A mysterious code, a provocative phone message, and the sudden disappearance of a disgraced CIA agent entice a talented group of Intelligence Community misfits to uncover the highly protected secrets of a 40-year old failed CIA mission that happened during the waning days of the Cold War. The elusive truth as to why the Intelligence Community so staunchly guards the secrets of the past four decades is revealed by Agent Kurt Osis and his team through the use of a powerful but understated weapon… statistical analytics and reasoning.
This spy story is part of a literary genre known as instructional fiction. The Romanian Gambit weaves crafty presentations and explanations of authentic, and academically sequenced statistical applications through a complex plot of international corruption and deceit. As the plot thickens, the judicious use of basic statistical terms and concepts embedded in the story grows proportionately through the surprising conclusion. One does not need a statistical inclination to enjoy or understand the plot so readers are invited to work alongside the characters, verifying their statistical findings, or simply enjoy a good story. Whether reading for knowledge or leisure, The Romanian Gambit is perfect for instructors providing guided statistics instruction in the classroom and in personal collections as well.
Elliott
Ostler
Elliott Ostler is a university professor with nearly 30 years of experience teaching in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. He has spent more than two decades researching and applying the most effective non-traditional teaching techniques for students who struggle to learn mathematics and science content. His own early academic struggles with mathematics and science compelled him to look at technical subjects through unique and practical applications. As a result of his many academic curiosities, he has published research in a diverse spectrum of academic areas ranging from educational measurement and assessment to quantum cryptography. He has also written mathematics teaching and learning resources, consulted with nationally recognized STEM organizations, and patented an innovative teaching tool. The Romanian Gambit is his third mathematically based novel.