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Cash & Colcord #2
Paradox
Not yet published
Expected 21 Apr 26Win a free print copy of this book!
18 days and 03:47:15
50 copies available
U.S. only
The new powerhouse team of Douglas Preston & The new powerhouse team of Douglas Preston & Aletheia Preston are joining together to "enter the world" of the New York Times bestselling Extinction.
One of the holiest relics in Christendom, inexplicably defaced…
A paranoid old prospector, ritualistically murdered…
A controversial exobiologist, tortured and dismembered…
When a reclusive man is found dead under grisly circumstances in the Colorado wilderness, CBI Agent Frankie Cash and Eagle County Sheriff Jim Colcord, whom we met in the New York Times bestseller, Extinction, team up again on their most enigmatic and dangerous case yet. Their investigation uncovers a trail of bizarre killings, baffling money transfers, and a fanatical secret society.
And all the while, the resurrected Neanderthals, who vanished into the Colorado mountains, seem to be biding their time for something…spectacular.
One of the holiest relics in Christendom, inexplicably defaced…
A paranoid old prospector, ritualistically murdered…
A controversial exobiologist, tortured and dismembered…
When a reclusive man is found dead under grisly circumstances in the Colorado wilderness, CBI Agent Frankie Cash and Eagle County Sheriff Jim Colcord, whom we met in the New York Times bestseller, Extinction, team up again on their most enigmatic and dangerous case yet. Their investigation uncovers a trail of bizarre killings, baffling money transfers, and a fanatical secret society.
And all the while, the resurrected Neanderthals, who vanished into the Colorado mountains, seem to be biding their time for something…spectacular.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 21, 2026
15 people are currently reading
7271 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Preston
185 books13.6k followersDouglas Preston was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1956, and grew up in the deadly boring suburb of Wellesley. Following a distinguished career at a private nursery school--he was almost immediately expelled--he attended public schools and the Cambridge School of Weston. Notable events in his early life included the loss of a fingertip at the age of three to a bicycle; the loss of his two front teeth to his brother Richard's fist; and various broken bones, also incurred in dust-ups with Richard. (Richard went on to write The Hot Zone and The Cobra Event, which tells you all you need to know about what it was like to grow up with him as a brother.)
As they grew up, Doug, Richard, and their little brother David roamed the quiet suburbs of Wellesley, terrorizing the natives with home-made rockets and incendiary devices mail-ordered from the backs of comic books or concocted from chemistry sets. With a friend they once attempted to fly a rocket into Wellesley Square; the rocket malfunctioned and nearly killed a man mowing his lawn. They were local celebrities, often appearing in the "Police Notes" section of The Wellesley Townsman. It is a miracle they survived childhood intact.
After unaccountably being rejected by Stanford University (a pox on it), Preston attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, where he studied mathematics, biology, physics, anthropology, chemistry, geology, and astronomy before settling down to English literature. After graduating, Preston began his career at the American Museum of Natural History in New York as an editor, writer, and eventually manager of publications. (Preston also taught writing at Princeton University and was managing editor of Curator.) His eight-year stint at the Museum resulted in the non-fiction book, Dinosaurs in the Attic, edited by a rising young star at St. Martin's Press, a polymath by the name of Lincoln Child. During this period, Preston gave Child a midnight tour of the museum, and in the darkened Hall of Late Dinosaurs, under a looming T. Rex, Child turned to Preston and said: "This would make the perfect setting for a thriller!" That thriller would, of course, be Relic.
In 1986, Douglas Preston piled everything he owned into the back of a Subaru and moved from New York City to Santa Fe to write full time, following the advice of S. J. Perelman that "the dubious privilege of a freelance writer is he's given the freedom to starve anywhere." After the requisite period of penury, Preston achieved a small success with the publication of Cities of Gold, a non-fiction book about Coronado's search for the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola. To research the book, Preston and a friend retraced on horseback 1,000 miles of Coronado's route across Arizona and New Mexico, packing their supplies and sleeping under the stars--nearly killing themselves in the process. Since then he has published several more non-fiction books on the history of the American Southwest, Talking to the Ground and The Royal Road, as well as a novel entitled Jennie. In the early 1990s Preston and Child teamed up to write suspense novels; Relic was the first, followed by several others, including Riptide and Thunderhead. Relic was released as a motion picture by Paramount in 1997. Other films are under development at Hollywood studios. Preston and Child live 500 miles apart and write their books together via telephone, fax, and the Internet.
Preston and his brother Richard are currently producing a television miniseries for ABC and Mandalay Entertainment, to be aired in the spring of 2000, if all goes well, which in Hollywood is rarely the case.
Preston continues a magazine writing career by contributing regularly to The New Yorker magazine. He has also written for National Geographic, Natural History, Smithsonisan, Harper's,and Travel & Leisure,among others.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/dougla...
As they grew up, Doug, Richard, and their little brother David roamed the quiet suburbs of Wellesley, terrorizing the natives with home-made rockets and incendiary devices mail-ordered from the backs of comic books or concocted from chemistry sets. With a friend they once attempted to fly a rocket into Wellesley Square; the rocket malfunctioned and nearly killed a man mowing his lawn. They were local celebrities, often appearing in the "Police Notes" section of The Wellesley Townsman. It is a miracle they survived childhood intact.
After unaccountably being rejected by Stanford University (a pox on it), Preston attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, where he studied mathematics, biology, physics, anthropology, chemistry, geology, and astronomy before settling down to English literature. After graduating, Preston began his career at the American Museum of Natural History in New York as an editor, writer, and eventually manager of publications. (Preston also taught writing at Princeton University and was managing editor of Curator.) His eight-year stint at the Museum resulted in the non-fiction book, Dinosaurs in the Attic, edited by a rising young star at St. Martin's Press, a polymath by the name of Lincoln Child. During this period, Preston gave Child a midnight tour of the museum, and in the darkened Hall of Late Dinosaurs, under a looming T. Rex, Child turned to Preston and said: "This would make the perfect setting for a thriller!" That thriller would, of course, be Relic.
In 1986, Douglas Preston piled everything he owned into the back of a Subaru and moved from New York City to Santa Fe to write full time, following the advice of S. J. Perelman that "the dubious privilege of a freelance writer is he's given the freedom to starve anywhere." After the requisite period of penury, Preston achieved a small success with the publication of Cities of Gold, a non-fiction book about Coronado's search for the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola. To research the book, Preston and a friend retraced on horseback 1,000 miles of Coronado's route across Arizona and New Mexico, packing their supplies and sleeping under the stars--nearly killing themselves in the process. Since then he has published several more non-fiction books on the history of the American Southwest, Talking to the Ground and The Royal Road, as well as a novel entitled Jennie. In the early 1990s Preston and Child teamed up to write suspense novels; Relic was the first, followed by several others, including Riptide and Thunderhead. Relic was released as a motion picture by Paramount in 1997. Other films are under development at Hollywood studios. Preston and Child live 500 miles apart and write their books together via telephone, fax, and the Internet.
Preston and his brother Richard are currently producing a television miniseries for ABC and Mandalay Entertainment, to be aired in the spring of 2000, if all goes well, which in Hollywood is rarely the case.
Preston continues a magazine writing career by contributing regularly to The New Yorker magazine. He has also written for National Geographic, Natural History, Smithsonisan, Harper's,and Travel & Leisure,among others.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/dougla...
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m enjoying this series, of which this is the second, because it’s a bit off center, if you will – the stories cross over the line of believability a titch but do not destroy it, because there’s research (as well as plenty of general public speculation) that lends credibility. The first book, “Extinction,” focused on reconstituting long-gone Neanderthal parts that became alive through genetic manipulation, understandably were wild and nearly destroyed main characters Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent Frankie Cash and Colorado Sheriff James Colcord.
This one is more reminiscent of a Dan Brown novel, starting with the theft of a fragment of a part of the biblical John the Baptist’s head, which has been locked in a case at the Irish Pallottine Fathers of the Basilica for safekeeping. Needless to say, it’s a priceless relic, and it’s caused consternation all the way up to the Pope, who resides not far away, and one of the Brothers is charged with finding and returning it to its rightful place.
Meantime, over in America, Cash gets a call from Colcord telling her there’s been a murder in Flat Tops Wilderness – near where those aforementioned Neanderthals escaped from a laboratory into the wilderness. For now, they seem to be on the lam, so for now, at least, Colcord doesn’t consider them to be the culprits. The victim is William Grooms, an illegal squatter. The murder itself, though, suggests some sort of ritual that may be related to Catholicism (I’d mention some of them, but they’re pretty gruesome and besides, that would spoil the impact for other readers).
Back in Rome, the person who ripped off John the Baptist’s body part is identified – an exobiologist from San Francisco. One of the Brothers is sent to find him and retrieve the relic on personal order of the Pope.
If all this sounds strange, it is; but most readers will conclude early on that the two cases are somehow related. And of course, the “somehow” is for Cash and Colcord to discover and pass on to readers – I’m out of that equation because I won’t spoil the story for others. Suffice it to say things get even stranger as the investigation – and search for poor St. John’s head fragment – starts to pick up steam.
Definitely worth reading, and don’t miss the section at the end where the author explains some of the research from which the story was born. As for me, I’m looking forward to the next one – and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to spend time with this one by way of a pre-release copy. Quite engaging!
This one is more reminiscent of a Dan Brown novel, starting with the theft of a fragment of a part of the biblical John the Baptist’s head, which has been locked in a case at the Irish Pallottine Fathers of the Basilica for safekeeping. Needless to say, it’s a priceless relic, and it’s caused consternation all the way up to the Pope, who resides not far away, and one of the Brothers is charged with finding and returning it to its rightful place.
Meantime, over in America, Cash gets a call from Colcord telling her there’s been a murder in Flat Tops Wilderness – near where those aforementioned Neanderthals escaped from a laboratory into the wilderness. For now, they seem to be on the lam, so for now, at least, Colcord doesn’t consider them to be the culprits. The victim is William Grooms, an illegal squatter. The murder itself, though, suggests some sort of ritual that may be related to Catholicism (I’d mention some of them, but they’re pretty gruesome and besides, that would spoil the impact for other readers).
Back in Rome, the person who ripped off John the Baptist’s body part is identified – an exobiologist from San Francisco. One of the Brothers is sent to find him and retrieve the relic on personal order of the Pope.
If all this sounds strange, it is; but most readers will conclude early on that the two cases are somehow related. And of course, the “somehow” is for Cash and Colcord to discover and pass on to readers – I’m out of that equation because I won’t spoil the story for others. Suffice it to say things get even stranger as the investigation – and search for poor St. John’s head fragment – starts to pick up steam.
Definitely worth reading, and don’t miss the section at the end where the author explains some of the research from which the story was born. As for me, I’m looking forward to the next one – and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to spend time with this one by way of a pre-release copy. Quite engaging!
February 12, 2026
“Paradox” is basically the second in a series, with Douglas Preston adding his daughter as a co-author after he penned “Extinction.” I really think you should read or listen to “Extinction” first, lest you are confused about why everyone is concerned about Neanderthals roaming around the Colorado Rockies (kooky Billionaire tried to Jurassic Park ancient humanoids and, of course, it got out of control). Two law enforcement characters, CBI agent Frances/Frankie Cash and County Sheriff Jim Colcord have returned (in my 5 star review of the horrifying first book, I said I didn’t particularly want a sequel, but I was emotionally connected to the survival of this pair).
Colcord and Cash (who are not romantic partners — yet) are both called in to investigate an isolated mountain cabin death which is eventually nicknamed the “Shrouder” murder. The death and surrounding mystery has elements of Spanish Inquisition torture, missing artificacts (alien and ancient Catholic), money laundering, and unidentifiable DNA. So, maybe not Jurassic people in this thriller, but enough spooky stuff to make this series worth continuing while making tourism in central Colorado risky. There’s also internal corruption in the law enforcement ranks which makes the pair even more vulnerable, but we still get two decent people to root for again.
Narrator Stephanie Németh-Parker is pitch perfect — delivering the necessary suspense and accompanying emotion that allows you to experience the breath-taking action as it happens. 4.5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Deputy DA Euclid has fierce green eyes, as does the reporter.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But the dense cover of the Colorado forest hides all sorts of things (Neanderthals, aliens, crazy people).
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Colcord and Cash (who are not romantic partners — yet) are both called in to investigate an isolated mountain cabin death which is eventually nicknamed the “Shrouder” murder. The death and surrounding mystery has elements of Spanish Inquisition torture, missing artificacts (alien and ancient Catholic), money laundering, and unidentifiable DNA. So, maybe not Jurassic people in this thriller, but enough spooky stuff to make this series worth continuing while making tourism in central Colorado risky. There’s also internal corruption in the law enforcement ranks which makes the pair even more vulnerable, but we still get two decent people to root for again.
Narrator Stephanie Németh-Parker is pitch perfect — delivering the necessary suspense and accompanying emotion that allows you to experience the breath-taking action as it happens. 4.5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Deputy DA Euclid has fierce green eyes, as does the reporter.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But the dense cover of the Colorado forest hides all sorts of things (Neanderthals, aliens, crazy people).
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was excited to learn that Cash & Colcord were returning after the excellent “Extinction.” Douglas Preston always delivers fast-paced, suspenseful thrillers. A harmless old conspiracy theorist was painfully tortured and murdered. Money wasn’t the motive, so C&C need to follow more unusual clues that take them from the Catholic Church to UFO enthusiasts. I enjoyed the fringe science aspect, the alien theories and one very suspenseful confrontation involving our heroes against the baddies. I didn’t care for the preachy political correctness that I had never noticed in Preston’s books before (I don’t know for sure, but I blame Aletheia Preston, Douglas’s daughter). There is an irrelevant conversation about preferred pronouns shoehorned in the middle of an otherwise interesting side plot, as well as a Catholic priest with very progressive views on established doctrine. Mostly, as a Catholic, the way my Church is portrayed is offensive. Cash’s viewpoints are her own and, despite my bristling at her treatment of a priest, I could live with that. It’s the whole position of the novel with regards to Catholicism that goes out of its way to gratuitously compare a whole subset of my church to the Spanish Inquisition. Literally. This probably won’t be a problem for readers of other faiths, but it affected my enjoyment of this book. Back to Stephanie Németh-Parker, her impeccable narration gives every single character a distinctive voice, which is important when trying to follow so many storylines. I enjoyed the suspense, I just hope that Preston goes back to simple, entertaining stories without social commentary.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Macmillan Audio.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Macmillan Audio.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the sequel to the fabulously entertaining Extinction, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
Frankie Cash and Jim Colcord probe a series of ritualistic murders, including the grisly death of an exobiologist. Their investigation reveals a fanatic secret society, a mysterious alien artifact that’s gone missing, and the theft of a religious relic. The resurrected Neanderthals remain hidden somewhere in the mountains and aren’t a part of this story.
This is meant to be a thriller, and is coauthored by Douglas Preston’s daughter. You can tell right away that something is different because it doesn’t read the same and includes social commentary that added nothing valuable to the story. The whole de-extinction theme was absent and this plot centers on some sort of extraterrestrial element and some crazy religious misguided fervor. It was unnecessarily complex and the whole police procedural and investigative dynamic was off between Cash and Colcord. I was most irritated and unhappy with how the big reveals were NOT actually ever spelled out. Without spoilers, I can’t specific exactly what I’m talking about but certainly the reader has earned some sort of detail about the artifact and about the motivations behind the two different groups. It was all very vague. I don’t like senseless violence and some of this was quite grisly and brutal with of course the nearly impossible escape that Cash and Colgord engineer from the brink of death. This was definitely not what I was hoping for in this follow-up to Extinction. I don’t know that I will read another by this duo. I have read almost every book Douglas Preston has written and this just didn’t hit the mark of his work.
I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. It was quite interesting to see what changes were made between the written and the audio production. The narrator, Stephanie Nemeth-Parker, did a fantastic job of voicing all the characters and had a great range of accents. She has great dramatic flair and brought the characters to life. Although a full cast recording would have really been wonderful, Stephanie’s voice enhanced my experience with the book.
Frankie Cash and Jim Colcord probe a series of ritualistic murders, including the grisly death of an exobiologist. Their investigation reveals a fanatic secret society, a mysterious alien artifact that’s gone missing, and the theft of a religious relic. The resurrected Neanderthals remain hidden somewhere in the mountains and aren’t a part of this story.
This is meant to be a thriller, and is coauthored by Douglas Preston’s daughter. You can tell right away that something is different because it doesn’t read the same and includes social commentary that added nothing valuable to the story. The whole de-extinction theme was absent and this plot centers on some sort of extraterrestrial element and some crazy religious misguided fervor. It was unnecessarily complex and the whole police procedural and investigative dynamic was off between Cash and Colcord. I was most irritated and unhappy with how the big reveals were NOT actually ever spelled out. Without spoilers, I can’t specific exactly what I’m talking about but certainly the reader has earned some sort of detail about the artifact and about the motivations behind the two different groups. It was all very vague. I don’t like senseless violence and some of this was quite grisly and brutal with of course the nearly impossible escape that Cash and Colgord engineer from the brink of death. This was definitely not what I was hoping for in this follow-up to Extinction. I don’t know that I will read another by this duo. I have read almost every book Douglas Preston has written and this just didn’t hit the mark of his work.
I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. It was quite interesting to see what changes were made between the written and the audio production. The narrator, Stephanie Nemeth-Parker, did a fantastic job of voicing all the characters and had a great range of accents. She has great dramatic flair and brought the characters to life. Although a full cast recording would have really been wonderful, Stephanie’s voice enhanced my experience with the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Slight spoilers for the first book, Extinction, ahead!
Paradox is the second installment in the Cash and Colcord series by Douglas Preston and his daughter Aletheia Preston, picking up several months after Extinction, and somehow managing to get even stranger.
Once again, CBI Agent Frankie Cash teams up with Eagle County Sheriff Jim Colcord, this time to investigate a series of deeply unsettling events: a man living off the grid found dead in what appears to be a ritual-like murder, the theft of a holy relic, and the brutal killing of an exobiologist who insisted that aliens are real. Meanwhile, the Neanderthals who vanished in the Colorado mountains are still out there-somewhere.
I really enjoyed this book. While Extinction leaned more heavily into sci-fi thriller territory (which I personally prefer), Paradox kept me on the edge of my seat in a different way. The mystery is layered and strange, and I found myself genuinely invested-not only in the unfolding case but in the characters themselves. Cash and Colcord work well together, and it was fun to see them back on the page as a team.
I was also surprised by how engaged I became in trying to solve the mystery on my own. I correctly guessed some things, missed others entirely, and appreciated how the story kept me guessing. The book embraces the bizarre, weaving together elements ranging from the Catholic Church to extraterrestrial life, and somehow making it all feel like a wild but cohesive ride.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was fantastic; it added a lot to the story and pacing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
Paradox is the second installment in the Cash and Colcord series by Douglas Preston and his daughter Aletheia Preston, picking up several months after Extinction, and somehow managing to get even stranger.
Once again, CBI Agent Frankie Cash teams up with Eagle County Sheriff Jim Colcord, this time to investigate a series of deeply unsettling events: a man living off the grid found dead in what appears to be a ritual-like murder, the theft of a holy relic, and the brutal killing of an exobiologist who insisted that aliens are real. Meanwhile, the Neanderthals who vanished in the Colorado mountains are still out there-somewhere.
I really enjoyed this book. While Extinction leaned more heavily into sci-fi thriller territory (which I personally prefer), Paradox kept me on the edge of my seat in a different way. The mystery is layered and strange, and I found myself genuinely invested-not only in the unfolding case but in the characters themselves. Cash and Colcord work well together, and it was fun to see them back on the page as a team.
I was also surprised by how engaged I became in trying to solve the mystery on my own. I correctly guessed some things, missed others entirely, and appreciated how the story kept me guessing. The book embraces the bizarre, weaving together elements ranging from the Catholic Church to extraterrestrial life, and somehow making it all feel like a wild but cohesive ride.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was fantastic; it added a lot to the story and pacing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review: Paradox (Cash Coldcord #2)
Audiobook ARC provided by Macmillan Audio
Paradox is the second book in the Cash Coldcord series, and as soon as I saw Douglas Preston attached to a new project, I knew I needed to dive in. After receiving the audiobook ARC from Macmillan Audio, I went back and listened to Extinction first so I could fully appreciate the continuation.
One thing that surprised me was the change in narrators between books—Extinction features a male narrator, while Paradox is performed by a female narrator. Both delivered strong, engaging performances, each bringing a different but effective tone to the series.
This instalment tackles bold and often controversial themes, and the authors do an exceptional job presenting all sides without pushing the reader toward a particular viewpoint. Cash and Coldcord’s investigation leads them deep into the worlds of Catholicism, ancient artifacts, the Inquisition, and the ongoing debate around alien existence and UAPs. The plot is twisty, well‑constructed, and consistently compelling.
The afterword is especially impactful, tying together the novel’s many threads and leaving you with plenty to think about. This is a story that lingers long after the final chapter—whether you agree with the ideas presented or not, the journey is fascinating and thoroughly entertaining.
A thought‑provoking, well‑paced thriller that expands the series in all the right ways.
Audiobook ARC provided by Macmillan Audio
Paradox is the second book in the Cash Coldcord series, and as soon as I saw Douglas Preston attached to a new project, I knew I needed to dive in. After receiving the audiobook ARC from Macmillan Audio, I went back and listened to Extinction first so I could fully appreciate the continuation.
One thing that surprised me was the change in narrators between books—Extinction features a male narrator, while Paradox is performed by a female narrator. Both delivered strong, engaging performances, each bringing a different but effective tone to the series.
This instalment tackles bold and often controversial themes, and the authors do an exceptional job presenting all sides without pushing the reader toward a particular viewpoint. Cash and Coldcord’s investigation leads them deep into the worlds of Catholicism, ancient artifacts, the Inquisition, and the ongoing debate around alien existence and UAPs. The plot is twisty, well‑constructed, and consistently compelling.
The afterword is especially impactful, tying together the novel’s many threads and leaving you with plenty to think about. This is a story that lingers long after the final chapter—whether you agree with the ideas presented or not, the journey is fascinating and thoroughly entertaining.
A thought‑provoking, well‑paced thriller that expands the series in all the right ways.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Paradox by Douglas Preston and Aletheia Preston
Cash and Colcord #2
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0.2/5
Cursing: mod-
Format/Source: audio from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
Genres/Tropes: mystery, suspense, sci-fi
Audience: Adult
Setting: Colorado
Characters: Frankie, Jim, Romansky, Wiley, Horton, Caldas, Margie, Paul, Euclid
👍 short chapters, multi POV, forensics,
👎 cursing, slow at times
Description:
One of the holiest relics in Christendom, inexplicably defaced…
A paranoid old prospector, ritualistically murdered…
A controversial exobiologist, tortured and dismembered…
When a reclusive man is found dead under grisly circumstances in the Colorado wilderness, CBI Agent Frankie Cash and Eagle County Sheriff Jim Colcord, whom we met in the New York Times bestseller, Extinction, team up again on their most enigmatic and dangerous case yet. Their investigation uncovers a trail of bizarre killings, baffling money transfers, and a fanatical secret society.
And all the while, the resurrected Neanderthals, who vanished into the Colorado mountains, seem to be biding their time for something…spectacular.
I enjoyed this novel especially the forensis aspect. I did nor care for the excessive cursing. I would recommend it to those who likes refreshing crime mysteries and don't mind cursing.
#bookstagram #booklovers #mysterybooks
Cash and Colcord #2
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0.2/5
Cursing: mod-
Format/Source: audio from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
Genres/Tropes: mystery, suspense, sci-fi
Audience: Adult
Setting: Colorado
Characters: Frankie, Jim, Romansky, Wiley, Horton, Caldas, Margie, Paul, Euclid
👍 short chapters, multi POV, forensics,
👎 cursing, slow at times
Description:
One of the holiest relics in Christendom, inexplicably defaced…
A paranoid old prospector, ritualistically murdered…
A controversial exobiologist, tortured and dismembered…
When a reclusive man is found dead under grisly circumstances in the Colorado wilderness, CBI Agent Frankie Cash and Eagle County Sheriff Jim Colcord, whom we met in the New York Times bestseller, Extinction, team up again on their most enigmatic and dangerous case yet. Their investigation uncovers a trail of bizarre killings, baffling money transfers, and a fanatical secret society.
And all the while, the resurrected Neanderthals, who vanished into the Colorado mountains, seem to be biding their time for something…spectacular.
I enjoyed this novel especially the forensis aspect. I did nor care for the excessive cursing. I would recommend it to those who likes refreshing crime mysteries and don't mind cursing.
#bookstagram #booklovers #mysterybooks
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There have been a few books or audiobooks that I have read (or listened to) that I have finished and thought to myself, “What in the world did I just experience?” while laughing. It was odd and quirky and thoroughly enjoyable. I just finished “Paradox” and thought, “What in the world did I just listen to?” and it was not in a good way.
I had never read or listened to any of Douglas Preston’s work before I was chosen to listen to the audiobook of “Paradox” by the publisher. Realizing this was the second book in a series, I quickly found the audiobook of “Extinction” (book #1) and listened before starting this audiobook. The difference between the two novels is so vast, that you will have no problem understanding that Aletheia apparently wrote this with Douglas’ name associated or writing a small portion at best.
“Extinction” was a really good thriller that had a few moments of making a point. “Paradox” is a point being made with a really shallow “thriller” wrapped around it. It fails on both parts. It’s just bad.
The only positive is Stephanie Nemeth-Parker as the narrator. As always, she does a phenomenal job. But even she can’t save this hot mess.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
I had never read or listened to any of Douglas Preston’s work before I was chosen to listen to the audiobook of “Paradox” by the publisher. Realizing this was the second book in a series, I quickly found the audiobook of “Extinction” (book #1) and listened before starting this audiobook. The difference between the two novels is so vast, that you will have no problem understanding that Aletheia apparently wrote this with Douglas’ name associated or writing a small portion at best.
“Extinction” was a really good thriller that had a few moments of making a point. “Paradox” is a point being made with a really shallow “thriller” wrapped around it. It fails on both parts. It’s just bad.
The only positive is Stephanie Nemeth-Parker as the narrator. As always, she does a phenomenal job. But even she can’t save this hot mess.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A loner conspiracy theorist is found dead in his remote, off-the-grid cabin, and something is just off with how he died. Cash and Colcord arrive on the scene, thinking it may be Neanders. While the victim's foot is completely mangled, the rest of his body is just....wrong. He looks "fresh" though he's definitely been dead for a while. When the medical examiner notices wounds on his neck, they conclude he has been embalmed... while alive. It is certainly not the Neanders, but it is also most certainly very weird, Cash and Colcord have their work cut out for them solving this one.
A great sequel to Extinction, perhaps even better than the first. A fast-paced mystery with some interesting science, yet again, though this one with some Dan Brown-ish undertones. I enjoyed it a lot, and really like how Cash and Colcord play off each other. I hope they keep this series going, I really enjoy the "traditional" mystery with a slightly weird sci-fi twist. A mix of my two favorite genres.
The narrator does a great job with the pacing of the story and voices of the characters.
I received an ARC of this audiobook from #NetGalley.
A great sequel to Extinction, perhaps even better than the first. A fast-paced mystery with some interesting science, yet again, though this one with some Dan Brown-ish undertones. I enjoyed it a lot, and really like how Cash and Colcord play off each other. I hope they keep this series going, I really enjoy the "traditional" mystery with a slightly weird sci-fi twist. A mix of my two favorite genres.
The narrator does a great job with the pacing of the story and voices of the characters.
I received an ARC of this audiobook from #NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Paradox is a mystery thriller where CBI Agent Cash and Sheriff Colcord team up again to investigate a string of ritualistic murders. The novel blends suspense and action with an intriguing mix of religious and extraterrestrial elements.
Compared to Extinction and Douglas Preston’s other thrillers, Paradox adopts a noticeably different tone, likely due to the addition of coauthor Aletheia Preston. The character voices, especially that of Sheriff Colcord, feel altered in this installment; at times, Colcord seems more withdrawn, and the chemistry between Cash and Colcord is less dynamic. Some portions, like the discussions about pronoun use and elements included for diversity, felt irrelevant to the story.
While Paradox serves as a sequel to Extinction, it can be read independently. Still, readers familiar with the first book will better understand references such as those related to Neanderthals.
Thank you NetGalley and TOR Publishing for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #Paradox
Compared to Extinction and Douglas Preston’s other thrillers, Paradox adopts a noticeably different tone, likely due to the addition of coauthor Aletheia Preston. The character voices, especially that of Sheriff Colcord, feel altered in this installment; at times, Colcord seems more withdrawn, and the chemistry between Cash and Colcord is less dynamic. Some portions, like the discussions about pronoun use and elements included for diversity, felt irrelevant to the story.
While Paradox serves as a sequel to Extinction, it can be read independently. Still, readers familiar with the first book will better understand references such as those related to Neanderthals.
Thank you NetGalley and TOR Publishing for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #Paradox
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me on the EDGE OF MY SEAT! The plot pulled me in so deep I thought I might actually suffocate (in a good way). I would describe this as a present day sci-fi thriller with science vibes like those in Jurassic Park.
Unlike Jurassic Park, it is a crime thriller. Concord & Cash are investigating a series of unexplainable murders. There is other stuff 👀👀👀👀 also going on that kept me SHOOK AND SEATED.
The pacing of the book was immaculate with extremely well flushed out characters that were multi-dimensional. The characters are one of my favorite parts of Preston books and Aletheia Preston has only helped improve the excellent story telling abilities of Douglas Preston. I am very excited for future books together and any independent books from Aletheia Preston.
Action scenes were superbly described and you can easily visualize character placement and movement throughout the scenes.
If you are looking for a mysterious thriller I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this series!
I did receive an advance copy. My review is completely my honest opinion of the book.
Unlike Jurassic Park, it is a crime thriller. Concord & Cash are investigating a series of unexplainable murders. There is other stuff 👀👀👀👀 also going on that kept me SHOOK AND SEATED.
The pacing of the book was immaculate with extremely well flushed out characters that were multi-dimensional. The characters are one of my favorite parts of Preston books and Aletheia Preston has only helped improve the excellent story telling abilities of Douglas Preston. I am very excited for future books together and any independent books from Aletheia Preston.
Action scenes were superbly described and you can easily visualize character placement and movement throughout the scenes.
If you are looking for a mysterious thriller I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this series!
I did receive an advance copy. My review is completely my honest opinion of the book.
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December 22, 2025Sherriff Colcord calls Agent Frankie Cash to help investigate a bizarre murder deep in the Flat Top Wilderness in the the Rocky Mountains. The victim is an illegal squatter in a cabin by Solitary Lake. They find him laid out on the kitchen table dressed in a white gown, looking like he is peacefully asleep. There is a possibility of Neander involvement -the reanimated Neanderthals creatures who caused the disaster at the Erebus Resort in the previous book in this series. Also a priest sent on a secret mission from the Vatican and a possible secret death squad may be involved. The investigation gets weirder and more dangerous from this point to the thrilling conclusion.
The character development is excellent but the plot development is slow.
There is a spine-tingling epilogue foreshadowing another book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy for my honest review.
The character development is excellent but the plot development is slow.
There is a spine-tingling epilogue foreshadowing another book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This review is for the audio version of the book, provided by NetGalley, and narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker.
In the follow up to "Extinction" we're once again following CBI Agent Cash and Sheriff Colcord as they investigate the murder of a hermit who was living deep in the Rockies. When the conspiracy theories that the hermit used to shout about start hitting a little too close to home, Cash and Colcord are forced to look far into the past for clues to the present situation.
About 2000 years into the past.
I really enjoy Preston's writing style but it was nice to see him co-authoring this with his daughter, a former prosecutor. It felt a little fresher than Extinction. This was fun and entertaining.
The characters kind of what you'd expect, a brash, younger (hot tempered) Cash and an older, wiser (and calmer lol) Colcord.
If you're a fan of Preston's other work this would be worth your time to read. I enjoyed it.
In the follow up to "Extinction" we're once again following CBI Agent Cash and Sheriff Colcord as they investigate the murder of a hermit who was living deep in the Rockies. When the conspiracy theories that the hermit used to shout about start hitting a little too close to home, Cash and Colcord are forced to look far into the past for clues to the present situation.
About 2000 years into the past.
I really enjoy Preston's writing style but it was nice to see him co-authoring this with his daughter, a former prosecutor. It felt a little fresher than Extinction. This was fun and entertaining.
The characters kind of what you'd expect, a brash, younger (hot tempered) Cash and an older, wiser (and calmer lol) Colcord.
If you're a fan of Preston's other work this would be worth your time to read. I enjoyed it.
February 9, 2026
I’ve been anxiously awaiting the second installment in this series. I’m so happy to return back to this world with Cash & Colcord. This was an addictive sci-fi thriller that kept me hooked till the very end. While this one was different from the first book, it still kept me on the edge of my seat. The ritualistic murders and some of the other scenes in the story definitely gave me goosebumps while listening. So good! I love how sci-fi elements were blended in with ancient beliefs. Aahh, so good!
The narrator, Stephanie Németh-Parker did such a fantastic job. I was thoroughly engaged till the very end and note from the authors. It really makes you wonder what other people believe.
The stakes are getting dangerous for Cash & Colcord. Will they be able to solve the ritualistic murders before it’s too late and their next?
A very special thanks to Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC.
The narrator, Stephanie Németh-Parker did such a fantastic job. I was thoroughly engaged till the very end and note from the authors. It really makes you wonder what other people believe.
The stakes are getting dangerous for Cash & Colcord. Will they be able to solve the ritualistic murders before it’s too late and their next?
A very special thanks to Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Douglas Preston is one of my favorite authors. I have read over 20 of his books and have the rest on my TBR. He was also kind enough to blurb my novel Dead Souls years ago. When I won a GR giveaway for this one with his daughter, I dove right in, and was not disappointed at all. I devoured this book, despite having not read Extinction yet, which is the book that precedes this.
This is a classic police procedural with speculative elements -- mysterious murder, UAPs, living Neanderthals, and more. The characters are fleshed out beautifully, and the prose just flies off the page. I really enjoyed the Cabinet of Curiosities Easter egg--that made me chuckle. You don't need to read Extinction first to really enjoy Paradox, but I would recommend it. I'll be digging into that one soon!
This is a classic police procedural with speculative elements -- mysterious murder, UAPs, living Neanderthals, and more. The characters are fleshed out beautifully, and the prose just flies off the page. I really enjoyed the Cabinet of Curiosities Easter egg--that made me chuckle. You don't need to read Extinction first to really enjoy Paradox, but I would recommend it. I'll be digging into that one soon!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After surviving the brutal Neanderthals, CBI agent Frankie Cash and Sheriff Jim Colcord are once again teamed up in this tale of the murder of an independent gold miner living in the woods. His grisly death was mysterious in that ancient torture devices were used. Because this was near the area of the Neanderthal debacle, locals believe they may have been involved but Cash and Colcord believe otherwise.
Evidence turns up murky money transfers, ties to a secret society, and ever stranger events that put the two in danger. And, of course, as in any Preston book, there are some supernatural elements to be investigated.
Readers who enjoyed Extinction won't want to miss this one and as soon as finished, will be awaiting the next installment in the series.
Evidence turns up murky money transfers, ties to a secret society, and ever stranger events that put the two in danger. And, of course, as in any Preston book, there are some supernatural elements to be investigated.
Readers who enjoyed Extinction won't want to miss this one and as soon as finished, will be awaiting the next installment in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Cash and Colcord are back with another case, but this one is in Dan Brown territory. A man has been found murdered in a bizarre way in a remote cabin in the wilderness. The Neanderthals from Extinction are quickly ruled out due to the strange injuries and cause of death. But then came the link wit UFOs, a theft of part of a relic at the Vatican with links to this case and things start spiraling in strange directions. Toss in a possible Vatican hit team along with additional murders and things get dicey for our intrepid due before the end. A fun thriller with comfortable characters. Mind you the ending seems to be a lead-in for the next book, so that we have to look for!
Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing for the chance to read this title!
Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing for the chance to read this title!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Preston and daughter are now the authors of this series, and I seriously enjoyed this book, beyond belief as I am not the most scientific person.
The book was well written/crafted, had some amusing characters, and a great way to spend some quality time with a book on a day when the weather is not cooperating.
Highly recommended...I already pre-ordered a copy for myself. (There are few authors I have the whole hard-covered collection of ... Pendergast novels, Linda Castillo, Catherine McKenzie, Kevin Kwan and Dan Brown,
The book was well written/crafted, had some amusing characters, and a great way to spend some quality time with a book on a day when the weather is not cooperating.
Highly recommended...I already pre-ordered a copy for myself. (There are few authors I have the whole hard-covered collection of ... Pendergast novels, Linda Castillo, Catherine McKenzie, Kevin Kwan and Dan Brown,
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Sequel to Extinction. A man is found gruesomely murdered in the wilderness where the Neanderthals vanished at the end of the previous book. The murder doesn't look related, but there is definitely something mysterious going on. CBI Agent Cash and Sheriff Colcord are on the case--which gets twisty and complicated and ever more sensational, as conspiracy theorists come out of the woodwork.
Suspense edging into horror.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Suspense edging into horror.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2026
Like all Preston novels, this was a fast paced thriller, filled with twists, turns and suspense. Unlike other Preston novels, Paradox also introduces a lawyer angle to the storyline.
This novel really has it all: religious killings, UFOs, mysterious biblical artifacts, science, suspense, murder, a crazy priest, procedural rule breakers, and non-stop thrills.
In book 2, Cash and Concord’s characters continue to develop. But their partnership isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. I look forward to book 3 in the series!
This novel really has it all: religious killings, UFOs, mysterious biblical artifacts, science, suspense, murder, a crazy priest, procedural rule breakers, and non-stop thrills.
In book 2, Cash and Concord’s characters continue to develop. But their partnership isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. I look forward to book 3 in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you read Preston’s “Extinction” then you will want to follow the latest adventures of Colorado CBI Agent Frankie Cash and Eagle County Sheriff Jim Colcord, as they work a new case that they think might be connected to the events of the previous book. This plot involves a significant Christian relic, some unusual and gruesome murders, and unexplained phenomena of all sorts. Trying to fit all the pieces together is a wonderful puzzle and I enjoyed this book. Thanks to the authors, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I always find Preston books entertaining, and if this series is perhaps not my favorite (that is, hands down, the Pendergast books), it is still one that consistently delivers an unusual, engaging, and wild story. The narration is always excellent. The plots are always intricate and involved, and the characters a fun mix of personality types. Cash & Colcord are like a post-Millennial Mulder and Scully in my mind - two very different personalities drawn together into a series of mysterious happenings, who are trying to make sense of the world and make their corner of it safer. You have to suspend disbelief, but figuring out exactly *how* you have to do that is what makes each new book in the series so interesting to me!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book didn’t have the same intensity of Extinction, the previous thriller in this loose series. Religious world conspiracy novels need to be REALLY good, both in plot and in detail, to pull it off and instead this one was kind of wacky and sometimes plodding. There was a Neander component that seemed placed only to set up the next book. In the end, it just didn’t work for me, even though I wanted it to.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC, as always, my reviews are my own.
I enjoyed this trip into fringe science and weird conspiracy theories immensely. I too, noticed a slight tonal change in the writing style, but it wasn't too bad. I think we are all just used to Doug writing as himself or with Lincoln and a new writer brings in a new voice. I also immensely enjoyed the Pendergast Easter Eggs and the nod to Dan Brown.
I enjoyed this trip into fringe science and weird conspiracy theories immensely. I too, noticed a slight tonal change in the writing style, but it wasn't too bad. I think we are all just used to Doug writing as himself or with Lincoln and a new writer brings in a new voice. I also immensely enjoyed the Pendergast Easter Eggs and the nod to Dan Brown.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book should have been riveting. it has it all, a mysterious murder, a series of bizarre clues, a priest on a mission, and a stolen relic. Some how , it just wasn’t as good as the first in the series, which I really enjoyed. I’m a serious fan of Preston’s work though. I will definitely chalk this up as a glitch from an otherwise great author. Maybe the exposition was too long, at least a third of the book? I still like Cash & Colcord and will see if the next books redeems the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Loved this mystery sci-fi thriller. Kept me glued to pages from beginning. Fast-paced, interesting story line. Did not expect the ending. First part of story is complety detective genre which I Love in books and movies, with twists that keep you guessing. Second part is more sci-fi. Mystery reveals at the end and so unexpected. Loved It Definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Paradox by Douglas Preston and Aletheia Preston is a page turning mystery worthy of the first in the series, Extinction, that introduced us to Agent Cash and Sheriff Colcord. The plot twists and turns to the point that the reader sometimes wonders if all these threads will ever tie together..... and they do. Big fan of these two characters and hope to see more of them.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In Paradox, Douglas and Aletheia Preston deliver a gripping sequel to Extinction that provides the reader with a pulse-shaking thriller.
My complete review here: https://www.bestthrillerbooks.com/ste...
My complete review here: https://www.bestthrillerbooks.com/ste...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
an excited and interesting book that has you really thinking outside the box.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook. Engaging storyline, excellent narrator.
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