Kira Peikoff has a degree in journalism from New York University and master’s in bioethics from Columbia. She works in biotech communications helping spread the word about transformative developments in the life sciences. Peikoff is a proud member of The Authors Guild, International Thriller Writers, and Mystery Writers of America. She is the author of “Mother Knows Best,” “Living Proof,” “No Time to Die,” and “Die Again Tomorrow.” In her exciting new thriller, “Baby X,” when any biological matter can be used to create life, stolen celebrity DNA sells to the highest bidder–or the craziest stalker. With a vivid imagining of the future, Gattaca meets Black Mirror in Kira Peikoff’s “Baby X.”

“Baby X” – In the near-future United States, where advanced technology can create egg or sperm from any person’s cells, celebrities face the alarming potential of meeting biological children they never conceived. The story begins when famous singer Trace Thorne grows tired of being targeted by the Vault, a black market site devoted to stealing DNA. Sick of paying ransom money for his own cell matter, he hires bio-security guard Ember Ryan to ensure his biological safety. 

Ember will do anything she can to protect her clients. She knows all the Vault’s tricks–discarded tissues, used straws, lipstick tubes–and has prevented countless DNA thefts. Working for Thorne, her focus becomes split when she begins to fall for him, but she knows she hasn’t let anything slip–love or not, his DNA is safe. But all bets are off when she and Thorne are confronted by Quinn, a pregnant woman who claims that Thorne is the father of her baby.

The story hooks you in from the first paragraph: “Across the café, Quinn watched the happy couple. They hadn’t noticed her yet. But they would soon.” Set in 2055, technology has advanced to the point where having babies the ‘normal’ way is a concept of the past. Children conceived this way are known as Unforeseens. Couples can now have their DNA collected and use it to create designer babies known as Elites. During the Selection process, embryos with disabilities and inherited diseases are passed on and the Selected go on to become a couple’s new child. This future also includes self driving vehicles and smart eye lenses that are used to answer the phone, email, and to use a computer. All of these technologies are so believable that they become secondary to the thrilling story of the three main characters: Quinn – a surrogate, Lily – an aspiring journalist, and Ember – a bio-security guard. The narration alternates between the three as their stories eventually meet in a final jaw-dropping plot twist.

Due in part to highly descriptive language: “Her trust was eroding like the ground in an earthquake, with aftershocks of panic jostling the foundation that remained,” the story flows smoothly. The well developed and relatable characters draw the reader in and each turn of the page brings one surprising twist after another. The author gives readers a chilling look into the future when biogenetics becomes the norm but is still ethically dubious and affects people’s everyday lives.

Overall, “Baby X” is a brilliant work of speculative fiction that raises concerns about genetic engineering while exploring the universal themes of family, love, power, and corruption. It is a definite must-read and recommended for readers who enjoy medical thrillers the likes of Robin Cook, Michael Palmer, and Blake Crouch.

“He never questioned his own willingness to cross the line. That had been the scariest part……The realization had shaken her faith in reality. It was like learning that the person she loved was an AI with no moral compass whatsoever.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.