Review: A good, but not great, book.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 02 8, 2014
******  Potential Spoiler ********In comparison to some other books I have read recently, I have to say it was refreshing to read smart people acting smart. Now I have plenty to grouse about, in particular when smart people suddenly do something so incredibly stupid that the only explanation is the author had reached and impasse and to move the story in the direction she wanted she had to have them be idiots... but I digress.A few minor points: I do not believe the CDC sends out individuals, ever (they send teams) - and if they did it would not be a statistician with no medical and limited field experience. Prion diseases are certainly real, but I am really suspicious of this ones scope and speed (doesn't quite track, but its fiction and here I know I am nit-picking).To the good: the Vet comes across very nicely and the animals are portrayed quite realistically (the predators are attracted to humans not because they think to eat the humans but because they equate humans with feeding time and treats)The main point - Chapter 40 begins with our intrepid hero demanding access to the evil-doers lair, and when they are rebuffed (as they knew they would be as the hero had visited once before and been told in no uncertain terms to have a warrant next time) they threaten to call in backup (emphasis - THREATEN). The bluff works but they are required to surrender their telephones and recording devices (Which the dumb-arses DO!). They then have the audacity to be surprised when the 2D Corporate scumbag tosses them into a closet and uses them as guinea pigs for their experimental cure.I fear that cost the book a star.The only other major complaints was the obligatory "We humans are short-sighted prigs" speech given by our hero (I would have loved for they feisty Veterinarian to slap his fool face for that) and the forced physical/romantic relationship between our hero and heroine.I the end, it was a good book - 3 Solid Stars!Addendum - I have skimmed some other reviews and they pointed out errors I forgot to mention such as:The President does not have the authority to call out the National Guard. That is the purview of the state Governors.The Guard does not wear dress uniforms in the field.There is no such rank as a brigadier colonel.To defend the book from some other complaints I have to say the government's actions are reasonable and consistent, if harsh. Killing all the livestock and then all of the pets makes sense. I dont like it, but it IS logical.