Ancient diseases encoded in the DNA of humans wait like sleeping dragons to wake and infect again - or so molecular biologist Kaye Lang believes. And now it looks as if her controversial theory is in fact chilling reality. For Christopher Dicken, a "virus hunter" at the Epidemic Intelligence Service, has pursued an elusive flu-like disease that strikes down expectant mothers and their offspring. Then a major discovery high in the Alps - the preserved bodies of a prehistoric family- reveals a shocking link: Something that has slept in our genes for millions of years is waking up.

Now, as the outbreak of this terrifying disease threatens to become a deadly epidemic, Dicken and Lang must race against time to assemble the pieces of a puzzle only they are equipped to solve-an evolutionary puzzle that will determine the future of the human race...if a future exists at all"

I enjoyed this story of human evolution - maybe - the characters are well developed, and the story line kept my interest. I feel this 1999 novel is a bit dated. As DNA is the main focus of the book, and SO much has changed in the past 20 years in regards to what we know about DNA, much of the hypothesis in this book are not what came to pass. I would imagine someone more in the know would not enjoy this book today. It is interesting to read a science fiction novel that falls short on the future - as I think about some of the other science fiction books I have read - which of them would fail if I read them now, or will fail somewhere along the way?

my progress from Goodreads:
June 19, 2010 – Shelved
August 7, 2019 – Started Reading
August 11, 2019 – page 38
8.48% "“Remember you work for God”...the homicide detective referred to is Vernon Geberth, his book is Practical Homicide Investigation."
August 17, 2019 – page 152
33.93% "The use of acronyms amuses me..so very Government"
August 20, 2019 – page 377
84.15% "Interesting who the fictional promotional ads are from...Bill Cosby (knowing what we know now...)"
August 22, 2019 – Finished Reading

Headed out in the Animals Bookbox (Bear)

Received in the Animal Bookbox.

Released in the Animal Bookbox.

Please enjoy!

Took this out of the bookbox, as my reading challenges often include a sci fi or two.
Didn't realize this book was written so long ago - hope I'll still enjoy it.