Altar of Eden by James Rollins

Went into this blind, because I don’t need to be convinced that the story will be good. This is a standalone from Rollins, when I was half expecting a Sigma story, so that made it a genuine surprise. Although I love the Sigma novels, I love his earlier standalone stories as well. This one was no different.

Veterinarian Lorna Polk is pulled into an investigation of a rare animal smuggling ring, only to find that these exotic animals are very special. They have been genetically altered. Working with a man from her past, U.S. Border Patrol Agent Jack Menard, they find themselves targets of a secret cabal with links to Washington.  Is this the next step in evolution or a mad scientist’s experiment.

As with all Rollin’s books, he weaves incredible truths with fiction to create an incredible story that blurs reality in a mad race to the book’s end.