He learns that he has mesothelioma, a disease caused by asbestos exposure, and has only a few months to live. He wonders about his obituary...whether a spectacular hockey play he had made would be mentioned. He had Skipper, a high school dropout and computer geek hack into the obituary files of the New York Times to read his unpublished obituary. He discovers in this obituary that Delia is mentioned as working for the United Nations. To set the record straight he contacts the writer of the obituary, Richard Gold. A short time later Gold is killed. Valois undertakes to find the truth behind his wife's death while he is undergoing a new experimental treatment for his disease. He finds evidence that the Hobbs Institute never existed, that Delia's work wasn't what she said it was, and that the report of her death might be a lie. There is a trail of murders committed to conceal the project she was working on. Valois' search takes him far afield and uncovers an unexpected bonus for him.

Nerve Damage is fast paced, action packed and fast moving The plot is engrossing and suspenseful. Facts about the asbestos disease are revealing and relevant today. The characters are well portrayed. Valois' fight against his condition and his devotion to his wife, Delia, are powerful. The lengths to which organizations will go to cover up secret operations is frightening and leaves the reader with much food to think about.