A SCIENTIST-READER EMAILS ABOUT MICHAEL CRICHTON’S PREY:

OK, I just finished reading Prey.

Yow. A thin veneer of science, with frequent references to genetic algorithms, nanotechnology, molecular this and that, genetic engineering, etc. is used to gussy up a plot that merges the juicy bits from various B sci-fi movies of the past, including “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” tracking down nests of loathsome insects, the small group of desperate people being picked off, one-by-one, by the loathsome enemy (with a traitor in their midst) and various and sundry other random things. Then it throws in the afternoon soaps, and some other stuff.

Conclusion: “A good story, nothing to do with nanotechnology.”

My copy should arrive today. I’ll let you know what I think when I’m done.