Ground Zero

by Bonnie Ramthun and Bonnie Ramthum

Book Overview

The murder: At a high-security military complex in Colorado, a computer War Game ends with the brutal death of a programmer.The suspects: The seven other Gamers, all of whom have their own motives.The... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425176320
• ISBN13: 9780425176320
• Release Date: September 2000
• Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
• Length: 341 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.1" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Something for Everyone

This is an accomplished first novel that deftly combines a "locked room" mystery, espionage, war games and intrigue. I came to this book in a dubious frame of mind 1) I'd just read a really bad "first" novel 2) I had doubts about a woman author doing espionage. 3) Spies can be boring. I was pleasantly surprised on all counts.Ms. Ramthun uses a fast intercut method of whizzing us from D.C. to Colorado Springs to the Middle East and the wilds of Russia without dropping the ball or our interest. The characters are interesting, life-like and have recognizable human traits. The drop dead gorgeous girl is not a cardboard cut out; she is also pregnant, has morning sickness, and is becoming compulsive about beef jerky, Twinkies and moon pies. In spite of the many threads in the story, it was easy to follow. My interest intensified as the plot developed, and I found I was in the "can't-put-it-down" mode. (My favorite reading stance). The war games are so well described; even this novice knew what was going on.The book was a real pleasure and I am looking forward to Ms. Ramthun's next novel. I'd bookmark her if I could.

Thoughtful and engaging

Of the last forty mysteries and thrillers I've read, this is easily the best. Bonnie Ramthun combines intellectually interesting War Games tension with emotionally engaging characters. The Colorado Springs setting is literally and figuratively a breath of fresh air.

A classic mystery in a techo world! Wow!

Ramthun's Ground Zero is a techno-thriller murder mystery that kept me turning the pages. If Tom Clancy and Agatha Christie had written together, this is what would have resulted. I loved the cutting edge technology that makes me wonder if she endangered her security clearance, but I also love the classic mystery of a real locked room, with the revelation that had me making the traditional Christie head smack, saying, "I shoulda known!" But even better, I loved and cared about the people, from the not-so-geeky computer programmers to the cops. The professional women are both fun, but real, and could easily be my friends. And finally, the story hangs together, front to back, top to bottom. Without a doubt, I think this is a great read!

An exciting and suspensful read for murder mystery lovers.

Bonnie Ramthun's Ground Zero is a great read for those of us that enjoy mystery novels with technical and global consequences. The novel does an excellent job keeping the reader riveted to three or four subplots that are tied to the main mystery, the murder of the despicable and deceiptful Terry Guzman. The attention to detail and the insigths into the main characters psyches, desires, and fears is great. I would highly recommend this book to not only fans of technical and defense-related thrillers but also to readers that enjoy a good "whodoneit".

A great read

The Iron Curtain may have come down and the Cold war ended, but the military still keeps a high level of readiness in case a nuclear or other type of attack occurs. New hardware is always being tested, and simulated war games and exercises are always being performed. A war game is being conducted at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. There is only one entrance and exit into the inner room with observers watching from outside the fish bowl. However, someone is murdered inside the room. No one but the eight individuals entered the room once the test started. Civilian detective Eileen Reed knows one of the seven remaining participants committed the act. Her inquiries lead her to realize that three other questionable deaths had been written off as accidents. Unbeknownst to Eileen, a CIA analyst Lucy is investigating a series of killings related to the missile defense program and why her agency has failed to make this a top priority case. Soon the two women team up in an effort to uncover the truth, not yet realizing what failure will mean to this country. Bonnie Ranthon makes a stunning debut with GROUND ZERO, a thriller that feels very genuine; perhaps because the author is a former Pentagon war gamer. The team up of the two females is very refreshing as neither tries to out-macho the other. Instead, they work as a unit attempting to solve a deadly case. Fans of military thrillers and police procedurals with a kick will want this dynamic duo to reappear very soon.Harriet Klausner