The Doomsday Equation - by Matt Richtel (Paperback)

About the Book

"Jeremy Stillwater is a computer genius who has invented a machine that can predict global conflict. Governments can use this machine to prevent war and ultimately acheive world peace. Unfortunately, there's someone out there who wants Jeremy's creation, and not for good. The mysterious organization has worked hard to discredit Jeremy and make it look like the machine doesn't work. That's when the machine starts beeping... There are 3 days left until World War III breaks out unless Jeremy can stop it. Unfortunately, no one believes him. And there is someone out there, someone very powerful, who will do just about anything to make sure that the world erupts in chaos, even if that means killing Jeremy. Will he be able to save the world and himself before it's too late?"--

Book Synopsis

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist and author of A Deadly Wandering comes a pulse-pounding technological thriller--as ingenious as the works of Michael Crichton and as urgent and irresistible as an episode of 24--in which one man has three days to prevent annihilation: the outbreak of World War III.

Computer genius Jeremy Stillwater has designed a machine that can predict global conflicts and ultimately head them off. But he's a stubborn guy, very sure of his own genius, and has wound up making enemies, and even seen his brilliant invention discredited.

There's nowhere for him to turn when the most remarkable thing happens: his computer beeps with warning that the outbreak of World War III is imminent, three days and counting.

Alone, armed with nothing but his own ingenuity, he embarks on quest to find the mysterious and powerful nemesis determined to destroy mankind. But enemies lurk in the shadows waiting to strike. Could they have figured out how to use Jeremy, and his invention, for their own evil ends?

Before he can save billions of lives, Jeremy has to figure out how to save his own. . . .

From the Back Cover

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist comes a pulse-pounding technological thriller--as ingenious as the works of Michael Crichton and as irresistible as a summer blockbuster--in which one man has three days to prevent the outbreak of World War III and the world's annihilation

What if you knew the world was going to end?
What if no one believed you?

Jeremy Stillwater is a genius with computers but not so much with people. Maddeningly self-righteous, he's alienated his girlfriend and infuriated his Silicon Valley financiers and the government agents who saw military promise in his innovation: a program that seemed to be able to predict war.

Even Jeremy has begun to doubt the algorithm's capabilities. Then one day his computer has a message for him. War is coming. Three days and counting until massive nuclear conflict.

Is it real? A malicious joke? A bug?

Isolated yet relentless, Jeremy soon uncovers an ancient conspiracy of unspeakable danger. And it will take every bit of Jeremy's stubborn ingenuity to survive another minute, let alone save the world.

Review Quotes

"A tantalizing premise that crackles with tension and rings with authenticity from the first page to the last. Richtel whips up just the right blend of menace and normality. When you're done, you'll be wondering: Is this real? Could this happen? Plan to hunker down for an all nighter, this one is a winner." - Steve Berry
Praise for The Cloud: "A pulse-pounding, down-the-rabbit-hole-tale where everyone has a secret, information comes at a deadly price, and danger is always closer than you think. Be prepared to stay up very late; this book is worth it!" - Lisa Gardner
"THE CLOUD is a non-stop, paranoid thriller whose terrors are all too believable. Richtel spins today's cutting-edge technology into a story that will keep you guessing to the last page--and render you speechless when its final secret is revealed." - Joseph Finder
Praise for Devil's Plaything: "In Richtel's deft follow-up to Hooked, plot twists and cliffhangers keep the reader turning the pages in this plausible if disquieting scenario of Big Brother messing with minds."--Publishers Weekly - Publishers Weekly
"With Devil's Plaything, Matt Richtel confirms what his first novel suggested: that he's the absolute master of crafting amazing fiction around cutting edge science. Richtel's singular gift is his ability to convey the human components of technological change. This is an utterly absorbing read -- gripping, exciting, touching and terrifying. " - David Liss
"This thriller pushes the envelope to the edge and beyond in exciting and unique ways. Talk about a buddy story: How about a seasoned investigator and his octogenarian grandmother rushing against a ticking clock? Smart, captivating, sophisticated, I can't say enough about this deftly-told story." - Steve Berry
"Fast paced but well-plotted, cerebral, yet exciting, Matt Richtel's latest is the perfect antidote for those who miss the works of the late great Michael Crichton." - Mystery Scene
"The strong setup and sharp elbows of 'The Doomsday Equation' prove that Richtel has the potential to write a blockbuster." - New York Times Book Review
"An adventure-filled race against time." - Booklist
"The Doomsday Equation is a first-rate thriller sure to keep readers mesmerized all the way to the last page." - Oklahoma City Oklahoman
"A race against time worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster." - Winnipeg Free Press
"One of our best thriller writers." - Connecticut Post
"A page-turner." - Marin Independent Journal
"In DEVIL'S PLAYTHING, Matt Richtel has once again crafted a brilliant thriller that defies genre and scope, a twisted blend of Michael Crichton and Alfred Hitchcock. The science--ripped from today's headlines--is the backbone for a story both rich in character and rioutously exciting. From page one, you'll not be able to put this book down. So get comfortable...you'll be reading this in one sitting." - James Rollins
"Richtel's journalistic background makes this nightmarish, incredible scenario, chillingly believable and scary as hell." - New York Times bestselling author Linwood Barclay
"A high-tech, mile-a-minute, lone-guy-against-the-world masterpiece." - Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series
"A blockbuster event. The Doomsday Equation blew me away." - James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of The Sixth Extinction
"Tantalizing. ... Engrossing. ... [A] race-against-the-clock suspense novel." - Publishers Weekly