Primacy

Liane Vinson, the heroine of Fishman's appealing debut thriller, works at Pentalon, the world's largest animal testing lab, in Farmingdale, Long Island. Recently promoted to the primate lab, Liane one day discovers that a pair of twin bonobos in her charge can speak, as in speak like humans, which makes them highly valuable to a number of individuals who want them for their own agendas. After the male monkey, Isaac, undergoes surgery that Liane considers abuse, she steals the female, Bea, and goes on the run. In pursuit are the animal rights activists of FAULT (Folks Against Unnecessary Lab Testing); Pentalon security director Vlad Gretch; Pentalon CEO Alex Flickinger; and several shadowy agents of the U.S. government. Liane's love interest, veterinarian Mickey Ferrone, lends support. What the duo lack in evasion and fighting experience, they make up with sheer determination, dumb luck, and the burning desire to save the bonobos. Those with an interest in animal rights will be particularly enthralled, especially with the endearing Bea. (Sept.)