Eater — Gregory Benford

Impending personal tragedy is dimming the brilliant light of Dr. Benjamin Knowlton's world. On the threshold of their greatest achievement, the renowned astrophysicist's beloved wife and partner--ex-astronaut-turned-astronomer Channing--is dying.

But something looms alarmingly on the far edge of the solar system: at once a scientific find of unparalleled importance that could ensure the Knowltons' immortality, and a potentially earth-shattering cataclysm that dwarfs their private one. For Benjamin and Channing have discovered "Eater," an eons-old black hole anomaly that devours stars and worlds. Yet its most awesome and devastating secrets are still to be revealed ... and feared:

Eater is intelligent. And eager to communicate.
Eater is curious . . . and hungry.
Eater is rapidly heading our way .. .