A resort getaway for the extremely wealthy where extinct animals and fauna are now un-extinct through the science of genetic engineering… what could possibly go wrong? Erebus Resort has attracted a lot of visitors bringing animals such as the woolly mammoth and the Giant Sloth back to life, even as secrecy is maintained about their operation. However, a well-connected and wealthy newlywed couple is now missing and presumed dead. Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent Frances Cash is assigned her first lead investigation, and she’s partnered with the local county sheriff, James Colcord. The clock is ticking, and Cash and Colcord will have to figure out what is going on as the killings are continuing with even stranger elements to them.   EXTINCTION is a standalone tale from Douglas Preston. While there are shades of Jurassic Park with the concepts of de-extinction and gene manipulation, EXTINCTION is no rip-off tale. It has a whole different approach and quite frankly the author’s afterword at the end is quite scary with some of the implications of the latest scientific research. Douglas Preston excels at combining science and fiction, making his tales both enjoyable and educational.   I love the duo of Cash and Colcord! Their introduction to each other is a bit wary but they soon learn they both are willing to solve the crime despite the interference of bureaucracy and money… even if it costs them everything, including their lives. I have to admit there is no way on earth I would handle some of the tight places they found themselves in and the fact they stayed cool under pressure was admirable. They didn’t downplay how scary things were but were still willing to face the circumstances regardless. And I have to give a shout-out about Bart Romanski, the head of the CSI team, who may just be my favorite in the series. I hope we see more of him as he is a hoot!   EXTINCTION is a fast-paced thriller full of twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as each new revelation unfolded. I love thrillers that are grounded in science. Douglas Preston expertly weaves together science and fiction to craft a story that the reader can fully understand and enjoy- and oh what a wild ride it is! I honestly didn’t want the story to end and hope we get a sequel soon!