The Cerulean's Secret

by Dennis Meredith

Somebody has stolen the most beautiful cat in history!

It’s 2050, and the Cerulean cat, with its mesmerizing iridescent blue fur, is the ultimate genomic engineering triumph of the high-flying company, Animata.

Animata reaps massive profits creating and selling a marvelous menagerie of animals—including exotic crosses like cogs, dats, snurtles, alliphants, hamakeets, and feather boas. Its ultra-rich clients, however, clamor for the really spectacular specimens—dragons, unicorns. . . and now the Cerulean. The stunning cat had promised to bring billions of dollars from a corporation, a private collector, or an exhibitor.

Swept up in the theft is naïve young Timothy Boatright, a wanna-be writer and New York cabbie. He inadvertently picks up the thief and the nabbed Cerulean. The cops suspect he’s a partner in the crime.

To prove his innocence and save the cat, he tracks it down and steals it back. He ends up accused not only of catnapping but murder—fleeing the police, Animata thugs, a greedy drug lord. . . and Big Nasties! Somebody has set these 300-pound genetically engineered assassin-animals—with their three-inch fangs, razor claws, and night vision—on Tim’s trail.

Tim realizes that the Cerulean holds some explosive mystery he must solve to survive and save the cat. He must also save his friends held for ransom—the middle-aged, cat-loving former spy Callie Lawrence and her headstrong daughter Lulu, with whom Tim has fallen madly in love.

The Cerulean's Secret is a fast-paced thriller that projects today's amazing genomic technology into a future of incredible biological manipulation.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

285 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2015

About the author

Dennis Meredith brings to his novels an expertise in science from his career as a science communicator at some of the country's leading research universities, including MIT, Caltech, Cornell, Duke and the University of Wisconsin. He has worked with science journalists at all the nation's major newspapers, magazines, and radio and TV networks and has written well over a thousand news releases and magazine articles on science and engineering over his career.

He has served on the executive board of the National Association of Science Writers and has written numerous articles and guidebooks on science writing and science communication. He has also served as a judge and manager for the NASW Science-in-Society Awards and the AAAS Science Writing Awards.

He was a creator and developer of EurekAlert!, working with The American Association for the Advancement of Science to establish this international research news service, which now links more than 4,500 journalists to news from 800 subscribing research institutions.

In 2007, he was elected as a AAAS Fellow "for exemplary leadership in university communications, and for important contributions to the theory and practice of research communication." In 2012 he was named the year's Honorary Member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society.

He holds a B.S. degree in chemistry from the University of Texas (1968) and an M.S. in biochemistry and science writing from the University of Wisconsin (1970).

He is currently writing science articles, non-fiction books and science fiction novels. He also develops and conducts communication workshops for researchers seeking to enhance their communication skills, both professional and lay-level. He has developed workshops for researchers at universities, research foundations, and government agencies and laboratories.

Reviews

[Merrill Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puss n' Plot: My Review of The Cerulean's Secrets by Dennis Meredith

OK, first things first. I have found rather late in life that I am a cat person. I've always liked cats, but didn't have strong feelings about the species until my daughter "gifted" me Hunter, a black cat who was being kept in a foster home until my daughter adopted him to be her college companion. I'm not quite sure how it happened, but somewhere along the way, Hunter came to visit my house and ended up staying.

A few years later, Hunter was joined by Daphne, a muted-calico dumpster kitty my daughter, who was then currently at law school, removed from the front of a bodega where the animal had set up a regular begging station. Judging by the kitty's weight at time of pickup, this strategy was not working well, so Daphne was whisked home to my budding law student's studio apartment, which was apparently too cramped to accommodate six pounds of cat. Daphne soon joined Hunter at my house, where the relationship between the two can be best be described as "polite." Hunter like to rough house and Daphne does not, leading to occasional fits of loud hissing and cat screams when Daphne feels her dignity being impinged upon. She likes to take revenge by sneaking up on Hunter and whacking him on the back of his head with her paw when he's not watching. Both of them feel it is their inalienable right to walk all over me when I'm laying in bed, then snuggle up to my side (Hunter left, Daphne right), and take a nap.

Thus, when I was asked to review The Cerulean's Secret, a story of a cat genetically altered to possess bright cerulean blue fur, I said yes. Also, the color plays a role in my new novel Selling Steve Jobs' Liver, so that was another inducement (the blue cloud on the cover is cerulean). Finally, much of the book's action takes place in a Bronx milieu set 50 years in the future and having grown up and lived the majority of my life in the burrough, I wanted to see what it would look like in a few decades.

This book was not presented to me as a YA title, but after reading it, that's how I'm classifying it. As I say in the submission guidelines, I'm not the best fit to this type of book, but I went ahead and read the novel and it's a fun, though flawed, experience.

Cerulean is about the adventures of Timothy Boatright, who works as a NYC cabbie and dreams of becoming a writer. He becomes embroiled in the "catnapping" of the Cerulean, a genetically altered cat who because of its color (and other characteristics I won't discuss in the review), is worth a fortune. Powerful forces in this future society have created this cat and powerful forces want it back and are prepared to leave no pile of kitty litter unturned until the Cerulean is returned to their control.

From a Sci-Fi standpoint, I enjoyed author Meredith's speculations about how genetic engineering will enable us to one day create exotic animal chimera's and how their presence will impact society and future markets. We're at the dawn of the age of direct genomic manipulation of pets and other animals, but we can all see that some very different creatures are going to be barking, woofing, and chirping at us in the future.

Much of Cerulean's writing is also crisp and interesting. Here's a sample of what I mean:

It all started on a day I drove my cab like always, and New York stunk the way I liked New York to stink, with the sharp tangy aroma of electrics, the fumes from the gas cars, the aromas of sidewalk food, and the general rich, organic funk of people and the city. As it got hotter, all the great smells just sort of cooked themselves together like a steamy bubbling stew. Everybody immersed in the stew busied themselves acting the way only New Yorkers do. The drivers inched along in bumper-to-bumper Manhattan traffic, cabbies cussing and big traffic -scarred trucks double-parked, with everybody trying to squeeze in on everybody else.

That's pretty good stuff and reminds me very much of Manhattan in August. Of course, being a native New Yorker and speaking of pets, when I was a kid I remember another sort of odor that was baked into the city streets and it wasn't very fragrant. But then the pooper scooper came along and things are better these days.

Read the rest of this article here: http://www.rule-set.com/ricks-blog/pu...

[Linnae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I nearly stopped reading more than once, then picked it back up again. Maybe it was that cover!

Set in a not-so-distant future where a couple of big companies have made big money from genetically engineering mutant animals. The most common, of course, being the cogs and dats, but other stuff too, even unicorns and dragons. They make most of their money off of wealthy patrons eager for an exotic showpiece pet, private collectors, and those with commercial interests in the animals.

The most talked about creation so far is the Cerulean cat--a gorgeous animal with blue fur and golden eyes. Just as the cat is about to make its debut at a cat show, it is kidnapped.

Timothy Boatwright is a New York cabbie who is in the wrong place at the right time. Little knowing how his whole life is about to be upended, he picks up a nervous man carrying a large box. Though the ride is pretty much business as usual, Timothy catches a glimpse of a blue-furred tail poking out of the box just as the man leaves the cab.

Later it becomes clear that he is the only witness to the kidnapping suspect. However, when he goes to the police with his information, he immediately gets treated like a suspect himself. Before he quite knows what's happening, it's not safe to go home anymore, he's picked up a couple of allies (a cat lady named Callie with some mad skills--and her daughter Lulu), and he's racking up the people who want to kill him.

* * * * *
One of those stories where one thread becomes loose, but when that thread gets pulled, everything starts to unravel.

The author used an interesting plotting device, where the story started in the present, then about 2/3 was told in retrospect until we caught back up to the present. Then it finished out from there. I suppose it added a little suspense, but I don't think it was really necessary.

The story itself had plenty of twists and turns up until the very end. I guess that's what kept me picking it back up. To be honest, I'm not sure it was worth it.

Content: Violence, with plenty of accompanying blood and gore. Also, quite a bit language throughout. "Lovemaking" mentioned several times but not ever described. For adults.

I blog at: www.ofbooksandblooms.com

[Joy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cerulean is a genetically engineered cat; it's beautiful and everyone wants it, but the Why is more complicated than its obvious value. It's stolen from a cat show, and our hero, Timothy Boatright, a cabbie and would-be writer who loves Hemingway, picks up the thief with the cat and catches a glimpse of its shimmering blue tail. This meeting gets the cops on his tail, and his involvement becomes even more complicated. A mother and her beautiful, mysterious daughter (the mother's mysterious also), the neighborhood gangster who's protecting him because of his mother. and dangerous corporate suits join the mix--and here comes the Little Nasty. The Big Nasty comes later, but they're both dangerous and good at tracking.

The year is 2050 and the virtual technology is dazzling. People can immerse themselves in a fascinating virtual reality world--The Mirror. Lots of imaginative inventions here, including the latest in tattoos. So, Timmy is hunted and he hunts for the reasons behind the mystery of the Cerulean cat 'cause he wants to live and get the cops--everyone and everything off his back, including the big claws, fangs, and other weapons. There are more characters upcoming--and another Big Nasty...

This is only the beginning. Timmy delves into the background of the Animata company and gets in deeper and deeper. So, he eventually rescues The Cerulean and they travel cross-country; he learns more about The Cerulean's origin, but again, that's only the beginning. The technology is imaginative and impressive and fun, as are the characters. Well, some of them--not so much. However, the ending is the my favorite part--more danger--it never really stopped, but keep your eyes on what's happening in the background. I can still see that scene in my mind.

Note: I received a free copy in return for an unbiased review.

[Linda Diaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is 2050, and Timothy Boatright finds himself driving a cab in New York City. Originally from a small town in North Carolina, Tim moved to NYC after graduating from college. He hopes to become a writer like Ernest Hemingway whom he greatly admires. Tim finds himself in some real-life drama and action that would have made Ernest Hemingway smile.

All sorts of animals are being genetically-engineered and auctioned off for thousands or millions of dollars. Scientists have cross-breed animals such as; cats and dogs, snakes and turtles, cows and wolves, chickens and monkeys, and camels and buffaloes. One such animal is the famous Cerulean Cat that has been stolen and could be sold for billions or zillions of dollars- talk about a fortune.

Tim is accused by the police of kidnapping the Cerulean cat, but actually finds himself being chased by a drug kingpin, corporate CEO, thugs, and some Nasties. I can guarantee that none of us would want to encounter a little Nasty or Big Nasty!

It was interesting and disconcerting that the police had Exxon patches on their uniforms. Some Dunkin Donut patches are even mentioned. How far will corporations extend their influence and power in the future? The so-called average citizen has less and less rights as Tim experiences at the hands of the police. But Tim finds help from Callie and Lulu Lawrence and unexpectedly in the Cerulean Cat. This book relates the consequences of humanity on the animals, plants, land, and with each other. But hope still exists thanks to Tim and the Cerulean Cat!

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2050, would-be writer Timothy Boatright is driving a cab in New York City. In this future-time tale, scientists have genetically engineered a variety of animals, including the stunning Cerulean cat. When naïve Tim unwittingly gives the cat-napper a ride in his cab, he sees the tip of the Cerulean’s tail.

Suddenly, he finds himself under arrest for cat-napping the Cerulean, Tim tries to prove his innocence by tracking down the cat and stealing him from the cat-napper. But the situation deteriorates for our intrepid hero when the police accuse him of murder.

Can he find a way to clear his name, rescue his friends, avoid the Nasties, and save the cat? And just what is the Cerulean’s secret, anyway?

This delightful futuristic tale, filled with quirky characters and harrowing situations, is an intriguing mystery. Told with humor, the caper is wildly entertaining and the twisty plot will keep the pages turning.
On a more serious note, readers will find the genomic engineering technology a sobering possibility for the near future and the powerful corporate influences are nothing short of terrifying. Readers will find much to enjoy and to consider in this entertaining, thoughtful tale.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Cerulean’s Secret, Tim finds himself on the run after a series of odd events. The story is set in the near future, when companies have been able to perfect genomic engineering and now altered species are big business. People are spending big money on animals like cogs (cat dogs) and snakes with feathers. But one engineered cat is making his debut at a premier cat show in New York, and suddenly goes missing. Tim, who had the misfortune of giving a cab ride to the man who had made off with the cat, accidentally finds himself in possession of the Cerulean cat, and now it seems like everyone is after him. I really liked how quickly the story escalated, it has some really fun and crazy ideas that keep adding to the absurdity of the story. This is the kind of story where I never knew what would happen next, definitely a fun read.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Penny Rosier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raymond Chandler meets Philip K. Dick & Roger Zelazny in this futuristic gumshoe tale of a man and his cat. While getting off to a slow and Hemingway-esque start, Mr Meredith quickly gets us involved in the story and the characters making them real and flawed and all the more likable. Add to all this all the twists and turns of a good mystery and you have a good read on your hands. It doesn't hurt that you have as a character a cat who is the holy grail and the Maltese falcon all rolled into one. I especially liked the fact that there wasn't a lot of "woe is me" coming from the put upon hero. He was up for the challenge and willing to take risks for others without so much as one "I just want to quit". Meredith's contribution to the mystery genre is a good bridge between Phillip Marlowe and Rick Deckard. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Harry Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original, in that it involves a genetically enhanced blue-furred cat; fun, in that it's a nice, lighter-weight action/suspense novel; interesting, in that the tone/writing style reminded me of Rudy Rucker Ware tetratology (not sure if the wording, sentence structure/writing style, or what specifically is why it seemed similar).

This is my fourth novel read from this author, I truly appreciate the attention to detail, that the writing is polished and accessible to a broad audience, the subject matter is interesting, and that each of his novels has been very enjoyable as a whole.

[N.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The Cerulean’s Secret follows the story of Tim and his accidental involvement in the theft of a genetically engineered cat. Worth more money than he’ll see in his entire lifetime, Tim has to help solve the mystery of the iridescent feline and who stole it. But along the way he discovers much more than the thieves' identity, but the Cerulean’s secret.

I’ll admit that I was initially drawn to the book because of my own novel, which also deals with animals and genetic testing (albeit in a slightly different way). It sounded so silly that I had to try it out. I can honestly say that I was not expecting this novel. I finished it largely in one sitting, which is quite rare for me. Dennis Meredith’s writing is quick, witty, and completely believable. Was some of it a little cheesy? Yep. But that honestly added to the story. It’s a very distinct style, and one I enjoyed thoroughly. I also really enjoyed how this novel can age. There are no definite years mentioned in the novel itself, or pop culture references (which I hate seeing in sci-fi) so it can stand the test of time.

The idea of genetically engineering animals honestly isn't that far out of our reach. Perhaps not in the ways described in the novel, but it’s there and definitely worth exploring as an ethical and even social issue. Meredith introduces the reader into this near-future society without bombarding us with heavy explanations. Everything feels natural as though we’ve always known this about the future technology. At times I felt as though everything just happened to line up so perfectly and was a bit overdone, but honestly I think that added to the style. And I really enjoyed how while the characters figured things out, the reader was kept in the dark until the big reveal. I thought that was really well done, but now re-reading it may not give the same impact.

So, my overall thoughts? Go read this novel. Enjoy.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun. The plot was good, the characters were well drawn, and the action kept the story going right along.

I would read another book by Dennis Meridith.

[maryann rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

A review of the Cerculean Secret

I loved this story. It had Texas excitement of a chase, and so many funny spots that made me smile. Well wort 're read.

[Dennis Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a cabbie, one that is struggling, and set him up with a stolen valuable cat, that is blue yet, make the year 2050, and you have a great mystery of the future. Some of the words used could be ones we might think of 25 or 30 years from no3 and some of the technology in homes gives us a look into the future that is fascinating and thought provoking.

The author had the 'guts' of that cabbie, Timothy Boatright, and the wits and daring of the Cerulean Cat in my mind, in creating a novel that is hard to stop reading. Get through a couple of chapters, as the writer talks about picking up the 'fare' with the cat, dying the cat gray to help hide it and then losing it, you will be hooked. Look out for the Big Nasty, Keep reading.

I would recommend it to most all ages, male and female. It is a really good book.

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book and would give it more than five stars if I could. It's an adventurous story of a young man named Timothy Boatright, a soon to be writer who goes all out to find the beautiful, blue cat with an incredible secret. The author did an excellent job on writing this mystery and you will not be disappointed on the ending. Find out for yourself where that darn cat is. I am very pleased to say I am lucky to have won the book on a Goodreads giveaway.

[Ruth Caves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a cat?

Who would have guessed that driving a taxi would be the start of such a mind blowing adventure. Fast paced futuristic world where nothing and no one is what it appears - will keep you turning the pages of this story to its amazing ending.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. Set in the near future, this is part adventure and part love story. The hero is a great character who grows with the story. I want to know what comes next for him.

I received this book as part of a Good reads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, riveting, and heartfelt. It kept me wanting more from start to finish.

[Scott E Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about a guy who gets blamed for a bio-engineered cat going missing. Interesting take on the future and a definite thriller. I hope for a movie.