In this high-octane thriller, a laboratory scientist races to stop terrorists from detonating a nuclear bomb on American soil. 

Tasked by the FBI to analyze a small amount of highly enriched uranium found on a smuggler in Moldova, nuclear-forensics scientist Steven Carter’s initial results suggest a serious terrorist threat. Unconvinced by his findings, the FBI calls a halt to further investigation. But Carter goes rogue, secretly continuing to analyze the material and discovering compelling evidence that somebody has enough uranium to make a nuclear bomb.

With no other recourse, Carter risks his career by taking his evidence to the CIA. Later, when a piece of the weapon is interdicted, he reunites with his FBI handler, John Kittrick, to decipher the clues buried in the uranium. With time running out, against all protocol, Kittrick asks Carter to leave his safe scientific turf and enter the dangerous world of a field operative. And Carter agrees, willing to do anything to help find the bomb before the terrorists unleash nuclear destruction.

“I am absolutely wowed by this thriller that shines a light on nuclear forensics. Gripping and entertaining. I am simply blown away.”

–William Daitch, Director (2006-2015), National Technical Nuclear Forensics Center, Department of Homeland Security

Sidney Niemeyer has been called a “founding father” of the new field of nuclear forensics. Among his leadership roles at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, he articulated the need for a global nuclear forensics capability and spearheaded its development at the national and international level. After his retirement, he drew upon his lifelong love of science and mystery stories to write Atomic Peril. When he’s not writing, or visiting his children and ten grandchildren, he can often be found on his road bike, navigating the hills surrounding the lab where he once worked.