The adventure story, although bloody, is quite absorbing. Unfortunately the novel is flawed by some really bad "scientific" comments. While pesticides do indeed cause damage to humans, all too often, there is no way in the world that pesticides can cause the "Mad cow" disease. That is caused by rogue proteins called "prions"; and prions are spread through biological channels totally unrelated to chemical pesticides.
In addition the novelist at one point lists genetically engineered crop species as evil items. Actually, the method of construction has no untoward effects. Many genetic modifications permit much lower use of pesticides, and are therefore ecologically beneficial. Others give plants protection against stress conditions - cold, heat, too much salt, etc. Others provide immunity to virus or bacterial diseases. An outstanding recent example is protection against a virus in mangos, which in the normal plants destroys the crop entirely.

I love Rankin but this has a bad narrator and poor sound quality

This is my second Rankin book and I enjoyed it. It wasn't the greatest book ever written but it was enjoyable and entertaining, what else would you want? It's interesting to read a foreign author write about places you know, San Diego in this case. And, reading books set in Scotland make me want to have a good visit there someday. Maybe I'll make it to the Oxford Bar! I'll read more Rankin, it's probably back to Rebus.....

This reader is just terrific. The characterisations
are brilliant. One always knows Rankin is going to be good, and Rodska really does him justice.

Intelligently written, well read, and an exciting plot; highly recommended.