No Time to Die

by Kira Peikoff

"Breathless thrills and pace."--Lee Child

"An exciting tour de force."--Michael Palmer

"Fans of Michael Crichton will love this heart-pounding thriller." --Joseph Finder

In a Washington, D.C. research lab, a brilliant scientist is attacked by his own test subjects. At Columbia University, a talented biochemist is lured out of her apartment and never seen again. In the Justice Department's new Bioethics Committee, agent Les Mahler sees a sinister pattern emerging. . .

Zoe Kincaid is a petite college student whose rare genetic makeup may hold the key to a powerful medical breakthrough. When she is kidnapped, the very thing mankind has wanted since the dawn of time threatens to unleash our final destruction.

"A crackling good read. . .terrific and totally unexpected."--Michael Palmer

"A twisting, suspenseful thriller." --William Landay

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Science Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Medical, Action

393 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Tory Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of the book was interesting, but I found the writing a little choppy. Sometimes the action moved swiftly but at other times really slowed down.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No Time To Die" by Kira Peikoff which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that begins with "the Network", a mysterious organization that is involved in illegal science experimentation. With multiple top scientists missing and one killed in his lab by his test subjects Agent Les Mahler of the Justice Department's Bioethics Committee detests Galileo the group's elusive leader and is obsessed in tracking him down.

Zoe Kincaid a twenty-one year old college student who stopped aging in her early teens because of Syndrome X, a rare genetic condition wants a normal life and will submit to any testing to gain her goal. Because of the negative impact on society of any breakthrough from an anti-aging study when Zoe's discovered missing Les Mahler unleashes a manhunt to stop the experimentation before its disastrous results will be felt by the world.

Kira Peikoff sets the stage with an intriguing and gripping plot that takes the reader into a world of illegal biomedical research where the discovery of a master regulator gene could stop the aging process. The thought of this pioneering study sends ripples of discord through the government because the disastrous consequences would mean overpopulation causing economic instability of apocalyptic proportions.

The strands of this exciting plot not only follow Les Mahler's fanatical search for Galileo and the Network's elusive research facility, but also the relentless pursuit of Zoe, the human longevity specialist Dr. Natalie Roy and her son Theo by the agent and his partner Dr. Benjamin Barrow. With skilful dexterity Kira Peikoff weaves a tale filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat from the first page to the last. In a story that sparks with energy, drama and controversy clues begin to emerge to a dual identity and a deception that make the cat and mouse game between Les Mahler and Galileo not only fascinating but highly dangerous.

The characters are well-developed, realistic and complex , especially Les Mahler, Chief of the Justice Department's Bioethics Committee. Troubled by his abusive past, he's a private person who's aggressive, deceitful and cunning. Masking his obnoxious personality behind that of a dedicated and loyal agent who wants to bring an enemy of the government to justice, he's assisted by Dr. Benjamin Barrow who seems just as aloof, cold, and ambitious. In contrast Galileo, the head of the Network who's haunted by a tragic loss is bold, brilliant, generous and humble, but fearful of any kind of intimate relationship. Zoe Kincaid, the brave , curious and caring young woman with a body of a fourteen year old is independent, strong-willed and fearless, but afraid to trust anyone other than her grandfather. Theo Roy a charismatic and clever eighteen year old is not only down-to-earth, unconditionally loyal to his mother but attracted to Zoe who continually avoids his advances. Dr. Natalie Roy is the highly intelligent biologist who's obsessed and reckless in her pursuit of knowledge that could mean arrest and imprisonment. A motherly and tender-hearted person by nature she's challenged by her need to protect Zoe, but obtain the genetic information that could guarantee a research prize. All these characters and more ignite this riveting story with power and emotional intensity.

I thoroughly enjoyed "No Time To Die " by Kira Peikoff and in future anticipate reading more by this talented author.

[Anna Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from Meryl L. Moss Media in exchange for an honest review. It in no way changed my opinion.
This book is suspenseful fiction. I was pleasantly surprised with this book, it is so much more than just a suspenseful novel. It has aspects of so many genres I love and blends them together perfectly. With several main characters ranging in age, the author was able to tell a story through different views that effortlessly comes together as a whole. Even if you think a suspense story is not for you, you would likely be surprised to find something you liked and could connect to in this novel.
It was a thrill ride reading this book and I did not want to put it down. I read it in a weekend even though it is over 400 pages long. It kept me up late reading because I just had to know what happened next. I was surprised to find a little romance and young adult in here. The YA comes through regularly because of one of the main characters, Zoe, who is a young adult. The author’s writing perfectly captures a YA voice in Zoe. A lot of science happens in this novel and I thought that may lose my attention, but the author does not expect the reader to be a scientist and explains things with an ease that made it understandable to even me and wove it perfectly into the storyline. There are several shocking moments that genuinely surprised me, but also fit perfectly with the story as a whole.
Life, death and aging are discussed throughout this novel and this work of fiction made me question my own real life thoughts on aging and death. It is rare that a work of fiction can bring such real life issues into it and have me rethinking things in my own life.
I loved this book and highly recommend it. It is just so unexpected, well written and researched that I immediately hooked. I cannot wait to read more books from Kira (she has published one other book that I am definitely reading it ASAP!) and will be reading anything and everything she publishes in the future. This is also that kind of book I know I will reread again and that is sure sign of how much I LOVED it! http://lostbraincell.weebly.com/blog/...

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book a while ago. I have had the book staring at me the whole time since I have put it down to write a review. I struggled to write this review for some reason. Not because I did not like the book but because I was only middle of the road with the book. Which sadden me. I was really looking forward to this book. The characters just did not grab me as much as I had hoped. Thus even though the science featured in this book was really good, it does not mean anything for the characters are not engaging. So I felt more like I was just reading the book to read it but nothing that was happening in the story really sunk in and was memorable.

[Neil McCrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ayn Rand dressed up in Michael Crichton drag.

A potentially interesting thriller dealing with cutting edge genetic research and medical technology is completely derailed by crackpot philosophical underpinnings that cause almost every character to ring psychologically false. Once you get past the potboiler tropes and psychopathic weirdos, the central tension here is between private researchers and government regulation. Invariably, the researchers are infallible geniuses in their field and are seldom mistaken outside of it. The government regulators are either tools of unnamed economic powers that want to keep the status quo, or they're outright murderous lunatics.

One of the novel's antagonists turns out to be a John Galt style ubermensch on the side of our protagonists. The other antagonist's motivations are so barking mad it stretches credulity that he could function in society.

I am no apologist for bureaucratic bullshit, but the portrayal of the government here is laughable.

If I could find even one character that struck me as a real person, I'd bump up my rating one star or possibly even two.

[Benoit Lelièvre · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are many positives and negatives about Kira Peikoff's NO TIME TO DIE, but I'll have to give her that she wrote a page-turner that kept me glued to my couch on a Sunday morning. Peikoff understands the principles of pacing and reading flow extremely well, which made her novel kind of a pleasure to read.

Narratively speaking, I've had my difficulties with how brutally protagonist Zoe Kincaid was thrown in such an enormous conspiracy plot, and I would've enjoyed a more subtle approach. I've never had a sense that the situation was abnormal for Zoe at any time during my reading, which messed with my suspension of disbelief a lot.

NO TIME TO DIE is a novel aiming at thrill seekers, looking to spend a good time with a book while traveling or during a vacation. I think more experienced readers will acknowledge that Kira Peikoff obviously has talent, but will struggle with her theatrical and Hollywoodian approach.

[Katharine Ott · Rating 3 out of 5]

“No Time to Die” – written by Kira Peikoff and published in 2014 by Pinnacle Books, Kensington Publishing. “I’m the leader of a grassroots movement that’s in the midst of waging an underground scientific revolution.” So states Galileo, whose Network of scientists is secretly trying to solve the eternal dilemma of aging among other goals. The star subject is Zoe, who, although she has lived for 20 years, has not aged since 14. There are high stakes and the players are all overly zealous about their missions to the point of absurdity. This was an unsophisticated, B-minus movie sort of story that had its moments, but generally failed to engage me.

[Maddie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would’ve made a great Shailene Woodley movie 10 years ago.

[Jay Lamm · Rating 3 out of 5]

What we have here is a story about a 20-year-old girl that stopped aging at about 14. She's a medical marvel and no one can figure out what's up with her and why she hasn't started to grow breasts yet. It's tragic.
Aside from that, we've got a story about this rogue group of people called the Network that is apparently kidnapping some of the country's top scientists - and allegedly killing one or two here and there.
Put them together and you've got this group of scientists trying to unlock the key to stop aging in its tracks. Obviously, the government doesn't want this to result in overpopulation so there is another group after the Network to stop them in their efforts.

I'm not normally into thrillers like this. These types of books, and the Nicole Kidman movies like them, do nothing for me. The real reason I started reading this was because it was written by Kira Peikoff, daughter of Leonard Peikoff. If you don't know the name, Leonard Peikoff is the self appointed "intellectual heir" to Ayn Rand - a title never bestowed upon by Rand herself but one he's personally adopted. Whatever, the Peikoffs hold a life philosophy that I agree with and I'm always looking for more books that support individualism and personal initiative.
The writing itself is good and the story is okay. It's just not really a genre that does anything for me.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Goodreads: First Reads giveaway.

This book reads like "YA". Higher end "YA" but "YA" nevertheless.
Peikoff gives you just enough scientific terms and reasoning to make it seem plausible and real without weighing you down in heavy genius level science that would cause you to doze off in the middle of a chapter.
I enjoyed the storyline, if not the abrupt ending. (I wasn't expecting a trilogy/series or whatever Peikoff & Company have in mind.) Peikoff's writing is clear and simple. Took me maybe 3 hours to breeze through this book which I was not expecting. Overall, not the worse book I received but not the best either. Maybe someday, perusing a used book store/thrift store, I'll come across the follow-up to "No Time to Die" but til then....

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 out of 5 stars - Medical thriller about a girl whose maturation and development stopped at age 14 and a group of scientists who protect her from government agents as they seek to discover the gene sequence that turns off aging.

Although a bit predictable to any reader of this genre, the story is fast paced and suspenseful. The main characters include the enigmatic hero, the dedicated scientist and the plucky, determined young girl (who was often a bit annoying) -- but I enjoyed the science and the story well enough. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes books such as those by Robin Cook, Michael Palmer, and other authors who write these types of novels.

Library

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways.

First off I got the book in late fall (I think) but due to life happening didn't get around to reading it until this spring. Oh boy do I wish I hadn't waited so long to read this book.

This book is a mystery involving rouge scientists, bioethics committee, kidnapping, murder, and a young woman who has stopped aging. It took me sometime to get into the story and figure out what was going on but once I did this book was hard to put down. The point of view switches between the characters which I thought was well done. Overall I thought this was a fantastic medical mystery.

[Mark Wickens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off well. I liked the premise and was intrigued to see how it played out. But in the end, it was unsatisfying. I think the main reason was the child-like main character. Her immaturity made the book read as more of a young adult novel than one for oldsters like me. As a result, it was difficult to get wrapped up in the story. The ending, too, while including an unexpected twist, was a bit flat.

I'm still looking forward to the next book from this promising author. She tackles interesting ideas from a unique perspective, with competence.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as part of Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.

This has to be one of the best books I've ever read. Throughout the whole book I couldn't wait to keep reading more...more...A completely different mystery/thriller, very well written and exciting. So glad I was able to read an author I never heard of and it turns out to be great. Can't wait to read more from this author.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book if you can overlook the whiney Zoe and her perils of Pauline adventures. The premise of the book was riveting. Who would not like to live an unusually long life? And the ending was quite surprising with of course the death of the physco cop/doctor.

[Frederick Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via Goodreads for an honest review. However, due to some strange mix-ups I had to wait much longer to get a copy of the manuscript than is normal. Mrs. Peikoff and her publishers were extremely understanding and helpful, and as a result I was looking forwards to this novel with some relish. Unfortunately, I was to be disappointed with the result in the end. The book started out quite compelling, but slowly lost me as a reader as I continued forwards through the story.

*SPOILERS*

The plot of No Time to Die follows a diverse set of characters in a dual cat and mouse game of intrigue; one scientific – the search for the theorized Master Controller Aging Gene – the other legal as we follow the FBI’s attempt to reign in the elusive Network, a secret community of Scientists, Patients and others who are attempting to push Science to the cutting edge beyond the legal (and perhaps moral, depending upon your viewpoint) boundaries. We open the novel to a murder of a scientist. This murder is in theory claimed by Galileo, the name taken by the leader of the Network, who seems to enjoy taunting the FBI with their inability to make headway against his organization, and is the first time a death has been attributed to the group that so far has only disappeared Scientists who have overstepped their legal authority. Next we meet Zoe, who has a rare genetic disorder that stopped her from physiologically aging at 14 – she’s almost 21 – and is desperate to find out what is wrong and ‘be considered an adult.’ And finally, we are introduced to Natalie (and Theo, her son) who is a scientist at Columbia, a colleague of whom has disappeared with the Network, and who makes a career ending mistake when she finds out about Zoe.

After the introduction to the characters and their motivations we plunge headlong into the action. Natalie gets fired from Columbia due to making the school look bad (probably the most realistic moment in the entire novel). Zoe and Natalie meet, and attempt to use the Columbia facilities to sequence Zoe gene – something which would not be, technologically speaking, as simple as the book portrays; and while it is not very important here it does become slightly annoying as the novel proceeds and individuals are able to do things in time periods that have no realism. Zoe is portrayed as a child, even though she is legally an adult and obviously not mentally incapacitated, in order that Natalie get arrested and incarcerated. Then Natalie is bailed out of jail by Galileo and she, Theo and Zoe begin their trek to the headquarters of the Network.

Meanwhile, the lead investigator Les Mahler proceeds to become more and more obsessed, break countless laws and regulations in his pursuit of the mysterious Galileo, and slowly descends into psychopathy. He even goes so far, as to kill a prison guard in get it blamed on Galileo, a moment where we find out that he was also responsible for the opening murder, and has an intense hatred of all that Galileo stands for. Unfortunately though, we are not really able to get a proper sense of his motivations because this is not truly explored properly, nor is his psychotic break. Since Les has a very high position in the government, with massive bureaucratic power at his disposal, and that takes time, ability and drive many of his actions don’t seem logical especially since Galileo seems to be in the cross hairs already. It was, at this point that the book for me began to fail, as the portrayals of the characters became muddled or, like Les, one-sided caricatures, and the twists became obvious.

Zoe, the medical miracle, is an adult trapped in a child’s body. It is for this reason that she goes to seek medical help that may, or may not, lead to serious problems with her family. However, her decision making is one of a rationale mature human being. Then, suddenly, in part 2 of the novel she seems to regress and her actions become one of a child, and as people see her as a child she seems to act that way. Consequently, her growth as a character is because she regresses. Certainly, her inability to find acceptance in her peers has caused serious problems, but her flip-flopping between childlike behavior and adult behavior becomes annoying quite quickly.

Natalie, the Scientist obsessed with her work is also some paradigm of single motherhood, and even when her obsessions with work land her in serious problems her son ‘gets it.’ Or, as in a later non-plot point her excitement over the scientific breakthrough that should lead to major consequences with Zoe, in the end turns to naught, even when Zoe is going to leave. In fact, it just adds to the verbiage not the story.

Finally, the hero, Galileo. He’s a man who wants to help scientist push the boundaries of knowledge and human achievement. However, he, like every character doesn’t actually think of the ramifications of his actions, and he comes off like the father figure that Zoe wishes she had – perfect, always one step ahead of everyone. Consequently, the ‘big reveal’ as to who he is, is so obvious that you would think Mrs. Peikoff would have just dropped the secret earlier, but sadly no.

In the end, the main problem with this novel is that it focuses more on the glorification of the pursuit of science than dealing with any serious discussion of the legal, moral or social ramifications of what these people do and why. Every character is either for or against something, and even when Zoe seems to question the reason why there is no discussion, it’s just subtly dropped in the story. Consequently, the hero has no substance, the villain becomes a cardboard cutout, and everyone is blissfully happy with their blinders on. Therefore, the book itself becomes drool since there is no tension, and everything that leads to the climax is boring since the ending is already assured. Having said all that, I think Mrs. Peikoff has good writing, and when she wants to create suspense it exists, but until she creates characters that have true human qualities, that doubt and question, the book will be more of a slog through the snow drift of words than the thrill of the chase.

[Suz Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost gave this 2 stars, but I suspect my dislike was,in part, due to the narrator. She had a somewhat annoying cadence to her voice, and there were many miss pronunciations. Are there any circumstances under which “Subsequent” is pronounced with a long E?

It seemed as if the plot didn’t get interesting until halfway through the book; the first half seem to be the build up and it took too long. I also felt there were too many point of view characters.

The premise and philosophical question posed in the plot is an interesting one, but the execution of it could have been better.

The conclusion was suspenseful and satisfying.

[Ray Schram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine by popular fiction standards. I found some sections exciting, but (without spoiling anything) the premise is rather too much like a medical Atlas Shrugged. It’s not exactly the same, but not that different either, especially given that the author did something on a smaller scale in her first book.

Also, the main character’s motivation is rather superficial. Not saying that a main character shouldn’t have a personal stake in his actions, but it was a bit embarrassing (and not quite logical) the reveal.

[Valerie Kerwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was unexpectedly terrific. The ethical ramifications of science was thought provoking and interesting. The characters and settings were fascinating as well. In fact I Got so involved in characters I didn't want it to end, but guess it did have to end there. Still wondering how they all are doing.

[Robby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing storyline and character development. A fast read for me only because each chapter kept inviting me to continue. The author was new to me but I found their writing technique skillful and easy to read. Thus will be looking forward to future titles with this author's name. Highly recommend to all interested in the genres this book encompasses.

[Jock Mcclees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book. Exciting science based thriller. Story revolves around a girl who has stopped aging and scientists in a secret society who work with her to find out how to start and stop human aging. It brings into question whether stopping aging would be good or bad for the world. Whatever the answer, I very much enjoyed the book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Kept me interested and, although sometimes a bit sad, sometimes difficult to follow, I couldn't put this book down.
The ending was unexpected. Most of the characters were enjoyable - some more than others.
A good book to read.

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

I ate up baby x but this took a while to get into and didn’t have the immediate horror/gripping aspect to it, and took a while for the inciting incident to happen (almost a third through the book)

I also felt like it ended so abruptly and there wasn’t anything said about the repercussions

[Kelley Short · Rating 3 out of 5]

A medical thriller based on genetics, science, and research. It was a fast-paced thriller and kept my interest in wanting to turn the page. I did not care for the plot and found the main character underdeveloped.

[Ruth A. Jesson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of the future

It was exciting and tense story. I liked the story for the medical aspects of it. I would like to read more books by this author.

[Jane Dow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t read all of this book. Just couldn’t get interested and gave up after the first few chapters.

[Lisa Kihlstadius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished. Really enjoyed. Coming of age and fast paced suspenseful read.

[Missy Tompkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good thriller. Lots of twists. Enjoyed. Recommend

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was so bad. It's been like 6 weeks since I read this and I'm still angry how stupid the legal premise that set up the whole "plot" was.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read.