Habitat

Habitat is the fourth mystery in Skye Kathleen Moody's series starring Venus Diamond, Fish and Wildlife agent, continuing her high level of suspense writing with another exciting and thought-provoking mystery. Venus, recently married and, at the insistance of her husband, on leave from her job, is suffering from depression which she attributes to Seasonal Affective Disorder. However, the doctor she consults diagnoses it much more accurately as 'spiritual suffocation.' When her husband, Richard Winters, accepts an overseas assignment, Venus agrees to help her boss with the particularly nasty and vicious murder of Dr. Hannah Strindberg, and simultaneously throws herself into grave danger while curing her soul's suffocation. Venus refuses to accept the arson investigator's formulaic solution to the crime, and instead investigates those associated with Strindberg in the secretive Breedhaven project to harvest, freeze, and clone embryos of endangered species. Once again, Moody gives readers an extremely well-crafted plot, which is supported by a tremendous depth of research. She demonstrates her sensitivity to a variety of viewpoints concerning the very complex issues of cloning, preservation of endangered species, and the relationship between science and the general public. Her characters are realistic, complex, and very well developed. This novel is most highly recommended for those readers who want an action-packed mystery which also has believable characters and a thought-provoking plot.

Interesting concept that combines a more realistic Jurassic Park and genetic engineering plus the concept of another Noah's Ark. Moody writes well and her heroine is realistic, gutsy, and funny.

Department of Fish and Wildlife agent Venus Diamond takes a one-year leave of absence so that she can spend some significant time with her spouse. On the outside, Venus lives the ideal life. She is married to the man of her dreams and in a mansion that rivals any in the world. However, the material things she owns or can purchase does not stop her depression. Finally, when her husband goes away on an extended business trip, Venus accepts an assignment from her boss that instantly perks her up.Breedhaven is a pioneering wild life preserve and genetic research facility located on Helix Island off the coast of Washington State. The director recently died in a mysterious fire that also took the lives of several leading scientists. The facility's director left behind a legacy with instructions on what to do with it in case of her death. Someone steals the legacy, leaving Venus to find it before endangered species become extinct due to its use. Though the danger mounts and her life is in jeopardy, Venus feels quite contented because she thinks she is useful again.The protagonist is a unique individual whose only happiness seems to occur when she is on a case. Readers will like the investigating Venus who appears witty, determined, and intrepid. However, the audience will struggle to understand the married side of Venus who seems whipped, undecided, and cowardly. The mystery revolves around cutting edge technology that raises moral questions. Skye Kathleen Moody cleverly shows the viewpoints of several varying factions who have definite opinions on the subject of genetic engineering. Anyone who enjoys a well-written scientific mystery will want to read HABITAT.Harriet Klausner