Catalyst is an Indiereader approved book
About Catalyst
During an international environmental conference in Los Angeles, forty-three people die horribly and mysteriously on a local freeway by what initially appears to be a poison gas attack. Suspecting environmental terrorists or political extremists, government agencies remain baffled until a visiting scientist, Jake Prescott, becomes involved.
With the help of friends and colleagues, Jake attempts to unravel the puzzle, only to be frustrated, blocked and hunted down by government agents and others who would prefer to have the event remain closed.
Jake discovers that an old friend and mentor is involved with what turns out to be an experiment gone terribly wrong. Funded jointly by private and government funds, his friend’s research project had developed a fuel additive that could be the answer to some major environmental questions. Because such a discovery could represent a fortune to those holding the right cards, powerful forces move to minimize some unexpected side effects.
When a second event kills another twenty-one people, fear of exposure triggers further government cover-ups. Working with the F.B.I. and Interpol, Jake is still trying to determine who all the players are when other contenders enter the game, those who stand to lose billions of dollars of petroleum revenue and will do anything to prevent the success of the project.
As some of the participants on both sides are brutally eliminated, Jake has to move fast, following a trail of danger, intrigue and love from California to Europe and a secluded laboratory in Bavaria.
Reviews
“Ian Kent’s CATALYST – part mystery, part crime – is a fast-paced, action-packed story with focused storytelling that will enthrall thriller fans and general readers alike.” 4.5/5
~ Swati Nair for IndieReader
“I have just finished reading the book Catalyst by Ian Kent. Wow! I found it very good reading. The characters are complex and interesting, AND believable. The pace pulls the reader along…Very compelling reading. Very good book. Congratulations to the author!”
~Irene S. Amazon reviewer
Amazon US reviews:
Janice G: A super read with more to come
Wow! Adventure, mystery, romance and an overview of current environmental issues. I loved this book and the main character Jake Prescott. An exciting story that made it difficult to put down. Another great read for our book club. Good news! Received confirmation yesterday that the second book to the Jake Prescott trilogy is being released before Christmas. Dear Santa . . . guess what I would like in my stocking.
Renzo C.: Page turner with an environmental theme
Great story – kept me guessing all the way through! The themes are extremely relevant in our times of environmental distress. The author clearly knows the science but made it understandable to those who don’t, and his knowledge of locales made me feel as if I was actually there. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jennifer C. An “Indiana Jones” fast moving thriller!
I loved this book as I am a sucker for this type of fast-moving genre, with a hero that is brilliant and yet very human at the same time. It was one of those books that I couldn’t wait to get to at the end of my day, and which I devoured in about four sittings. Rumour has it that there is a sequel and will be watching for this eagerly.
Goodreads Reviews
Colleen K. This book kept pulling me along like a fast moving river. I empathized with the characters and was transported to the different locales. I found it topical, interesting and entertaining. I’m really looking forward to another story featuring Jake Prescott, the protagonist. He’s a well balanced character that is intriguing enough to want to know more about. I’ll be eagerly awaiting for the next book by Ian Kent.
Irene S. I have just finished reading the book Catalyst by Ian Kent. Wow! I found it very good reading. The characters are complex and interesting, AND believable. The pace pulls the reader along. From the obvious travel experience of the author, especially the sections set in Germany, the details make the story real. I would like to believe that there is not such danger and such greed and deceit out there in our world, but I know that is not true. Very compelling reading. Very good book. Congratulations to the author!
Lisa P. Catalyst was an amazing book, couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed Ian’s first book, but thrillers are my favourite, so this was an added treat. Can’t wait for the second Jake Prescott book.
