Paradox is another fast moving police procedural from the Preston team. Get ready to suspend your disbelief in the sequel to Extinction, a Cash and Colcord thriller.
Could aliens have been responsible for a reclusive old coot’s murder in the Colorado wilderness? Or perhaps a Catholic zealot? Why was the deceased force fed communion wafers before death and tortured using a device last used during the Inquisition? Where is his mysterious proof of a nearby alien landing? How does the theft of an ancient Catholic relic in Italy relate to this crime? Plus, money laundering? Wow, just wow…
Extinction was a completely unbelievable tale of resurrected Neanderthals that was such fun to read. Paradox tries for the same crazy exuberance but falls slightly short. There are just a few too many crazy threads shoved into this plot to keep it compelling throughout. Plus, adding religion always alienates a third of the readers off the top. That being said, I couldn’t stop reading this book.
Overall, if you feel like reading a police procedural with a crazy plot, read Paradox. It is a good read with some intriguing flaws. The multitude of ideas within feel like a less outlandish author would have spread them over two or more books. But you don’t read Douglas Preston books expecting a traditional story. 4 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley and Forge Books for providing me with an advanced review copy.