James E Aarons DVM

Death From Down Under James E Aarons DVM

Dr. Rory Evans is a country veterinarian. His client Jen is a world-class Chesapeake Bay retriever breeder. Jen is called upon to sell one of her puppies to Billy, a rugged, wealthy widower in Australia. Jen's dedication to her breed sends her to the wild Australian forests to complete the sale while she waits for her puppy to be released from quarantine. For a month, she will be separated a continent apart from her home and her husband. During this time, she is drawn into the novelty of the Australian world. Her love of animals, her loneliness, and her need for family will send her down a rabbit hole of choices, and the path she picks proves disastrous. Because of Jen's actions an Australian disease previously unknown in the United States begins to spread itself through the central coast of California. State and Federal officials are brought in to stop the growing epidemic. As Jen's animals and friends become sick, Dr. Rory must race to find answers as his client faces the consequences of her overseas visit. This veterinary medical thriller delves into love and loss amidst the horror of a deadly and elusive virus as it spreads from one continent to another. The story combines facets of human and veterinary medicine with notions of romance and loyalty amidst the rich tapestry of our interactions with our animal companions.