On The Brink: A Nuclear Forensics Thriller

by Sidney Niemeyer

In this gripping international thriller, one scientist finds himself thrust into the desperate investigation of seemingly unrelated terrorist attacks that push the world to the brink of nuclear conflict.

Panic erupts when terrorists plant radiation sources in coffee shops across Washington DC. As hospitals fill with the injured, National Security Council scientist Steven Carter joins the interagency team that uses cutting-edge nuclear forensics to help identify who's responsible.

Stunned by another even more dangerous nuclear attack, the team discovers a web of international deception, exposing a complex conspiracy involving plutonium of unknown origin, foreign intelligence agencies, and a shadowy terrorism sponsor. Meanwhile, Carter’s son Josh, a newly minted CIA analyst, discovers disturbing connections between these attacks and a case from his father’s past. With time running out and lives at stake, Steven Carter and his colleagues race to uncover their enemy’s final move before it’s too late.

“This book is even better than Niemeyer’s dynamite debut, Atomic Peril. The twists and turns will keep you up late, and you just might learn a thing or two about the fascinating world of nuclear forensics.” - Rick Acker, bestselling author

“On the Brink is a captivating cutting-edge technothriller that provides a front-row seat as time-sensitive events unfold. Get ready for an enlightening and gripping journey!” - Dr. Frank Wong, National Security Council (2014 - 2016), The White House

“If you're looking for a high-stakes thriller that blends cutting-edge science with deeply human storytelling, this novel is a must-read. Fast-paced, thought-provoking, and genuinely heartfelt, this is a rare blend of scientific intrigue and emotional resonance. Highly recommended for fans of realistic fiction, nuclear intrigue, and character-driven storytelling.” - Dr. Colin Harthcock, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2025

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]

Sidney Niemeyer is truly the most interesting man in the world. The man contains multitudes. And this book is even better in every category than his sparkling debut, Atomic Peril. Not only will you be treated to an excellent geopolitical thriller novel, you will enter the fascinating (and at times terrifying) field of nuclear forensics of which Niemeyer himself was a pioneer. Think CSI but with nuclear attacks! In On The Brink, the stakes get higher and more personal and the twists get twistier, without the reader ever needing to suspend their disbelief. Don’t overthink it—pick up this page-turner today!

[AR bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book by a nuclear forensic scientist takes the main character and Reader on a tense story of terrorists in international politics versus scientists and security agents to unravel rogue nuclear bomb plants across the world.

Masterfully written by subject matter expert in the field.

[Roy K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonstop suspense with lots of plot twists

Couldn’t put it down! Since I was listening to the beta AI reader (which was excellent) on a short family trip, they got to know the characters and were caught up in the suspense along with me.

This book hit the ground running with nonstop suspense and great character development from start to finish.

In both Atomic Peril and On the Brink the characters were easy to follow and you felt like you really got to know them.

The science was easy to understand and was directly relevant to the plot.

I would highly recommend On the Brink.

If you haven’t read Atomic Peril be sure to pick up a copy and you will appreciate both books even more.

Can’t wait for the next book in this series!

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it took me a while to finish this second book in the series, I can honestly say it was worth carving out the time. Sci-fi has never been my thing really, so perhaps that's why a thriller with true scientific components that can enlighten a non-technical person like myself was so interesting to me. I struggled a little reading these books mostly because Id get so engaged and connected to the characters that I'd then realize how horrifyingly real the reality they lived in could be for me that it upped the stakes. The world feels heavy right now, but reading about the heros abd departmenta protecting us behind the scenes brings comfort. Also, who doesnt love a nerdy hero?! Im glad his family wasn't just pushed to the side but instead their characters get further developed. Im so intrigued how the next one will further develop Steven Carter and his family and friends.

[Kent Laws · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was eagerly awaiting this sequel but I didn’t expect it to be such a nonstop thrill ride! Picking up 5 years after “Atomic Peril”, this book doesn’t let off the gas from the opening scene. Part investigative international crime drama and part spy novel with a high tech twist, this fast paced thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat for the whole story. I highly recommend you make this book your next read!

[Jennifer Castelluccio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had eagerly anticipated this sequel to Atomic Peril, and Sidney Niemeyer did not disappoint! I was glad to reengage with my favorite characters and to see how their previous experiences and paths since the first novel prepared them for their roles in this riveting story. The plot and related nuclear science were complex enough to keep my interest at full attention but not overwhelming for a non-scientist like me. Well done, and I sure hope a third novel is in the works!

[Barrett Craner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved the book. Started with a latent nuclear nightmare being planted, and followed by a great plot of international treachery, great nuclear forensics sleuthing (with danger in the finding out of the why and the how), and well described science in just enough detail to be understood and appreciated by most readers, very believable! It took me only a week of bedtime reading. Could not put it down.

[Rupert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling sequel and science lesson in one

The action is none stop in this sequel. Also plenty more nuclear forensics lessons weaved in an interesting way. The plot is shocking yet still believable and well constructed and complex.

If you didn't read the first book you can still easily enjoy this book on its own.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

No sophomore slump for Niemeyer! This book is even better than his dynamite debut, Atomic Peril. The twists and turns will keep you up late, and you just might learn a thing or two about the fascinating world of nuclear forensics.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just started this 2nd book in the series and can't put it down. Thoroughly enjoyed Atomic Peril and this one is even better!

[R. Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the edge of my seat

A timely story that moves rapidly around the world. Just enough science to ensure the reader understands nuclear forensics without disrupting the plot. An excellent read.