The Hot Zone

von Richard Preston

Imagine a killer with the infectiousness of the common cold and power of the Black Death. Imagine something so deadly and contagious that it wipes out 90% of those it touches. Imagine an organism against which there is no defence. But you don't need to imagine. Such a killer exists: it is a virus and its name is Ebola.

The Hot Zone tells what happens when the unthinkable becomes reality: when a deadly virus, from the rainforests of Africa, crosses continents and infects a monkey house ten miles from the White House. Ebola is that reality. It has the power to decimate the world's population. Try not to panic. It will be back. There is nothing you can do...

'One of the most terrifying books I've ever read. Move over Stephen King and Michael Crichton - this really happened. And sooner or later it will happen again' - Arthur C. Clarke

'The first chapter of The Hot Zone is one of the most horrifying things I've read in my entire life... And then it gets worse. What a remarkable piece of work.' - Stephen King

'It will keep you awake at night because you know that this is not a figment of the author's imagination' - Today

'A nightmarish scenario...dramatic...frightening' - Daily Mail

'A terrifying premonition' - The Sunday Times