In a near-future world where any biological matter can be used to create life, a bio-security guard protects a famous singer's DNA from being stolen for unauthorized reproduction, leading to unexpected revelations and ethical dilemmas. The story delves into the implications of genetic engineering, privacy concerns, and the blurred lines between science, morality, and personal autonomy.

In her propulsive and thought-provoking speculative thriller "Baby X," Kira Peikoff delivers a gripping and vividly imagined glimpse into a near-future world where advanced reproductive technology has upended society in unimaginable ways. With shades of "Gattaca" and "The Ones," this unpredictable page-turner explores the chilling implications of a reality in which any biological material can be used to create life - and the highest bidders or most obsessive stalkers can gain access to stolen celebrity DNA.

The story unfolds through the perspectives of three fascinatingly flawed yet relatable female characters whose lives become inextricably entwined:

- Ember Ryan, a fiercely dedicated bio-security expert tasked with protecting famous singer Trace Thorne's genetic material from theft by the nefarious black market site The Vault. Despite her diligence and growing feelings for her client, a shocking revelation threatens to unravel everything.

- Quinn, a mysterious pregnant woman who confronts Thorne and Ember with the stunning claim that she is carrying the musician's child, despite his belief that his DNA has been under lock and key.

- Lily, an ambitious young journalist haunted by her status as an "Unforeseen" - a child conceived naturally rather than through embryo selection. Her investigation into biases against her kind may expose secrets that hit closer to home than she ever imagined.

Peikoff expertly weaves together these seemingly disparate storylines, steadily building suspense and dropping tantalizing clues before seamlessly tying the threads together in a jaw-dropping twist that readers won't see coming. The pacing is masterful, striking a perfect balance between keeping the pages flying and allowing quieter moments for character development and philosophical reflection.

Indeed, where "Baby X" truly shines is in its nuanced exploration of complex bioethical quandaries that feel unnervingly plausible. Peikoff puts her master's degree in bioethics to excellent use, crafting a world rich in scientific detail yet never alienating to the layperson. From the disturbing plausibility of a designer baby arms race to the aching poignancy of those "left behind" by genetic selection, she fearlessly probes the medical, moral, societal, and intensely personal implications of a brave new reproductive frontier.

Peikoff also deserves praise for her inclusive, female-centric storytelling. All three narrators are authentically imperfect, multi-dimensional women grappling with universal issues of identity, autonomy, love, and legacy. Supporting characters - from an endearing elderly neighbor to the myriad individuals desperately seeking their slice of immortality through progeny - are equally well-drawn, evoking the reader's empathy even in their most misguided moments.

Perhaps most impressive is how "Baby X" works on multiple levels. It is undoubtedly a gripping, fast-paced thriller in the vein of Blake Crouch, with an intricately plotted mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end. But it is also a profoundly moving and thought-provoking human drama, an incisive social commentary, and a clarion call for mindfulness as we wade into an uncharted technological future.

In short, "Baby X" is that rarest of beasts: an unputdownable page-turner that also challenges you to ponder big ideas long after the final twist is revealed. Through Ember, Quinn and Lily's unforgettable journeys, Peikoff holds up a black mirror to our world - and the reflection is as riveting as it is unsettling. An undeniable triumph from an author to watch, "Baby X" seems destined to spark furious debate even as it entertains and enlightens. I for one cannot wait to see what Peikoff delivers next.