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    Origin in Death
    Origin in Death
    Origin in Death
    Audiobook11 hours

    Origin in Death

    Written by J. D. Robb

    Narrated by Susan Ericksen

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Detective Eve Dallas tracks the cunning, cold-blooded killer of a doctor and his son in this novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling In Death series.

    A pioneer of modern reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, Dr. Wilfred B. Icove, is found dead in his office—murdered in a chillingly efficient manner: one swift stab to the heart. Struck by the immaculate condition of the crime scene, Dallas suspects a professional killing. Security disks show a stunningly beautiful woman calmly entering and leaving the building—the doctor’s final appointment.

    Known as “Dr. Perfect,” the saintly Icove devoted his life to his family and his work. His record is clean. Too clean for Dallas. She knows he was hiding something and suspects that his son—and successor—knows what it is. Then, like father, like son, the young Dr. Icove is killed…with the same deadly precision.

    But who is the mystery woman—and what was her relationship with the good doctors? While her husband, Roarke, works behind the scenes, Dallas follows her darkest instincts into the Icoves’ pasts. What she discovers are men driven to create perfection—playing fast and loose with the laws of nature, the limits of science, and the morals of humanity…

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateJul 12, 2005
    ISBN9781597106320
    Origin in Death
    Author

    J. D. Robb

    J.D. Robb is the pseudonym for #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts. She is the author of over two hundred novels, including the futuristic suspense In Death series. There are more than five hundred million copies of her books in print.

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    Reviews for Origin in Death

    4.5/5

    864 ratings31 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This is just science fiction and more the creative nature of this doctors and other things that is very much unethical that was done to this women and children.

      The level of madness of this doctors and their God complex is beyond. The criminal nature was inhumane and they did not want to stop. They were will to continue without consequences but this women where very much ready to bring an end to this madness and the wicked ways of this doctors with God complex.

      Love that they were able get way from the bandage. It is like a cage no matter how it works or looks like. One woman sacrifice for the rest save them and gave them freedom. Diana works made ways for many children but more where lost.
    • 5/5
      These book keep getting better. The narrator is excellent
    • 5/5
      I ne’er read this one,and holy wow!’ I am so glad I sis
    • 2/5
      This was bad, just excruciatingly bad. It warmed up a bit when I'd read 75% of the book. Although it still was bad.
    • 4/5
      This was just a weird one...
      Loved it. Didn't have a lot of Peabody and MacNab in this one but still enjoyed
      I am loving this narrator. She is amazing with the different voices☺
    • 3/5
      Not my favourite in the series. The mystery was a bit ‘meh’ to me and Dallas really did act like a spoilt child. Anyway still looking forward to the next book.
    • 5/5
      Performance was inspired. Action never stopped. I’m totally into series.
    • 5/5
      Set in the futuristic world of 2059 Nora Robert's long running 'In Death' mystery series appears to have successfuly survived the transitive slump of Divided and Survivor to hardcover. Indeed, Origins the latest installment comes out swinging when Lt. Eve Dallas is called to the murder of revered plastic surgeon and philanthropist Dr Icove. Eve is as delightfully cynical as ever and digs deeper into the profile of the sainted surgeon. Her instincts are confirmed, when mere days after the killing Dr Ivoce's son is murdered in the same fashion. The rabbit hole gets deeper as Eve realises that father and son are involved in some very shady side projects involving genetics. Soon Eve, billionaire husband Roarke and the secondary characters we know and love become embroiled in a nightmare of twisted science and revenge. This was a thoroughly gripping and intriguing installment where Robb really makes the most of the futuristic world whilst moving the character development along. The mystery plot is as tight as it's ever been moving away from the serial killer of the month theme that has bothered some fans, and into political and moral machinations that take the current debate into genetics into new realms. Eve's thoughts on the matter are no longer black and white and we see her softening her rigid code more into shades of grey. As ever In Death is a pleasing blend of humour and futuristic muder mystery romance, all the familiar elements are present. There are several wonderful scenes of Eve and Peabody's bitingly funny rapport back and forth, in particular I loved the exchange about Peabody wanting her nose fixed. We get to check in with some familiar secondary characters including Morris the coroner, Crack, Dr Louise and Charles. Roarke in the middle of the madness attempts his first family reunion for Thanksgiving and it's a lovely touch to see him so vulnerable. I personally would have liked a bit more interaction with the Irish clan but it would have jarred with the overall darker tone. There are some lovely scenes involving Eve and Trina but the standout moments have to be the argument between Eve and Dr Mira, and Eve and Roarke's horror at Mavis' insistence that they should be her birth coaches. Well worth every penny, just for Eve's reactions and possessiveness over her new long leather coat. A definite must read for long term fans and although not strictly stand alone a great start for new readers.
    • 5/5
      My favorite series. Each month or season adds to the chronicle of the lives of Eve Dallas and Roarke. This book brings up the question of human cloning. Action with Roarke right beside Eve.
    • 5/5
      The 21st In Death novel concerns the death of Wilfred Icove and his son. Senior is a beloved doctor who got his start in the Urban Wars. Mira looks up to him as a hero. However, as Eve investigates, she learns that Icove had a very dark side. He was involved in cloning which is completely illegal. He has also been breeding, raising, and training young women and selling them. Great story. I liked the conflict between Eve and Charlotte Mira. I also liked that Roarke was a bit frazzled about inviting his newly met Irish family to New York for Thanksgiving.
    • 4/5
      It is almost Thanksgiving in the year of 2059 and crime keeps happening. A celebrity by the name of Lee-Lee Ten was assaulted by a Bryhern Speegal. The man is now very much dead after he apparently beat the heck out of her. She defended herself and was lucky to survive. She has wound up at the Wilfred B. Icove Center for Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery which is known for top flight medical care and innovation. Her doctor is the founder’s son, Wilfred B. Icove, Jr., and quite possibly the best ever plastic surgeon.NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her partner, Detective Peabody, interview Ms. Ten and Dallas is not quite convinced that everything is as it appears. They are discussing the case and other things while working their way through the formidable multi-layer security gauntlet that screens everyone going in and out of the building when the situation changes. Before they can finally make their exit, they are stopped, and told that Dr. Icove is dead. As it turns out, it is not the Dr. Icove they were just with moments earlier. Instead, the deceased is his father, Wilfred B. Icove. He has been stabbed through the heart. The investigation into who did it and why untangles a massive mess that can’t be explained without running the major plot of the book. Suffice it to say that it is an issue society is going to have to deal with in our future and sooner than later.Disturbing on several levels, Origin in Death, is one of the more complicated reads in this long running series and a good one. As always, all the usual caveats apply and fade to the background as the story unrolls. One is also once again reminded that it would be very cool to have access to Roarke’s library. Sure, the cars are cool and all that, but the library rocks. My reading copy came via the Libby/OverDrive app and the Dallas Public Library System. Kevin R. Tipple ©2022
    • 5/5
      Revered Doctor Wilfred B. Icove, a modern reconstructive and cosmetic surgery pioneer, has a reputation for being completely devoted to his practice and his family. Nevertheless, the man known as “Doctor Perfect” meets an untimely end, thanks to a well-placed scalpel in his heart.But New York Police and Security Department homicide detective Lieutenant Eve Dallas finds his impeccable record suspect and, surmising that the doctor held some sort of secret, deepens her investigation. She’s certain the doctor’s son, who worked closely with his father and is the successor to Icove’s practice, knows what it is; his reticence, however, means Eve isn’t getting any help from the younger Doctor Icove.And then there’s a second, identical, murder . . . and Doctor Wilfred B. Icove, Junior is the victim.Can Eve find the dark secrets led to the deaths of the two doctors? Twenty-first in the venerable “In Death” series, the compelling narrative sets an absorbing investigation in motion. As always, the relationships are at the heart of the story, but here the investigation of the crime is central to the telling of the tale. Eve and Peabody are in top form as the gripping plot unfolds, revealing both surprises and unexpected twists. Readers will find a bit of romance [and Thanksgiving visitors] amid the suspense and intrigue while a fair amount of creepiness in this impossible-to-set-aside story makes this a perfect addition to the series. Highly recommended.
    • 3/5
      This is a series set in the future so it follows that the technology would outpace what we currently know. The death of a noted cosmetic surgeon followed closely by the death of his son, also a cosmetic surgeon, set the investigation in motion. What Dallas finds opens a can of worms regarding births and engineering the perfect child and similar philosophical and ethical questions.
    • 3/5
      3.5 stars

      The plot was a bit far-fetched and I wish Eve was a little more supportive when Roarke's family came for the holidays.
    • 4/5
      Origin in Death
      4.5 Stars

      Eve and her team investigate the cold-blooded murder of a world renowned expert in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. As the case unfolds, it becomes apparent that the "good doctor" was involved in some exceedingly controversial experiments whose consequences may have serious moral, social and legal implications.

      While the characterization in these books is excellent, my preference, as a plot driven reader, is for stories that focus more on the mysteries. In this respect, Origin in Death is definitely one of the absolute best because it grabs the reader and forces her to think about issues of genetic engineering, designer babies and cloning. What it comes down to is the maxim that "just because we can, doesn't mean we should".

      In terms of the murder, this is one of those cases similar to Witness in Death where the victim is truly abhorrent and one cannot help but sympathize with the perpetrator. Nevertheless, justice must be done, and Robb, as always, finds a way to balance the scales.

      All in all, a compelling mystery with engaging characters and fantastic dialogue.
    • 5/5
      Eve has stumbled upon a very controversial medical experiment and now the doctors associated with it are turning up dead. Amid family in for the holidays and a very pregnant best friend, she will uncover the work of men who strive to become God-like and bring them down.By far my favorite of the In Death series.
    • 4/5
      Eve Dallas: detective extraordinaire.I came across a CD version of this book, quite by chance, and decided to listen to it in the car. I'm not a great fan of detective stories generally, so I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this.It was number 21 of an ongoing series (now on 45), and I had wondered about picking up a book in the middle, but although I did have some unanswered questions about the back-story, it wasn't too much of an issue.There is a bit of a red-herring at the beginning, but it allows detective Eve Dallas to be in the right place at the right time for the main crime - the murder of Dr. Wilfred B. Icove, head of the multi-million dollar, Wilfred B. Icove Center. His murder is clean, precise and efficient - a swift stab to the heart with a scalpel. But who is the murderer and what is the motive?His son inherits his father's business, only to be murdered himself, soon after.The audiobook was excellently narrated by Susan Ericksen, especially when it came to the visit of Eve's husband, Rourke's Irish relatives for Thanksgiving.The series starts in 2058 and although I don't usually favour dystopian novels either, this instantly enveloped me. The characters are excellent and I found myself researching into their backgrounds on Wikipedia.I will definitely read/listen to more of this series in the future.Also read, by the same author (writing as Nora Roberts):Midnight Bayou (4 stars) - abridged audioHidden Riches (2.5 stars) - abridged audio
    • 5/5
      A much lauded doctor is murdered and Eve gets the case. She uncovers more than murder and knows the doctor should not be lauded. This was good. Eve has to deal with family. Roarke's family is coming from Ireland to partake of an American Thanksgiving dinner. Neither knows what to do but they will figure it out along with murder. There were several times I laughed out loud as Eve and Roarke try to navigate family and friends as family. I like how Eve is learning to handle her "family" so she doesn't hurt their feelings. I also like that she is learning to fight and forgive within that "family." This is a good series that deals not only with the police work but the softening of Eve as she protects the city she cares about and the people she loves.
    • 5/5
      Origin in Death starts with a bang: The ugly, possibly professional murder of a Nobel Prize winning doctor and scientist, Dr. Icove, he of the famed Icove Center, plastic surgery hub for the rich and famous. Before the blood is even dry, so to speak, Icove's son, who co-runs the tony clinic, is murdered as well, in the same way. In spite of the murders, there are some really funny moments in this book, and the mystery and eventual solution are "prime," as McNabb would say.
    • 4/5
      This series always guarantees a great read.
    • 4/5
      Really good, but I just couldn't get into this one as fast as I usually get into these books, but the story was really good and I still think that even on this timeframe, the subject treated here is still a little bit out there. I really, really enjoyed Eve and Roarke with the impending Thanksgiving dinner. :)
    • 4/5
      I did get bogged down a bit, halfway, wtih the confusing storyline, but on the personal front with Eve Dallas, Roarke, Peabody etc, that made up for it
    • 5/5
      One of the more intriguing mysteries in the series about cloning and genetic issues. I also really enjoyed meeting more of Rourke's Irish relatives.
    • 5/5
      I thought this was an  excellent story. This is my favorite book in this series so far. I am looking forward to reading more of the series. I read ebook version from the library.
    • 5/5
      Loved it (for the 2nd time) - this is a wonderful, interesting, intricate series, with terrific characters and solid plots. I start each one with excitement and end it ready to pick up the next one. This particular one in the series is a little more "out there" than most, but the reader needs to accept that the books are set just far enough in the future that some plot points aren't possible today - or yet.
    • 4/5
      Another fantastic installment. Fast paced, intriguing and highly entertaining.
    • 5/5
      I really enjoyed the unusual plot of this installment of the In Death series. And so did the producers of CSI: Miami, since they had an episode that was eerily similar! A father and son, both scientists, are murdered. They "saintly" Doctors Icove ran a large corporation that in addition to helping the community, are involved in some questionable scientific pursuits and illegal experiments. Once again, Robb tackles an issues not normally found in a romance novel. But, this series is truly moving beyond such a limited classification - more romantic suspense. Should science mess with the laws of natures? Is genetic manipulation morally right? What about those born out of such endeavors? What can drive a good person to kill?This one had a nice twist in that the perpetrator(s) of the crime made a reader question whether their actions were justified. Eve is just as conflicted over solving the case after discovering just what the Icoves were doing, and to whom. In this instance, I would have liked an epilogue to see just what happened after Eve got the "villain." Excellent read; highly recommended!
    • 5/5
      Orign in Death by J. D. Robb (9/10)SF/Mystery. Another satisfying visit with Eve and Roarke. This time a plastic surgeon is killed and suspicions are raised about what he might be doing in his spare time, especially once his connection with a geneticist is discovered.
    • 5/5
      liked the story plot. Ended with a bang. Sure wish i knew what the surviving clones ended up doing. Otherwise very well written. Like the future suggestion.Very complex.
    • 5/5
      Once again Roberts writes a great mystery that keeps you guessing. This one broke my heart and made me cry which was a first for this series.