This, the story of smallpox in modern times (with a little anthrax for spice), is tautly written, like a thriller. Which it sort of is, only scarier because it's true. Preston is a good writer, he picks out memorable things about people, and he gets a free pass from me forever after referring to a doctor as "like the lion in Narnia" with backup examples. Well done, if scary as all get-out. 3.5