This is not a new book. Far from it - it was first published in 1975. Yet a quarter of a century on it remains the most believable first contact story I've ever read.

The plot is simple. An alien spacecraft appears in earth orbit, knocking out radar screens. Governments panic and try to hide the facts. When something from the ship actually lands in Montana, a team of scientists and the military charge in to investigate. The rest of the book is about their efforts to discover the facts whilst in the background international governments panic and prepare emergency measures.

This is a very dry book. There's lots of science, lots of politics, lots of talk. This has the effect of making those scenes where there is action stand out even more vividly.

As you'd expect after twenty five years, there are some signs of ageing. Most notable is the fact that this book is set before the break up of the USSR. Still, that doesn't matter too much - just mentally substitute whatever country the US is demonising this week.

If there is a disappointment it's the ending. You're expecting some big denouement, but none really comes - the book lives up to its title. Yet in many ways this is probably one of the most realistic aspects of the story. Real life doesn't follow the conventions of fiction.

If it ever happens, it could well happen like this.