Extinction is a delightfully terrifying book, and without a doubt it's definitely a favorite read of 2024.

It started as a thriller in the spirit of Jurassic Park. In a beautiful place in Colorado, an eccentric billionaire decided to de-extinct Pleistocene megafauna. All is well until high profile guests are taken, presumed dead.

Unsurprisingly, the corporation behind it was up to more nefarious things than resurrecting giant ground sloths. When the big bad is revealed, it feels less summer blockbuster and more SyFy channel original movie. People also do some remarkably stupid things to further the plot along the way. There are organized homicidal maniacs running amok but we wouldn’t want to stop the Hollywood studio from filming.

In the positive, it was very readable, fast paced, and fun. Exactly what you’d want for a summer read. I enjoyed it but it definitely stretched my willing suspension of disbelief a little too far. 3.5/5

TW for violence and descriptions of cannibalism. If you can handle an episode of Criminal Minds, this should be fine

*4.5 stars rounded up*
Extinction is the first book I’ve read by Douglas Preston, but it definitely left me wanting to read more by the author. The story was complicated and told from the perspectives of several characters, so we could see it develop from multiple angles. I really loved all the descriptions of the scenes and characters, bringing the story to life. The book takes some really wild turns along the way and was full of action, excitement and mystery. While it mostly follows law enforcement and at its core is a crime thriller, the scientific premise of de-extinction was interesting and something that could be a reality in the near future.

Thank you to Tor Publishing Group | Forge Books and NetGalley for the advance review copy of Extinction! All opinions expressed in my review are completely my own.

Throughout "Extinction" the characters go to great lengths to explain why this is not "Jurassic Park." Sadly, this book would've benefitted from being more like Jurassic Park, and focussing on a story beyond the technical marvel of brining prehistoric creatures back to life. The plot feels very rushed and you do not get a chance to connect with the characters, their motivations, etc. This reads more like a second draft than a finished product, and ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. Shame, as this could've been very very good if the author was as preoccupied on telling a great story as he was to convey a message around the concerns over cloning and genetic manipulation. For that, I rather re-read Jurassic Park instead! 2 out of 5 for me. Thank you Netgalley for advanced copy.

Another excellent book by one of my favorite authors.

Set in the Colorado wilderness, a mega wealthy couple has vanished without a trace. Will CBI agent in charge Frances Cash be able to uncover the secrets?

The things modern technology could be capable of is a bit terrifying!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Some people just have "it". The "it" in this case is writing ability that draws readers in and never lets them go. Extinction is a double murder, edge of your seats roller coaster that is Preston at his best. I have a science teacher on my campus that (in general) does not like fiction. I think thid ne may be the one to win her over, as the science embedded in the story enhances every minute of the prose. This is a great book.

I’m a big fan of Douglas Preston and when I saw this compared to Jurassic Park (one of my favourite books) I was very excited. What a thrill ride! Preston is a master and exciting, fast paced mysteries and this was just that. Lot of really interesting science to round out his ideas, plus a mystery that kept you guessing. Loved it!

Extinction by Douglas Preston combines a compelling murder mystery and cutting-edge science in a Michael Crichton-esque plot. This excellent mind-blowing thriller is very highly recommended. One of the best!

The exclusive Erebus Resort is located in a hundred-thousand acre valley of in the mountains of Colorado. Through genetic manipulation Erebus specializes in the "de-extinction" of Pleistocene megafauna, like woolly mammoths, giant ground sloths, Irish Elk, giant armadillos, and the indricothere. These prehistoric animals have had their genes for aggression removed for the safety of the visitors at the resort. For their honeymoon Mark and Olivia Gunnerson go backpacking at Erebus to see the prehistoric animals there and then disappear in the night.

County Sheriff James Colcord notes the obvious attack on the couple left behind a copious amount of blood but no bodies, so Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent Frances (Frankie) Cash is called in to track down the perpetrators. Since Mark is the son of a wealthy billionaire, the first assumption is a gang of eco-terrorists are trying to send a message about the resort.

This is a gripping murder mystery full of extinct creatures, perpetual tension, breathtaking twists, and shocking developments that gallops at a heart-stopping pace. Once you start reading the ingenious narrative you will not want to stop until you reach the unpredictable, stunning final denouement. Once the plot took off, I was following in what ever direction Preston led me. I kept trying to predict what was going to happen and was surprised at every turn.

What made Extinction even better (if that were possible) are the variety of fully realized characters and personalities that populate the novel. Frankie and Colcord are great characters and the interaction between the two is appealing even when they seemingly clash. All the supporting characters are presented as unique individuals and you will easily distinguish between them while reading as fast as possible to see what in the world is going to happen next.

Additionally, much like Crichton, Preston has done his research and knows the science behind the direction his plot takes. At the end of the novel Preston shares the real science and the direction it is taking right now. Great characters, action-packed plot, and expert plotting and pacing make this one of the best novels of the year. Thanks to Forge Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Edelweiss, X, Barnes & Noble, Book Browse, and Amazon.

Prolific American author Douglas Preston is probably best known for the long running Agent Pendergast series of thrillers that he co-authors with Lincoln Child. But he also has a background working for the American Museum of Natural History and plenty of solo and non-fiction publications under his belt. In his latest novel Extinction he turns to the Pleistocene in a Jurassic Park-style set up. And while every character who matters claims that this is nothing like Jurassic Park they end up protesting a little too much because in almost every way that matters Extinction is a lot like Jurassic Park. And that includes its page-turning readability.
Extinction opens with two wealthy tourists on a guided hike high in the Colorado mountains looking down on a herd of woolly mammoth. It takes less than two chapters for that idyll to be shattered. The two have disappeared and possibly murdered bringing in Colorado Bureau of Investigation lead investigator Frankie Cash to the exclusive Erebus Resort. This is an exclusive playground for the rich where creatures from the Earth’s distant past, including mammoths, giant sloths and giant elk have been recreated and rewilded. And while it soon becomes clear that something else is going in on the labs built in the old gold mining tunnels that riddle the area, Frankie has to deal with bureaucratic inertia and media grandstanding as the situation gets further and further out of control.
The interesting this about the Jurassic Park comparison is that it will only get readers so far and in some ways becomes a little bit of a bait and switch. Extinction may draw on some well worn science fiction tropes (not just Jurassic Park) but it also delivers some interesting science about the history of humanity. Preston does not weigh the story down with exposition but uses his underlying science to fashion engaging thriller with some great twists and an ending in which much is resolved but is open for a potentially fascinating ongoing story.

When the son and daughter in law of a prominent billionaire go missing in one of the most exotic locations in the United States, Colorado Bureau of Investigations Agent in Charge Frankie Cash is called in. Taking advantage of her newly minted title that the paint hasn’t even dried on, Cash is up and on the run to start the investigation. What she finds at the prehistoric and unimaginable Erebus Resort is nothing short of astonishing. Erebus CEO, Maitland Barrow, is a one of a kind dreamer who had visions of creating something never done before, or in this case, something that hasn’t been done in millions of years.

Erebus Resort is home to some of the world’s most beautiful creatures, including the Mammuthus Columbi (Woolly Mammoth), Woolly Indricothere (large Rhino), Megatherium Americanum (Giant Ground Sloth). Erebus has been able to seemingly bring Jurassic Park to life and create an environment mimicking the natural habitats that seems like a time from centuries past. While the investigation begins, Cash and Eagle County Sheriff James Colcord begin to believe there is more than meets the eye of this tropical oasis. What they don’t see are the secrets that Chief of Security Andrew Maximillian and his team are keeping from them and what the real mission of the resort is.

There is something mysterious running around the Erebus property that is killing people and terrorizing the law enforcement and the visitors that remain. Who is in charge of the madness and what happens to the to everyone left at the resort when all hell breaks loose?

Preston brings to life historic creatures that clash in modern day America! Life and death are two things that are certain in our world, but when scientists and men start playing God and giving those creatures a second chance, bad things are certain to happen!

Preston creates an imaginary universe that doesn’t seem that far off. An energetic storyline that is bloody and dangerous from the start with fleeting images of Jeff Goldblum whispering to you, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should." There is a mysterious feeling that surrounds the Erebus property and danger looks around every corner and you’ll be greeted by imperfect characters in the perfect roles. Preston doesn’t make everything fall into line, bringing determined and valiant characters that make mistakes and highlight an authentic environment aside from the once creatures. Mad men with money doing crazy things sounds familiar, but this one adds a twist you can’t even fathom. Enjoy this ride!

With Lincoln Child, Douglas Preston is half of the popular thriller writing team responsible for the Pendergast and Nora Kelly books. He has also written some very good solo thrillers, including the excellent Tyrannosaur Canyon from a few years back.

His latest, Extinction (Forge, 26 April 2024), is another very enjoyable read that combines Michael Crichton style thrills with a heavy of dose of clever science. In many ways it is Jurassic Park revisited, but with more science and mammoths!

Erebus Resort, occupying a magnificent, hundred-thousand acre valley deep in the Colorado Rockies, offers guests the experience of viewing woolly mammoths, Irish Elk, and giant ground sloths in their native habitat. Brought back from extinction through the magic of genetic manipulation, the animals offer a safe way to view an earlier way of life. When a billionaire’s son and his new wife are kidnapped, and murdered, in the Erebus back country by what is assumed to be a gang of eco-terrorists, Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent Frances Cash and county sheriff James Colcord are sent in to track down the perpetrators, without disturbing the guests.

As the killings mount, and the valley is evacuated, Cash and Colcord must confront an ancient, intelligent, and malevolent presence at Erebus, bent not on resurrection, but extinction.

Preston has an easy flowing writing style that smoothly integrates simple to understand science into a fast moving plot. The story gets off to a good start and there is enough action, mystery and uncertainty to keep it moving along at a good pace. The characters are simple, but effective, and the central pairing of Cash and Colcord are very engaging, and more nuanced than the rest of the cast.

The early action scenes generate some good excitement, and while it is relatively easy to guess where the plot is going, Preston introduces several twists to keep it interesting.

Some suspension of disbelief is required, especially around aspects of the central conceit, but it is very easy to settle back and enjoy. A thoroughly enjoyable science thriller.

It's been awhile since I have read a Douglas Preston book, but my husband and I are both big fans. This latest read was entertaining and fast paced. While a bit predictable, it was a solid good time. The characters were unremarkable, however I enjoyed the book overall.

Well, it's hard to get more timely than genetic manipulation - and when it's rooted in fact and jazzed up with murder and mayhem, it makes for a hard-to-put-down story (even if parts are a little implausible). Chalk up another one I stayed up past my bedtime to finish.

The story begins at the Erebus Resort, an exclusive and uber-expensive safari-like place at which guests can see animals that became extinct eons ago (think: woolly mammoths). That came about as a result of the aforementioned genetic manipulation, done at an onsite laboratory, coupled with backing from the billionaire owner. But all things that must pass aren't good; the son of another billionaire and his bride who are honeymooning at the lodge suddenly disappear with no trace except an overabundance of blood left outside their tent.

Enter Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent Frankie Cash, who is called in amid what experts called a kidnapping until hard evidence - meaning bones - proves the honeymooners were murdered. Cash pretty much runs the investigative show from that point on, together with personable and very capable Colorado Sheriff James Colcord. Their job is far from easy, though; not only are there other lodge guests to consider, but there's a motion picture being shot on other parts of the Erebus-owned land (if I'm honest, that part of the story seemed a little more like filler-upper than relevant, but it did make for some tense moments).

Amid the investigation come sightings of unidentified beings that seem to appear from nowhere and disappear to the same place - but whoever or whatever they are, it's clear they're not there to make friends. Finally, it's determined that they may hang out in one of the abandoned gold mines located in the hills of the property. But who are they, and maybe more to the immediate point, who are they really out to destroy and why? Readers learn the grisly details, sometimes in grisly fashion, as the investigation plays out - and they may be more sinister with more far-reaching implications that anyone possibly could have imagined.

After you read the book - and if you enjoy a good thriller, I recommend that you do - be sure to read the author's notes at the end for some interesting and factual background. In some ways, it's even scarier than the book. And in the end, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. Well done!

When murders erupted at the Erebus Resort, Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent Frances Cash and her team descended upon the scene of bloodstained grass with "de-extincted" mammoths in the background. Things got even stranger when a drone used in the search was stolen and then used to send a very strange message. Plus there were the objects found at the site. Motive seemed to be the key, but, who's motive. The setup of the resort reminds one of Jurassic Park, but with mammoths, ground sloths, giant beavers and the like rather than dinosaurs. And someone seemed to have overstepped boundaries of ethical science leading to the disaster brewing at Erebus. The question becomes who will survive the firestorm coming and who will embrace the storm? An interesting and entertaining look at the dark side of science.

Thanks Netgalley and Tor for the opportunity to read this title.

A couple go missing in a wilderness area where a private scientist group has been de-extincting prehistoric creatures. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is brought in to investigate. ARC from NetGalley. .

I read this book because, well, I've read nearly all of Preston (and Child's) books since JENNIE, but I was specifically interested in this novel because he wrote in his newsletter that, in reading the book REGENESIS, he found a great idea for it. So I read that book to see if I could figure it out. I was very wrong--in a good way.

This is a wildly exciting novel about a newlywed and newly pregnant couple, one of them daughter of a tech billionaire who go to a vast and remote park in Colorado where a team of scientists, funded by another billionaire, has used DNA to de-extinct wooly mammoths and other American megafauna. Let's say that their trip doesn't end well, which brings in an FBI agent working on her first case as agent in charge and a local sheriff to figure out what happened. Meanwhile a movie crew is shooting a film in a ghost town on the property. Let's also say they should've wrapped early. The investigation bumps along a bit as our heroes try to figure out what's going on, but pretty soon--and the author knows the reader is expecting this--everything in the park goes south very quickly and ends way more weirdly than I was expecting--and I loved the bonkers ending of CRIMSON SHORE.

Agent Cash isn't as well-developed as P&C's Corrie Swanson, but Swanson's had several books to develop. It'll be interesting to see what Preston does with her, a very different character too. The book's also wonderfully self-aware, making the obvious pop culture references (plus a fun one for fans). And I enjoyed the epilogue that talked about all the research behind the book, including Preston's case that what happens in the book, including the secret of what's really going on, really could come to pass in some fashion.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early look.

A fun summer blockbuster of a book! “Extinction” is another thrill ride from Douglas Preston. Can’t help but feel the “Crichtonish” vibes from this story of ancient mammals brought back to life, but it’s that wonderful Preston flair to it. He’s always so wonderful with female characters and giving us whole well rounded people and great dialogue. This book is perfectly paced and doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s perfect for a summer beach read or when you just want to escape with something awesome! Read it! Thanks to Netgalley for the arc!

Erebus Resort, located deep in the Colorado Rockies, plays creator by building a sanctuary for their designer dinosaurs is just a cover for a more nefarious goal which only comes to light after a billionaire's son and his new wife go missing in the park. Extinction is a riveting, page-turning thriller that explores the possible and unintended dangers of the very real efforts to resurrect the woolly mammoth and other long-extinct animals. Similar to Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park, this book both fascinated and terrified me.

Cross Jurassic Park with the wildest crime story you've ever read and you get this gripping, unpredictable thriller from best-selling novelist Douglas Preston. A newlywed couple are honeymooning at Erebus, a luxury resort where scientists have de-extincted wooly mammoths and other docile prehistoric creatures, when they're brutally murdered. Francine Cash of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is put in charge of the case, and it isn't long before she gets senses the heads of Erebus aren't giving her the whole story – especially when evidence suggests a cannibalistic cult has made its home in their reserve. Frankie Cash is a tough, no nonsense heroine who leads us through a taut, mind-boggling thrill ride that blends science with toxic greed and ambition to create a deadly army that cannot be controlled. It's another fierce blast of entertainment from Preston, but don't be surprised if you're wary about glamping after reading it.

The Erebus Resort in the Colorado Mountains caters to the very wealthy, providing them with a once in a lifetime experience seeing wooly mammoths, and other de-extincted creatures, in their natural habitat. The resort is owned and funded by an ethically-challenged billionaire who has hired ethically-challenged executives to run his enterprise. When another billionaire’s son and his new wife are kidnapped and killed in what may be a targeted attack by ecoterrorists, Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent in Charge Frankie Cash and Sheriff Jim Colcord are called in to catch the culprits before the media descends and turns the horrific event into a circus. Cash and Colcord quickly realize that the situation is much more dangerous than they originally thought and race to catch the killer before it’s too late…for everyone at the resort.

Douglas Preston’s “Extinction” is filled with ethically-challenged and self-serving characters, violence, and intense action. There is a sense that the reader is not seeing the entire picture (and neither are our heroes) which lends a general creepiness to the atmosphere of the story. Throughout the story, one is reminded that Ian Malcolm of “Jurassic Park” told us (to paraphrase) “just because we can, doesn’t mean we should” when dreaming of reviving long-extinct species.

This book is great for those who like fast-paced thrillers.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.