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prime witness
One night Caro witnesses the brutal murder of her friend and teacher, Vicky Redpath, in the Centre for Advanced Behavioural Studies. Her wing of the building is in flames but a traumatised Caro escapes. Mark Rees, professor at CABS and Vicky's supervisor, explains to a sceptical DCI Draper the nature of his research - exploring the linguistic and cognitive abilities of great apes - and introduces Draper to the remarkable Caro, a bonobo who can communicate using hieroglyphic symbols and intellectually is on a par with a five-year old child.Rees reveals the centre has been the target of hate mail. Draper suspects animal rights activists might be behind the murder and arson, attempting to sabotage the research and release the animals.The truth, far darker and malevolent, begins to emerge when Darwin, also a bonobo and Caro's penfriend, is killed in California.DCI Draper, grappling to understand the true extent of Caro's abilities, develops a special relationship with her and feels protective of her. As he tries to unravel the mystery that lies at the heart of the attacks upon the apes, he realises that he faces a powerful and implacable enemy.Can Caro identify the killer? Would that endanger her still further? Would her testimony count?
Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2016
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
March 5, 2020
I finished this book a few days ago but wanted time think about what to write about it. I must admit I wasn't sure about the storyline starting out, but Penny Morgan's ability to tell you the story from different personalities including Caro captured my attention and imagination immediately.
Such an awful sight, to witness a brutal murder and then only escape with moments to spare. Anyone would struggle with this. The police, initially sceptical about involving Caro, find her intelligent and empathetic, and warm to her quickly.
With the murder investigation becoming international, things could have unraveled, but Paul, George, Sandy form a very close informal team of detectives who keep an open mind about Caro while hunting down the killer.
The rights of great apes, and those for and against, threatened to overwhelm the story but Penny held it in control and maintained a compulsive thriller that I didn't want to put down.
I found the characters engaging and likeable.
Overall I really enjoyed reading Prime Witness and would recommend it to anyone.
Such an awful sight, to witness a brutal murder and then only escape with moments to spare. Anyone would struggle with this. The police, initially sceptical about involving Caro, find her intelligent and empathetic, and warm to her quickly.
With the murder investigation becoming international, things could have unraveled, but Paul, George, Sandy form a very close informal team of detectives who keep an open mind about Caro while hunting down the killer.
The rights of great apes, and those for and against, threatened to overwhelm the story but Penny held it in control and maintained a compulsive thriller that I didn't want to put down.
I found the characters engaging and likeable.
Overall I really enjoyed reading Prime Witness and would recommend it to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 of 1 review