Linda Kistler

Cause for Concern Linda Kistler

Cause for Concern is a fast-paced novel dealing witha grave contemporary problem . . . the impact of toxic waste on our lives. Set on thecampus of an elite eastern university, the book introduces readers to JacobBorovski, world-class scientist and professor, whose untimely death prompts aninvestigation into the possible presence of a cancer hot spot at CabotUniversity. The rich cast of characters includes Ruth Borovski, Jacob'swife and renowned researcher in her own right; Kevin Parks, a brilliant butunstable doctoral student who secretly searches for connections among a risingtide of deaths at the university; Nancy Atherton, Ruth's friend and universitycolleague; and Larry Northrop, Cabot University's distinguished President. Devastated by the loss of his beloved mentor, Kevin embarkson an obsessive search for the toxic waste he believes has caused the deaths ofJacob and an unusual number of other faculty members. Ruth Borovski andNancy Atherton are drawn into the search that is initially supported by PresidentNorthrop. Despite hospital treatment for clinical depression, Kevinrefuses to abandon his search. Dismissed from the university for failing tocomplete his dissertation, he hacks the university computer system, discoveringclues that lead to a long-forgotten cache of toxic waste stored decades earlierin a renovated campus building. In the dramatic climax Kevin attempts to remove awaste sample for testing and accidentally sets off an horrific chain of eventsthat vividly brings to life the explosive consequences of the careless storageof toxic materials. Cause for Concern will engage book lovers fromcollege students to mature readers. Itscompelling plot, complex and vibrant characters and campus setting cometogether to produce a thoughtful and entertaining novel.