Could this have actually happened? That’s the question you will be left to ponder as you read Bad to the Bone, a science fiction novel with historical references about the unexpected arrival of a new species of shark that developed due to human medical waste seeping down through the Florida aquifer and coming out in offshore submarine springs. As such, this new breed of shark uniquely craves human blood and bone marrow due to DNA changes from ingesting medical byproducts over decades. When full-grown a member of this new species is the largest individual predator on earth. The story centers around the Kings Bay Nuclear Submarine Base in St. Marys, Georgia. Under the backdrop of the construction of the base that took place in the late 1970s, sudden brutal shark attacks began occurring. The attacks were so brutal, that the victim’s bodies if located, were stripped of all flesh and blood products down to the pulverizing of the victim’s bones to get to the marrow. Meanwhile, many black, tannin-stained teeth are found washing up on nearby beaches.
The Navy decides to remove a limestone mound found during a dredging operation and inadvertently releases a school of young predators from their birthplace in the submarine springs into Kings Bay where they escape into the coastal waters and start to raise havoc with local fishermen and beachgoers. Later the Navy uses one of the most famous spy ships in the world, the Glomar Explorer, to lift the 100-ton mound and the mystery underneath. Everything is labeled secret by the Navy, so news of the new species is hushed as the Navy tries to avoid a public relations nightmare.
Who knows? Maybe they did cover it all up…
Theresa Janson –
Don Higgins –
I really enjoyed this book. A very realistic sci-fi novel.
Every bit was believable and made us think.
Unique historical references slipped in, while holding me on on the edge throughout.
I was lucky to meet John and learned about his book. A rare opportunity to see an Army vet who knew the navel lingo and traditions.