What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

I read this book in the 1990s, borrowed it from the library. It was a hard-back sci-fi book, very definitely adult.

It probably had a female protagonist, who I think was either a doctor or scientist of some description, but she could have been a businesswoman.

I think she's investigating some sort of company that's involved in nefarious practices, they're definitely modifying and experimenting on humans somehow. It may be genetic engineering, it could be drugs, it could be something else. The experimental subjects are lacking in most cognitive function and only concerned with their own base desires.

There's one scene, which I think was right at the start, and it's the scene that's stuck most with me. There's a dog that's been genetically engineered to be able to speak. But the dog was really stupid and I believe the characters commented on this. In so much as it accidentally leaped off of a balcony and died.

Any idea what this book is?

Sounds like a Robin Cook Robin Cook type of novel

Thanks for the suggestion.

I've glanced at his list of books and nothing's ringing any bells. Did you have a suggestion for a specific novel?

My library seems to file Robin Cook in the general fiction section, not sci-fi, so I'd generally think it's not that likely to be him.

Possibly "Brain" or "Mindbend"

Dean Koontz also often has dogs in his books, so he's another possibility

Thanks. It's definitely neither of these.

The dog itself, for all that it really stuck in my mind, was a minor part of the story. It was a mention right at the start and possibly used more as a moral tale?

The book was also far more obviously sci-fi.

Maybe Beggars and Choosers

Yes! That's exactly it! It's so much worse than I remember.

Thank you!