Extinction is a science fiction thriller which keeps you guessing until the end.

As the story opens, we see a couple on their honeymoon in the Rocky Mountains. They are in a private park catering to the richest of the rich. Once inside, they view wolly mammouths and giant ground sloths brought back from extinction as they hike safely throughout the park. Things are fine, until the extinct species fight back.

Imagine Jurassic Park meets The Hills Have Eyes. A billionaire and a group of scientists are taking extinct DNA from animals like the woolly mammoth and bringing them back into being. A couple who is camping at this resort where the extinct animals dwell are murdered, and a team is called to investigate. The investigations lead to more than they bargained for. It seems a cult may be to blame that they are dubbing the First Earthers. I have to say that this was a completely interesting hypothetical of what would happen when we start to bring extinct species back into our world. There was non-stop action throughout, and the group trying to get to the bottom of the problem was met with unending push back.

Extinction by Douglas Preston is part police procedural and part science fiction thriller. Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s Francis Cash is called to Erebus, an upscale resort featuring de-extincted animals, including several wooly mammoths, rhinoceroses, Irish Elk, giant ground sloths and more to investigate the disappearances of a young man and his new wife. Immediately she meets James Colcord, local sheriff, and although they don’t necessarily hit it off they agree to search together. The resort security couldn’t be more helpful. It is a frightening crime scene. The amount of blood could only be from decapitations, although since they have northing else to go on, they keep quiet on that. Soon the young man’s father appears. He is a tech billionaire and used to getting his own way. He tries to manipulate the investigation but much to his horror, he is thwarted. It is an interesting case, Frankie’s first as the lead investigator. Before long, things go from bad to worse and they try to retrieve a downed drone, and find people in the forest. Then the drone’s camera is turned on and shows a very odd ceremony of some sort. It gets weirder.

Frankie Cash is an excellent character, full of her own secrets, but clever, and a good investigator. Colcort is independent and not as back-woods as Frankie first assumed. They made a good pair, both working together, and separately. It is an enticing read with investigators learning more than they ever thought possible. There were complications: Frankie’s supervisor came in to take things over which turned out to be a mistake. There was a press conference and the press refused to leave, opening them up to danger. It is a view of the future that is not enticing, I’m afraid. Scientists always have to take the next step, for science’s sake. Sometimes it’s a step too far. If there is another Frankie Cash novel, this one will be tough to beat. Thanks, Mr. Preston!

The story was narrated by David Aaron Baker and he was excellent. It was mostly a straight read with only a few “voices” where appropriate. His efforts made it an even more exciting listen than Preston’s excellent manuscript. It was a good read but better in audio.

I was invited to read Extinction by Tor Publishing Group and listen through MacMillan Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley TorPublishingGroup #MacMillanAudio #DouglasPreston #DavidAaronBaker #Extinction

In a valley of a hundred thousand acres in the Colorado mountains sits the Erebus Resort. A very expensive resort where one can view real woolly mammoths in the wild. There are all kinds of de-extincted animals to view at Erebus. You can camp, hike the trails, take the tours, etc, all in perfect safety. These animals, you see, have been created without any aggressive genes.

One night two campers are abducted, leaving behind giant spills of blood and nothing else. What happened to them? Are they still alive? Where are they now? You'll have to read this to find out!

I went into this book thinking creature feature, Jurassic Park style. What I got was something entirely different. Yes, there is a feel of Jurassic Park to this tale, but it's much more than that. The characters were interesting, especially Frankie Cash, new Colorado Bureau of Investigation special agent in charge. Facing the usual BS women face in a job of authority, I couldn't help but admire the way she kept her head in the most unusual of situations.

What was also interesting was the science behind it all, and the many different ways that science became perverted. Is this kind of research and experimentation safe? Is it wrong that only the most wealthy of people could come and enjoy the results of such experiments? Shouldn't something this miraculous be available to all? And maybe the biggest question of all-could this really happen?

The narrator here, David Aaron Baker, was nothing short of amazing. All kinds of voicing, with all kinds of accents, (as Erebus Resort is a worldwide attraction), showcased his talents. I was especially a fan of the Australian accent, (let's face it ladies, there's something sexy about that Australian accent!)

Overall, this turned out to be more of an action-murder-mystery-thriller than a creature feature, and while I was surprised by that, it was a pleasant surprise. What these people went through out in that wilderness was often brutal and terrifying, and that type of thing is what my horror-loving black heart loves!

Highly recommended!

*Audio ARC from publisher.*

In Extinction, a company called Erebus has brought back wooly mammoths and a few other species…de-extincted they call it. The story begins with a young honeymoon couple camping out in the backcountry, above the area where the mammoths live. But that night, something terrifying happens and all that is found in the morning are two pools of blood.
The CBI is called in and our main character, agent Frankie Cash appears as the Agent in Charge. Erebus seems open, but Cash soon begins to suspect there is more going on beneath the surface. With the help of a local sheriff, she eventually discovers the terrifying and horrifying truth of what Erebus has done.
I listened to the audiobook recording and it was great. The narrator did an excellent job of pacing and was very easy to listen to.
Extinction is not only an exciting story, but it makes you think. We have the ability to do many things, but should we? If you enjoy thrillers with a scientific edge, be sure to read Extinction!
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC.

3.5 stars

_Jurassic Park_ gets a shout out in here, and it has to, because any modern reader will not be able to encounter this setting without thinking of exactly that. While there are some similarities (cool returning creatures), there are also some critical differences.

I really enjoyed the central premise of the thrills, and I also loved the sci fi elements. It is impossible to read (or in my case listen) to this book and not have incredible visuals of the landscape, animals, etc. Things went wrong for me in a completely unexpected situation: Cash's self-talk and general ways of communicating. I was so distracted by her focus on her body, her diet, her various faults, and her desire to confer with male characters to find a crumb of self-worth that I at times lost sight of the bigger picture. Her characterization felt like it went into extinction a long time ago. I'm convinced that when I think of this book, her depressing, outdated views of herself will be what first come to mind. She needs to get in the car and listen to Indigo Girls with Barbie ASAP.

Though this is a self-contained book, there is also real potential for a sequel. I'd come back to this author enthusiastically, but I'm hoping for more modern women characters to go along with the cool premise.

'Extinction' by Douglas Preston did not disappoint! There is an interesting mystery and a strong sci-fi element. I didn't expect the twist. It was really nice and well thought out. I love Preston & Child novels as a duo and their individual works are also nice. I quite enjoyed this novel and I recommend it to all Preston and Child fans! Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of this audiobook.

I loved this one!! Narrated by David Aaron Baker, this is an addictive audiobook that seamlessly weaves genetic manipulation, prehistoric creatures, and murder mystery. I was hooked from the start!! The mystery surrounded by the murders was to me, complex and drew me in to the story. The story follows Agent Frances Cash and Sheriff James Colcord progress throughout the book and I enjoyed their partnership and felt like it added depth to the story. David Aaron Baker's superb narration enhanced the overall experience. I'm hoping for more in the series, this audiobook is a must-listen for those who enjoy thrilling blends of science and mystery.

I have always been a big fan of Douglas Preston. I was excited to read this new title, but I did find it hard to really get into. There were aspects of it that were really engrossing and kept my attention, but other parts of the book were just not interesting to me at all. I felt that overall it was unevenly paced and not the author’s best work. I’m sure it will be a best seller, because Douglas Preston is an established author, but without that this might have been a pass for me.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was my first Douglas Preston read and I regret not picking up one of his books sooner. I enjoyed the unique story of a park in America with extinct animals, but how the story went deeper and darker than what was on the surface. I highly recommend this title and cannot wait to recommend it at my library.

I will always read Douglas Preston books because they are always such a fun ride. In this one, there is science (bringing back extinct species) and a murder mystery, so readers can also enjoy trying to figure out the mystery.
The ending was odd but questions were answered and I really liked the main characters. The narrator was terrific and did a great job differentiating the characters. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to this audiobook

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. 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 partners with county sheriff James Colcord to track down the perpetrators. As 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 on extinction.

Like Jurassic Park with Wooly Mammoths with a bit of Michael Crichton's State of Fear thrown in. I loved this one a lot. Also reminded me of Ray Naylor's Tusks of Extinction, but this one was able to accomplish so much more being a full length novel. If you liked any of the previously mentioned books or authors, or anything to do with extinct species and eco-terrorism, then this one will be right up your alley!

Great book, Douglas Preston never failed to keep you on the edge of your seat. This book went places I never expected or could have imagined.

In Douglas Preston's "Extinction," the allure of a gripping techno-thriller beckons readers into a world of intrigue and high-stakes drama. However, the novel's ambitious narrative structure proves both its strength and its Achilles' heel.

From the start, the potential for an exhilarating adventure is unmistakable. However, the abundance of narrators introduces complexity to the narrative. While diverse viewpoints add depth, the frequent shifts disrupt the immersive quality of the story, at least for me. I find it challenging to keep up with multiple points of view. Typically, three is the maximum number I can comfortably manage. As someone captivated by the central character, Cash, I yearned for a more consistent engagement with his journey. Undoubtedly, Preston's storytelling prowess shines through, weaving a tapestry of technological marvels and suspense. However, the fragmented narrative inhibits full immersion, leaving readers yearning for a more cohesive journey.

Despite its narrative challenges, "Extinction" remains a testament to Preston's imaginative prowess and ability to craft intricate plots. While it may not fully satisfy the cravings of techno-thriller enthusiasts, it offers a compelling exploration of suspense and technological intrigue. The fact that I was able to see where the twist was going almost from the outset was a little disappointing.

In conclusion, "Extinction" is a novel of mixed blessings. While its ambition is commendable, its execution falls short of achieving full resonance. Nevertheless, it stands as a testament to Preston's skill as a storyteller and warrants consideration for readers intrigued by its premise. I will definitely recommend this to fans of "Jurassic Park".

As for the narration, I was a little apprehensive about a male narrator, but David Aaron Baker was great! He was able to give the excessive number of narrators their own unique voices.

Thank you to Douglas Preston, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for sending me the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Author Douglas Preston’s name caught my eye when an ARC of the audio version of “Extinction” , was offered by NetGalley and MacMillan audio. My simple summary is WOW. It’s a police procedural combined with eerie science fiction, far less fiction than I would care to assume , brought me to places in my mind that spun with frightening possibilities.

Erebus Resort, in the Colorado Rockies, is a complex where wealthy visitors can come to vacation and observe formerly extinct animals from millions of years ago. Being able to reproduce genetic codes, has enabled scientists to recreate beasts previously visible only in history books. Think Michael Crichton meets Sherlock Holmes, when man’s best made plans run amok and a pair of very wealthy newlyweds go missing. All evidence points to a brutal murder at Erebus.

Colorado Bureau of Investigations Agent Frances Cash is given her fist opportunity to lead the inquiry. She teams up with a local sheriff. Could there be a group of environmentalists who disapprove of the resort’s purpose? Is a staff member insane? Disgruntled? Clues get weirder and weirder and had me imagining all possibilities except for what actually began to transpire. I had not an inkling of the unimaginable places this plot would take me.

Filled with thought provoking , ethical considerations, this complicated and original story is a venture into a scientific possibilities run amok. The reader was outstanding with perfect pacing and vocalization.

Extinction is a wild ride in a time warp. Four consistent stars and my recommendation to all who enjoy mysteries, police procedurals and science fiction that could become reality with today’s scientific capabilities. Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for an ARC in exchange for my unbiased review. This audio book will be available April 23, 2024. Look for it.

I was enjoying this story and voyodnt out it down until the introduction of the cult. At thst point nothing could make me read any more of this. I hate cult stories and find them so cartoonish and overdone. Here as well. A pity because I think this book would have been great otherwise

Extinction is equal parts captivating and scary. I had a hard time putting this gripping and thought-provoking book down.

Erebus Resort deep in the Colorado Rockies is a place where visitors can see woolly mammoths, Irish Elk, and giant ground sloths who have been brought back by science. This book will give strong Jurassic Park vibes.

While on their honeymoon, Olivia and Mark Gunnerson are taken from their tent and murdered. Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent Frances Cash and local sheriff James Colcord pair up to hunt down their killer(s). Little do they know; they will come up against something that they could never imagine. It's ancient, intelligent, and deadly. They are both intelligent and dedicated to their jobs, but will that be enough??? I enjoyed the unfolding of the mystery during their investigation.

This book is a combination of several genres: mystery, suspense, police procedural, Science fiction and adventure. Extinction is well written, well thought out, interesting, and also a little scary. This book had me thinking of the phrase “Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should.” I found this to be a very thought-provoking book. What happens when scientists try to do something that should never be tried without thinking of the consequences. What happens when you come up against something you can't begin to understand? Science can be fantastic, but it can also be scary.

Gripping, well written, and thought provoking.

Well-paced enjoyable story with excellent narration. Cash is a strong female character and hopefully there will be more of her in future books. I’m a fan of Douglas Preston novels and Extinction didn’t disappoint me.

This was my first time listening to an audiobook with a male narrator. I found him to be clear, direct and with distinct character voices which enhanced the detail of the story. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the de-extinct creatures. Highly Recommended.

This a new, interesting take on the science of bringing back extinct animals made famous in Jurassic Park. The book takes place in a resort for de-extinct animals located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, rather than a Caribbean island.

The characters are well-developed and the plot is paced well. And it doesn't include my pet peeve of wrapping up the story in one page. The author allows for the possibility of a sequel, but it seems this is more of a standalone than the beginning of a series. Douglas Preston has been on my list to read in the future so this was my first experience with his work and I was very pleased.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was one suspenseful read that I was hooked on from the start! This book felt like Jurassic Park meets Planet of the Apes loaded in action, twists and turns as well as mystery that kept me guessing what would happen next. I enjoyed the references to current events as well as the characters reading Preston and Child books that were spread in the story. Overall, this was a great read that I was hooked on from the start that I would recommend to others.