Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the <i>Bones</i> novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage Ã'sci-philesÓ who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.<p> As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hotÃ'if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killerÕs scent.<p> Fortunately, they are now more than friendsÃ' theyÕre a pack. They are <i>Virals</i>.