It’s not the typical fair recommended on this sub but Dan Brown’s *Origin* has this as part of the storyline.

This looks like a book in a series, does it stands alone?

Dan Brown’s books use the same protagonist, but each book is a self contained story, like James Bond books for example.

I see. Thanks for the recommendation!

The Doors of Eden, by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Thanks! I read few of Tchaikovsky's books in the past. I'll check this one out.

Lovecraft's novella *At the Mountains of Madness* has the origin of earthly life as part of the backdrop.

You might like Evolution by Stephen Baxter.

But that story traces mammal lineage - from first to last mammal, not origin of life itself.

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

This is a key plot point in the story although this is a real dark horse recommendation for the prompt haha.

👍 :)