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

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Description:
Homicide cop Eve Dallas and her billionaire husband, Roarke, are building a brand-new school and youth shelter. They know that the hard life can lead kids toward dangerous crossroads—and with this new project, they hope to nudge a few more of them onto the right path. For expert help, they hire child psychologist Dr. Rochelle Pickering—whose own brother pulled himself out of a spiral of addiction and crime with Rochelle’s support.

Lyle is living with Rochelle while he gets his life together, and he’s thrilled to hear about his sister’s new job offer. But within hours, triumph is followed by tragedy. Returning from a celebratory dinner with her boyfriend, she finds Lyle dead with a syringe in his lap, and Eve’s investigation confirms that this wasn’t just another OD. After all his work to get clean, Lyle’s been pumped full of poison—and a neighbor with a peephole reports seeing a scruffy, pink-haired girl fleeing the scene.

Now Eve and Roarke must venture into the gang territory where Lyle used to run, and the ugly underground world of tattoo parlors and strip joints where everyone has taken a wrong turn somewhere. They both believe in giving people a second chance. Maybe even a third or fourth. But as far as they’re concerned, whoever gave the order on Lyle Pickering’s murder has run out of chances…

Review:

Connections in Death by J.D. Robb is the 48^th book in her fantastic In-Death series.  I have read every single book in this series, including all the novellas and I can never get enough of Eve and Roarke.

The story begins at a gala event, where Roarke introduces Eve to Dr. Rochelle Pickering, whom he is considering hiring as the main therapist/ psychologist for their new school and youth center project. He explains to Eve, that Rochelle’s brother is living with her, after cleaning up his life, formerly as a gang member, and now working as well as totally off of drugs.  Rochelle meets with Roarke the following day, and happily accepts the job. 

The next day, Lyle Pickering is found dead from an overdose.  Eve and Peabody are called to the site, and Rochelle insists Lyle would never overdose and he was totally clean.  After their investigation, Eve agrees that this was not an overdose, but a murder that was set up to look like he did this to himself.   Witnesses will confirm that they saw a few people go into his apartment and a short time later leave. 

Eve, Peabody, with help from Roarke will begin their investigation focusing on the two top gangs, Badgers & Dragons.  Why was Lyle murdered;  was it revenge for him leaving the gang or because he was an informant?  Was this a frame to force a war with the Dragons?

What follows is an exciting, intense and thrilling story line that will have a few more murders to hide the truth, as well as an internal war with the Badger leader and someone who thinks he should lead.  There are also gangland  betrayals, greed, terrible treatments to residents and families.  Eve, Peabody and their team have their work cut out for them, as most of the gang members are tough, arrogant and have no qualms about killing, even if they have to kill cops.

The last half of this story, which was a slightly different storyline then previous books in this series, was a wild and crazy ride. The investigation had many members of the gangs involved with the murders, framing others or secretly stealing funds.   I do not want to give spoilers, as it was an amazing adventure that did not let up at all.

Connections in Death was another exciting, intense, and mind boggling story that had us unable to put the book down.  What I love the most, besides by favorite literary couple in Eve & Roarke ( so amazing together), was seeing all the wonderful supporting characters that also make this such a great series; Peabody, Nadine, McNab, the entire police team(Baxter, Trueheart, Feeney, Morris,  etc), as well as our adorable Galahad (cat) and Summerset. I have said this before and I will say it again, there is no better group of recurring secondary characters then in this series.

J.D. Robb once again gives us a fantastic addition to this wonderful series.  This was so well written by Robb, and if you have not started this series…..What are you waiting for?

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher