Fatal Equilibrium: A Novel

This mystery was not that much of a mystery, per se, since several clues made the trend of the book rather straightforward. Nevertheless, intellectually, the book is pretty interesting. There are multiple facets, related to economics, but the focus for the book is a kind of "trial" of classical economics, symbolized by the character trying to obtain tenure, before the viewpoints of the spectrum of social sciences, also symbolized by various people on the faculty of Harvard University, which, in itself, was a symbol of "ultimate" current prestige. The various points of view conflict and interact to create the "fatal equilibrium" of the title. I thought the book was a lot of fun, and a little intellectual feast as well.

Fatal Equilibrium reminded me of early science fiction (written by scientists about scientists for an audience of other scientists). This book is definitely written by an economist about economists. If you're part of that clique, it's a great book.Not everyone will consider it light reading, though. If you don't have at least one econ class somewhere in your background, some significant parts of the book (and the plot) will go over your head. There were sections that felt like they were cut-and-pasted right from the author's lecture notes. I kept hoping that the book would be more like Larry Niven's work - grounded in theory, but first and foremost, a gripping story with compelling characters. I'd rather absorb my knowledge along the way than be lectured to.I enjoyed it and I'll read it again.

This is a mystery with all the features of a classic mystery. Since the protagonist is an economist (and it was written by a professor of economics who really knows the material) the motivation is given based on economics theory. The book is scattered with examples of economics thoughts, largely in context (though if you think about it as a book rather than being absorbed by the story you realize the author designed the story to have a place to put the economics). The economics theory is interesting in its own right and short enough pieces that it isn't irritating. Don't let the economics shorts distract you from the fact that this is a full blown mystery!Enjoy the mystery and the science.

Economics professor Henry Spearman weaves his 'lectures' into the events of real life, teaching those around him about human motivation and financial reality. Many will find holes in the mystery itself, but the story and the principles he teaches are very well done. Delightful.

I had to read this book for my Microeconomics class and was surprised to actually find it interesting. Fatal Equilibrium is well written and is a good read for anyone interested in economics. The book incorporates economic principals without making the story too dull. I recommend this book to anyone interested in econ or looking for a quick read.

A smart way of introducing economics to those who dislike it! Smart, witty and intellectual! What a combination! Unfortunately, the author decided not to write anymore mystery stories.

From a Econ student perspective I had to read this for my Econ class but loved the book! It also helped me understand some of my Econ terms better as well. I can't wait to read Murder at the Margin by the same author. Even though it's for extra credit this author rocks! The 1st chapter had me hooked!

Of the three books to date in this series, I find the first to be the most interesting and closely plotted. Be prepared for the insertion of economic analyses in the most unexpected places; but if you like your mysteries to be more mental and less bone-crunching, vulgarity-spewing mayhem, the Henry Spearman series is a set of entertaining reads for an evening or two.

*More like 3.5/5* Though the premise is interesting the book was a page turner for me, it's evident that the authors are not professional writers. This novel is filled with clichés, the story lacks depth and some lines are just cheesy. It's very popular fiction, so read it if you like that style (I have no shame in admitting that I do) but stay away if you're a more serious reader.

Delightful way to learn some basic economics. It is an economics lesson combined with a murder mystery. Highly recommendable murder mystery.