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Origin
Origin
Author: Diana Abu-Jaber
A fingerprint expert's investigation of a series of crib deaths leads her back to the mystery of her own childhood. Lena is a fingerprint expert at a crime lab in the small city of Syracuse, New York, where winters are cold and deep. Suddenly, a series of crib deaths -- indistinguishable from SIDS except for the fevered testimony of one dist...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780393064551
ISBN-10: 0393064557
Publication Date: 6/25/2007
Pages: 384
Rating:
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 9

3.7 stars, based on 9 ratings
Publisher: W. W. Norton
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Origin on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Well written page turner - Once I started this book I was hooked! Could not put it down. The central character, a crime lab worker with an extraordinary skill and a mysterious origin, is tasked with analyzing evidence from SIDS cases and determines there's more to meet the eye [or nose]. The unsolved case combined with her unusual interpersonal relationships form the setting for a tale that will hold your interest until the last page is turned. One talented author, one excellent book!
reviewed Origin on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Well written page turner - Once I started this book I was hooked! Could not put it down. The central character, a crime lab worker with an extraordinary skill and a mysterious origin, is tasked with analyzing evidence from SIDS cases and determines there's more to meet the eye [or nose]. The unsolved case combined with her unusual interpersonal relationships form the setting for a tale that will hold your interest until the last page is turned. One talented author, one excellent book!
DesertShaman avatar reviewed Origin on + 203 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Not one of my favorites. This story had too much going on....slow moving, too many plot lines and just was not engaging enough for me. I had the "culprit" picked out half way through the book. Suffice it to say I will not be reading another book by this author.
reviewed Origin on
Helpful Score: 1
I really liked this. The quirky characters and creepy tone reminded me a bit of the book Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow.
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reviewed Origin on + 8 more book reviews
The protagonist was raised by apes in the rain forest. Now she reads fingerprints for a living. There's a baby killer loose in Syracuse NY. And it's cold, so cold.

Or maybe not. I read this novel in 90-degree heat and felt like I was getting frostbite. An excellent, subtle book. Unique voice, terrific writing, and there's actually a story there...kind of literary novel crossed with mystery. Highly recommended.


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