Hollywood wants to kill you by Rick Edwards and Dr Michael Brooks

Taking specific movies as inspiration, Rick and Michael dissect the science behind various death scenarios and show us how likely - or unlikely - they actually are.
The only thing this book is missing is a chapter on zombies. Maybe that's coming in the sequel (please, guys?) Otherwise, it's a highly entertaining read, intentionally kept simple enough for anyone to follow. I can't speak to the accuracy of the entries, but they seem right.

The authors have interviewed various specialists and expert to make sure of their advice. I'm definitely going to be coming back to this one in future - and I really must watch Contagion to get some advice!

I love the little text chats between the two in each chapter. It keeps everything a bit lighter and more fun. A fantastic read I tore through in one night.

Asteroids, killer sharks, nuclear bombs, viruses, deadly robots, climate change, the apocalypse - why is Hollywood so obsessed with death and the end of the world? And how seriously should we take the dystopian visions of our favourite films?

With wit, intelligence and irreverence, Rick Edwards and Dr Michael Brooks explore the science of death and mass destruction through some of our best-loved Hollywood blockbusters. From Armageddon and Dr Strangelove to The Terminator and Contagion, they investigate everything from astrophysics to AI, with hilarious and captivating consequences.

Packed with illustrations, fascinating facts and numerous spoilers, Hollywood Wants to Kill You is the perfect way into the science of our inevitable demise.