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The Lazarus Factor
A secret hidden in our genetic code will rewrite history as we know it....
Sara Morin, a brilliant computational biologist, makes a discovery that will fundamentally change our understanding of human evolution. But when she publishes her results, she ignites a firestorm she never expected.
Hunted by a ruthless assassin, Sara finds herself partnered with New York Times reporter Marcus Byron. Together they race across Europe, through Cathar castles, Aegean islands, and beyond. On the run, Sara must decipher a mysterious set of genome sequences.
As they begin to uncover answers, powerful forces turn their sights on Sara. If she can’t decode the sequences in time, she’ll end up dead—and the world will never know the shocking truth about the people who rule it.
Sara Morin, a brilliant computational biologist, makes a discovery that will fundamentally change our understanding of human evolution. But when she publishes her results, she ignites a firestorm she never expected.
Hunted by a ruthless assassin, Sara finds herself partnered with New York Times reporter Marcus Byron. Together they race across Europe, through Cathar castles, Aegean islands, and beyond. On the run, Sara must decipher a mysterious set of genome sequences.
As they begin to uncover answers, powerful forces turn their sights on Sara. If she can’t decode the sequences in time, she’ll end up dead—and the world will never know the shocking truth about the people who rule it.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
Audible Audio
Published April 5, 2023
281 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Nick Crow
1 book10 followersIt started with books about magic—my wife and I have been writing urban fantasy for years—but as an evolutionary biologist, I’d always wanted to pen a genetic thriller.
Clancy, Brown, Preston, Stephenson, Appleton, and Crichton were integral parts of my childhood. I can attribute some of my passion for science to books like The Hot Zone and Jurassic Park.
My debut novel, The Lazarus Factor, combines my experience as a scientist with my passion for thrillers. It introduces computational biologist Sara Morin whose discovery of a novel approach to investigating human origins has just been stolen by her Ph.D. advisor. When her attempt to exact revenge horribly backfires, she must team up with reporter Marcus Byron to outwit a ruthless enemy.
If you like a fast-paced adventure with a solid grounding in hard science, I encourage you to check it out
Clancy, Brown, Preston, Stephenson, Appleton, and Crichton were integral parts of my childhood. I can attribute some of my passion for science to books like The Hot Zone and Jurassic Park.
My debut novel, The Lazarus Factor, combines my experience as a scientist with my passion for thrillers. It introduces computational biologist Sara Morin whose discovery of a novel approach to investigating human origins has just been stolen by her Ph.D. advisor. When her attempt to exact revenge horribly backfires, she must team up with reporter Marcus Byron to outwit a ruthless enemy.
If you like a fast-paced adventure with a solid grounding in hard science, I encourage you to check it out
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 31, 2023
Grad student Sara Morin makes an astounding discovery in the course of her research which could change the scope of genetics and evolution entirely. When she publishes her findings it sets off a backlash of murders, coverups and an assassin trying to kill Sara. She is given a set of gene codes to solve and if she can't come up with the answers more people will die including her. In a desperate chase across continents, Sara and newspaper reporter, Marcus Byron seek answers and to avoid the deadly people that are after them. The book is a thrilling chase. It is an enjoyable read for those who love edge of your seat thrillers.
April 7, 2023
I am completely obsessed by The Lazarus Factor!! It had my Nerdy side on overdrive with the science and the implications of what their findings would have on mankind. My Geek side was salivating with all the history.. the secret ancient society’s.. and trying to piece it all together. It kept me on the edge on my seat until the very end.. I couldn’t work out how Sara the MC would get herself out of the hole she dug with her brilliance. It has everything a good thriller needs with brutal bad guys who won’t hesitate to kill you and everyone you care about.. plenty of omg moments.. and a mystery that gets your mind racing and burrows deeper with every page.
Outstanding world building.
Amazing characters.
Chilling bad guys.
Enthralling story line filled with history and science.
A brilliant read I can’t recommend enough.
Outstanding world building.
Amazing characters.
Chilling bad guys.
Enthralling story line filled with history and science.
A brilliant read I can’t recommend enough.
May 30, 2023
“The Lazarus Factor” was an interesting blend of The Davinci Code, Jurassic Park, along with a bit of Indiana Jones wrapped up in a well written action-adventure story that held my attention during the entire journey. The audiobook appears to be the premiere work by author Nick Crow. I could not find anything else by him under the author’s Audible page. The narration was superbly performed by one of my favorite authors and narrators, Nick Sullivan. I’m always willing to listen to something narrated by him. I did want to say up front that this book contains quite a bit of technology lingo and items. However, this makes sense when one peruses the author’s about page. What an impressive set of accomplishments he can be proud of. This story takes one on quite a technologically rich adventure. Additionally, the audiobook’s title does give a hint of the story away for those who know the Biblical character with the same name. I knew something was going to come from the name, it was more of when. I do not want to say too much as I think the book is best listened to without any story spoilers. I can say that I did enjoy it, and I’m sorry it took as long as it had for me to finish it and get the review written. If you enjoy your adventures on the technology heavy side, I recommend you pick up this audiobook and give it a listen.
The audiobook opens with a rather action-packed scene along with a well provided flashback. Both events set the stage for the listener to know what they can expect as the story unfolds. Even though this is a piece of fiction (clearly), the author did a very good job with his research, making the story feel both realistic and believable. What technology book would be any good without including the likes of: GPS, Bitcoin, DNA, and UNIX workstations. Yet, there is also a blending of castles, ancient locations, and protectors of the truth to complete the tale. Roll in a secret that needs to remain that way for the better of humankind, and you have the premise of what this story is about. I liked the writing style, but I could have done with a bit less technology at times. It seemed a bit forced, but I could get past this after a bit of listening. I did enjoy the constant pursuit by an assassin hired to kill our main character and take back what she had uncovered. Her discovery, if released, could have huge ramifications for all of humankind. Can they keep the genie in the bottle, or does this lead to the end of society as we know it today?
The audiobook’s narration is performed masterfully by Nick Sullivan. He is an expert in his ability to bring a book to life. Even though this genre is a bit outside of his typical narration wheelhouse, he performed it expertly and I do not recall any audio artifacts or other issues while listening. What I like most about Mr. Sullivan’s narrations is that you quickly forget you are listening to an audiobook and instead feel a part of the story being told. If you are not a fan of this genre (which I am), you may still enjoy it just because of the wonderful narration.
For parents and younger listeners, this audiobook does have a few places where both profanity and adult themes are used. There is some graphic violence and subject material I would recommend only for more mature audiences. The story is engaging and if you can put these few items listed above behind you, I think the listen is worth it.
In summary, there is a solid story here with plenty of action, plenty of adventure and plenty of technology. For a premiere work by this author, I would have to say that in most places this did not appear to be the case. The story felt well thought out and from a narration perspective it was well delivered. I would be interested to see what comes next by this author, as I’m sure there will be something on the horizon.
The audiobook opens with a rather action-packed scene along with a well provided flashback. Both events set the stage for the listener to know what they can expect as the story unfolds. Even though this is a piece of fiction (clearly), the author did a very good job with his research, making the story feel both realistic and believable. What technology book would be any good without including the likes of: GPS, Bitcoin, DNA, and UNIX workstations. Yet, there is also a blending of castles, ancient locations, and protectors of the truth to complete the tale. Roll in a secret that needs to remain that way for the better of humankind, and you have the premise of what this story is about. I liked the writing style, but I could have done with a bit less technology at times. It seemed a bit forced, but I could get past this after a bit of listening. I did enjoy the constant pursuit by an assassin hired to kill our main character and take back what she had uncovered. Her discovery, if released, could have huge ramifications for all of humankind. Can they keep the genie in the bottle, or does this lead to the end of society as we know it today?
The audiobook’s narration is performed masterfully by Nick Sullivan. He is an expert in his ability to bring a book to life. Even though this genre is a bit outside of his typical narration wheelhouse, he performed it expertly and I do not recall any audio artifacts or other issues while listening. What I like most about Mr. Sullivan’s narrations is that you quickly forget you are listening to an audiobook and instead feel a part of the story being told. If you are not a fan of this genre (which I am), you may still enjoy it just because of the wonderful narration.
For parents and younger listeners, this audiobook does have a few places where both profanity and adult themes are used. There is some graphic violence and subject material I would recommend only for more mature audiences. The story is engaging and if you can put these few items listed above behind you, I think the listen is worth it.
In summary, there is a solid story here with plenty of action, plenty of adventure and plenty of technology. For a premiere work by this author, I would have to say that in most places this did not appear to be the case. The story felt well thought out and from a narration perspective it was well delivered. I would be interested to see what comes next by this author, as I’m sure there will be something on the horizon.
March 9, 2024
Sara Morin is a genetics graduate student at Harvard specializing in computer analytics on ancient DNA. Using a new methodology to look for strands of archaic DNA in modern human populations, she discovers what appears to be an unknown ancient human genome. In other words, a new line of human development.
When she anonymously publishes the results in a paper, a murderous gunman shows up at the lab looking for her and, in the process, kills several people including her best friend. Sara and Marcus Byron, a N. Y. Times science reporter on site to interview the lab's director, kill the gunman. In the hospital after the mass shooting, the gunman mysteriously seems to come back to life killing two more bystanders and Sara and Marcus flee the hospital to escape the assassin.
So begins a science fiction/fantasy thriller which sees Sara and Marcus pursued by villains and protected by mysterious characters tied to the secret society of Rosicrucians. Along the way, major characters are killed and then resurface alive, and the duo begin to realize that Sara's research may have uncovered a gene mutation that allows humans to heal from even the most fatal injuries - a secret that people are willing to kill to keep secret.
Like a lot of science fiction/fantasy stories, the plot concept is outlandish and requires a suspension of disbelief. In addition, the story is comprised of short intense chapters that flash between different places and times building seemingly unconnected stories into a single plot line. All of this is pretty standard for the genre. But in The Lazarus Factor, the short, punchy story structure and outrageous underlying concept tends to hinder character development, depth of plot structure, and the ability of the reader to temporarily suspend disbelief for the benefit of the story. The result is something that feels less than the sum of its parts.
Having said that, it's a fun, fast read and finishes with a bit of a surprise ending that makes for an enjoyable finale. Certainly not the best book I've read in this genre, but a worthy weekend or beach read.
When she anonymously publishes the results in a paper, a murderous gunman shows up at the lab looking for her and, in the process, kills several people including her best friend. Sara and Marcus Byron, a N. Y. Times science reporter on site to interview the lab's director, kill the gunman. In the hospital after the mass shooting, the gunman mysteriously seems to come back to life killing two more bystanders and Sara and Marcus flee the hospital to escape the assassin.
So begins a science fiction/fantasy thriller which sees Sara and Marcus pursued by villains and protected by mysterious characters tied to the secret society of Rosicrucians. Along the way, major characters are killed and then resurface alive, and the duo begin to realize that Sara's research may have uncovered a gene mutation that allows humans to heal from even the most fatal injuries - a secret that people are willing to kill to keep secret.
Like a lot of science fiction/fantasy stories, the plot concept is outlandish and requires a suspension of disbelief. In addition, the story is comprised of short intense chapters that flash between different places and times building seemingly unconnected stories into a single plot line. All of this is pretty standard for the genre. But in The Lazarus Factor, the short, punchy story structure and outrageous underlying concept tends to hinder character development, depth of plot structure, and the ability of the reader to temporarily suspend disbelief for the benefit of the story. The result is something that feels less than the sum of its parts.
Having said that, it's a fun, fast read and finishes with a bit of a surprise ending that makes for an enjoyable finale. Certainly not the best book I've read in this genre, but a worthy weekend or beach read.
April 27, 2023
A Complex and Fascinating Thriller!😲💥🙏🏼
The Lazarus Project
By: Nick Crow
Audiobook 🎧
Narrated by: Nick Sullivan
Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins
(Read Using Kindle Unlimited)
I thoroughly enjoyed this twisty and thought-provoking thriller. Its complexities were well explained for laymen like myself, but it wasn't ever written in a condescending way. This was accomplished by our mfc Sara, the scientist, who needed to explain the science behind her discovery to Marcus, a journalist and her partner in harms way, on this journey of danger, v!olence, and discovery!💥
The world building was very clever and indepth. The two main characters were both fully formed, and I really was routing for them.🙏🏼
I found the history and science both fascinating, and the idea behind the storyline was so intriguing! G0d forbid, though.👀
As I read and listen to audiobooks together because of foggy brain issues, I really need the narrators to capture the characters' personalities and to emote well vocally. I didn't get any of that from this narrator, unfortunately. I found him to be almost monotone throughout, which was disappointing.😔
This was a wonderful read, however!⭐️
Debbie, 1970, UK
The Lazarus Project
By: Nick Crow
Audiobook 🎧
Narrated by: Nick Sullivan
Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins
(Read Using Kindle Unlimited)
I thoroughly enjoyed this twisty and thought-provoking thriller. Its complexities were well explained for laymen like myself, but it wasn't ever written in a condescending way. This was accomplished by our mfc Sara, the scientist, who needed to explain the science behind her discovery to Marcus, a journalist and her partner in harms way, on this journey of danger, v!olence, and discovery!💥
The world building was very clever and indepth. The two main characters were both fully formed, and I really was routing for them.🙏🏼
I found the history and science both fascinating, and the idea behind the storyline was so intriguing! G0d forbid, though.👀
As I read and listen to audiobooks together because of foggy brain issues, I really need the narrators to capture the characters' personalities and to emote well vocally. I didn't get any of that from this narrator, unfortunately. I found him to be almost monotone throughout, which was disappointing.😔
This was a wonderful read, however!⭐️
Debbie, 1970, UK
May 11, 2023
4.5 stars. The story revolves around Sara Morin, a computational biologist, who has discovered something unique in the human biome, but doesn't want her supervisor to grab all the credit for her findings. In an "end around" attempt to get her findings published, she inadvertently sets in motion a whirlwind series of mishandled assassinations to silence her observations, which she wasn't quite sure about.
It was clear that the author knew a great deal about the human biome, and did a great deal of research on the topics outside of that subject matter. The story moves smoothly, and has an interesting conclusion.
It was clear that the author knew a great deal about the human biome, and did a great deal of research on the topics outside of that subject matter. The story moves smoothly, and has an interesting conclusion.
October 27, 2023
Fun Fast and Action Packed
Excellent premise, fast action, and likeable protagonists. This book is a great holiday read. If you like a bit of science with your adventure, that is also available.
Nick has intertwined the science with the storytelling in a way that gives the story plausibility without getting bogged down in the detail. For those readers interested in science, he has provided an excellent reference list.
Lovely twist at the end of the book. I'm really looking forward to the next instalment.
Excellent premise, fast action, and likeable protagonists. This book is a great holiday read. If you like a bit of science with your adventure, that is also available.
Nick has intertwined the science with the storytelling in a way that gives the story plausibility without getting bogged down in the detail. For those readers interested in science, he has provided an excellent reference list.
Lovely twist at the end of the book. I'm really looking forward to the next instalment.
May 12, 2023
Good reading even for the scientifically disinclined
I have always enjoyed Nick’s writing in his other genre. Now it all makes sense! Well, I did kinda expect a vampire to emerge with all the bloody analysis happening in tracing historical genomes. This was refreshingly fun to read and easy to follow with just the right amount of heroine and hero spark to keep us romantics interested.
I have always enjoyed Nick’s writing in his other genre. Now it all makes sense! Well, I did kinda expect a vampire to emerge with all the bloody analysis happening in tracing historical genomes. This was refreshingly fun to read and easy to follow with just the right amount of heroine and hero spark to keep us romantics interested.
May 15, 2025
It was very okay. The science was great-- you could tell there was a lot of care in getting that right. I just wish an equal amount of care had been taken in fleshing out all the characters and all the relationships between the characters. Like I didn't know why the two main characters liked each other besides both being smart and attractive. There were no moments of like, "oh damn." Plus there were so many other cool characters that I wish I could have had more insight into? Idk.
April 20, 2023
The Lazarus Factor was an awesome story. A little bit of sci-fi and almost a bit of historical fiction kept me wanting more! Of course the narrator telling the story definitely helped! Nick Crow is a new author to me, but based on this book I'll definitely be checking out more of his work. Nick Sullivan is not new to me as a narrator or an author. I always enjoy his work!
May 11, 2023
The Lazarus factor was a bit of a slow starter but once it hit its pace around chapter 5 I became thoroughly invested in the story. I love the high stakes game of cat and mouse as Sara strives to solve the genetic code that will change history forever before falling victim to those that would do anything to keep her discovery a forgotten secret. Well written and well paced. I highly recommend it!
May 18, 2023
review of the Lazarus factor by Nick Crow
I didn’t just like this book, I loved it. I never expected the story line to be so crazy. The author keeps you guessing throughout the book and then hits you with insane theories that couldn’t be true right ? You’ll have to read it yourself to decide. I have found a new author to follow and I like it and you will too
I didn’t just like this book, I loved it. I never expected the story line to be so crazy. The author keeps you guessing throughout the book and then hits you with insane theories that couldn’t be true right ? You’ll have to read it yourself to decide. I have found a new author to follow and I like it and you will too
June 10, 2023
The thing is, there are very few books with a solid science underpinning, and there are few authors with a scientific background. This is one of those books. On top of that, it is amazingly plotted, has nonstop action, and is hugely entertaining. If you are a fan of Michael Crichton, Blake Crouch, A.G. Riddle—this is a book for you.
April 15, 2024
The beginning of this novel was a lot stronger than the later parts of it. I was really invested in Sarah's research, but as the story went on, it became more of a thriller and less of a science fiction novel. Overall, it was a good story and not something I've read before, but the writing in the second half could use some editing. 3/5
April 17, 2023
Amazing
I'm not a scientist. I don't understand a lot of scientific jargon. The good news is, I didn't have to in order to enjoy the book! It's so well written that it didn't matter.
I'm not a scientist. I don't understand a lot of scientific jargon. The good news is, I didn't have to in order to enjoy the book! It's so well written that it didn't matter.
April 30, 2023
This was a really fun, exciting ride of a page-turner with interesting scientific detail to keep you grounded even with the plot's twists and turns! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
June 11, 2023
Heavy science but sill interesting.
Pretty crazy ride with plenty of twists and turns. I enjoyed the book and the many characters but felt the gay relationships added nothing to the book.
Pretty crazy ride with plenty of twists and turns. I enjoyed the book and the many characters but felt the gay relationships added nothing to the book.
June 16, 2023
Thrill ride!
I love this book I should barely put it down. It caught my interest from the 1st sentence. Were you ever scared to know it's in your genome No I am Pretty freaking scary I think you'll always love it
I love this book I should barely put it down. It caught my interest from the 1st sentence. Were you ever scared to know it's in your genome No I am Pretty freaking scary I think you'll always love it
October 15, 2023
amazing work
This book was a little confusing at the start because of the amount of characters involved. As I continued reading though, I was able to put it all together…What an amazing read.
This book was a little confusing at the start because of the amount of characters involved. As I continued reading though, I was able to put it all together…What an amazing read.
January 10, 2024
A Buddhist monk who is immortal and invulnerable and who becomes a marauding killer assigned to assassinate a young graduate student who has discovered (unbeknownst to herself) a gene for immortality—that’s the least of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2023
DNA war
Exciting, surprising, a cross between a Jason Bourne & a Professor Langdon plot, with a brilliant female character at the forefront.
Exciting, surprising, a cross between a Jason Bourne & a Professor Langdon plot, with a brilliant female character at the forefront.
May 28, 2023
very imaginative
Nice read with a good premise and story build. I would recommend this to adults and young adults. Well done!
Nice read with a good premise and story build. I would recommend this to adults and young adults. Well done!
June 8, 2023
Fast paced with a good story
I’ve read a lot of books but this one is not only face paced, and interesting but is well written. Great plot. I can’t wait to read his next book
I’ve read a lot of books but this one is not only face paced, and interesting but is well written. Great plot. I can’t wait to read his next book
November 25, 2023
Oldie But Goodie
You will understand that headline once you read this well thought out and well written book. I felt as if I really knew Sara and Marcus!
You will understand that headline once you read this well thought out and well written book. I felt as if I really knew Sara and Marcus!
December 27, 2023
learned something new every chapter!
I will be looking up this author for years to come!
It was a pleasure to read this authors debuting book.
I will be looking up this author for years to come!
It was a pleasure to read this authors debuting book.
February 18, 2024
This was such an amazing book! I was totally blown away and was hard pressed to stop reading enough to get some sleep. A fascinating read with a lot of action and science. I loved it!
March 2, 2024
This was a fun read. Fast, engaging and good right story. Short chapters (like Dan Brown) which make the pace fast. I’ll read more of Nick Crow’s books.
April 5, 2026
4.25 ✨
August 7, 2023
mixed feelings
I like the authors writing style and was intrigued by the story enough to finish it. But it was a struggle. The endless genetic discussions and explanations were unnecessary to the central components of the story. In fact, in some cases made the story trite and ridiculous . By 70% of the book, it was a struggle to finish. The ending very anti- climatic and disappointing. Having said all of that, I think the author has talent and would be willing to read something else. Side note: for all the deep scientific understanding, the endless Wikipedia references were annoying.
I like the authors writing style and was intrigued by the story enough to finish it. But it was a struggle. The endless genetic discussions and explanations were unnecessary to the central components of the story. In fact, in some cases made the story trite and ridiculous . By 70% of the book, it was a struggle to finish. The ending very anti- climatic and disappointing. Having said all of that, I think the author has talent and would be willing to read something else. Side note: for all the deep scientific understanding, the endless Wikipedia references were annoying.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews