I've read several Ken Follett books and he is in top form with Code to Zero. It's written very well with developed characters and an intricate plot with some surprising twists. You get a real sense of the 1950's and the space race during that time. The repeated snippets during the story of counting down the rocket on the pad with all the technical details really added to the book's depth and created tension and suspense. I'd rank this as one of Mr. Follett's best books. A definite must read.