Library Man
By Cary Bybee

     Terrorists have let loose a devastating biological weapon. Everyone infected will die a horrible death. As sinister as this act is, it is a cover-up for an even more diabolical plot perpetrated by the U.N.

      Vic Garcia studied microbiology before he was sent to Vietnam. Upon his return, he was greeted with jeers and scorn. The contempt, the wartime flashbacks, the thought of his mothers dying alone while he was overseas finally overwhelmed him. Vic dropped out of society, living on the streets inside the beltway of the US capitol.

      Always fascinated by viruses, Vic spends many hours in the various libraries in the Capital area reading about them. His photographic memory gives him total recall of everything he has ever read. Bethesda Medical Library becomes his favorite haunt, in no little part because of a friendly librarian named Beverly. Does he dare dream that she could ever love a man such as himself?

      At the library, Vic reads newspaper account of a mysterious disease. It has killed 250 people in Belize. New outbreaks are being reported in new countries every day until suddenly the news stops cold. There is no information about the illness to be found. Vic correctly surmises that there must be a media blackout.

      Using the Bethesda library's equipment, Vic obtains enough information to deduce what the disease is. It's a form of Ebola, the most deadly virus known to mankind. This strain has been genetically engineered to be airborne. Vic contacts the Center for Disease Control. Not surprisingly they don't believe him. In fact, they suspect him of releasing the virus on the world. This mistake will cost millions of lives.

       This timely book is very exciting and somewhat frightening. It is such a gripping story that the scientific jargon is only occasionally detrimental to its page-turning qualities. In subject matter, this book is quite a departure from his previous books. However, Mr. Bybee once again delivers an outstanding book. I always enjoy his books, and this is no exception. I can't wait to see what he will write next!