Billionaire-Backed Expeditions Gone Wrong: Hominid and Other Adventure Thriller Novels That Deliver High-Stakes Discovery

When money, ego, and ambition collide with the unknown, the result is a perfect storm for suspense. Some of the most unforgettable adventure thriller novels center around wealthy patrons funding high-risk missions into uncharted territory—and the chaos that follows. R.D. Brady’s Hominid is a prime example: a standalone thriller where a billionaire’s obsession with Bigfoot turns a scientific expedition into a deadly game of survival.

If you love stories where science, secrecy, and survival intersect, these novels deliver:

1. Hominid by R.D. BradyDr. Tess Brannick, a scientist with a deep knowledge of forest ecosystems, is on the verge of proving Bigfoot’s existence. But the real danger isn’t the creature—it’s Carter Hayes, the billionaire backing her research. His legacy-driven obsession puts everyone at risk, and when the truth emerges, Tess must fight not just for science, but for survival. A gripping blend of cryptozoology, betrayal, and action.

2. Jurassic Park by Michael CrichtonThe original billionaire-funded science-gone-wrong novel. John Hammond spares no expense bringing dinosaurs back to life, but hubris meets havoc when nature takes control. Packed with tension, ethical dilemmas, and unforgettable chaos.

3. The Atlantis Gene by A.G. RiddleA mysterious signal, ancient ruins, and a shadowy organization collide in this fast-paced conspiracy thriller. A massive global agenda unfolds, involving secret experiments and hidden truths about human evolution.

4. Ice Hunt by James RollinsA hidden Cold War base, a deadly discovery in the Arctic, and a team stranded with a secret they were never meant to find. High-tech weapons, survival elements, and a relentless pace make this one of the best adventure thriller novels in the subzero zone.

5. The Descent by Jeff LongAn expedition into a newly discovered network of caves reveals an entire subterranean civilization—and something terrifying. A dark, atmospheric thriller with a mix of horror and exploration.

6. Relic by Douglas Preston & Lincoln ChildA deadly creature, a museum cover-up, and a centuries-old secret come to light. Funded research leads to monster mayhem in this pulse-pounding adventure mystery that helped launch the Pendergast series.

7. The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas PrestonPart real-life adventure, part cautionary tale. This nonfiction thriller follows a team of explorers—backed by private funding—into the Honduran jungle in search of a lost civilization, battling snakes, disease, and ancient curses.

Why Adventure Thriller Novels About Billionaire Expeditions Work So WellFrom Hominid to Jurassic Park, these stories share a tantalizing hook: what happens when unchecked ambition meets ancient secrets or untested science? The stakes are personal, the risks astronomical, and the twists never stop. These adventure thriller novels remind us that curiosity is dangerous—and funding it can be deadly.

Craving a high-stakes read with mystery, danger, and a touch of the unknown?Start with Hominid—a standalone that blends cryptid myth with real science, all wrapped in adrenaline-fueled suspense.