Title: The Wuhan RBG Virus
Author: Philip Emma
Publisher: Quantum Discovery
ISBN: 978-1-957378-79-4
Pages: 271
Genre: Adult Fiction
Reviewed by: Michaela Gordoni

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The Wuhan RBG Virus by Philip Emma is a mix of sci-fi fantasy with amusing perspectives. It is a fictional twist on COVID-19, and commentary on recent American government practices, events, and elections. Mick Maux (pronounced like “mouse”) is a retired scientist turned private detective. His unusual personality (he is friends with Santa Claus) and odd sense of humor are often lost on the people he interacts with.

However, his wife and detective partner, Carol, understands him perfectly. When an outbreak of a bat-borne virus emerging from Wuhan, China, starts turning people into vampires, the president and his chief medical advisor, Dr. Grouchi, reach out to consult him. But it turns out Dr. Grouchi is a vampire himself and infects Mick. Mick starts making discoveries and has been having strange dreams where he can fly, but only when there is a full moon. He discovers that the dreams he thought he was having were not dreams at all, and vampires and their victims can really fly at night every time there is a full moon. Aside from Dr. Grouchi, he becomes the leading expert that understands what is really going on with the virus, and its various effects. He diligently gets to work at finding a cure for the potentially deadly Wuhan RBG virus.

This is a very unusual book which reads very slowly. The chapters seem to alternate between opinions of the American government, events, and politicians, and then back to the vampire-related content. Despite the fact that Mick and Carol are detectives, this is not a mystery book. Most of the characters’ names are created to amuse: President Trompe, Slow Hidin’, Mick Maux, etc. Philip Emma’s strong point is his ability to weave the application of scientific and historical facts into the story. I think this novel will appeal to those who are interested in the unique combination of recent American government events and practices, diverse fantasy fiction, and unusual protagonists. Readers that are looking for a fresh spin on the COVID-19 pandemic in the adult fiction genre might also enjoy this book.

Instead of a virus that makes people sick, the Wuhan RBG virus makes them crave blood. A fictional narrative, The Wuhan RBG Virus by Philip Emma is an interesting and fantastical take on the recent world and American events.