility, Zoe finds her world unravel when her husband’s affair produces a child. When Zoe murders her husband’s lover, her one careless misstep launches an investigation that spans Key West, New York, Panama, and the Grand Caymans. To stop her from unleashing her deadly microbes, the NYPD, FBI, and other agencies locate her lab and attempt to ensure that New York residents do not become the next victims in this woman’s deadly game.

An Infectious Game

Z, also known as Zoe, is an enigmatic genius who has transitioned from a tortured soul to a distinguished scientist and medical doctor, unveiling her profound inclination towards the realm of microbiology from an early age. Harnessing her extraordinary gift, she delves into the realm of manipulating and crafting a myriad of lethal bacteria. Intriguingly, upon realizing her own biological complexities as a pseudohermaphrodite, she intriguingly perceives her utilization of these deadly microorganisms as a form of artistic expression, positioning herself as the orchestrator of swift retribution against those she deems deserving.

Teaming up with the brilliant Emil Solas, Z successfully scales up her creation of microorganisms, unleashing repercussions of global significance. As her fortunes grow, she finds solace in the embrace of her newfound family. However, this idyllic existence is abruptly shattered as a single misstep threatens to unravel her meticulously constructed empire. As the authorities begin to unearth the truth behind her true identity and the chilling reality of her creations, Z must navigate the treacherous waters of protecting her loved ones while relentlessly striving to create what she envisions as her magnum opus.

An Infectious Game, crafted by the talented duo of Pablo Omar Zaragoza and co-author Susan Giffin, is an exhilarating literary endeavor that ventures far beyond the realm of the ordinary. This gripping narrative unfolds through a riveting collection of case files, accompanied by captivating video recordings, all woven together with multiple perspectives, granting the reader an immersive experience reminiscent of a captivating crime novel. Indeed, one becomes intimately acquainted with the intricacies of the killer’s mind, the machinations of her accomplices, and the relentless pursuit of justice by the astute detectives, forging a web of diverse characters with genuine relationships and layered narratives.

While the authors admirably integrate an abundance of medical language into the fabric of the story, allowing readers to comprehend the intricate scientific aspects, it must be noted that this meticulous attention to detail may prove overwhelming to some. Nevertheless, Zaragoza and Giffin adeptly strike a balance, ensuring that the technical terminology remains accessible to a broader audience. The authors exhibit an unwavering commitment to delivering a richly immersive experience by meticulously crafting a tapestry of minutiae. From the precise specifications of a character’s breakfast order to the utilization of medical jargon, the authors leave no stone unturned. It is important to note that An Infectious Game delves into highly sensitive subject matter, such as sexual abuse of a minor, rape, body horror, and instances of animal torture and death. Readers must exercise caution and be prepared for the unsettling nature of these themes. While the premise and methodologies employed by the central antagonist, as well as the captivating supporting characters, prove undeniably intriguing, certain scenes prioritize shock value over substantive content, detracting from the overall experience.

An Infectious Game is a thought-provoking journey into the mind of a complex and formidable protagonist, leaving an indelible mark on those brave enough to delve into its pages. This thriller novel keeps readers hooked from the opening pages through till the end.

Pages: 482 | ASIN : B07Z457YSM

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