The idea that the world’s population was out of control and needed to be dealt with by intervention was something first postulated by Thomas Robert Malthus in 1798. In Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath by Lin Wilder, a madman has decided that Malthus was right and is determined to destroy most of the earth’s population, using an air-borne disease to create a pandemic. Dr Lindsey McCall and her ex-policeman husband, Rich, are called in by a collection of international law enforcement agencies to help find this madman and neutralise both him and his maniacal plan to destroy most of the earth’s population. Lindsey has just been reunited with the daughter she gave birth to eighteen years ago, but who had been adopted by her best friend at the time. LJ and her college room-mate, the autistic and gifted Morgan, join her “new” parents in this out and out thriller. Throw in some supernatural happenings and the adventure begins.

Lin Wilder’s thriller Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath is a solid, fast-paced thriller that will certainly keep you on the edge of your seats for the entire breakneck ride. I understand this is the fourth book in the Dr McCall thriller series, so fans will undoubtedly find their favourite characters here and enjoy them. There was also a supernatural, quasi-religious tinge to the story, which elevated it above your standard spy/special forces thriller. The action was full-on, although the scenes jumped sometimes disconcertingly at times, as did the perspectives. That having been said, it was a very easy read and one I had some difficulty putting down at times. For me, the best and most interesting character was the young autistic girl, Morgan. She had some unique talents and a fascinating character that could have been delved into even deeper. I hope Wilder plans to include this character in future Dr McCall thrillers as I feel there is much more yet to be unearthed and learnt from young Morgan. Joseph Cain, the assassin turned hero, was also a fascinating study in the two sides of evil and good, the overarching theme being that nobody is irredeemable. All in all, a good, solid and, at times, spectacular thriller.

LJ had just started college, a event which acted as a catalyst for her to meet her biological mother, Lindsey. LJ is an alcoholic, and so when Lindsey, and her husband, Rich, suggested LJ stayed with them, she was relieved. LJ didn't trust herself around college bars and drinking students. The invitation extended to LJ's friend, Morgan, a young woman diagnosed with ASD, amongst other things, and this single offer could have saved the world itself. Morgan has been cursed with nightmares about the suffering of people given a weaponised version of Mad Cow Disease. Morgan is not the only person moved into place by God's hand. Watch the plan unravel as time begins to run out in Lin Wilder's thrilling Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath.

Lin Wilder successfully writes a Christian fiction story without religion being all-consuming in the plot. There is an array of wonderful and unique characters to whom you can't help but be drawn. You'll follow the plot with keen interest as it starts at a steady pace, escalating as soon as the danger begins to materialise. Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath has a fascinating and intricate plot, and well developed characters with impressive back stories. Alongside the religious aspects, you'll discover some well-researched scientific information, brilliant settings, and fantastic tension building. Parts of the plot will have you perched on the edge of the seat, while others will make you smile. If you're looking for an engaging, well-constructed plot with vivid characters and subplots, written with a strong narrative that also draws on genuine historical events, then look no further. From beginning to end, this is an engaging story, sure to please almost any reader.

Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath by Lin Wilder is the fourth book in the Lindsey McCall Medical Mystery series. Lindsey and her husband, Rich, have gotten their lives back together after their last ordeal. They've even bonded with Lindsey's biological daughter, LJ, who has come to live with them while she attends school. When their past comes back to haunt them, Lindsey learns of a terrifying and deadly plan. Meanwhile, LJ's best friend, Morgan, has kept her gifts a secret, fearing no one would believe her. When her startling nightmares become too real, she reveals them to Lindsey and discovers that they could be the key to saving the world.

The characters are vivid and layered, scattered around the world, but each one connects back to Lindsey and Rich. LJ has recently come back into Lindsey's life after being adopted by loving parents. LJ had a rough past few years, but she's since moved forward with her life and has found two homes, one with her parents and one with Lindsey. Morgan is a charming and layered character, with a blunt and spunky nature, ASD, and terrifying nightmares that seem to hold the key to saving the future. LJ and Morgan have a sweet bond built on honesty and trust. Joe Cairns is a complicated character tied to Lindsey and her husband, who undergoes an interesting journey. As a child he met King David who returns to his life through an unexpected place, giving him a revelation that sends him on another path. Cairns was a marine and he has a particular skill set that comes into play often, but his personal inner journey balances out Morgan's own. Morgan has kept her nightmares a secret for so long that when she finally reveals them, she seems relieved to be to able to trust someone, to believe in herself, and fully embrace this part of herself.

The scenes are thorough and detailed, with Lin Wilder weaving in medical research that acts as the backbone to the dangerous mystery. Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath is a thrilling mystery with high stakes, a dystopian tone and a seemingly mystical current running underneath the story.