Extinction by Douglas Preston

 

Take an ingenious mystery and marry it to a near-future science fiction plot so plausible it feels more like a prediction than an invention and you'll have Extinction by Douglas Preston. 

Erebus Resort is nestled in the mountains of Colorado where scientists have de-extincted woolly mammoths and other large animals from the same era. They have been genetically modified to remove aggression (sounds foolproof) and left to roam. The resort is a top draw for the very wealthy. Newlyweds Mark and Olivia Gunnerson are two such park visitors. Until they disappear, leaving behind only a tent that has been slashed open and very large pools of blood.

Frankie Cash of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is called in. This is her first case as agent in charge and she sets about the investigation in an efficient and no-nonsense manner. She is also dealing with the uber-wealthy, an old-school sheriff complete with cowboy hat, and a large corporation that has untold millions at stake. Initially suspecting eco-terrorists, evidence begins to point to a different and more frightening threat. The Resort and its large security staff appear to be open and helpful, but there are hints that they might not be as forthcoming as they appear. It isn't long before the danger reaches truly terrifying levels.

Extinction wears its homage to Jurassic Park on its sleeve, but clever plot twists take this story in unexpected directions and it is in no way derivative. Characters such as the bellicose billionaire father of one of the missing couple, a CBI boss who is as concerned with PR as he is with answers, and a competent head of security who seems to be hiding secrets behind a face of cooperation all make this story that much more intriguing. Frankie Cash's competence and stubbornness add complexity to a character you love to root for.

The plot is quick-moving from the start and combines the awe-inspiring with de-extincted creatures, clever twists, and some shocks that will send chills down your spine. Douglas Preston has delivered another great book that will have his own fans as well as fans of writers like Michael Crichton begging for more!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.