Dark in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

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Description:
It was a stab in the dark.

On a chilly February night, during a screening of Psycho in midtown, someone sunk an ice pick into the back of Chanel Rylan’s neck, then disappeared quietly into the crowds of drunks and tourists in Times Square. To Chanel’s best friend, who had just slipped out of the theater for a moment to take a call, it felt as unreal as the ancient black-and-white movie up on the screen. But Chanel’s blood ran red, and her death was anything but fictional.

Then, as Eve Dallas puzzles over a homicide that seems carefully planned and yet oddly personal, she receives a tip from an unexpected source: an author of police thrillers who recognizes the crime—from the pages of her own book. Dallas doesn’t think it’s coincidence, since a recent strangulation of a sex worker resembles a scene from her writing as well. Cops look for patterns of behavior: similar weapons, similar MOs. But this killer seems to find inspiration in someone else’s imagination, and if the theory holds, this may be only the second of a long-running series.

The good news is that Eve and her billionaire husband Roarke have an excuse to curl up in front of the fireplace with their cat, Galahad, reading mystery stories for research. The bad news is that time is running out before the next victim plays an unwitting role in a murderer’s deranged private drama—and only Eve can put a stop to a creative impulse gone horribly, destructively wrong.

Review:

Dark in Death by J. D. Robb is the 46^th book in her fantastic In Death series. I am one of the proud fans who can say that I have read every single book, including novellas in this series…..and I never ever want it to end.  I have said this so many times…I love Eve & Roarke; the best literary couple ever. Ok, now let’s move on to my review. 🙂

Dark in Death begins when Eve has just gotten home from a long day at work, when her phone rings to summon her to a murder scene.  Eve and Peabody will begin to investigate the gruesome death of an actress in a movie theater, which was showing the film Psycho.  The actress was stabbed in the back of her neck with an ice pick, and there were no witnesses, since everyone in the theater was engrossed in the wild violent shower scene of the movie.  

A well known author comes forth to mention that the murder scene resembles one of her books.  In a short time, Eve will realize that this is not the first murder, as a recent death also resembles another of the author’s books.  The race is now on to find the now serial killer before they kill again.

Eve and Roarke begin to read the author’s books to find clues to who & how will be next.  I thought this was a great theme, especially since Eve Dallas written by J.D. Robb is also a murder themed series.  It was kind of a different storyline for Robb (aka Nora Roberts), and yet very interesting.  

What follows is an intense and suspenseful case, with the team desperate to find the murderer.  As they get closer to discovering the identity, the culprit will be a step ahead of them to slip away.  Just when Eve warns people that they could be the next target, to her dismay, they did not listen and another murder happens.  Eve, Roarke, Peabody and the team are able to identify the murderer, but will they be able to stop the next murder in process?  I will not give spoilers, as saying too much more would ruin it for you.

Dark in Death was another wonderful intense, exciting murder mystery in the wonderful world of Eve and Roarke, and the great supporting cast that surrounds them.  It was nice in calmer moments to see Nadine again, as well as Mavis, Leonardo, Bella, not to mention the regulars we have come to love; Peabody, McNab, Feeney, etc.    I loved the scenes with Eve and Roarke cuddling on the sofa by the fireplace reading the books, and with Summerset on vacation, deciding to test out having sex in the other rooms.  Those were the light fun moments, as they are so great together in every way.  Sigh  I love them,  andeven Galahad their cat. lol

Dark in Death was so well written by Robb, and there were some hold your breath moments that kept us on the edge of our seats. If you have not read this series, you are missing one of the best thrillers, with a super couple, and awesome secondary characters.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher