Books: The Demon in the Freezer by Richard Preston

I enjoy books on medical history and infectious disease. (I have a shelf of them). Richard Preston is an engaging author and I own copies of The Hot Zone, The Cobra Event and Panic in Level 4. Somehow, I missed this one and only purchased it this year. The book covers the eradication of smallpox, the debate on destroying smallpox stocks or using them for research, the anthrax attack in 2001, the possible use of anthrax and smallpox as biological weapons. The writing is episodic and sometimes it takes a bit to deduce how the newly discussed character or event meshes with the remainder of the tale.

It is a bit dated now. Steven Hatfill is discussed but the publication date of 2002 doesn’t allow for his exoneration and the $4.6 million annuity he received for the leaking of information about him to the press. It also doesn’t cover the eventual belief the Bruce Ivins was the one responsible for the anthrax terror incident. He was never convicted due to his suicide prior to trial.

This is not as good as The Hot Zone but if you enjoy infectious disease history, you might find this one worth a read.