A Russian Spy plans to blow up the “Explorer I” satellite, allowing the Russians to have total control over outer space.

“Code to Zero” is a historical fiction novel about the Cold War and the Space Race by New York Times best-selling author Ken Follett.

Set in 1958, five college friends are pitted against each other in the struggle between Democracy and Communism.

Dr. Claude Lucas wakes up in a bathroom in Union Station. All his memory about his life is gone. Without anyone to turn to, he must rely on the skills he can remember to find his identity. However, if he ever does regain his memories, can he live with what he has done?

CIA agent Anthony Carroll is looking for Lucas. Carroll and Lucas have been best friends for many years. But the information Carroll is working with has turned the two into bitter enemies.

Without his memories Lucas will be unable to recognize the face of a friend or an enemy.

Bern Rothsten has been a communist since college. He has openly helped the Communists by giving away secret information.

But that life is behind him now. He promised Lucas he would not sell any more secrets. But can he be trusted?

Elspeth Twomey is a major part of the space program. She shuttles around information about the launches and records any delays that may occur.

She is the first to know if a launch will be attempted or not. She is also the college girlfriend of Lucas.

Dr. Billie Josephson is an expert on the mind. She has been studying amnesia in patients.

She would know how to treat the amnesia that Lucas has. In fact, she is an old friend of Lucas. Coincidence, or something more sinister, is at play.

Follett has turned past history into an intriguing suspense story of today. His mix of suspense with technical writing is flawless.

He seamlessly transitions between the present, 1958, and flashbacks that occur between 1941-1954.

While the book focuses on the world of espionage and the role the five main characters play in it, there is a second plot line.

Lucas has no autobiographical memory. He is trying to relearn his own life little by little.

In effect, he is getting a second chance to live his life. With each new revelation he finds he has a choice in how to deal with it.

Given the chance to do it all again, Lucas must determine what, if anything, he will change.

“Code to Zero” is a fun book to read. The words jump off the page and come to life. Follett has delivered a must-read.

Matthew Carlson is a senior in journalism and mass communication from DeWitt.