Calculated in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

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Calculated in Death is another excellent book in J.D. Robb’s (Nora Roberts) wonderful In Death series.  Though this is the 36^th novel in her series, I eagerly look forward to the next book, and just never get tired of reading about our Eve & Roarke, and team.  Calculated in Death starts off with the death of an accountant, which originally looked like a mugging, but of course, as Eve Dallas is called onto the scene, she knows right away, this is not a mugging, but a murder planned. 

The story is set in the financial world of accountants, audits, investors, etc.  Though this book has its normal multiple murders, many suspects, it is not as gruesome as some of the other In Death books.  We spend a lot of time early on, with Eve and Peabody investigating the crime scene, and questioning anyone who knew the victim, and by the time the day is over, they already know why the victim was murdered, and have their own list of suspects.   Did we expect anything less with Eve and Peabody?

It seemed like forever before our beloved Roarke came into the story, and when he did, life and the story got so much better.  Eve is a great detective, tough, smart, savvy, but it is Roarke who brings out her feminine and sexy side.  If you have read any In Death review by me, you will know I absolutely love Eve & Roarke together.  They are an awesome couple, and that never changes. 

The story moves quickly, as Eve deciphers the clues, with the help of Roarke.  The investigation does get somewhat complicated, within the financial aspects of the suspects, but we learn more, as Roarke explains much to Eve, and us.  I totally adore when the two of them work together at home to find the clues, as Roarke in between makes sure his cop eats, takes such loving care of her, and both take the time for their great sex. 

As usual, Eve and Peabody find themselves in danger, as the investigation hits close to home, and angers many of the high and mighty.  The world of accounting never looked more dangerous, especially with fraud and cover-ups. There are some surprises early on, with more deaths, as Eve and team race to find the killer before there are more deaths.  

In between this murder investigation, and there is the backdrop of the upcoming red carpet event of the premiere of the Icove video, we saw in the previous books.  Eve is never comfortable showcasing herself, even though her husband is one of the most powerful and richest men on any planet, but Eve will use this to her advantage.  Some of the fun is watching Eve dread the appearance of Trina to fix up her hair and makeup….humorous as usual.  It is also these types of events that allow us to see our old friends, like Nadine, Mavis, Leonardo.  Seeing Eve dressed to the max, and how Roarke is always helping choose her clothes is so much fun. I always enjoy seeing Peabody dress up too..such fun. 

This is what makes this series so special.  The wonderful recurring characters, who have become part of the In Death series, such as Peabody, Summerset, Mira, McNab, Feeney, Morris, Baxter, Trueheart, Reo, and our beloved Galahad (her cat who has saved her life twice).  As much as this series can be very violent, J.D. Robb has a masterful way of taking a very very tense moment, and making you suddenly break out into laughter, whether it be her byplay with Peabody or her confrontations with Summerset.  Another trademark of Robb is the sexual chemistry of Eve & Roarke.  They are the one of the most popular couples in the literary world, and my favorite.  Yet Robb does this so well, showing their chemistry, sexual, yet not erotic at all.  You see and feel their love, each and every time.

Calculated in Death is another wonderful edition to the In Death series, with an excellent and different storyline, and with the same exciting, dangerous, and complex murder investigations.  To be able to spend time with Eve, Roarke and their team always makes this series so fresh and enjoyable to read.

Reviewed by Barb