The Secret of Rocks Hyraxes begins at an archeological dig site in present-day Iran where the skeleton of the oldest recorded human, Methuselah, has been uncovered along with a reportedly indestructible rat species. Montgomery ‘Monty’ Palmer, a scientist researching a cure for his father’s Alzheimer’s, hypothesizes that the rats have been exposed to uranium, resulting in a mutation. If it’s true, could the discovery help save his father?

Realizing the location in Iran is one of the places archeologists have suggested as the original birthplace of civilization, Monty develops a second theory. He purports that the rats may have stumbled across the historical Tree of Life buried under the earth. Not wanting to reveal his out there idea to the team of scientists, Monty keeps his thoughts to himself until the dig uncovers evidence that suggests he might be right.

Monty should be excited he’s researching stem cells and leading the team that’s just uncovered a perfect strand of DNA. But the apolitical scientist is in the center of present-day Iran. He must deal with the ongoing strained US/Iran relationship, stand up to the ruthless terrorist group ISIS, and, as if that isn’t enough, his eclectic team of misfit experts, assembled by the research company financing the expedition, isn’t exactly helping matters.

Dr. Kipp Van Camp, a physician and medical researcher with numerous papers and articles published in the medical journals and online, is also the author of dozens of short stories and two creative nonfiction books Always Allie (2011), and Misdiagnosis: A Practicing Physician’s Case Study on Healthcare Reform (2012). The Secret of Rocks Hyraxes is his first published novel and the first book in the series of thrillers featuring the adventures of the same main characters.