Neanderthal

This one has been on the list for quite some time but I would highly recommend to read it!  Neanderthal by John Darnton tells the story of two former lovers (Matt Mattison and Susan Arnot), who just happen to be rival scientists too, called by their former mentor, James Kellicut, who has seemingly “disappeared from a site” that he was doing research.  When called together, “old feelings” become active and the two are jettisoned to Tadjikistan by the US Government to help determine if the “skulls” that Kellicut sent are really active Neanderthal remains!  It appears that Russia and the US are both in the hunt to make this scientific finding, but who will get there first?  The reason for the rush is understanding the “remote viewing” aspect of the Neanderthals, who can feel your feelings as you have them and get into your mind.  There is a good amount of intrigue with captures, deaths, and rival Neanderthal groups (the good guys – peaceful, and the bad guys – the hunters).  Our two visiting scientist are caught between the two tribes and side with the peaceful tribe and try to assist in saving one of their colleagues from death.  This book reminded me in small part of the Indiana Jones stories - trying to escape the collapsing caves, trying to learn the secret language, and deal with the mad older scientist who seemingly has turned a deaf ear on the government.  All in all, it has the qualities of a thriller, though I don’t understand how they are planning to make this story into a movie, those Neanderthals are going to be ugly.  And those peaceful ones like to eat others, yes - cannibalism!   It kept me riveted throughout.  No really slow parts to it.  For those who like re-establishing the flame with an ex, answering a long ago tale of the unsolved, and a race to the end of this civilization, it’s all in here.  A good read!