Atomic Peril: A Nuclear Forensics Thriller

by Sidney Niemeyer

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.

Genres: Fiction

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2023

About the author

Sidney Niemeyer has been called a “founding father” of the new field of nuclear forensics. Among his scientific leadership roles at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), he articulated the need for the U.S. to develop a nuclear forensics capability to address the new reality of a post-Cold-War world. Believing global cooperation was essential, he chaired an international conference in 1995 that led to the formation of the Nuclear Forensics International Technical Working Group, which he co-chaired for twelve years.

During the early years of Homeland Security, he served as its point-of-contact with the interagency to develop an integrated nuclear forensics capability. His efforts reached fruition with the formation of the National Technical Nuclear Forensics Center (NTNFC). During the first year of the NTNFC, he was its scientific advisor, and subsequently he joined its Nuclear Forensics Science Panel.

Over the years, he became painfully aware that few people have even heard of the field of nuclear forensics. Drawing upon his love of science and thrillers, he wrote Atomic Peril to show the critical importance of this capability for deterring nuclear terrorism. 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. More at: www.sidneyniemeyer.com (and sign-up for his newsletter).

Reviews

[Dane Olney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atomic Peril is a true thriller and a seriously impressive debut novel from retired renaissance man Sidney Niemeyer. My favorite element of the book is how much we learn about the field of nuclear forensics and how crucial it is for preventing nuclear terror. To learn this by being engrossed in all the twists and turns of a geopolitical thriller is more effective than any number of articles or lectures could hope to be. Well done Dr. Niemeyer and though I’m hoping this book doesn’t prove to be too prescient (though would we, the public, know if something like this had really happened…?), I certainly hope to see more from you in the future!

[Jennifer Castelluccio · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling read! This book kept me interested throughout. I kept reading “just a little bit more“ each night, until I found myself staying up much later than intended. I particularly liked the main character, Steven, and how he was working through several challenges at once - both professionally and personally related. The technical aspects were interesting, as this is not a field that I know much about. I also particularly appreciated how the story was told from the viewpoints of several different characters. Overall, very enjoyable, and I also hope there is a sequel!

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Sidney Niemeyer writes an outstanding first novel that combines a rare combination of seldom published scientific detail, a frightening terrorist plot and the distraction of seemingly unsolvable family dysfunction. A retired nuclear forensic scientist at the prestigious Livermore National Laboratory, Niemeyer tells the story of a very bright but obsessive Livermore researcher who uncovers evidence of a possible foreign plot to produce enough enriched uranium to build an atomic bomb. What follows is a mind bending saga of researcher Steven Carter's unrelenting drive to convince his colleagues and government law enforcement of the very real danger to the U.S. homeland that could result in thousands of lives lost.

This is a true page turner and a must read for anyone who appreciates a well written thriller that is both completely believable and edge of your seat dramatic. I recommend it.

[Jan K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Sidney Niemeyer is considered to be the founding father of nuclear forensics and in writing this book he gives a view into the world of his scientific passion but with a thriller twist. I won’t even pretend that I understood the barrage of scientific lab results and data presented, but I was on the edge of my seat when considering the very real possibility of a nuclear bomb detonating on US soil. Niemeyer’s characters are a cast of brilliant, ethnically diverse scientists, both male and female, which I appreciated. And the tug and pull between very high level government agencies, frustrating but probably so very true. I’m still thinking about this book today and its implications will stay with me for a while.

[Mamablack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Sidney Niemeyer makes this extremely science heavy topic of nuclear forensics easily accessible for every reader. What a treat to have someone straight from this technical field write a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and help you learn something along the way. The story takes you into the world of all those involved…the terrorists, the scientists and the US Government. He shows you the time, money and man power it takes to analyze material to figure out its composition and origin and how it is never done fast enough for everyone’s liking. There is also the personal side to the story and how the main character struggles to balance work and home life. Loved this book and hoping for a sequel.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel from Sidney Neimeyer. The authors firsthand experience during the emergence of nuclear forensics lends an extra edge to this scientific suspense thriller. Written by a "founding father" in the field, I was captivated by the subject matter and the global complexities.
I particularly enjoyed the main character, Steven Carter and am struck by the challenges of work life balance, leadership dynamics and lessons in humility. I look forward to more!

[Rupert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart, technical thriller

The thriller genre is usually defined by the dilemma faced by the main characters. So you may look for an author with a background in crime or spycraft when selecting a thriller.

The author here has taken the highly technical field of nuclear forensics and made many of the key scenes of the plot hinge on the results of various types of tests. This story is surprisingly effective in making a clear case for increased funding in this field to stop future terrorists. It is also a very exciting well constructed story with several carefully developed subplots woven together into a satisfying thriller.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im not typically a scientific thriller reader. Im a mom of two small boys and I dont need more intensity in my life. BUT Im so glad I read this one. At first I was overwhelemed by the technical descriptions and science details. I started to question if I'd actually be able to understand the plot through the science. However, I quickly became invested in the characters and knowing the book was written by a scientist who knows what hes talking about (see his author page in the book), it was easy to accept the science and focus on the plot. I had NO idea we had heros in our country like the scientists in this book. They're probably often unrecognized for their contributions being more comfortable in a lab than in front of the general public. Nuclear bombs are incredibly terrifying but knowing there is science, nuclear forensics, that can help keep our world safer is a comfort. Its wild to know scientists with that kind of capabilities live right here in my own town! I felt like I learned a little more about the mystery of the Livermore Lab through the book. (If you live in Livermore and aren't working for the lab, you know what I mean.) Overall, I loved the characters who I found relatable, I appreciated the shorter chapters (I get interupted in reading with 2 small boys running around), and I sat on the edge of my seat reading to the end (yes, precious mom sleep hours were sacrificed to finish this...I was that invested.) I can't wait to read whatever comes next from this author.

[Poppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

No longer do we Americans sit inside Fortress America safe & secure; the walls have been breached, in December 1941, & again in Sept. 2001, a menace lurks just outside our gates & inside our walls. The eminent, Dr Sydney Neimyer writes, of things that he knows, of nuclear devices, of terorists, of imminent threats.
With exciting, well rounded, personable characters, & solid dialog, at breakneck pace, 'Atomic Peril' is everything it's title implys, hop on this debut novel quick and give it a read it's weel worth the time you give it. Great Work Dr. Neimeyer...

[AR bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Against the Clock

What does it take to find a nuclear bomb? It’s a scientist’s job to trace the component’s origins in this novel.

Nuclear forensics meets international intrigue with scientists, government agencies, and civilians embroiled in a chase to beat the clock of a terrorist plot.

Well written by a scientist-author that takes the reader on a thrilling adventure.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written story that kept me interested! The science involved in the world of nuclear forensics was fascinating and the book made a strong case for such a field. I also liked that the story was told from both perspectives of hero and villain.

[Gregg Crump · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book but learning in depth about the different nuclear components, I felt detracted from the read. I get why they did go into that but the same could have been accomplished with less. That would have made it a smoother read.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK

I really struggled to get into this book. The subject of the book was interesting but I thought the flow of the dialogue was a bit stilted.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read!

This book was recommended to me by an old friend, who suggested I would enjoy it. He was spot on.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very suspenseful! Read like a major motion picture! And very relevant to today's times.

[Cameron Barrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i give it five big booms