Even though private investigator Del Price typically tracks down runaway teens, he is happy to help his Boston Police friend when a research scientist doesn’t come home one evening after work. Within just a few days, Price discovers that this is no ordinary disappearance, and as he learns to navigate the complicated waters of genetic research, he stumbles upon another, seemingly unrelated, case that changes the course of his investigation in a significant way.

This is Timothy F. Bone’s first novel, but what a debut! The plot is well crafted, and the characters are believable. Descriptions are clear without being dull, and the dialogue only rarely disappoints. The protagonist is given a lot of opportunity to philosophize about all kinds of topics related to life, struggle, and mortality. At first, it does seem a little contrived, but within just a few chapters, we learn that Del really is a thoughtful and insightful man. We also learn that he is a faithful, practicing Mormon.

This is not a typical LDS fiction piece, and not just because there is a body count. Rather, the author is simply writing a good mystery with a main character who happens to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Yes, there are plenty of references to the detective’s LDS background and lifestyle, all of which are explained in an engaging manner that does not require the reader to also be a member of this religion to understand.

The publication could have benefited from a more careful proofreading; there are typos littered throughout the text. And one of my personal pet peeves was present, the dreaded “hot water heater.” Dude, it is simply a “water heater.” Thank you. I was also amused that a character familiar with the internet and cellular telephones would also still be using a Polaroid camera. Doesn’t his cell have a built-in camera?

Rated: None. Three instances of an extremely mild term.