The Second Cure, by Margaret Morgan

Cats have become an endangered species and the virus causing their demise has crossed over to humans, causing a variety of effects that divide the population. The disease affects the brain, causing some people to lose their faith, some their inhibitions, some develop synaesthesia and increased creativity. Sydney scientist Charlie Zinn is a leading researcher into the causes and a potential cure, but not everyone sees the need for a cure including her partner Richard. Charlie’s sister-in-law Brigid is a Brisbane journalist trying to dig the dirt on charismatic evangelical politician Jack Effenberg, prospective premier. The science gets a bit eye-glazing in places, but it is cleverly inserted into the narrative and adds to its authenticity. It’s the politics that lets the story down because it lacks the detail given the science and so lacks credibility. Effenberg is a modern day Bjelke-Petersen, which may be possible in Queensland, but the lack of response to his antics from Canberra and the other states defies belief. A fast–paced thriller with well-drawn characters, the book unfortunately jumps the shark about half way through when suspension of disbelief can no longer be maintained. It is nevertheless an entertaining tale of a very different kind of dystopian future.