The Final Equinox: A Theo Cray & Jessica Blackwood Thriller

In Thriller Award finalist Mayne’s riveting sequel to 2021’s Mastermind, billionaire Thomas T. Theismann, who has spent years searching for extraterrestrial intelligent life, believes he may have found it after detecting a radio signal from a region near Neptune. In New Mexico, he gathers a group of “astronomers, linguists, mathematicians, and physicists,” as well as computer expert Theo Cray, to confirm the signal’s bona fides before sharing his discovery. When FBI agent Jessica Blackwood, Theo’s girlfriend, learns that David Ikeda, whose field is computational biology, blew his brains out during a conference held by a company connected to Theismann, she senses something amiss. The mysterious death of one of David’s friends, who likewise worked for a Theismann company, heightens Jessica’s concern for Theo. Theo and Jessica work together to determine whether the signal is alien and, if not, what is going on and why. The lively banter between Jessica and Theo provides counterpoint to the dangers they often face. Science fiction fans will want to check this one out. Agent: Erica Silverman, Trident Media. (Sept.)