Whiteout: a novel by Ken Follett

One of Follett's best, January 19, 2005*****


I have read all of Follett's novels and enjoyed most of them. Whiteout is one of his best. I will not summarize the plot as it is captured well elsewhere here. Follett deftly weaves a tale of attempted bioterrorism, set in Scotland in winter at Xmastime. The action takes place in a biotechnology lab and in the family estate of the scientist/owner, Stanley Oxenford. A gang of thieves have commandeered the services of Stanley's son, Kit, who owes a lot of gambling debts to the local mobster. Arrayed against them is Toni Gallo, head of security at the lab and ex-police. Follett paints a revealing portrait of sibling rivalry and family interpersonal dynamics in the extended Oldenford clan. As the plot unfolds, the family and the villains end up snowbound with a deadly virus at the family estate. Various members of the family, including 16-year-old Craig,engage in various initiatives to thwart the thieves. But eventually Toni, who has fallen in love with Stanley,foils their attempt to sell the virus to their terrorist buyer.
Follett's writing style grips you by the throat and carries you along turning the pages and burning the midnight oil until you reach the end and close the book with a sigh of satisfaction.

With sixteen novels to his credit, Follett remains one of the best thriller writers around.