The Newtonian Legacy

As this is a physicist's blog in which I attempt to include a little 'kultcha', on occasion, I now have the perfect combination. Usually I don't blog about books if I haven't read them and I'm hoping to have a chance to read this very soon.

From Nick Evans, my former PhD supervisor, comes the mixture of crime, intrigue and popular science you've been waiting for. The following is taken from Nick's site where the book is freely available to download.

"A younger researcher, Andreas Born, is found dead at the particle physics institute where he works. A policewoman is assigned the job of penetrating the intellectually charged atmosphere his colleagues work in. She is forced to unravel the mysterious world of subatomic particles to understand the dead man's motivations.

Meanwhile, Carl, one of Andreas' collaborators embarks on an exploration of Andreas' murky life outside physics including sex, drug dealing and bizarre alchemical experiments. Carl is followed by a mysterious stranger and must fight to preserve both his life and the relationship with his girlfriend.

Learn about the frontier of particle physics within a fast paced crime adventure."

Anyway, I may be biased but I think it looks like a great idea. Along with the murder are discussions of string theory, the Higgs, quotes from Feynman, the odd equation and diagram, and all in a style which looks to take the reader through some good pop-science while being a fine mystery.

As I say I haven't read it yet but I'll put up my thoughts when I have. Anyone else who has a chance to read it, please tell me, and Nick, presumably, what you think.