This book consists of three novellas connected by time place and some characters. The first novella , Smew,written in 2006 is prophetic in that it identifies the source of H5N1 virus and follows it's infectivity from bird to human and then terrifyingly human to human. It shows the care necessary in the early stages of an epidemic and the response of a stricken community. It shows the way news can be manipulated by the press, but also the care and concern of the hospital staff, and the private lives of some of people involved. It is engaging and very topical. A cast of Shadows is a story of tragedy and brutality in a setting of an immigrant community in Amagansett, NY. The story highlights a strong and capable Black emergency room physician who manages a catastrophic situation with grace and humor. The story ends with surprising twists and is a real "page turner.' The third novella, Tempered Steel, tells the story of a demented fisherman and his drive to get revenge. It shows that cooperation among police, coastguard and dedicated fishermen can get results, even if there are some slip ups along the way. A fun read.