The Andromeda Strain

Leading biophysicists in the nation alert the US government to the possibility that the sterilizing protocols in place for returning space probes may not be sufficient to ensure a clean re-entry into the atmosphere.

Two years later, seventeen satellites are launched to gather dust and creatures for scientific purposes from the furthest reaches of space. One of them hits the ground and lands in a barren region of Arizona.

In the town of Piedmont, twelve miles from the landing site, an unexpected finding is made: the dead remains of the town's residents are strewn over the streets, as if they had just passed away.

-- rear cover