"The Anatomy of Russian Defense Conversion" touches on many more subjects then just Russian Defense Industry. This is a very thorough, informative and important work that analyses the history of US and Russian Defense Industries, weapons exports and conversion, and possibilities of transformation from a militarized to a civilian economy in the new millenium.

The book also reflects on the current state of defense industries in the US and Russia, and "brain drain", or loss of intellectual capital in Russia and other countries after the Cold War.

I found reflections in Arkady Yarovsky's chapter "From the Culture of War to the Culture of Peace" very contemporary, especially in the light of recent events in the Middle East:

"Our time is unfortunately still characterized as "the culture of war." The culture of war is evident first and foremost in the hostilities between people and states, between nations and faiths, and in the inability to solve conflicts by peaceful means... Humanity has made it into the third millenium because the lust for power has been restrained by fear of nuclear war, but this restraint is not to be counted on permanently... The danger hidden in the separateness of people of different countries, unfortunately, remains a legacy for the next century... If humanity renounces the legacy of the culture of war, it can start down the road of cooperation, peaceful creation, and enlightenment. This is the only road leading to the culture of peace."

This book tells of the enormous cost to the Russian people of building and maintaining their war industry for so many years, a militarized economy where people got second best. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union, defense industry just about shut down, but civilian industry has not grown great enough to support the population. There are horrendous unemployment, and terrible health and social problems. There is some danger that the path of least resistance for Russia, if we neglect the situation, could be to re-start weapons production, for export at first.

In my opinion, the United States also, to a lesser degree, has neglected the manufacture of quality consumer goods, importing them instead, and has let its physical economy deteriorate, despite much activity in the financial sector. We, too, have been insufficiently careful of the environment. This book provides some idea of what these trends could lead to, if carried to extremes.

Perhaps the involvement of United States companies in Russia, could lead to more of a recognition here, of the importance of the physical economy. Hopefully, both countries could also work to put industry on a healthy environmental footing as well.

There is awareness of the problem of Russian defense conversion, at high levels of our government. I hope this book helps educate people and sustain that interest.

I found the writing style very easy to read and understand. The photographs were very good and very unusual. And the layout of the book was very pleasing to look at and invited the reader inside.

This is a terrific book for kids. I have had it out on my coffee table and children always pick it up and read it.

Thanks for a job well done.

If you enjoy Cornwell-esque murders and Robin Cook-like stories this book is for you. I look forward to the other books by this author.

The plot was gripping! The murder scenes and descriptions were so vivid and horrendous, I could barely keep reading (makes you want to cover your eyes like at a horror movie). The intensity kept building as the pages flew by. The author uses his medical knowledge well in building a believable murder mystery. Count me in as a new James Tucker fan. His entry into the genre of medical thrillers should be noted!

This book is fast paced and smart, leaving the reader thinking they've solved the mystery time and time again, only to uncover some clue that twists your entire theory around. But what's most surprising is the ending, which I can guarantee, you will never see coming. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great mystery.

I was initially quite interested in the book, as the first few chapters happened quickly and the protagonist (Merlin, again) is a likeable guy.

The rest of the book, however, is just not too well written, and not too believeable. The plot devices are unimaginable, the dialog is choppy, and often times the author forgets to inform the reader of crucial details.

After all, a murder novel isnt a mystery if the author has not posed the "whodunnit" question with any talent; it's merely an obfuscated tale of events.

Skip this book, or pick it up second-hand and read it on a long plane flight. Its not particularly entertaining.

In his second Jack Merlin Mystery series, physician/author James Tucker has penned another hit!

From the first page until the last, Tucker pulls his readers into a tale of galloping corporate greed, professional treachery and murder most foul. Dr. Tucker knows his way around a hospital, a murder and he's well on his way to becoming quite a storyteller, too.

In HOCUS CORPUS, Jack Merlin has been promoted to chief resident at the prestigious Pittsburgh University Medical Center. He's still practicing magic and charming his patients. His relationship with Assistant District Attorney and fellow crime solver has progressed smoothly and things are going his way.

However, Jack's orderly life begins to unwind when he loses a young patient after a relatively simple procedure. The child's powerful father holds Jack responsible for her death and Jack must once again prove his innocence and find out who's behind the tragedy.

While trying to solve the child's death, Jack discovers a pattern in several unexpected and completely unnecessary patient deaths. Patients make it through surgery but die of massive infections just days later.

As they dig further into the mysterious deaths, Jack and Tory uncover a diabolical plot involving involves crooks of the worst kind, insurance companies and ruthless men who will stop at nothing to line their own pockets with the misery of others. How Tucker keeps all the story lines headed toward a plausible and ultimately satisfying ending is quite impressive.

I look forward to more Jack Merlin mysteries.

And, as mentioned by others, I don't think I'll be eating any Jell-O for a long, long time!

Enjoy!

This book took me just over a day to finish and like Abra Cadaver, I was kept guessing right to the very end. Tucker really knows how to put a suspense and mystery into words and this book a great read for everyone who loves a real thriller.

Dr. Merlin takes what seems to be four completely unrelated deaths and unravels a mystery that delves into the world of high priced insurance companies. Watching the novel unfold you read how Merlin puts his career and life in jeopardy to find out who is infecting these and other patients and the answers will really surprise you.

As with Abra Cadaver, this book has movie written all over it. I am beginning to become a real James Tucker fan and I cannot wait until I read his next novel. Again another excellent job!!!!!!

I wasn't prepared to like this book so much. I found myself drawn into the storyline and caring about the characters. I'm glad there's another book in the Jake Merlin series.

For my money, James Tucker has written a great debut novel. He really covers the medical thriller aspect and actually makes it interesting....the author also makes good use of Tory Welch, Assistant DA and Jake's love interest, to keep his readers interested in the legal side of the story.

Contrary to some reviewers, I thought Tucker developed his characters AND his story lines with skill and cunning...I look forward to more Jake Merlin stories.

Enjoy!

Tucker takes you on a journey of suspense and murder mixed with magic to keep you guessing right to the very end. I found that I was unable to figure out the "whodunit" until I was almost finished, which makes this book a most enjoyable reading.

Unlike other suspense-murder-mystery books this book as a twist, the main character is not only a doctor but a magician and with both of those skills blended together you get a surprising and entertaining novel.

The 375 plus page book was read in just over 3 days and for this reviewer I look forward the next novel from Tucker. For those in the movie industry this book needs a serious look as it has all the merits of a great made for television movie. Excellent job Jim - keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!