Ambushed

De-Extinct Zoo #3

by Carol Potenza

A killer is stalking Milly’s preserve, but it’s not the monstrous de-exinct Quinkanas—crocodilians the length of a bus. It’s someone far more lethal.

Veterinarian Milly Smith cares deeply for each and every de-extinct animal living in the North American Pleistocene BioPark, a zoo and re-wilded wilderness sheltering resurrected megafauna, including mammoths, woolly rhinos, giant short-faced bears, and enormous apes. Her past is simple, and her present is rewarding.

There’s only one problem. Someone is trying to kill her.

When a frenzy of Quinkanas is maliciously released into tunnels beneath the BioPark, she quickly realizes the people who released the animals are the same shadowy group who are hunting her. Milly is fiercely determined to save the Quinkanas and bring the culprits who endangered the animals to justice.

Barred from the rescue mission, Milly delves into the Quinkanas’ lair alone, determined to unravel the mystery behind their attacks on her.

Except … maybe luring Milly underground was their plan all along.

Can she bring the truth to light and keep herself off the endangered list?

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 7, 2024

About the author

Carol Potenza is a biochemistry professor by day and a mystery author by night. She loves the combination of her two careers because it gives her the ability not only to teach her students about the biochemical effects of poison, but also to use said poisons very creatively in her murder mysteries (along with other diabolical methods). She lives in the beautiful state of New Mexico with her husband, Jose, and two dogs, Daphne and Hermes, they inherited from her sister.

Reviews

[George Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something dangerously peculiar is going on in the Quinkanas exhibit. Dr. Milly Smith, dedicated to the de-extinct animals under her care, needs to know what is wrong with the giant crocodilians. Unexpectedly banned from the investigating team, she realizes that some crucial, and secret, information is being kept from her; something that involves her personally. Her only recourse is to descend into the creatures’ underground lair where the answers may be found, if she can survive. I repeatedly held my breath during suspenseful encounters between humans and giant crocs, and between humans and, presumably, other humans. But Ambushed also raises questions about life and death, love, and identity. An exciting adventure with a thought-provoking backstory, I encourage you to read it.
Ambushed: A De-Extinct Zoo Mystery

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was the final book in series and all would be revealed. I was wrong. Just another confusing and deadly ordeal for Dr. Milly Smith as she fends off deadly crocodile like dinosaurs nicknamed quints and corrupt staff within the Bio Park. It's like an episode of the TV show Survivor. And a very surprising reveal involving a character from the outside.

[Suanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ambushed is the third in Carol Potenza’s De-Exinct Zoo Mystery Series. Veterinarian Milly Smith trained in Siberia and now works in Pleistocene BioPark, a zoo dedicated by resurrected extinct megafauna (giant short-faced bears, dire wolves, smilodons, mammoths, woolly rhinos) brought back by de-extinction geneticists. Milly’s first de-extinct animal is Maskwa, a bear she raised from a cub and cares for deeply. She's next involved with Pleistocene giant apes who learn American Sign Language for the deaf. Now, she's facing Quinkanas, huge crocodilians, that are released into tunnels beneath the BioPark by a nefarious fellow biologist, Evan Bowie—and is present at a fourth murder. She learns more about her own past and genetics, finally faces the fact that the head of the zoo, Dr. Luther Nikolai, is never going to return her love, and opens herself to another man, Warren Carter, with devastating consequences.

Potenza is a biochemist, and her knowledge shines through in the mystery. The De-Extinct Zoo series is akin to Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park series in its blend of science and fiction. Potenza incorporates enough technical details to provide verisimilitude while not overpowering the reader with obscure details. It is a quick read, full of twists and turns, and a touch of unrequited love.

[Dawn M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. It's reminiscent of Jurassic Park, but so much more. The Pleistocene BioPark is dedicated to resurrected megafauna or large animals, ie mammoths, woolly rhinos, giant short-faced bears, etc. Dr Milly Smith is the smart vet who oversees the de-extincts care. Ambushed, the third book, is an intense and suspenseful read. The descriptions of the mekosuchine crocodilian/Quinkana fortirostrum and their lair are vivid. The feeling of unease and terror that these huge creatures evoke is palatable. In my opinion, the books should be read in order to understand the events that swirl around Milly's ancestry. Highly recommend.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan of the de-extinct series here, and this one is the best yet! Milly, the veterinarian, is wonderfully complex in this book. Her passion for the de-extinct species shines even more (and that's saying something when I have a HUGE fear/respect of any animal close to a crocodile). Potenza blends science, camp, a strong heroine, a touch of romance, a smidge of horror and thriller, and a dash of Frankenstein in this book. Unputdownable! The only drawback might be that to really understand the main characters, the first books should definitely be read, but honestly, this has the legs to stand on its own.
Well done! Can't wait to read more in this series!

[Roger]

Ambushed: A De-Extinct Zoo Mystery (De-Extinct Zoo Mystery Series), my second read from author Carol Potenza. An enjoyable well-written, 156-page genetic engineering science fiction book, the third in a series of what already looks to be can’t put down enjoyable reads. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Somehow I missed the second book in the series is Signs: A De-Extinct Zoo Mystery: Resurrected Ice Age Megafauna and Murder (De-Extinct Zoo Mystery Series Book 2) which comes out on August 18 (it’s on my MUST GET & READ TBR list). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milly, a vet working in a biopark that specializes in resurrecting extinct mega-fauna, has to chase down some rather large ancient crocodiles that were let loose in the tunnels below the park. However, somebody is out to make her extinct. This is an interesting thriller with plenty of action and, of course, cool formerly extinct animals. I'm looking forward to checking out the other books in this series.

I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.

[Bells Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Jurassic Park you will enjoy this series. Fast moving and lots of genome/biology technology involved. This is the 3rd of the series (important to read them in order!). More is revealed about the park and the pressures that various parties are putting on it. Also more is revealed about Milly Smith the veterinarian who cares for all of the animals.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow...Just wow. More romance Then I would have preferred,
but but it all made sense with the ending. Near non-stop action. I look forward to reading more. Very detailed and highly techhical in nature it helps if you have a strong background in biology and geneticas. Unfortunately mine is in Chemistry.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The action was non stop. There were lots of twists and turns. Just when I thought everything was going to work out - bam - another twist. I'd call it a science fiction/thriller/mystery story. Really liked the main character Milly. I highly recommend it.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I thought Unmasked and Signs were exciting reads but Ambushed is even better. This series definitely gets more dramatic with each book. Roll on 2025 so that I can get my hands on Shattered. I can't wait to learn what else Milly discovers.

[Lisa Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The action starts fast and never stops, I had to know what happened and plowed thru in 1 sitting.

Invested in the characters now and I can't wait for the next book.

Absolutely gripping series. I highly recommend!

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the concept of de-extinct animals. There is a ton of action that kept me flipping pages! I want to know more about Milly and her past. Keep them coming!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s my first time reading a book by Carol Potenza. It’s a fast moving, action packed book. I enjoyed the whole concept of de-extinct animals. I’m sure everyone will enjoy this book. Can’t wait for the next one but will now go and read her earlier ones.
You won’t be disappointed.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did really enjoy this! A really great adventure, really well written! I really liked the characters involved & found the plot super interesting, a few twists & unexpected turns, so great! Good levels of action, when needed, & when you think about it a really scary idea! I do strongly recommend & I hope to read more by this writer!

[Margaret M Romanelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the creativit

I am enjoying not just the suspense but the insight into animal behavior. It reveals a lot of the best and worst of humanity.

[hale newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesomeness

Awesome series. Just the right amount of twists and turns. I just think the books need to be maybe another100 pages longer.

[Dusty Crum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these three books !

This is a great series . I can't wait to read the next on . crest in t Zoo is fabulous.

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.75 stars*

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, enjoyable read. I like Milly & her love for the creatures that were recreated by humans with little regard for the creatures themselves.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series.
Somehow they just keep getting better than the last.
Excellent plot and story lines that keep you engaged throughout.
Wonderful well fleshed out characters that you enjoy following.
Recommend reading highly.

[Lynn Dignan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Lots of suspense. I’m getting over protective of the de-extinct species as well. Can’t wait to read the next one. Thank you.