Lethal Genes — Linda Grant

At U.C. Berkeley's plant genetics lab, precious specimens are being trashed and genetic material is disappearing. Student pranks? With a major grant coming up for renewal, it's not likely.

Then everybody's favorite staff member dies suddenly, and the lab's brainy researchers start squabbling like children. Shrewd private investigator Catherine Sayler wonders if the race for lucrative biotech breakthroughs caused this ugly rift. But the big question is: Are some of these budding genetic geniuses also experimenting with murder?