When the Killing's Done

Alma Boyd Takesue is a National Park Service biologist who is spearheading the efforts to save the endangered native creatures of California's Channel Islands from invasive species such as rats and feral pigs. Her antagonist, Dave LaJoy, is a local businessman who is fiercely opposed to the killing of any animals whatsoever and will go to any lengths to subvert Alma's plans. As their confrontation plays out in a series of scenes escalating in violence, drama, and danger, When the Killing's Done deftly relates a richly humane tale about the dominion we attempt to exert, for better or wore, over the natural world. Combining action-packed adventure with delicious irony and believable characters without one trace of sanctimony, this is one of T.C. Boyle's richest and most engaging novels.