Origin in Death

In Death, Book 21

By: J. D. Robb

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her partner Peabody enter the hallowed halls of the Wilfred B. Icove Center for Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery on a case. A hugely popular vid star has been beaten to a bloody pulp - and has killed her attacker in the process. After a post-op interview, Dallas and Peabody confirm for themselves that it's a clear-cut case of self-defense, but before they can leave the building, another case falls into their hands.

Dr. Wilfred B. Icove himself has been 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 discs show a stunningly beautiful woman calmly entering and leaving the building: the good 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, his 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? With her husband, Roarke, working behind the scenes, Dallas follows her darkest instincts into the Icoves' pasts. And 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.

Crack another case with Eve Dallas.

©2005 J. D. Robb (P)2005 Brilliance Audio

Critic reviews

"Robb tones down the romance and ups the action ante as the team uncovers an increasingly horrific crime that builds to a race-against-the-clock climax that will have readers cheering." ( Publishers Weekly)
"Susan Ericksen brings enthusiasm to the eclectic cast of characters, offering a unique voice to enliven each one. Her rendition of Lieutenant Dallas as a brash, yet secretly sensitive woman is likely to resonate most with listeners." ( AudioFile)

The Best!!

Listened to every audio book in the "In Death" series from Naked in Death to Vendetta. "Origin in Death" is, by far, my favorite. In my opinion, it is
J.D. Robb's best work. From the initial murder investigation, the discovery of the murder victims' evil work, to the thrilling fight at the climax, this audio book has continuous action. Layer after layer of discovery and ending with that actioned packed, heart fending ending. 10 stars for narrator Susan Ericksen.. Marvelous job by a great team - Robb and Ericksen.

Love, love, love this series

I've read some of the reviews for the J. D. Robb "...In Death" series - that the storylines are too similar. Hey - this series follows the very same "formula" of many hit TV shows (like CSI [city], Law and Order, NCI). I love the characters, and Susan Ericksen's vocal talent makes me forget sometimes that a single person recorded each novel. I read a few books (out of chronological order) a few years back, and I went back to the first book and have been listening to each book that I had not yet read. Even when I know bits and pieces of future events, the actual murder-mystery plotlines keep me guessing more often than not. And the steaming hot, romantic interludes between Rourke and Dallas never get old, either. This is a series that I hope never ends! #hookedonevedallas #murdermystery #hotlovescenes #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

Unusual plot that doesn't disappoint!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Most definitely gets my recommendation. I love the interaction between Roarke and Dallas as usual. The story is a very scary close to where we are in this 21st century, situations that may very well be in play, and decisions that I expect will be on moral and political platforms very soon.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Roarke is my favorite...I totally love his style ! Peabody also is such a charm with her dry wit and the way she interacts with Dallas.

What does Susan Ericksen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Susan is my favorite for the 'in Death' series. She really brings the characters to life!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Dallas and Roarke in the elevator when the Center was about to be destroyed...the way they said they loved each other...blah, blah, blah.

Any additional comments?

I would like to hear more about the Irish family in the series.

Origin in Death

This was another tough story! The narrator of this series is absolutely fantastic. She gives so many characters and different dialects all in one story, it’s amazing! An Irish accent, NY, or Minnesota is brilliant!

So Playing with Genetics.

These books just get better and better. Now we have a strange genetic thing going on, mind boggling. The narration again utterly fantastic. In the play comes Roarke's family for Thanksgiving and isn't that a challenge when a baby makes a beeline for Eve!

Hanging out with my old friends...

Every time I put in my earbuds and press play, it's like I'm hanging with my old pals. I love this series. The characters, the story, the struggles and the triumphs make this an endearing book series.

My Fave

Not sure exactly why this is my favorite. Like the preparation s for Thanksgiving, and Dallas's bumblings/fear of the kids. Also the villains are upstanding citizens. Thankless in death is my least favorite because the villains is a antisocial ass.

One of the best

All of the In Death books are good, but this one is particularly so. Poignant, humorous, and shocking at the same time.

Eve and Rourke cannot be beat!

My second of the death series, I buy them when they are on sale, there are so many and I plan on continuing this series. Eve and Rourke are sooooo good together as lovers and as sleuths. Eve is feisty, no nonsense and impatient, Rourke is sweet, patient and tender. The story gets a little technical in the end, I had to go back and review a few times but it is interesting with a little x-files in it. The year is like 2040 or something but it is not extreme, just fun to imagine. The narrator is great, she is the voice of the death series and there would probably be a riot if they changed to someone else.

The End Made Me Cry

In the end, you can't always save everyone.

This is another great addition to the series. As a mom, the end really hit me. I won't say more, so I don't spoil it, but this one tugs at the heart strings.

From a mystery standpoint, I figured it out about 3/4 the way through. I enjoyed listening to the whole thing, and as usual the narrator is 5 stars!