Several months later, Celeste is contacted by the FBI and asked to aid them in exposing a drug distribution ring. As best the non-scientists can figure out, the principals in the drug ring communicate with each other through some covert system involving patients who are treated in clinics in Taiwan, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.

Using her expertise in virology, the FBI hopes Celeste will be able to figure out how the patients being sent from clinic to clinic are unknowingly transmitting information relating to the shipment of drugs. Celeste is intrigued by the puzzle. As she gets involved in the program, she begins to realize in what a dangerous, perhaps even life threatening, situation she has placed herself.

Secondary Immunization is the second book featuring Celeste Braun. The beginning few chapters allude to people and situations that occurred in the first book of the series, Principal Investigation, which I have not read. This made for a bit of confusion, but it was not a major stumbling block since the important characters in Secondary Immunization are clearly and carefully introduced.

Author B. B. Jordan’s work will certainly appeal to the reader with an interest in life sciences. There is plenty of information about viral transmission, antibody formation, and various laboratory procedures. Considerable attention to detail is used in describing techniques to the extent that the author even includes graphs and footnotes. A non-scientist might find this attention to detail a bit overwhelming, but the author is justified in being so precise as it is necessary to solve the puzzle. A complex, though extremely clever puzzle it is, indeed!

A number of different agencies are involved in trying to expose the drug ring, including the FBI, the CIA, and the police forces of San Juan and Taipei, as well as contract workers such as Celeste. It is sometimes difficult for the reader to distinguish who is a “good guy” and who is not. And though I support the idea of keeping the reader guessing, there were times where the confrontations of these various groups with the Mafia bordered on the melodramatic.

As an interesting side light the reader is treated to some fascinating information about the cities of San Juan and Taipei. It is easy to imagine following along in Celeste’s footsteps as she visits parts of both cities. The author comments that women scientists play a more prominent role in Taiwan than in Japan or the United States, presumably because Taiwanese men must do military service, thus there is not so much competition for jobs. An interesting thought! The author even sneaks in some frivolous ideas about different idiosyncrasies of Californians and Floridians that are amusing.

All in all, Secondary Immunization is an entertaining and educational read, though readers who have no background or interest may find it overwhelming. The solution to the puzzle is definitely first rate even if the confrontations of the Mafia with the FBI and CIA was a bit overdone.

--Andy Plonka