Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Haunted by the girl he couldn't save in his youth, and the murder he committed to avenge her, Detective Track Presius has a unique gift: the vision and sense of smell of a predator. When a series of apparently unrelated murders reel him into the depths of genetic research, Track feels more than a call to duty. Children are dying, children who, like himself, could have been healthy, and yet something, at some point, went terribly wrong. For Track, saving the innocent becomes a quest for redemption. The only way he can come to terms with his dark past is to understand his true nature.

408 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2014

25 people are currently reading
721 people want to read

About the author

E.E. Giorgi

18 books122 followers
E.E. Giorgi is a scientist, an award winning author, and a IPA awarded photographer. She spends her days analyzing genetic data, her evenings chasing sunsets, and her nights pretending she's somebody else. Sign up for my newsletter here.

NEWSLETTER | BOOKS | BLOG | PORTFOLIO | FACEBOOK

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
72 (44%)
4 stars
51 (31%)
3 stars
33 (20%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Alina.
281 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2016
'I'm not human and I'm not an animal.I'm both.I'm a killer and a predator.I have no control over my instincts.'

Are you intrigued yet? You should be. This book put my brain to work and made me do some medical research and read more about the subject.Books may be work of fiction but this one over here proves once more that you can learn so many new things. With each book. Every time.
I won't say more about it. Because if I got your attention I really want you to read it , especially if you are into good books about crime and science . Very well done.
Profile Image for Carol Kean.
428 reviews76 followers
November 21, 2014
She may be a full-time scientist, but E.E. Giorgi is an award-winning novelist as well--oh, and a photographer too. I'd just read her futuristic "Gene Cards" and loved the inside information on hackers, GMOs and genetics. (No surprise, it just won an award.) Wanting more fiction filled with science, I bought her debut novel "Chimeras," which does double duty as a whodunnit and a thriller.

I wondered how a scientist came to know so much about police procedurals. Giorgi asks the right people the right questions, and they take time to answer her, and her novels read like someone who's been there, done that, even if she hasn't. As a bonus, this novel is full of first-hand stories from a real officer who gave Giorgi some personal anecdotes to share. I knew these came straight from real life long before I got to the acknowledgement at the end. Real people who inspire fictional characters are *so* authentic, engaging and believable. If for no other reason, readers should buy this book to hear the "moral lessons" that Detective Satish Cooper inflicts upon his partner, Track, who secretly loves these stories as much as we do, but he's not gonna let his buddy know that. Fans who clamor for more, more, more of Satish can get it from Timothy A. Bowen's memoir "You got photos? You go prints?" (for sale wherever goodreads has posted links).

Science fans fascinated by epigenetics and chimeras have come to the right place. I'm dying to say more about this subject but haven't figured out how to dodge spoilers. Let's just say the rabies virus did amazing things in Amy Roger's "Reversion" (see my review in the November 2014 issue of Perihelion Science Fiction ezine), and it did even more amazing things in Giorgi's "Chimeras."

Perhaps I can excerpt a few scientific facts. (One thing I love about Giorgi's fiction: she has me off to google something that sounds like it really happened, and it did.) This should be safe to share: "Tumors are made of cells. There have been quite a few case reports of cancer remission after an unrelated viral infection. In fact, viruses are used in experimental anti-cancer treatments." And this: epigenetics, simply put, is how genes turn on and off and the environment we are exposed to--diet, diseases, even traumas--can screw that whole 'on/off' process.

In the afterword, Giorgi writes, "... if you don’t allow an author his or her poetic license you’ll miss out on the most fantastic premises. When I started writing Chimeras, my driving question was: if we have silenced predator genes in our DNA, what if a sudden life-threatening trauma were to 'awaken' them through epigenetic changes? What if those silenced genes were to be expressed ..." (okay, I'm watching out for spoilers). While some literal-minded, exacting readers may complain there's a lot of poetic license going on here, I'm okay with it. Bring it on! Unique protagonists like Track are hard to find among the millions of stories published every year.

Lest I keep indulging in my fascination for the science here, I'll retreat to the safety of the book blurb: Track is an extraordinary human (he says "monster") and detective, thanks to a genetic incident that left him with a dog-like sense of smell and hearing, and a cat-like ability to see in the dark. He introduces the reader to everyone he encounters by describing their smells and what it tells him about where they've been, with whom, and what they've eaten. In a good way, he reminds me of that TV show "The Mentalist," with his amazing (and sometimes intrusive) commentary.

With many passages that are poetic as well as descriptive, Giorgi also sneaks in poignant insights that would be great memes to share on Facebook if anyone has time or ambition to link words and graphics. This, for example: "A private clinic and cancer research center, the Esperanza Medical Center gave the casual stroller the illusion of visiting a botanical garden. It’s a beauty meant to conceal the ugliness of the disease lurking behind the modern architecture and the glass façades. A mirage in the desert, an attempt to pamper the heart when a cure for the body doesn’t always exist."

The parent of a terminally ill child says, "Do you know what it is like to spend days, weeks, months, by your child’s side in a hospital, Detective? Time no longer exists. The life you used to have, dictated by morning commute, work, meetings, lunch hour—it’s all gone. A deception. A mirage of what it used to be before you realized how futile it all was."

Another agonizing, beautifully written insight: "Time mocks you, Detective. It makes you simmer in pain, with its stubborn unwillingness to progress forward when you want it to, and its swirling out of control when instead you want to hold it back. The joy you felt at some point has vanished, like a fluttering butterfly setting on your finger. It shows you her beauty, and for a moment you think, it’s here, right here, I have it, it’s mine. And one second later it’s gone and it will never come back. You had it, but the one moment was elusive, so ephemeral you can’t stop but wonder, was it real? Or did I just dream of it?"

I love the theme of three Fates of Greek mythology and how it recurs. "The existence of every mortal being was a thread: Clotho spun it, Lachesis decided what length it should get to, and Atropos cut it when the time came." When Track sees a dying child, he sees the three "monsters" playing with scissors on the threads of a child's life. But "The strand wasn't made of fibers. It was composed of two coils held together by four molecules." The double helix. Love that image!

There's more, much more, but I have to stop before I quote the whole novel.

Yes, there are flaws. I almost rated this four stars because of a few syntax issues, trivial typos or the fact that Track is such a jerk sometimes and the story ends as a cliff hanger (the one-star bandits really punish authors for that), and the killer gets away. Well, of course he does. Book Two is coming out soon. Wait, wait, it's already out! "Mosaics" - and it was on sale this week, so I snagged it, so Track, Satish and the killer are ready and waiting for me in my Kindle.

Life is good.
Profile Image for Lynxie.
711 reviews78 followers
February 10, 2015
Chimeras is a combination of a gripping thriller/mystery whodunnit paired up with a science fiction/medical police procedural.

Track, our protagonist (perhaps anti-hero could fit a little here too), is a sensorially heightened being. He relys heavily on his heightened sense of smell in investigations, and really, who wouldn't in that situation? He's a blokey-bloke, a bit rough, and bruised. He's got a checkered past, but tries really hard to do the right thing and works his butt off every day.

Satish, his partner, was an interesting one. I did feel he was a bit of a crutch though. If the plot needed a prod, Satish was able to point Track in the right direction with one of his weird/insightful quotes or musings.

Likes:
1. Track was a little safe, but there was enough new stuff to make me like him.
2. Twisting plot.
3. Complex scientific explanations made easy to understand.
4. The police procedural information, including investigations.
5. Diane's character - her feistiness and strength.
6. Hort - I liked her fireyness and passion, and even the kind of disfunctional but functioning relationship...

Dislikes:
1. The masses of exposition that occurred.
2. Too much scene setting - I don't need to know about every traffic update in the area every time we start a scene.
3. Diane's character - her emotional game playing (in her defence it was kinda deserved, but I still didn't like it).
4. The ending.
5. Too many characters.

So let's unpack some of this...

When we got to the 'ah-hah moment' I had no recollection of who the killer was. Even with Track's re-investigation after the fact, I couldn't keep all the characters straight. We're introduced to scientists and police and investigators, social elite, families, boyfriends and girlfriends, maids and kids. I had a few moments where I was like:

description

and then:

description

This was a huge shame to me, because I really, really liked the story. I wanted to know what was happening, why people were being killed and who the hell was doing it. What I wanted though, was a feeling of:

description

This book needs a bit of an edit, if you cull the extra information about each scene (and the traffic reports!) and cull a couple of the characters who aren't really required in the story, this would easily be 4-5 star material.

One thing I noticed:
52% - ...distinctive as an (delete an) Elton John...

**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of the book in return for an honest review**
Profile Image for Autumn Kalquist.
Author 17 books553 followers
April 14, 2014
Great book! I don't normally read mysteries and thrillers, but I love police procedural stories when they have an intriguing (speculative or sci-fi) twist. And this one did, with a genetic research premise.

I was intrigued by the opening, and the questions I had kept me intrigued as the investigation unfolded. E. E. Giorgi writes some truly gorgeous prose, and I felt like I was experiencing everything right along with Track. His heightened sense of smell made for some interesting observations on his part, and it was cool getting to experience the world in a new way. I also loved the chapters where we slipped into other character's minds, and I got to see what they were up to. It really heightened the tension.

The ending was satisfying and surprising. This was a great read! I'll definitely be checking out more of this author's books. ;)
Profile Image for Garek Godrik.
Author 2 books2 followers
April 30, 2015
E.E. Giorgi is one of my top five all-time favorite authors, and this book is among her finest. There is so much I want to say about the story and how it took me on an amazing and memorable ride, but I can't find a way to avoid spoilers (so grab a copy for yourself and see!). What intrigues me the most is her use of sensory perception. Simply exceptional. Well-researched, well-plotted, well-written! Bravo to the lovely E.E. Giorgi for continuing to grace the world with her presence and her writing.
Profile Image for Aletia.
435 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2015
What are you waiting for!?

It took me longer to read this than I like to admit. I wish I had just jumped right in! The science in this is fascinating. As E.E. is a real scientist, do not be surprised by what you find. I already have book 2, so I'm off :D
Profile Image for Marika Charalambous.
606 reviews28 followers
May 12, 2014
4.5 stars review on my blog: http://mysterysequels.com/chimeras-e-...

The investigation in Chimeras follows a series of deaths related to a particular company involved in genetics. Ulysses (Track), a Los Angeles detective and his partner Satish Cooper have to deal not only with the deaths, but also with a dozen children dying of leukemia. What is the connection between these and what do they all have in common with the rich and famous?

Teamed up with Diane Cooper, the DNA specialist, they try to sort out all the quirks of the case and get to the bottom of the killings and the medical research involved.

Track has a special ability: his extreme sense of smell and his super sharp vision. He can see perfectly in the night – just like a jungle predator, and he can feel a person’s scent minutes before said person enters the police precinct.

Track is not his real name, but his friends and colleagues nicknamed him as such due to his talents. Why bring a cadaver dog when Track can smell a dead body from far away? And why even use forensics when he can easily feel a person’s odor on a discarded piece of clothing – not only that, but he can feel a third party that the person was recently with as well.

As the story unfolds, we are getting bits and pieces of his past, how he became the way he is now, and what he went through over the years. He is regularly visiting a geneticist with whom he is trying to solve the very case that is himself: why he is like this, and what makes him really different from all the other folks around him.

Track is an intriguing character, which I can well imagine being played by one of the Hollywood actors at some point. The book itself would translate well into a great movie!
Profile Image for Rabid Readers Reviews.
546 reviews25 followers
June 27, 2014
The author, EE Giorgi, gave me a copy of this novel in exchange for my review.


“CHIMERAS” reads like a novel carefully considered. There is a feeling of classic noir mystery with an element of the modern. The author is a scientist and infuses the story with her knowledge but instead of being stiff and perhaps overly informative, she manages to give the reader and engaging and unique reading experience.

Track is the eye of a powerful storm. He’s wild and intense and the world around him stands still as he contravenes convention at a crime scene pushed on by his special abilities. The heightened senses of a predator might be useful in daily life but in the crime world they’re an overwhelming advantage. The exceptionally abled meets Dashiell Hammet. How cool is that? Giorgi’s descriptions of Track’s abilities are visual. When Track is at The Glass House (LAPD admin building), readers are treated to sensory tour. The decay, mildew and nicotine coated walls are vivid in the readers imagination as Track travels the hall sharing that he’s now accustomed to the dank but implying there was an issue at the start.

By the end of the novel there’s a natural and supportive byplay between characters and a good sense of who Giorgi will continue to build. Giorgi includes a “Science Behind the Scenes” segment at the end of the novel that explains for the reader a Chimera and the scientific plausibility of Track’s condition.

I have not read a book like “CHIMERAS.” It is a dark scientific mystery with depth that sets the stage for an epic series.
Profile Image for Derek White.
Author 5 books105 followers
May 29, 2014
*A Copy of this Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*

My compliments to the author for getting the science right. (I had to do extensive research of the human genome for one of my own.)
Track is so nicknamed because he can ‘track’ like a bloodhound would. In addition his eyesight is exceptionally good. These two things make him a very good detective but the trouble is the he could hardly go into the witness box and say, “Yes, Your Honour, that is the man: I smelled him on the victim’s clothing!” He and his partner have to gather evidence the old fashioned way and the two connected cases in the story tax their abilities to the limit. As well as catching a murderer, they have to find the cause of a dozen children dying of leukaemia. Any fact Track has, you the reader also have, so you will detect with him right to the end, and then, like me, look forward to the next one.


***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
1 review
March 12, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book is like a Michael Crichton written with the witty sarcasm of the classic detective noir. Track is a twisted character, torn by a condition that is not clear at first -- all we know is that he's got some issues for which he sees a geneticist. His detective partner, Satish Cooper, is a lot more likable at first, with his funny stories and more benign nature. However, as the story moves forward, you start to get why Track is the way he is. Without giving away any spoilers, all I'll say is that the science is compelling and the olfactory descriptions are unique. Overall I enjoyed this book and I look forward to many sequels.
Profile Image for John Monk.
Author 21 books133 followers
April 18, 2015
The basic plot of Chimeras, Giorgi's award-winning novel, is there’s been a murder, and only Detective Track Presius — a genetic Chimera (a real scientific term) — can figure out who the killer is. Okay, he has help along the way from his incredibly funny and wise partner Satish, and a beautiful lab geek named Diane (who works with the police). Together, they make literary music. I love the hard-boiled style Giorgi writes in, reminiscent of Raymond Chandler, as well as the emotional depths she takes us in this story about a virtual outcast of a man with superhuman senses. By the time you finish the book, if you’re not shaking your fist at the sky shouting, “We’re not gods, damn you…!” then nothing can help you.
1 review1 follower
March 12, 2014
A great read. If you like Detective Thrillers this is for you. Sherlock Holmes with a twist and a gun. Great characters, wonderful detail.
Profile Image for gj indieBRAG.
1,793 reviews96 followers
October 1, 2014
We are proud to announce that CHIMERAS (A Track Persius Myster) by E.E. Giorgi is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
Profile Image for Eduardo Santiago.
821 reviews43 followers
March 24, 2020
(Disclosure: the author is a personal friend. To avoid the perception of impropriety, I am grumpily rounding 4.5 stars down to 4 instead of up).

That said: this was damn good. The pace is fierce, dialog snappy, imagery vivid - including more senses than just the visual, a touch not only vital to the story but also intriguing and memorable. The story drew me in and kept me reading eagerly: it's just on the edge of scientifically plausible, but the human elements are entirely believable even if (or perhaps especially because) they're not all entirely likable.

There's somewhat more violence than I was expecting or was comfortable with. Not just the body count that's de rigeur for a murder mystery; there's interpersonal aggression that, while a necessary part of the story context, often left me tense. Perhaps I've grown too docile in my old age. At no point, though, was I tempted to put the book down: the story was too engaging, the writing too enjoyable.
35 reviews8 followers
April 8, 2014
In short: an engaging read that will captivate you from chapter one until the conclusion.

Beautifully written with complex characters and an intriguing plot, the dialogue is spot on and the pacing appropriate for the genre. The story unfolds at a brisk pace that kept me engaged. (It also kept me up well past my bedtime!) Chimeras is sure to please fans of police procedurals and urban fantasy alike. The author does a fantastic job of creating unique characters that complement one another from the brash and aggressive Track to his more insouciant and endearing partner, Satish Cooper. Track is almost feral at times while Satish acts as a grounding force, often supplying well placed humor. DNA specialist Diane Kyle is an enjoyable character who is intelligent yet at times vulnerable and uncertain. I love that she's passionate about her work and from her we get most of the science behind the crimes. At times she appears to lack common sense and makes poor decisions but this makes her rather human. I love that all these characters are flawed; it adds to their charm and you'll find no Mary Sues or Marty Stus here.

Perhaps what I loved most about the story is the fact it doesn't follow the usual serial killer boilerplate but instead embarks on a study of epigenetics and humanity's obsession with perfection and immortality. The plot was carefully thought out and the conclusion a satisfying one.

For sticklers out there, the police procedure and protocol is spot on, the main characters likeable and well fleshed out, and the villains carefully crafted with believable motives. I want to emphasize the craft and skill that went into this novel. I can't say it enough--it's beautifully written and the writing is on par with traditionally published novels. The author's use of evocative descriptions along with an engaging style and strong voice make it a thoroughly enjoyable read. Such vivid imagery allows the reader to form a clear mental picture and pulls you into the story. For example, the author opens with, "Yellow smears of wildfires marred the horizon toward the mountains, tainting the air like a bitter aftertaste." I could almost smell the wood smoke. The author further describes traffic moving at a "steady hiccup" and coupled with the compelling scenic descriptions, this conjures up bumper to bumper traffic belching along a smog-ridden freeway while wildfires burn in the distance. It's these little touches that set this book apart. You quickly become immersed in Track's world and depart feeling as if you've visited Los Angeles and walked more than a mile in his shoes.

My only complaint and it's a minor one was the use of italics and alternate POVs, which I found a bit confusing and unnecessary. I prefer a single POV for books written in first person as I tend to get immersed in the main character's head and find the changes jarring. In addition, the book is structurally sound and thus the alternate POVs are superfluous.

Highly recommend to fans of mysteries, detective/crime stories, urban fantasy, commercial fiction, or anyone looking for an engaging story. Science fiction readers should appreciate the science and the author provides a summary at the end--the "Science Behind the Scenes"--for those wanting more information about chimerism or epigenetics.
Profile Image for Mike Martin.
4 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2014
This was good, as in, really good! There were a couple of bumps that I'll describe below, but all in all, a very worthwhile read and I'm looking forward to sequels.

Set in Los Angeles in 2008, CHIMERAS owes much of its style to the old noir crime thrillers of the 1940s. Author E.E. Giorgi has made this book unique, though, by weaving great story telling into a plot that is underpinned by genetic science as much as it relies on police detective work. The author writes in a style as smooth and flowing and enjoyable as twelve year old bourbon.

The opening of the book was a bit difficult and in that the protagonists, police detectives Ulysses "Track" Presius and Satish Cooper, could have been better introduced and so set a smoother transition into the story. Rather than get bogged down, reading on will enable the reader to figure out who they are.

Presius's background continues to develop through the book. His nickname of "Track" comes from a remarkable olfactory sense that serves him well in police work. Cooper is largely the straight man, though a skilled police officer in his own right. The DNA specialist, Diane Kyle, brings both intellectual and scientific ability to the team.

It is Kyle's role that led to the second bump. There are detailed discussions of DNA and genetics that require some background on the reader's part to fully understand. That said, the author has included a section at the end, The Science Behind The Scenes, that is helpful in understanding the discussion.

All in all, a very enjoyable read, one which I highly recommend. It's a real pleasure to see a police procedural where both the crime and the investigation are elevated by science.
Profile Image for Whitney.
324 reviews37 followers
July 31, 2014
3.5 Personal Rating

Review written for and published by Portland Book Review on July 26th:

E.E. Giorgi introduces a new breed of detective in her mystery novel Chimeras: A Track Presius Mystery. Detective “Track” Presius was born with the enhanced senses of sight and smell, allowing him to gather more from a crime scene than the average detective. Track becomes embroiled in an investigation that begins with a missing person report and quickly escalates into a string of murders surrounding a genetic research company. Track’s eyes and nose lead him to the culprits faster than the official police investigation, and when time is of the essence, breaking the rules may be the only way to crack the case.
“I sensed a lingering presence, feminine, one hand clasping the curtain. Did she look into the darkness outside? What drew her here – fear maybe? Or doubt? I inhaled. Feminine scents are elusive. Women don’t always stick to one fragrance like most men do, and their secretions change from day to day with their hormones. I can get a global picture of a feminine smell, but if I want to break it apart, get into the components of it, one woman alone is a maze of scents.”
The mystery at the heart of Chimeras is involved, and urges readers to keep turning the pages long into the evening. Much of the narrative deals with genetic engineering, to a technical level, which is simultaneously fascinating and overwhelming for the layman. Where the writing stumbles a bit is with interpersonal character relationships. Track also has a tendency to switch between using a character’s first and last names with alarming frequency, which may cause some character confusion. Overall, Chimeras is a well-crafted novel that is perfect for readers looking for a mystery story that knows its science.
Profile Image for Lily.
293 reviews55 followers
October 16, 2015
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, and my honest opinion is that this book is excellent. I don't usually read crime novels, but this one kept me riveted from the first page with its vivid sensory descriptions, intelligently-paced plot, and unexpected bursts of humor. It tells the story of Ulysses "Track" Presius, a detective gifted (or cursed) with the senses and instincts of a predator, thanks to an epigenetic abnormality. I was impressed by how well-thought-out the scientific aspects of the story were, from Track's complex perception of smell, to the workings of genetic research. I also appreciated (and was amused by) the realistic portrayals of how scientists function (or fail to function, as the case often is).

If I were to find a flaw in this book, it would be that every time the narrative switched away from Track's point of view, I felt a little disappointed. Track's mind is just so fascinating - I wanted to spend as much time in his storyline as possible.

Finally, I should mention that if you want to learn more about the science behind this story - or about science in general - I highly recommend the author's blog, which is also well-written and fascinating.

All in all, this was a unique and exciting book. I hope there are sequels.

[ARC received in exchange for an honest review.]
Profile Image for Teresa.
Author 3 books63 followers
May 21, 2014
If you like your mystery/detective stories served with some hard science, Chimeras is your dynasty.

Giorgi shows her science background throughout the book. What makes it exceptional is that she manages to do it in layman's terms. And that makes for a fascinating aspect to the murder mystery central to the plot.

Giorgi writes great characters. They're multidimensional, and fun to get to know. She did an excellent job writing the MC, Track Presius. I ran the gamut of emotions with him, and for him as he worked to solve the mystery confronting him professionally (as a police detective), and personally (his heightened senses and the question of why he is different than other people).

The book is skillfully crafted, full of sensory details that draw the reader into Track Presius's head, and into his world. The prose is so incredibly good! At times, it borders poetic-- without taking away from the action in the story, or from the grittiness Giorgi paints Track's job with.

The pace is good: there were times it felt like a leisurely stroll through a world of police procedural details, but most of the time, it felt like I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough. And there were those times when I was on the edge of my seat.

The old expression, "The plot thickens." is certainly true of this story, layer upon layer of mystery building until the conclusion.

I'd read more Track Presius mysteries.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book in hopes of an honest review.



Profile Image for Christoph Fischer.
Author 49 books468 followers
January 7, 2015
“CHIMERAS: A Medical Mystery” by E.E. Giorgi is an excellent medical thriller that opens a variety of issues about genetics and places them in the context of a fairly fast paced and cleverly plotted crime story. It is written competently by an author who knows her science but also knows how to create and keep tension and drama at the same time.
The book feels never dry and is told with the powerfully honest voice of Detective Ulysses / Track Presius, an epigenetic chimera, which gives a unique perspective into his ‘being different’ and how it affects him and his work. He is a well-chosen character with some darker components, a protagonist who can keep your interest. He is joined by a partner in crime and by a scientist, both of are equally fascinating.
The book uses a wonderfully descriptive style and keeps the reader on their toes, with the science and also the crime side of it.
I have read a lot of information about genetics because my partner suffers from haemophilia and so the issues that are raised here in the context of genetic science resonated well with me. I found it particularly rewarding that the author added a section about the science at the end of the book, which clarified a few topics, and reassured me how medically sound and competent the foundations for this story are.
This is a very rewarding read and was even better than I hoped for. A writer to watch.
Profile Image for Cindy Amrhein.
Author 14 books29 followers
May 24, 2014
I beta read a few chapters of a different book by this author (one that isn't out yet) so when this one was out I had to read it as it was the same character in the one a betaed a bit of--the character of Track. I have a fondness for this guy. He is on the noir side, but not in the usual way. He has an odd trait, a heightened sense of smell, that adds a unique spin to the whole detective type story. He can track his perps like prey. The author, on the other hand, uses all the senses in her narrative so the details are vivid. Satish, his down-to-earth partner, with his life experience stories he always relays to Track at the oddest times, adds a good balance to both the character.

Aside from being a good story is the science behind it. The author is a scientist who does DNA research so the reasoning behind the crimes is totally believable, and I might say, a bit unnerving at the same time because it is something that has the possibility of happening. I love a plot with lots of layers, and this one sure had that.
Profile Image for Jamie Lewis.
4 reviews12 followers
September 9, 2016
I have mixed feelings about CHIMERAS, but they all lean to the positive side. I want to criticize for the moments of bulk exposition, the vast amount of detail, and seemingly unnecessary plot elements; however, when I consider what I loved about the book, it’s the care and quality that went into developing this novel. There’s a purpose to all those details, and the exposition is broken up by exciting action sequences that play out like a blockbuster movie. Removing the complexity to the story would have been an injustice, so just accept that it’s not a quick read. I loved the suspense intertwined with science. I loved mysterious Track and his inability to do things the correct, procedural way. Giorgi has found a fun balance between entertaining and educating. Seriously, take the time to read this book, and you’ll see. I finished it last night and was ready to enroll in police academy and become a scientist at the same time. Well done! I look forward to the next book in the series.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
7 reviews
March 25, 2014
You can read this book on two levels: the first is a somewhat dark but very enjoyable police procedural, with a twisted character whose sensitivity to smells makes him quite unique. You get to the second, deeper level when you realize that the crime(s) are tied with medical research and you are left with the bitter thought that things like this could happen for real, if not now, maybe in a near future, with unknown consequences for our children.

I'm over-sensitive to smells, so I instantly sympathized with the main character, Track. As I read on I realized that his issues went beyond the smells. The story and narrative kept me hooked. I enjoyed the voice, including the snarkiness -- people aren't perfect, so characters shouldn't be either. I loved the references to Greek mythology, I thought it fit well in the "chimera" twist, and its double meaning (mythology and genetics).

Not a light read, but certainly one that leaves you pondering for a while.


Profile Image for Saoirse Sheldon.
41 reviews
January 20, 2015
If you enjoy Robin Cook you'll enjoy this book. Detective Track Presius has a rare genetic condition, he's a Chimera with heightened senses similar to a predator. I found this very interesting as someone who is Hyper Sensitive. Not all of my senses are in over drive but I do hear, smell, see, and feel more than the average person. Nothing uber cool like Track though as it over stimulates me (& others like me, bummer). It would be much cooler to not have much of a down side. Track reminds me a bit of Dexter, just not as dark.
The medical jargon can be confusing to some but I thought Ms. Giorgi did a wonderful job handling it and making it possible for the average person to understand without it seeming like the author is talking down to you (I hate that). By and far my favorite character is Satish, he kind of sits back and quietly steals the scene with the most hysterical one liners and words of wisdom. I adore him.
Profile Image for Joe II.
Author 13 books6 followers
April 25, 2016
On the scent of a killer …

Ulysses "Track" Presius is no ordinary LA homicide detective. His off-the-charts sense of smell is the result of a genetic accident in childhood. The ability defines him, but there are also disadvantages to being a human bloodhound.

The genetic theme, a hallmark of many of the author's books, underlies a perplexing mystery. Track is drawn in a heart-breaking case. Children are dying, and someone is determined to protect an evil secret related to human genetics.

Beyond the mystery, the author excels at developing her main character -- who judges people by their olfactory nature -- in language that is both haunting and beautiful.

The well-researched storyline is all more chilling because it's no stretch to believe that its tenets could actually happen in the real world.

Well recommended. And you'll want the second book, Mosaics, as well.

--- Joe Dacy II (Author of Esquelle and the Tesla Protocol)
Profile Image for Andrea.
696 reviews16 followers
September 21, 2015
Written by a friend of a friend, this was a great genetics mystery. A lot of "science" thrillers are light on the real science, so I was pleased that the author knew so much about recent scientific advancements in genetics and could share it with us in a relevant and exciting way in this book. The police/forensic parts were well-researched, too, with a lot of great details and (sometimes gory) clues for readers to try to piece together.

It took me awhile to warm up to the protagonist - he's sort of a hard-boiled cop with plenty of drama of his own, and though at first he seems callous, by the end of the book I had some more sympathy for him.
4,120 reviews116 followers
April 14, 2015
I won the audiobook version of Chimeras during an author chat and would like to thank E.E. Giorgi for providing this to me. In my opinion, the audio is where this book falls short. The narrator's delivery is monotone, without much inflection or emotion. The dispassionate telling of Track's story took away from what I feel is essential to a good detective novel - the highs and lows surrounding the search and eventual capture of the suspect. As a result, I found myself just wishing for the ending to come. I will be giving this book another try in the future, only it will be the printed copy. The concept of this book, the blending of science and police procedural, is interesting to me and I feel that Chimeras is worth a second glance.
Profile Image for LordTBR.
653 reviews164 followers
June 1, 2015
Giorgi has been a mainstay in my TBR list ever since I read 'Apocalypse Weird: Immunity' and 'Gene Cards'. Though crime novels aren't normally my cup of tea, 'Chimeras' had me in its grasp from page one. The author, who works in genetics research, does a wonderful job inserting her knowledge into the story line, which just adds to the overall reading experience. The plot is well paced, the characters are vividly described and Giorgi even throws in a little bit of humor to keep you interested.

Grab 'Chimeras' and give it a read. While you're at it, check out her other works and her blog (chimerasthebooks.blogspot.com/).
I can't wait to see what Giorgi comes out with next and I especially look forward to reading the sequel(s).
Profile Image for LLona Cunningham.
299 reviews8 followers
April 24, 2014
I suspect if this was a TV series I'd program the DVR to make sure I didn't miss an episode. The characters are interesting, the plot is good TV fare, and it all comes together at a pace that would work for me in an hour or two. The reading experience -- one that took me almost a week to get through because I had to backtrack a couple pages every time I picked it up again after interruptions -- made it more work than entertainment.

The 'murder mystery' story is good and the writing is very good. I dropped a star only because the protagonist, while unusual because of his unique 'power', lacked enough heart for me to care about him.
2,363 reviews
May 28, 2015
Super good read... I tend to forget how much I enjoy a good mystery until I've got one in my hands! I do think that this is my favorite book that I've read by E.E. Giorgi, and what's more is I've enjoyed all of her work so far...

Ulysses, "Track" is like an animal at times. He doesn't really understand himself, but identifies best with a cat a cougar. He has some serious issue trying to reign the predator when on the hunt. And he is on the hunt trying to solve a series of murders that maybe be linked... All he's got to go on is an odor and his gut, not enough for a search warrant...

Get the book and enjoy Track's journey, for finding the clues, and self discovery...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.