Perfection requires the ultimate sacrifice in the brand-new crime thriller starring homicide detective Lt. Eve Dallas from the #1 New York Times bestselling author J.D. Robb.

When a naked, beheaded body is found discarded like trash on a dark cobblestoned street, Lieutenant Eve Dallas knows that time is of the essence to find a twisted killer. The victim is Donald Quinland, a beloved husband, father, teacher, and writer. What could have happened to him in the nineteen hours since he went missing?

Forensic evidence indicates that the killer had medical knowledge-could this horrific murder be the result of illegal organ harvesting, or some sick experiment? Or does the atrocity of the crime suggest a dark personal vendetta?

After speaking with the grieving family, Eve and her partner, Peabody, head uptown to visit the college where the late professor taught. In these exclusive halls filled with sharp and occasionally devious minds, it isn't so easy to get at the truth-and among Manhattan's elite doctors and scientists, God complexes are an occupational hazard.

In this world where the pursuit of perfection can be deadly, there's no one more perfect than Eve to stop a deranged killer before they can strike again.