Virals (Book 1) ~ Kathy Reichs

 Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage "sci-philes" who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.

As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their new found physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent.

Fortunately, they are now more than friends. They're a pack. They are Virals.

This book rapidly became my new obsession! Tory is a 14 year old girl who lives with her newly discovered dad, a marine biologist, on a small island in South Carolina. Her three best friends, Ben Blue, Shelton Devers and Hiram Stolowitski. I loved the character of Tory and how brave, headstrong and caring she is. She was the perfect protagonist in this series. It was her caring nature which brought upon them the virus which would change her pack's lives forever. One of the best things, apart from the heroine, was that the author (Kathy Reichs) brought in a lot of her forensic knowledge, just like in her Temperance Brennan series, but it is more accessible and understandable for the target audience. I learnt a lot from reading this book and the rest in the series. Another thing I liked was how there was no love story in this series which made sense since Tory was only 14. She does have a crush but that make up only a really small part of the story. However, saying this, I felt a definite sense of something romantic brewing under the surface.

The storyline of this book was particularly gripping, throwing you into the midst of a life or death chase involving guns and a dead body. Also, the solution to the mystery wasn't obvious which I put down to being written in the hand of such an experienced mystery writer like Reichs. If you like gripping mysteries mixed with a hint of fantasy and a huge scientific interest then this is the book for you. Even if you don't, I would guarantee you will enjoy this book. I really can't think of any complaints I have with this book and the rest of the series is just as fantastic.

As usual, please comment suggestions on how I could improve my reviews or hat I should review next. Also, have you read this book? What did you think about it? xXx