Patient Zero

Patient Zero (2009) by Jonathan Maberry is the first of the Joe Ledger series.  Based on this first look, I'll be back for more when I'm in the market for a thriller.  Joe, a Baltimore detective about to move on to the FBI, is recruited by the super secret Department of Military Science (DMS) to combat a terrorist threat.  The terrorists have learned how to create zombies ("walkers") in a plot to destroy the United States.  Lots of action, lots of blood and gore, and a kick-ass hero add up to a great page-turner.  Don't let the zombies scare you off.  This one is worth a look.