Tag Archives: In Death

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

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

 

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Description:
Pediatrician Kent Abner received the package on a beautiful April morning. Inside was a cheap trinket, a golden egg that could be opened into two halves. When he pried it apart, highly toxic airborne fumes entered his body―and killed him.

After Eve Dallas calls the hazmat team―and undergoes testing to reassure both her and her husband that she hasn’t been exposed―it’s time to look into Dr. Abner’s past and relationships. Not every victim Eve encounters is an angel, but it seems that Abner came pretty close―though he did ruffle some feathers over the years by taking stands for the weak and defenseless. While the lab tries to identify the deadly toxin, Eve hunts for the sender. But when someone else dies in the same grisly manner, it becomes clear that she’s dealing with either a madman―or someone who has a hidden and elusive connection to both victims

 

 

Review:

Golden in Death by J.D. Robb is the 50th book in her fantastic In-Death series, featuring our favorite couple in the literary world, Eve Dallas and Roarke.  I am a big fan of this series, having read every single book, including novellas.

The story starts with a bang, as we watch pediatrician Kent Abner, open a package that was delivered to his door. When he opened the package, a golden egg, which released a horrible airborne toxic that kills him immediately.  When the police arrive on the scene, they are fortunate that the toxic evaporated, allowing the hazmat team to investigate, and our heroine, Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her partner Detective Delia Peabody, who were called to the scene.  Eve and Peabody have to notify Abner’s husband of his death, and after talking to many, they are stumped as to why Abner was murdered, as he was a very popular doctor with no enemies.

Eve brings in many members of her team, as well as Mira and Morris to try and get more clues as to why and who would attempt this horrible crime.  Things change when a second person (a woman) is killed the same way, opening the golden egg chemical toxin and dying immediately.  It is then that Eve sees some small connection between the two deaths and the investigation turns to the school Abner’s husband works at, as well as the second victim’s husband; the murderer seems to be targeting the significant others.

What follows is Dallas, Peabody and Roarke investigating all the parties from around 8 years ago, who were involved in the school scandal.  Along the way, they meet some very unlikeable characters, as well as those suffered back in the day by those unlikeable people.  The clues will build up, as Eve’s gut leans her toward the suspects.  How can they prove who they are before they kill someone else?

What I also love about this series is seeing all the wonderful recurring characters that we have come to love, and Eve’s entire police team who help her along the way.  Of course, we love spending all that time with Peabody, Mira, McNab, Morris, Feeney, just to name a few.  It was great to see Louise and Charles again; and also got a kick out of Harvo.

Again, I will say I just love the relationship between Eve and Roarke, and in this book it was even better; showing a sweeter and more confident Eve, as she has fully realizes how much her love for Roarke makes her a happier and stronger person. They are so great together…… the best literary couple ever. 

Golden in Death was very exciting, intriguing, tense and even dark (when we watch the victim suffer the toxic death), but it was such a fantastic read; totally perfect for Robb’s 50th anniversary.  From start to finish, there was never a dull moment.  J.D. Robb once again gives us a fantastic addition to this wonderful series; which I hope she never stops writing.  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

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

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

 

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Description:
The predator becomes the prey in the newest thriller in the #1 New York Times bestselling series featuring homicide detective Eve Dallas.

She calls herself Lady Justice. And once she has chosen a man as her target, she turns herself into a tall blonde or a curvaceous redhead, makes herself as alluring and seductive as possible to them. Once they are in her grasp, they are powerless.

The first victim is wealthy businessman Nigel McEnroy. His company’s human resources department has already paid out settlements to a couple of his young victims—but they don’t know that his crimes go far beyond workplace harassment. Lady Justice knows. And in one shocking night of brutality, she makes him pay a much steeper price.

Now Eve Dallas and her husband, Roarke, are combing through the evidence of McEnroy’s secret life. His compulsive need to record his misdeeds provides them with a wide range of suspects, but the true identity of Lady Justice remains elusive. It’s a challenging case, made even more difficult by McEnroy’s widow, who reacts to the investigation with fury, denial, and threats. Meanwhile, Lady Justice’s criminal crusade is escalating rapidly, and if Eve can’t stop this vigilante, there’s no telling how much blood may be spilled…

 

 

Review:

Vendetta in Death by J.D. Robb is the 49th book in her wonderful In Death series.  I am a huge fan of this series, with our fantastic heroine Eve Dallas, and her awesome sexy husband, Roarke.  Forty Nine books later, not to mention novellas, I still cannot get enough of Eve and Roarke.

Vendetta in Death was an intense and exciting story, with a violent murderer called Lady Justice.  Eve is dispatched to the scene of a horribly mutilated body, and from there, she, Roarke and Peabody become enmeshed into a case that is not only violent, but also emotional, as the victims are not nice men.

The first victim, Nigel McEnroy was a wealthy respected businessman, who was devoted to his family; but behind the scenes he was a dark and evil man, who preyed on women, either women he hired for his company, or those he picked up in bars. Nigel would drug the women, and rape them, then he would blackmail them to keep it quiet.  The second victim left his wife for a younger woman, and stole the business from under her.  The third victim brutally beat his wife into submission, and though now divorced, she still felt threatened by him.  Most of these women belong to a private support group that enabled them to share amongst themselves their stories and get past the trauma they suffered.  Lady Justice was part of this group, taking it upon herself to secretly take vengeance against the men who tortured these women, by torturing, mutilating and murdering them.

Eve and Peabody begin their investigation by finding the names of the women in the support group, and to interview all of them.  Half way through, we can guess who the murderer is, but Eve needs to find proof, and time is of essence as now there are three murders, and another one may be near.  What follows is an exciting, intense and thrilling story line that will keep us glued to our seats, unable to put the book down.  It many ways this was a different type of story, with the evil men deserving justice, but not at this horribly violent manner.  Eve having spent many years coming to terms with her abusive childhood, does not allow herself to be sympathetic, despite the evil men. Eve always stands for the dead; she is determined to stop this murderer.

Again, I have to say I just love the relationship between Eve and Roarke, and in this book it was even better; they are so great together, with their love and banter…… the best literary couple ever.  I also love Peabody, who has come a long way to not only be the perfect partner, but also stepping up more.  It is always great to spend time with the fabulous recurring secondary characters in this series; Peabody, Nadine, Mavis, McNab, Baxter, Feeney, Trueheart and Morris.

Vendetta in Death was very exciting, emotional, as well as tense and even dark, but it was a fantastic read.  From start to finish, there was never a dull moment.  J.D. Robb once again gives us a fantastic addition to this wonderful series, which I hope keeps on rolling for many years to come.  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

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

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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 48th 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

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

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

 

Leverage in Death
In-Death series – Book #47
by J.D. Robb
Release Date: September 4, 2018

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Description:
Lieutenant Eve Dallas puzzles over a bizarre suicide bombing in a Wall St. office building in the latest in the #1 New York Times bestselling series…

For the airline executives finalizing a merger that would make news in the business world, the nine a.m. meeting would be a major milestone. But after marketing VP Paul Rogan walked into the plush conference room, strapped with explosives, the headlines told of death and destruction instead. The NYPSD’s Eve Dallas confirms that Rogan was cruelly coerced by two masked men holding his family hostage. His motive was saving his wife and daughter―but what was the motive of the masked men?

Despite the chaos and bad publicity, blowing up one meeting isn’t going to put the brakes on the merger. All it’s accomplished is shattering a lot of innocent lives. Now, with the help of her billionaire husband Roarke, Eve must untangle the reason for an inexplicable act of terror, look at suspects inside and outside both corporations, and determine whether the root of this crime lies in simple sabotage, or something far more complex and twisted.

 

 

 

Review:

Leverage in Death by J.D. Robb is the 47th book in her fantastic In-Death series. As most of you know, I am an In-Death fanatic, having now read 47 full length novels, and all the novellas of this series, and as always…I never want this series to end.  I love Eve Dallas and Roarke, as they continue to be the best literary couple. 

Once again, Eve is thrown into a horrific case, which involves a suicide bombing at a merger meeting in an office.  With 11 dead and others badly injured, Eve and her team discover that the bomber, Paul Rogan, was a VP of one of the companies planning their merger.  With the survivors noting that Rogan was acting strangely, apologizing before he set off the bomb.  Eve, Peabody and the team will go to Rogan’s house and discover the wife tied up and the young daughter locked in a room; both were severely traumatized.  They learn that two men came in the middle of the night and threatened their deaths, if Paul did not follow their instructions, which included fitting him with a lethal explosive vest.

With Roarke’s financial knowledge, Eve will discover the motive of the men behind the bombing.  With the merger put on hold, the stock as expected dramatically dropped, but later that day, announcements were made that the merger was still on, causing the stock to rise up again.  Those who bought the stock at the low price, made a lot of money.

What follows is an intense and suspenseful case, with the team desperate to find the murderers, before this happens again.  In a short time, there will be a murder of a person of interest, and then another suicide bombing will occur, with that family also terrorized.  Eve, Peabody, Baxter & Trueheart will desperately try to find a common bond linking the murders.  I will not give spoilers, as saying too much more would ruin it for you.

Leverage in Death was another wonderful intense, wildly exciting murder mystery in the wonderful world of Eve and Roarke, and the great supporting cast that surrounds them.  Believe me when I say there is no better group of recurring secondary characters then in this series.

Within the tense story, it was nice to see Eve take care of Peabody and McNab, allowing them to go to Hollywood to attend the Oscars for Nadine’s book turned into a movie.  The reactions of Peabody was a blast.  It was also sweet fun to see Mavis (who was going to sing at the Oscars) and Bella, who was all over Eve.  It is always precious to see this, especially since Eve is not really good with babies.  Of course, it goes without saying that the romance between Eve and Roarke is wonderful, as their love for each other shows so well.  I always adore Galahad, their cat.

Leverage 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, especially in a major fight between Eve and one of the murderers.  Wow.   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

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Dark in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

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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 46th 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

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

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

 

Secrets in Death
In-Death series – Book #45
by J.D. Robb
Release Date: September 5, 2017

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Description:
Lt. Eve Dallas must separate rumors from reality when a woman who traffics in other people’s secrets is silenced.

The chic Manhattan nightspot Du Vin is not the kind of place Eve Dallas would usually patronize, and it’s not the kind of bar where a lot of blood gets spilled. But that’s exactly what happens one cold February evening.

The mortally wounded woman is Larinda Mars, a self-described “social information reporter,” or as most people would call it, a professional gossip. As it turns out, she was keeping the most shocking stories quiet, for profitable use in her side business as a blackmailer. Setting her sights on rich, prominent marks, she’d find out what they most wanted to keep hidden and then bleed them dry. Now someone’s done the same to her, literally—with a knife to the brachial artery.

Eve didn’t like Larinda Mars. But she likes murder even less. To find justice for this victim, she’ll have to plunge into the dirty little secrets of all the people Larinda Mars victimized herself. But along the way, she may be exposed to some information she really didn’t want to know…

 

 

 

Review:

Secrets in Death by J.D. Robb is amazingly the 45th book in her In- Death series and this does not include all her novellas.    Bravo to J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) that 45 books later, I still cannot get enough of Eve & Roarke and the fabulous team that surrounds them.

Secrets in Death begins with Eve meeting Dr.DeWinter (forensic anthropologist) at Du Vin (a fancy nightspot) to try to clear the air between them and get on better terms.  Just when they come to an agreement, and get ready to leave, Eve hears a crash and runs to help someone falling.   As blood gushes everywhere, Eve is the first on the scene of a murder.    

The murdered woman is Larinda Mars, a gossip reporter, who was truly an evil witch. She was not liked by those who have dealt with her, and Eve will find that she had many enemies.   When Eve, Roarke and Peabody search for clues in Mars house, they find out that she has been blackmailing many people, in fact over the years she has made herself a fortune in millions.  Eve upon interviewing those listed in Mars computer and paperwork, discover how despicable she was. Larinda Mars had a big list of those she watched, which included those close to us; Eve, Roarke, Nadine, Mavis, just to name a few…this too angered Eve.  Eve must try to maintain the need to solve this crime, even if she knows the victim probably deserved her punishment.  But Eve Dallas always stands for the dead..no matter how awful they are.

 I will say that Secrets in Death was a bit different then most of the previous books.  Though there is murder, the intensity and violence was not evident through most of the book. It was more of  a slower investigative pace, which was very well done.   It was also a bit introspective, especially after interviewing those being blackmailed that brought back memories for both Roarke and Eve, as they reflected on things from their past.

Even with this change of pace story line, it was a fantastic ride, as we spent so much time with Eve and Roarke.  I say this over and over.  There is no better couple in the literary world then our Eve and Roarke.  Of course, everyone wants a ‘Roarke’ in their lives.  I also loved seeing some of our secondary character favorites, such as Nadine getting a bigger role in this book; the snarky and cute fun between Peabody & Eve; and seeing Mavis and Bella again.  J.D. Robb always manages to give us a break from the murder, giving us fun with Peabody, or the beautiful romance between Roarke and Eve. It takes a master writer who can do that so deftly.  The moment when Eve finds out that Summerset left for vacation, and they were alone in their mansion was totally classic. Loved it…..

Secrets in Death was another fantastic mystery that has us guessing until the very end.  Though I have to admit there was one person I wanted it to be.  The victim was so unlikeable and evil that we kind of felt sorry for those who had so many reasons to kill her.  J.D. Robb does it again with another wonderful story.  I can’t wait for the next book, and never ever want this to end.  

Reviewed by Barb

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

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

 

Echoes in Death
In Death series – Book #44
by J.D. Robb
Release Date: February 7, 2017

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Description:
As NY Lt. Eve Dallas and her billionaire husband Roarke are driving home, a young woman—dazed, naked, and bloody—suddenly stumbles out in front of their car. Roarke slams on the brakes and Eve springs into action.

Daphne Strazza is rushed to the ER, but it’s too late for her husband Dr. Anthony Strazza. A brilliant orthopedic surgeon, he now lies dead amid the wreckage of his obsessively organized town house, his three safes opened and emptied. Daphne would be a valuable witness, but in her terror and shock the only description of the perp she can offer is repeatedly calling him “the devil”…

While it emerges that Dr. Strazza was cold, controlling, and widely disliked, this is one case where the evidence doesn’t point to the spouse. So Eve and her team must get started on the legwork, interviewing everyone from dinner-party guests to professional colleagues to caterers, in a desperate race to answer some crucial questions:

What does the devil look like? And where will he show up next?

 

Review:

Echoes in Death by J.D. Robb is the 44th book in her fantastic In Death series.  I am an In-Death fanatic, having read every single book and novella in this series.  I have never been disappointed, each and everytime; which proves what a great author J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) is that she can keep us anxiously waiting for our next Eve Dallas fix.  As I have said before, Eve and Roarke are the best couple in the literary world and Robb/Roberts does this amazingly so well, without all the erotic sexual scenes, which seems to become the norm in romance.   The story is always on the forefront, and we still get our romance and deep love from this wonderful couple.  Ok, I guess I need to stop gushing.  Let’s discuss Echoes in Death.

Echoes in Death starts at 2am with Eve & Roarke on their way home from attending another gala that Eve so hates and she can’t wait to take off her shoes. But fate steps in, as it usually does with Eve, when they see a naked woman walking in front of their car on the icy streets; the woman is in shock, and is bloodied.  They rush her to the hospital, and when Eve tries to talk to her, the woman, Daphne Strazza, mutters about being attacked by the devil.  The doctors tell Eve that Daphne has been brutally beaten, raped multiple times, and is now totally traumatized.

Eve goes to the Strazza home with Roarke to look for Daphne’s husband, Doctor Anthony Strazza, whom they find dead.  The house was in shambles, with blood everywhere.  Once the house is secured, Peabody and McNab are called to help with the  investigation at the murder scene.  Eve surmises early on that with Daphne’s constant muttering of the Devil, it means that someone was dressed to look like that.

At the headquarters, the team will investigate any like types of crimes, and discover similarities in recent cases  that matched the same type of home invasion crimes of a  husband and wife, with various getups such as Dracula or a Ghoul.  This was the start of a fantastic story that will also hit close to home for Eve, as further investigation shows that Dr. Strazza abused his wife, bringing forward her own memories from her father’s abuse as a child. 

When the team begins to put pieces together to find a pattern, another murder of a husband and wife occurs, showing that the murderer is upping his game.  What follows is an exciting, tense race to find the killer before he strikes again.

Make no mistake, when you read an In- Death book the murders and murderer (‘s) are very violent. Our Eve is a hard as nails, tough murder cop, who will do anything it takes to bring the murderer to justice.  In between the tension of the case, there are always so many things that release the tension and make you love this series even more.   The secondary characters in this series are the best anywhere; such as Peabody, Mira, McNab, Summerset, Galahad, Baxter, Trueheart, and the entire police team that have become part of each new book.  Of course, Eve and Roarke are the main characters, but the others working with them make this a joy to read each and every time.  I love the banter between them, especially Peabody or Roarke with Eve.  I also adore her cat Galahad.  Over the years, this has become a wonderful ensemble to support Eve, and we didn’t even see Nadine or Mavis in this book. To tell too much more would be spoilers.

J.D. Robb once again gives us another fantastic edge of your seat thriller that was non-stop action, from start to finish.  The last quarter of the book, as Eve sets a trap for the murderer was sensational, and there were also some surprises.  I tried to read this book a little slower so that I can savior every moment, but I find it hard to do, since I want to know what happens.  So I end up the next day, going back and rereading a large majority of it. I will never have enough of this series; Eve and Roarke; and the entire In-Death team.   

Reviewed by Barb

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

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

 

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Description:
Nature versus nurture…
 
The shots came quickly, silently, and with deadly accuracy. Within seconds, three people were dead at Central Park’s ice skating rink. The victims: a talented young skater, a doctor, and a teacher. As random as random can be.

Eve Dallas has seen a lot of killers during her time with the NYPSD, but never one like this. After reviewing security videos, it becomes clear that the victims were killed by a sniper firing a tactical laser rifle, who could have been miles away when the trigger was pulled. And though the locations where the shooter could have set up seem endless, the list of people with that particular skill set is finite: police, military, professional killer.

Eve’s husband, Roarke, has unlimited resources—and genius—at his disposal. And when his computer program leads Eve to the location of the sniper, she learns a shocking fact: There were two—one older, one younger. Someone is being trained by an expert in the science of killing, and they have an agenda. Central Park was just a warm-up. And as another sniper attack shakes the city to its core, Eve realizes that though we’re all shaped by the people around us, there are those who are just born evil…

 

 

Review:

Apprentice in Death by J.D. Robb is the 43rd full length novel in her fantastic In Death series.  I am sure you all know by now that J.D. Robb is Nora Roberts.  Also, you must know from my reviews that the In Death series is one of my top two all time favorite series.  You would also think that 43 books later, not to mention the many novellas, the stories would slow down.  Not so in Apprentice in Death.  This was an awesome story, one of the best ones that Robb has written, if not the best. I was so engrossed in the story, that I finished the book in one day.  It also helped as I basked in my glory reading about my favorite couple in the literary world, Eve and Roarke.   The In Death series also has the best recurring secondary characters I have ever read.  Apprentice in Death was a thriller a minute, and Eve Dallas was her usual magnificent, tough, dedicated, take charge murder cop.  Now for my review.  😉

In Apprentice in Death, Eve Dallas is once again in the middle of trying to find a serial killer, who is killing innocents at random.  The first murders took place at the ice rink at Central Park, which resulted in 3 deaths.  Eve pulls her team together, including Roarke to put the pieces together on someone who has knowledge of special laser weapons that can be used at far distances.  Using some of Roarke expertise in his programming abilities, they narrow down where the attack originated.  In a short time, the killers are identified and the race is on before they kill again.  Much to the teams chagrin, the evidence points to a former cop, who learned all about laser rifles.  Before they can find the culprits, another attack takes place with 4 deaths, one a police officer, and soon Eve is able to pinpoint a pattern of revenge, with one true target in all the killings.  We know early on that a father (former cop) and young daughter are the ones they are looking for.  What follows is an exciting, tense story the will have Eve, Roarke, Peabody and the entire police force working overtime to find the killers.  After one of the murderers is captured, the pulse pounding adventure is non stop, with the lone vicious evil killer on the loose.  When another murder takes place at Madison Square Garden after a concert that kills 25 people, Eve must escalate the game using her skills to get the prisoner to reveal where the other is.  She will dangle temptation to get what she wants, and then when the pieces are in place, it will be her gut that will lead her to the killer.

Rather than tell too much more, the final 1/3 was a heart racing finale that not only put Eve’s life in danger, but also Roarke and Peabody.  It was also a story that focuses on decisions to be made, to fight evil at any cost, especially when a murderer is beyond redeemable. 

Apprentice in Death was another intense, wildly exciting, gripping story that held our breath throughout the book.  I do not know how J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) continues to give us such magnificent stories, not to mention make us love Eve and Roarke even more.  The epilogue was somewhat different, and very well done.  If you have not read this series, you really are missing a gem.  If you like murder mysteries, a great cop, her equally fantastic husband, and team/friends who you can’t wait to see again; then you should go back and read this series.  Even if it means 43 books.  I love this series, and I never ever want this to end.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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