Firecracker — Shirley Kennett

The room pulses with electronic life. His mind on overload, he activates the computer program that alters vital patient statistics -- and kills them, one by one...

A busy St. Louis hospital uses its computer to issue medical orders for its patients. When someone decides to tamper with the hospital's efficient system, the results are deadly. First, a wealthy, elderly patient dies...then a diabetic man is administered an overdose of insulin. In both cases, the hospital insists it is blameless. But PJ Gray, a psychologist and expert in the groundbreaking field of forensic computer simulation, suspects foul play.

Teaming up with veteran homicide cop Leo Schultz, PJ is hunting a cunning computer hacker who always manages to be one step ahead of them. And as they uncover clues that give them insight into this brilliant -- yet tortured -- predator's mind, PJ begins to comprehend the monstrous plan he has hatched. With time quickly becoming PJ's enemy, she must use her skills to enter his dark psyche. For the killer has just issued her a horrifying challenge: guess his next move -- or many more will die.