Firebird

Here is an excellent example of a SF story that is also a murder mystery, a political power struggle, a straight up contest between two scientific organizations and their leaders for the holy grail of self-sustaining fusion.

Written by an author intimately familiar with the science and politics through his own professional experience in the field, the setting, descriptions, characters and motivations ring true throughout the book.

The plot plays out over a short period of time under a deadline set by a politician and funder to the American effort, while another effort is being made at a facility in Europe.

There are deaths, sabotage, political infighting, detective work, internet-based clues, very nicely detailed characters with believable motivations and behaviors.

At times it seems like it's too much at one time, and thus it has to jump around a bit, but that's a small quibble.

Well worth the time to read.