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De-Extinct Zoo #1
Unmasked
Catch the Killer, Save the Bear.
Veterinarian Milly Smith is living her dream, working in a zoo populated by de-extinct creatures resurrected from ancient Mammoths and mastodons, dire wolves and do-dos, camelops and saber-toothed cats.
But a routine surgery on a massive short-faced bear goes horribly wrong and a colleague is dead. The bear is slated to be destroyed unless Milly can prove the animal was used by a diabolical killer as a murder weapon.
A killer whose attention has turned to Milly.
Veterinarian Milly Smith is living her dream, working in a zoo populated by de-extinct creatures resurrected from ancient Mammoths and mastodons, dire wolves and do-dos, camelops and saber-toothed cats.
But a routine surgery on a massive short-faced bear goes horribly wrong and a colleague is dead. The bear is slated to be destroyed unless Milly can prove the animal was used by a diabolical killer as a murder weapon.
A killer whose attention has turned to Milly.
- GenresScience Fiction
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2023
93 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Carol Potenza
11 books120 followersCarol 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.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 23, 2024
Unmasked: A De-Extinct Zoo Mystery: Resurrected Ice Age Megafauna and Murder (De-Extinct Zoo Mystery Series Book 1), my first read from author Carol Potenza. An enjoyable well-written, 113-page genetic engineering science fiction book, which looks to be the first in a series of enjoyable reads. “I received an Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. The next book in the series is Signs: A De-Extinct Zoo Mystery: Resurrected Ice Age Megafauna and Murder (De-Extinct Zoo Mystery Series Book 2). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
September 30, 2024
Novella or short story set in a Jurassic Park like de-extinct bio preserve in Northern New Mexico. During a routine dental procedure with a gigantic bear the bear comes out of anesthesia and kills a staff member. Dr Milly Smith knows something is off and becomes an advocate for the animal. Her unofficial attempts to investigate estrange her from the park leadership and put her at risk. Was she the target? I found the plot and motives confusing but enjoyed Dr Smith's passion for protecting the animals. The ending was strange and sort of unresolved but I'm reading the next one.
October 27, 2023
A very interesting book. Thank You for writing it.
April 25, 2023
Milly Smith is working at a zoo theatrevives or de-extincts animals from the past, when a tragedy occurs. A short faced bear awakens during surgery and kills someone. Milly works to save the bear from being put down, and discovers that she was the intended victim
September 26, 2023
A good whodoneit!
If you love a good murder mystery set in the exotic world of de extinct animals this book is for you. Cutting edge science too. Scientists have successfully brought back an ibex now, wolly mammoth to follow!
If you love a good murder mystery set in the exotic world of de extinct animals this book is for you. Cutting edge science too. Scientists have successfully brought back an ibex now, wolly mammoth to follow!
September 10, 2023
So Interesting
This was a really interesting story, even if it was much too short. I really look forward to reading the rest of the series.
This was a really interesting story, even if it was much too short. I really look forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 5, 2023
De-Extinct Zoo Mystery Series:
Interesting, although the technology was not discussed in the creation of the extinct animals and original extinct flora specifically created to feed the original animals. Never considered that food sources would die with their specific feeders; the animals were always the focus.
There is a lot of intrigue mixed in with the variety of characters, human and de-extinct, and interesting story lines. While not Jurassic Park, the zoo locations are of interest. The story lines are ongoing as Signs proves with additional lines, which carry into the third book. There are layers of happenings and events throughout both books. Neither books are cliffhangers, but the depths of the murders run deep. The stories are immersing and quickly read by any level of education.
Unmasked, #1 - Good introduction to the De-Extinct zoos, their people, their animals and flora. My Kindle library. 4*
Signs, #2 - Takes place one month after Unmasked ends. Source: BookSirens. 4*
De-Extinct Zoo Mystery Series end.
Interesting, although the technology was not discussed in the creation of the extinct animals and original extinct flora specifically created to feed the original animals. Never considered that food sources would die with their specific feeders; the animals were always the focus.
There is a lot of intrigue mixed in with the variety of characters, human and de-extinct, and interesting story lines. While not Jurassic Park, the zoo locations are of interest. The story lines are ongoing as Signs proves with additional lines, which carry into the third book. There are layers of happenings and events throughout both books. Neither books are cliffhangers, but the depths of the murders run deep. The stories are immersing and quickly read by any level of education.
Unmasked, #1 - Good introduction to the De-Extinct zoos, their people, their animals and flora. My Kindle library. 4*
Signs, #2 - Takes place one month after Unmasked ends. Source: BookSirens. 4*
De-Extinct Zoo Mystery Series end.
November 16, 2024
A good synopsis and a great cover art can make you download a book and jump for it like if it was the last cold Coke on the desert... Unfortunately sometimes you discover that it's flat and tastes mouldy - at least it's cold!
"Unmasked" is like that... The De-Extinct Zoo series description and cover design really attracted me and the begining of the book is very good, describing the main character Milly Smith and all the Jurassic Park setting in New Mexico... Unfortunately, the story transforms itself into a whodunnit mystery with all the De-Extinct Zoo almost forgot and it suddenly ends after a unrealistic face off between killer and prey (first, the killer could have easily taken his target out without such a elaborated plan, second, the way it's resolved, trying to be a mysterious smart launch to installment #2 is just risible). Will not follow this series...
"Unmasked" is like that... The De-Extinct Zoo series description and cover design really attracted me and the begining of the book is very good, describing the main character Milly Smith and all the Jurassic Park setting in New Mexico... Unfortunately, the story transforms itself into a whodunnit mystery with all the De-Extinct Zoo almost forgot and it suddenly ends after a unrealistic face off between killer and prey (first, the killer could have easily taken his target out without such a elaborated plan, second, the way it's resolved, trying to be a mysterious smart launch to installment #2 is just risible). Will not follow this series...
July 31, 2024
Scientist have talked about cloning ancient extinct animals, but has anyone determined what they would do with them once they are here? In this story they build elaborate zoos. They have to have special trained handlers and Vets. Like most things today, politics play a large part in what is allowed to happen. Milly has a real love for a short faced bear that she helped create and raised from a baby. Something goes wrong during surgery to work on an infected tooth and a tech dies. Mysteries arise. Romances occur. Interesting read.
December 31, 2025
Murder mystery Jurassic Park
Milly is a veterinarian in a facility bringing back extinct species. The animals become part of a zoo. Jurassic Park, with mammals instead of dinosaurs. She is especially fond of a prehistoric bear, Maskwa. Bear needs a root canal. During the procedure, the bear wakes from anesthesia and all hell breaks loose, resulting in the death of the veterinary dentist. Was it an accident? This book was a bit too convoluted for me.
Milly is a veterinarian in a facility bringing back extinct species. The animals become part of a zoo. Jurassic Park, with mammals instead of dinosaurs. She is especially fond of a prehistoric bear, Maskwa. Bear needs a root canal. During the procedure, the bear wakes from anesthesia and all hell breaks loose, resulting in the death of the veterinary dentist. Was it an accident? This book was a bit too convoluted for me.
July 12, 2023
Excellent But Too Short
This was a short story or perhaps a novella at best. I was enjoying it immensely when, all of a sudden, it ended. The author should be ashamed of getting a full novel's money for this little story. That is why I gave only three stars. If it had been a full length novel, it probably would be worth five stars to me.
This was a short story or perhaps a novella at best. I was enjoying it immensely when, all of a sudden, it ended. The author should be ashamed of getting a full novel's money for this little story. That is why I gave only three stars. If it had been a full length novel, it probably would be worth five stars to me.
June 19, 2024
This is the first book that I have read in this genre and I enjoyed it so much that I can't wait to read Signs, the second book in this series.
Her co-workers may call Milly boring, but I find her anything but.
I received a free copy of Unmasked through StoryOrigin, and have chosen to leave a review.
Her co-workers may call Milly boring, but I find her anything but.
I received a free copy of Unmasked through StoryOrigin, and have chosen to leave a review.
July 31, 2024
I enjoyed this book. A completely different type of book than I usually read. I'm so glad I tried it, and yes, I'll read more.
This book gave me some Jurassic Park vibes, with the de-extinct animals. The mystery kept me guessing too. I wasn't sure who the culprit was until they explained it.
Quick read, well done, and I can't wait to get to the next one.
This book gave me some Jurassic Park vibes, with the de-extinct animals. The mystery kept me guessing too. I wasn't sure who the culprit was until they explained it.
Quick read, well done, and I can't wait to get to the next one.
August 20, 2023
Short sci fi mystery
What happens when scientist bring back prehistoric creatures & put them in a park to be managed by humans. Jealousy, rivalry, suspicion & murder among the staff make a thrilling, interesting read.
What happens when scientist bring back prehistoric creatures & put them in a park to be managed by humans. Jealousy, rivalry, suspicion & murder among the staff make a thrilling, interesting read.
January 10, 2024
A bit of mystery, a bit of thriller. Picked up this book because of the captivating theme. Started reading and thought I was in Jurassic Park! Would have liked it to be a bit longer, but overall, very good!
April 15, 2025
A simple locked-room murder mystery. It does have a de-extinct set of animals. There are no details on the de-extincting process or the controversies about what is and is not a truly extinct animal. This is a short, quick read. I never got into the main character. The story flowed fairly well but didn't have really any big surprises.
November 20, 2023
Soon coming to a zoo near you ... Minus the mystery, probably. Purchased this edition on November 20, 2023, from Amazon for free.
December 10, 2023
Quite good, need to read the rest
June 11, 2024
Love it
I wished the book was longer and more in depth about Maskwa. Loved the background of how the zoo was created can't wait to read more. Thanks.
I wished the book was longer and more in depth about Maskwa. Loved the background of how the zoo was created can't wait to read more. Thanks.
February 27, 2025
Definitely a quick read. I did not want to put it down. If you like Jurassic Park idealisms you will like this!
March 7, 2025
unmasked
I really like this book. I would recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries that evolve animals. The de- extinct ones.
I really like this book. I would recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries that evolve animals. The de- extinct ones.
March 27, 2025
I'm in love !
This is a story you don't want it to end .Hurry bring me the next installment ! Wonderful characters in a wonderful mystery. Can't wait for book 2 !
This is a story you don't want it to end .Hurry bring me the next installment ! Wonderful characters in a wonderful mystery. Can't wait for book 2 !
March 14, 2025
Unmasked is a unique murder mystery, Book #1 from the De-Extinct Zoo series written by Carol Potenza. The novella has a bit of a Jurassic Park vibe, along with an Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, out-of-her element, scientist as sleuth. I liked it a lot, except for the length of the story. It is too damn short.
Dr. Ludmilla (Milly) Smith is a veterinary doctor working at a Pleistocene BioPark, one of only two in the world, where her chief responsibility is tending to the newly created megafauna. Dinosaurs might have at one time been made extinct, but they have now been made De-Extinct. When dental surgery for one of the megafaunas was required, she and her team walked in prepared. Small problem, there are several people on the team with axes to grind.
Milly commences the surgery, but when the giant cave bear being operated on, wakes before the completion of surgery, emergency protocols are initiated. Sometime during the ensuing hubbub, Milly experiences a knock to the head. When she awakes, a member of the surgical team is dead, and the cave bear is the culprit. However, Milly insists that the animal was simply the murder weapon, and because she cares for the animal, she will find the actual killer regardless of who the actual killer might be.
I like the story pacing, but I really did not enjoy the story-length. I usually want more, but here there was plenty of room for depth. Characterization of the cast would have given more space for red herrings, misunderstandings, and exploration of idiosyncrasies. I'm fully aware that this is just the first story in a series, but a quirk is introduced, and that affectation is never explored. The quirk would have given the reader an insight into Milly's character that, for me, was missing.
Dr. Ludmilla (Milly) Smith is a veterinary doctor working at a Pleistocene BioPark, one of only two in the world, where her chief responsibility is tending to the newly created megafauna. Dinosaurs might have at one time been made extinct, but they have now been made De-Extinct. When dental surgery for one of the megafaunas was required, she and her team walked in prepared. Small problem, there are several people on the team with axes to grind.
Milly commences the surgery, but when the giant cave bear being operated on, wakes before the completion of surgery, emergency protocols are initiated. Sometime during the ensuing hubbub, Milly experiences a knock to the head. When she awakes, a member of the surgical team is dead, and the cave bear is the culprit. However, Milly insists that the animal was simply the murder weapon, and because she cares for the animal, she will find the actual killer regardless of who the actual killer might be.
I like the story pacing, but I really did not enjoy the story-length. I usually want more, but here there was plenty of room for depth. Characterization of the cast would have given more space for red herrings, misunderstandings, and exploration of idiosyncrasies. I'm fully aware that this is just the first story in a series, but a quirk is introduced, and that affectation is never explored. The quirk would have given the reader an insight into Milly's character that, for me, was missing.
May 8, 2023
I read Unmasked (which I kept incorrectly calling De-Extinct, like the animals in the story) yesterday and loved it! This book starts with a bang and never lets up. Milly, the main character, is sympathetic and likable, and the premise of a zoo of de-extinct Pleistocene animals brought back into existence via genetic engineering was engaging. The writer is a biochemist, so that's not surprising. Unlike other authors, however, she struck the perfect balance between telling us what we needed to know about the science without repeatedly drowning us in unnecessary details to the point of annoyance (Blake Crouch's Recursion, I'm looking at you).
Ms. Potenza is an excellent writer who clearly has a grasp of what makes for good writing. It's obvious that she has devoted herself to learning the craft of writing. The prose is concise and crisp, and she makes it easy to visualize the settings. She never once did the kind of thing that pulled me out of the story, like head hopping or using information she hadn't previously introduced in order to solve the mystery.
I would have liked a little more character development, more world building, and more complexity in the mystery itself. I think these aspects suffered due to the length of the book, which is quite short, but it’s still a REALLY GOOD book that I thoroughly enjoyed and heartily recommend! I’m always excited to find a new author whose books I love, and look forward to reading the rest of her catalogue.
Ms. Potenza is an excellent writer who clearly has a grasp of what makes for good writing. It's obvious that she has devoted herself to learning the craft of writing. The prose is concise and crisp, and she makes it easy to visualize the settings. She never once did the kind of thing that pulled me out of the story, like head hopping or using information she hadn't previously introduced in order to solve the mystery.
I would have liked a little more character development, more world building, and more complexity in the mystery itself. I think these aspects suffered due to the length of the book, which is quite short, but it’s still a REALLY GOOD book that I thoroughly enjoyed and heartily recommend! I’m always excited to find a new author whose books I love, and look forward to reading the rest of her catalogue.
May 19, 2023
What a great story. That would be a great zoo - full of what used to be extinct mammals. In this case, a short nosed bear is involved. This guy's paw was as big as a man's body. How do you defend a huge bear that is accused of murder? An interesting concept. I can't wait for the next book, SIGNS.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews