Genetic engineering, nanotechnology, and the murder of a professor whose work challenges the definition of "human intelligence" collide in this gripping young-adult mystery. With her neighbor, Professor Wallace, found shot to death, sixteen-year-old Katie Tyler takes it upon herself to care for his orphaned pets, a German Shepherd named Sam and a cat named Sophia. Katie, a martial arts student, soon discovers there is far more to these animals than anyone could imagine: they are subjects of the late professor's work and the recipients of enhanced intelligence, which combined with their own animal senses makes Sam and Sophia "superhuman." With her father, Police Detective Tyler, at a loss to solve the case, it is up to Katie, Sam, Sophia and a rat (named "Rat") to unravel the mystery, find the professor's killers, and prevent the discovery of the century from falling into evil hands. Will they make it?