Fatal Equilibrium: A Novel Mass Market Paperback – July 12, 1986

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

got this for my goddaughter so she'll understand how I see the world (I'm an economist) read this book and you'll understand how everything works in an economy

good book, took class with the guy who wrote it!