The amount of research that underlies this fast-paced novel is formidable. There are details that only an expert could know about such diverse subjects as: biology, weapons, aircraft, internal dynamics of organizations like broadcasting companies and government agencies.

It is an education just to read about viruses. Fifteen known varieties of Hemagglutinin and nine of Neuraminidase. A flu virus has a lipid bilayer surrounding a single-strand 8-gene RNA genome---not the more robust double-helix DNA. And antibodies that protect only against subtypes that have not undergone "antigenic shift". One of the scientists explains how to cleave a specific gene on the genetic map, involving 50:1 dilution of distilled water on a supernatant. Whew!

Schlossstein is obviously extremely knowledgeable about biotechnology, but his writing style is not at all pedantic. Paragraphs and chapters are short and pithy. Dialog is sometimes minimalist, helping carry the multiple story lines forward at a brisk pace.

Exotic and diverse venues add more spice to the intersecting threads of the story. The reader experiences total immersion into unfamiliar places and situations, but emerges with a sense of authentic "being there".

There are thought-provoking issues of defense, security, and international relations. The Jianxi Virus is up-to-the-minute timely, and an exciting novel of its genre.

The Jiangxi Virus: A Novel Of Bioterror by Steven Schlossstein is a gripping story about a deadly pathogenic threat whose origins are in China. The Center for Disease Control assigns their top detective, Dr. Ellen Chou, to the all-important task of saving America from a microscopic lethal threat. Beset by terrorist aims, insufferable bureaucracy, and an ever-decreasing supply of time, Dr. Ellen Chou has her work cut out for her in this fast-paced saga. Not for the faint of heart, The Jiangxi Virus is a gripping and highly recommended read from first page to last.

This is a frightening preview of a very real, potential terrorist threat. Reading this exciting book in April 2003 provided a juxtaposition of Jiangxi Virus fiction and SARS fact, especially with SARS emanating from China and initial puzzlement in how the SARS virus developed. The book is well-researched, with interesting scientific explanations, a la Clancy, further reinforcing the credibility of the book's foundation.

The writing was so obvious and atrocious that I found myself waiting for the next quotable moment....

"Roger drove while Art sat next to him, yellow legal pad open, making notes. A fine mist had started to fall. Harris clicked the wipers to "intermittent" so they would scrape the windshield at automatic intervals."

Wow! "Intermittent"! Great high-tech addition to the chip wars! Schlossstein's 'yellow peril' version of Japanese people and every day inaccuracy makes my head spin. I'm relieved it's out of print and that I only spent 25 cents for it.

It is too bad this book is out of print. I read it years ago, and it still makes an impression in my mind like a bell going ding-dong-ding. Back in 1983, the Japanese were giants, seemingly invulnerable, and threatening America daily. This book is how America still had one advantage, creativity, and how the Japanese countered by sending industrial spies to Silicon Valley. The scenes of infiltrating a SV company, then getting the chip back to America on a tramp steamer, are memorable. The scenes in Japan itself, showing the Japanese corporate hierarchy as still bound to samurai tradition, are even more so. Kensi means one's samurai teacher, the kind you greet with a mean sharp sword in your holster and bow to. For Americans who still don't understand the Japanese, this book filled a need. Too bad it's out of print.

A book with a keen perspective about an important time. Schlossstein provides unique insight into the human condition as it was played out between Japan and the U.S. Highly recommended.