Picture a globe-trotting storyteller who spins tales of bio-terror and high-stakes adventure in the world’s wildest corners—meet James Abel! Writing under the pseudonym of Bob Reiss, this American author and journalist has captivated readers with his thrilling Joe Rush series, blending scientific intrigue with pulse-pounding action. From the icy Arctic to the Amazon’s heart, Abel’s novels take you on a ride you won’t forget.
Born in 1951, Abel (aka Reiss) has a knack for turning his real-world experiences into fiction that feels eerily plausible. His journalistic travels to exotic locales like Somalia and the Arctic inform his vivid settings, making every page crackle with authenticity. If you’re craving a thriller that’s as smart as it is suspenseful, Abel’s your guy.
The Making of James Abel
Growing up in the United States, Bob Reiss—later known as James Abel—developed a curiosity for the world’s untamed edges. As a journalist, he ventured into danger zones and far-flung regions, from the Amazon rain forest to the Arctic’s frozen expanses. These experiences shaped his storytelling, giving his novels a gritty realism. Reiss’s decision to write under a pseudonym allowed him to craft a distinct thriller persona, and in 2015, James Abel burst onto the scene with his debut novel, White Plague.
Before fiction, Reiss penned nonfiction works like The Coming Storm, exploring climate change’s impact. His ability to weave real-world issues into gripping narratives became a hallmark of his fiction, setting the stage for his thrilling Joe Rush series.
James Abel’s Unforgettable Stories
Abel’s Joe Rush series is the heart of his bibliography, starring a Marine doctor and bio-terror expert racing against apocalyptic threats. The series kicks off with White Plague (2015), where Rush battles a deadly virus aboard a burning submarine in the Arctic. Readers praised its relentless pace, with author Steve Berry calling it “a stellar novel of action, adventure, and intrigue.”
The sequel, Protocol Zero (2015), sends Rush to Alaska to investigate a family of dead researchers, uncovering a plague that could end humanity. Cold Silence (2016) takes him to Africa, tackling a new epidemic, while Vector (2017) pits Rush against weaponized mosquitoes in the Amazon. Abel’s style blends meticulous research with cinematic action, making complex science accessible and thrilling. His exotic settings and bio-terror themes tap into primal fears, earning comparisons to Clive Cussler and John Sanford.
Each novel stands alone but builds Rush’s world, with his partner Eddie Nakamura adding depth. Abel’s knack for grounding far-fetched threats in real-world science keeps readers hooked, while his journalistic eye ensures every locale feels alive.
Why James Abel Matters
James Abel’s impact lies in his ability to make science thrilling without sacrificing substance. His Joe Rush series entertains while subtly highlighting real-world issues like pandemics and climate change, reflecting his nonfiction roots. Though not a household name, Abel has carved a niche in the thriller genre, appealing to fans of Michael Crichton and Dan Brown. His vivid settings and high-stakes plots have earned critical acclaim, with White Plague receiving a starred review from Booklist.
Abel’s work reminds us that the world’s wild places hold both beauty and danger. By blending his global adventures with fiction, he invites readers to explore the unknown, making his stories both escapist and thought-provoking.
- Born: 1951, USA
- Key Works: White Plague, Protocol Zero, Cold Silence, Vector
- Genre: Thriller, Bio-terror
- Pseudonym: Bob Reiss
Ready for a thrilling escape? Grab White Plague and dive into James Abel’s world of bio-terror and adventure!