Plaguemaker by Tim Downs takes the reader on a wild ride as the main character, FBI agent Nathan Donovan, gets involved in a bizarre investigation involving fleas, the bubonic plague, and a vengeful scientist bent on destroying western civilization (or at least New York City).  Donovan is called to the scene of a murder where thousands of dead fleas have been found, which puzzles him until he is contacted by an older Chinese gentlemen named Li.   Li thinks that an old enemy of his is trying to hatch a plot to release thousands of fleas infested with the bubonic plague in New York City.  Donovan is reluctant to involve Li in his investigation, especially since Li seems to have a hidden purpose in tracking down his old nemesis.  But Li’s theories turn out to be the best they have, and when Donovan’s ex-wife (a specialist on the psychology of terrorism) gets added to the team Li seizes the opportunity to explore Donovan’s troubled past.   Along the way the story also flashes back to episodes from Li’s wartime tragedies, and as the reader learns about these motivations it enables the author to insert a subtle message about the power of forgiveness and faith.  But first and foremost this is a thrilling tale about saving the nation from danger, and it is an added bonus that it also delivers a powerful message through well-crafted characters.