Code to Zero

This book was given to my husband some years ago so when I recently discovered it on the bookshelf I decided to read it. I had read Pillars of the Earth but had not read any of Ken Follett's crime / suspense novels.

Code to Zero is set in January 1958 when the first American satellite, Explorer I, was launched. The day of the proposed launch one of the scientists who has worked on the project is found semi-conscious in a toilet block in Washington. Luke has lost his memory and is dressed as a beggar with no money. He sets out to discover who he is and gradually realises that something important is to happen and that he should be there. He also soon realises that he is being followed and that someone is trying to kill him.

The suspense is maintained as the countdown for the launch is recorded in the chapter headings. There are also flashbacks to 1941 when we learn of the relationship between Luke, Anthony, Elspeth, Billie and Bern when students and later during the War. This is also a story of the Cold War in the 1950s and the rivalry between the USA and Russia. As Luke gradually recovers his memory he also has to establish who he can trust as he races against time to ensure that the launch of the satellite is a success.