As far as I can see, the basic elements of evolutionary theory with respect to origins of life are being put forth. I think it's important that one not necessarily be tied to this name or that name, but take a look at the evidence itself, completely apart from any arguments from authority.
Ostensibly that is true - it's what Whitehouse laid out as the basis for the book in the introduction. Unfortunately, as several people have pointed out, origins of life (abiogenesis) research is fundamentally different from evolutionary biology. I know it sounds like nothing more than a quibble, but the reality is most evolutionary biologists (and others of that ilk), would be very quick to point out that the two are quite distinct disciplines. For Yardley to fail to jump on that point right from the beginning is suspect in my book. On the other hand, regardless of Whitehouse's introduction, this is in fact a very standard and oft-heard tactic of creationists seeking to derail discussion from the well-supported ToE to the much less well supported (in fact, in many ways highly speculative) origins research.
I guess this is another aspect that makes me question Whitehouse's motivation. Not that I have any basis to question
him specifically, but the use of such tactics as are common with biblical creationists may be quite revealing.