13 Days: The Pythagoras Conspiracy
A rogue force controlling the planet’s oil supply would hold a knife to its throat. The planet’s refineries, where oil becomes gasoline, may be an easier grab.
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Lynn Dayton, 37, self-made refining executive, manages six vast complexes that transform oil into gasoline. Robert Guillard, 33, a suave Parisian intellectual believes, as did the cult around Pythagoras, that his genius confers moral authority. He directs the sabotage of US refineries, one by one. But his financing from an Asian refining cartel terminates in thirteen days unless he produces massive shutdowns.
Robert schemes to coerce Lynn into collaborating as he pursues his outwardly humanitarian goal of building refineries in Third World countries. If she refuses, he will hold hostage her sister, Ceil Dayton, 30, whom he has lured to Paris. Ceil, in turn, hides a brutal secret.
An industrial accident at Lynn’s troubled Houston refinery arouses her suspicions. Government officials conclude routine negligence caused the accident, but her own investigation leads Lynn to suspect sabotage.
Threats to Lynn’s life intensify. Desperate for the safety of her co- workers, whom she considers in greater danger, she works cease- lessly to find the real cause of the “accident” and the saboteur. Although her company security force notifies the FBI of her suspicions, the bureau considers her facts inadequate to justify adding resources.
Within a few days, explosions and fires at nearby refineries claim victims. The resulting fuel shortage affects the lives of everyone in North America.
Then Lynn is kidnapped. She fights for her life on a catwalk above a storage tank of hot, sulfurous oil and escapes.
Deciphering the full extent of Robert’s scheme, she flies to Paris. But will she be in time to derail Robert’s plans and save her sister?
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Reading & Discussion Questions for
13 Days: The Pythagoras Conspiracy by L. A. Starks
Share with your book club: 13 Days Reading & Discussion Questions (PDF)
What could spike gasoline prices up again?
Energy executive Lynn Dayton thinks her challenge is fixing the troubled refinery her company has just acquired on the Houston Ship Channel. But soon she must save it, and other oil refineries, from the industrial havoc and deaths directed by a French saboteur, simultaneously fighting off threats to her own life.
As Lynn deals with chemical leaks, disloyal employees, a new season of hurricanes, and mounting casualties, Robert Guillard, a corrupted idealist, plans to manipulate her through her vulnerable sister.
But Robert underestimates his prey.
Discussion Questions
- What is your view of Lynn Dayton? What motivates her to dig deeper into the apparent “accident”?
- How did and does Lynn’s father influence her? Though her mother is no longer alive, what influences of her mother do you see in Lynn?
- Is the conflict between Lynn’s inner voice and what she says aloud realistic? In what situations do you think there is even more conflict between what we think and what we say?
- In what ways is the character of Lynn Dayton shaped by circumstances today, so that in twenty years she might be unrecognizable. In what ways is she a timeless character?
- What’s your view of the personal and family elements of Lynn’s life? Do they slow down the pace? Are they realistic? Are they too simplified: family obligations are even more demanding than portrayed here?
- Aside from Lynn’s knowledge and experience, what else in her background helps her succeed in her investigation and in saving her sister?
- What role does Preston Li play in the book? Dwayne Thomas? Reese Spencer?
- What’s your reaction to the character of Jean-Marie Taylor? Why?
- Have you ever encountered someone like Robert Guillard? In what circumstances? Do you agree with his idealism, even a little?
- The scenes with the Robert Guillard take us beyond the Texas setting. What comes to mind when you think about Paris?
- What was your reaction to Ceil’s revelation about her experience in Gabon?
- How does Starks manipulate pacing? What are the most suspenseful moments?
- What parts of the oil industry/business scenes resonate most strongly with you? Why?
- What surprised you most in 13 DAYS?
- As the plot proceeds, is it possible to guess or deduce who the Centennial mercenaries (inside killers) are? If so, at what point and on what grounds?
- Secrets and their revelation form the center of many books. What secrets are revealed here?
- What did you find to be most compelling about 13 DAYS: the action scenes, the characters, the setting, or something else entirely?
- What do you see as the message or theme of this book?
Awards & Praise
Editorial Reviews
4 stars. “Wow…it took me a while to really get sucked into the novel, but once I was hooked and found myself in a comfy couch, I was flipping the pages as fast as possible. I loved the whole plot because I found it to be very unique. The characters were very realistic and I loved how the story is told from both the protagonist and villain’s point of view.”
5 Stars. “I found the book not only entertaining but educational. L. A. Starks made sure the reader understood all the oil refinery terminology… I enjoyed the entire story and liked the tenacity of the main character Lynn! I look forward to reading more books in the future by L. A. Starks.”
“For those who like tough can-do heroines, pull up a chair: you’ll like Lynn Dayton… If you like a fast-paced thriller with lots of technical information and a whole skein of loose threads that have to be knotted up, you’ll enjoy this.”
“Four stars…an explosive debut novel… that keeps you up reading way past your bed time… the plot, characters, and settings are all well thought out and delivered with expertise.”
4 Stars. “This thriller is fascinating. It includes loads of technical details about the refining industry, engineering, chemistry, and so forth, as well as a host of characters. The protagonist is interesting and human and female (Yea!). The plot spans two or three continents. It’s a fantastic first novel from L. A. Starks, for sure. I read it in a day (we were having an inclement weather day here) and quite enjoyed it. I look forward to reading the next related novel.”
“A gripping yarn of industrial espionage that keeps the reader guessing until the very end… Oil industry readers will relate to some of the red-necked attitudes of the refinery staff and will appreciate the dedication of Lynn Dayton who leads by example and could be anybody’s favorite boss… This is an excellent first novel.”
“After reading the first 10 pages, I could not stop… very well written book and could be a case study.”
“Starks tells the perfect conspiracy story in this richly, delightful tale of suspense and chills.”
“Four Stars. A reverse femjep.”
“This book is worthy of a careful read, and yet it provides entertainment and food for thought… Rating: 4 Hearts”
Rating: Preferred over most other fiction. “13 Days: The Pythagoras Conspiracy (Lynn Dayton Thriller #1), moves along at a brisk pace … it is refreshing that Starks selected a group other than the stereotypical Middle Eastern extremists or the US Government to be the puppet master pulling the strings behind the conspiracy.”
“This is an enjoyable and interesting thriller that showcases too well the current and ongoing vulnerability regarding U. S. oil production and processing… Oil production and processing is a highly complex subject and the author draws upon her long career in the industry to write what she knows… The premise works, as do the character situations… the author conveys real world concerns while delivering a good story worth reading.”
Rating: Excellent “Author L A. Starks delivers an unstoppable thriller that put this reviewer in mind of bestselling novels of this genre over the last several decades, with the welcome addition of depth… When the reader turns the final page of 13 DAYS: THE PYTHAGORAS CONSPIRACY, it will be with an understanding and education gleaned smoothly and without strain or difficulty. This is truly a book which will linger in the reader’s mind long after the final ending, as we wonder: “What if?” … 13 DAYS: THE PYTHAGORAS CONSPIRACY is a thriller whose potentials are altogether too probable to ignore.
“The characters are well developed, the plot twists are interesting, dialogue sharp and well crafted… I want to read more Lynn Dayton stories… If you are into thrillers, you will like 13 DAYS: THE PYTHAGORAS CONSPIRACY.”
Customer Reviews
5 Stars “Everyone who knows me, knows that Ayn Rand’s character Dabny Taggert in the novel Alas Shrugged are my favorite author, character, and book of all time. No contest there. But I have to admit that L.A. Starks character Lynn Dayton in 13 Days, The Pythagoras Conspiracy ranks up there as a close second. Lynn Dayton is an oil company executive trying to bring a lagging new refinery acquisition up to competitive operating condition. While Dabny had to overcome ignorance and corporate incompetence, Lynn Dayton must also overcome corporate sabotage and …. well, some other trials in her quest. What could go wrong? Lynn Dayton, a modern-day heroin, 13 Days, an exquisitely enjoyable conspiracy. Not my first Starks novel and it won’t be my last. As a screenwriter, I can already imagine the visuals. Well done, L.A.”
4 Stars 13 Days: The Pythagoras Conspiracy by L.A. Starks is a well-written thriller that focuses on the refinery business. This novel goes beyond the usual thriller in that the reader actually learns a lot about this industry . . . This is definitely not a fluff thriller. It is more technical than most, but, for me, that was nicely interwoven into the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and learned a lot. It is a fast paced, educational thriller. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.”
5 Stars BREAKNECK SPEED & DEADLY “The pace of the book is breakneck. The characters tough. The job deadly and getting even more deadly for Lynn who is sticking her nose into a murder mystery and someplace it doesn’t belong!”
4 Stars. “A thoroughly enjoyable read and whilst reading, I found out info about the oil industry. . . This is book #1 in the Lynn Dayton series and I will definitely be looking at reading book #2.”
5 Stars. “I pulled the book out this week and haven’t been able to put it down. The story is well written with personal crisis, drama, suspense, and just a touch of a romantic struggle. The characters are well developed. I am anxiously awaiting a sequel by L.A. Starks.”
5 Stars. “Loved it! Technical oil and gas thriller about a petroleum engineer, now executive Lynn Dalton investigating problems at a recently purchased refinery. Yes, murder and root cause analysis together. The story has great characters and the story elements have very detailed and vivid descriptions. The novel is #1 in a series of energy thrillers. I will definitely keep Starks on my to read list.”
5 Stars. “I found the book not only entertaining but educational. L.A. Starks made sure the reader understood all the oil refinery terminology… I enjoyed the entire story and liked the tenacity of the main character Lynn! I look forward to reading more books in the future by L. A. Starks.”
4 Stars. “A series of nifty plot twists and turns confront Ms. Dalton, and we root for her as she struggles to save her company and her family from the oily evil around her. One thing I like in my adventure/thriller stories is detail and a chance to learn more about a subject without having to crack open yet another text book. 13 days lays out detail after detail concerning the oil business that I found very illuminating, making this a very good Goodreads win.”
5 Stars.” A riveting thriller with an oil refinery setting… The conspiracy is as thick and opaque as crude oil and L.A. Starks slips the reader through it on skillfully oiled clues and dialogue.”
“13 DAYS is a cross between Vince Flynn and Patricia Cornwell.”
“This was a very fast-paced book! I couldn’t put it down! It is a superb blend of the oil business, current events, and international intrigue. I felt like I was experiencing a front-page news story.”
“13 DAYS: THE PYTHAGORAS CONSPIRACY is a well-done industrial espionage and terrorism thriller about the global oil industry that along the way provides a fascinating look into the technology, politics, and vulnerabilities of this all-important sector of the world economy.”
“In 13 DAYS: THE PYTHAGORAS CONSPIRACY we enjoy great fiction while at the same time imagine that the story reveals a few of the many risks inherent in the world of oil refineries or comparable industries. Terrorist risk and Natural Hazard risk must be assessed and mitigated in real life. Well documented thrillers can provide an excellent way to inform the public as well as stakeholders of entities which can suffer great damage when these risks materialize.”
“These days, you can’t turn on the television or radio without hearing dramatic news about the rise in gas and oil prices. Writer L.A. Starks says, “There’s high emotion. It affects everything from the price you pay at the pump, the cost of groceries and getting on a plane.”
“Very realistic. Thankfully, most weeks aren’t as intense as these are.”
“Thanks for writing such a suspenseful book.”
“13 Days is a suspense thriller with an engineering twist. With the oil refining industry as a backdrop, Starks weaves a story with lots of turns and subplots to keep you guessing. It’s a great read!”
“A great thriller, in the tradition of John Grisham and Dick Francis. Full of interesting insights into the energy business, 13 Days features a tightly woven plot and vivid characters.”
“13 Days weaves a gripping suspense plot around the very real, and complex operations of oil refining. The attention to detail and factual content is extraordinary, while creating a spellbinding story that we hope could not be real.”
“Starks grabs the reader from page one with this well-researched page-turner.”
“Starks’ first novel seems to be coming closer to reality and current events than any of us would like to realize.”
“This is a great read, fast-paced, good plot twists, entertaining. When I read, even fiction, I like to learn about something. Starks pulled me into the world of the refinery business, its risks, its jargon, painted with character’s New Orleans drawls and slithering French accents. I hope to see more from her.”
5 Stars. “I very much enjoyed reading this book. I learned a lot about oil and petroleum- about quality issues and the refining process… The author jumps right into the story and takes us along an elaborate plot for a big reveal in the end. It was straightforward and enjoyable.”
4 Stars, “13 Days: The Pythagoras Conspiracy by L.A. Starks is a well-written thriller that focuses on the refinery business. This novel goes beyond the usual thriller in that the reader actually learns a lot about this industry. The novel takes place in Houston, Dallas and Paris. Starks’ knowledge of the industry helped to shape this novel into a thriller unlike most.”
4 Stars “It’s a fantastic first novel from L. A. Starks, for sure. I read it in a day.”
4.5 Stars “I was literally GLUED to this book! Not only did it keep me wanting to turn the pages, but it also offered such a fresh take on a mystery/suspense novel! I can honestly say that this is probably one of the best mystery books that I have ever read. I think there was only one spelling/grammar error in the entire book, and the writing was informative but still reader-friendly. I really enjoyed the way the author spun the plot so that you felt like you were there, right next to the characters as the story unfolded, which is a wonderful quality in a book! It literally kept you guessing until the very end and it had the perfect amount if suspense and hinted at things perfectly as well, without giving too much away. A simply fantastic read…L.A. Sparks has extreme talent and I look forward to reading other work she has written! I highly recommend you check her out!”
4 Stars “This was a great read. It was jam-packed with action while the plot and background was unique, engaging and detailed – everything I need from a good thriller. I can very easily see this being converted to a screenplay. I am looking forward to next novel!”
5 Stars “Really good thriller”
5 Stars “A well-paced, creepy book.”