Treachery in Death by J.D. Robb

In the latest from the #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon, Eve Dallas tracks down those who break the law-including the ones sworn to uphold it.

Detective Eve Dallas and her partner, Peabody, are following up on a senseless crime-an elderly grocery owner killed by three stoned punks for nothing more than kicks and snacks. This is Peabody's first case as primary detective-good thing she learned from the master.

But Peabody soon stumbles upon a trickier situation. After a hard workout, she's all alone in the locker room when the gym door clatters open; and-while hiding inside a shower stall trying not to make a sound-she overhears two fellow officers, Garnet and Oberman, arguing. It doesn't take long to realize they're both crooked-guilty not just of corruption but of murder. Now Peabody, Eve, and Eve's husband, Roarke, are trying to get the hard evidence they need to bring the dirty cops down-knowing all the while that the two are willing to kill to keep their secret. [SOURCE]

Robb's latest book in the In Death series did not dissappoint me. I was hooked from the beginning even if I already knew the guilty party. I was curious on how Eve and her team would stop the bad guys. Peabody made me proud for doing the right thing and Eve for backing her up. The story focused more on Police procedural and less on the relationship between Eve and Roarke, but remained a captivating one. I can't wait for the next book.

1/2

Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb

In the latest novel from #1 New York Times-bestselling author J.D. Robb, it is game over for the criminals pursued by NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas.

Bart Minnock, founder of the computer-gaming giant U-Play, enters his private playroom, and eagerly can't wait to lose himself in an imaginary world, to play the role of a sword-wielding warrior king, in his company's latest top-secret project, Fantastical.

The next morning, he is found in the same locked room, in a pool of blood, his head separated from his body. It is the most puzzling case Eve Dallas has ever faced, and it is not a game. . . .

NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas is having as much trouble figuring out how Bart Minnock was murdered as who did the murdering. The victim's girlfriend seems sincerely grief-stricken, and his quirky-but-brilliant partners at U-Play appear equally shocked. No one seemed to have a prob­lem with the enthusiastic, high-spirited millionaire. Of course, success can attract jealousy, and gaming, like any business, has its fierce rivalries and dirty tricks-as Eve's husband, Roarke, one of U- Play's competitors, knows well. But Minnock was not naive, and quite capable of fighting back in the real world as well as the virtual one.

Eve and her team are about to enter the next level of police work, in a world where fantasy is the ultimate seduction-and the price of defeat is death. . . .

SUMMARY SOURCE: GoodReads

A story where fantasy meets reality, of believing what is real and what is not. This is not my favorite book in the series, but there were several sections I laughed between Eve and Peabody, felt emotions between Roarke and Eve. The technicalities relating to the gaming world was too deep for my small brain, though the ending remained a satisfaction. There were good actions toward the end that got me excited, enough for me to continue reading the next book in the series.

Source: Audiobook

 1/2

In Death Series Marathon + June is Audiobook Month

Recently I fell in love with the novels of J.D. Robb, all over again. I managed to listen to few chapters on my way to and from work (a total of almost 2-hours drive along GSP). I've listened to other audioboks and read few paperbacks from different authors then and there, but this series felt different. It felt like keeping in touch with family and friends everyday.

Eve, Roarke, Summerset, Peabody, McNabb, Feeney...they are my family now.

To celebrate June as audiobook month, I intend to continue listening to the remaining books in the series.
Here's a snapshot of my recent marathon:

15. Seduction in Death - April 2011 (in Audiobook)
16. Reunion in Death - April 2011 (in Audiobook)
17. Purity in Death - April 2011 (in Audiobook)
18. Portrait in Death - April 2011 (in Audiobook)

19. Imitation in Death - May 2011 (in Audiobook)
20. Remember When - May 2011 (in Audiobook)
21. Divided in Death - May 2011 (in Audiobook)
22. Visions in Death - May 2011 (in Audiobook)
23. Survivor in Death - May 2011 (in Audiobook)
24. Origin in Death - May 2011 (in Audiobook)
25. Memory In Death - May 2011 (in Audiobook)
26. "Haunted in Death" (in the Bump in the Night anthology or the Three in Death anthology) - May 2011 (in Audiobook)
27. Born In Death - May 2011 (in Audiobook)

28. Innocent in Death - Listening Now , June 2011 (in Audiobook)

Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb

*      *      *      *       *      

Ceremony in Death is a mystery novel about Lieutenant Eve Dallas working on a top-secret investigation on a death of a fellow police officer that had compromised her personal loyalties. The death is followed by several murders linking to cults and old religious practices, which confront Eve’s own beliefs of right and wrong.

I have to admit the emotional upheaval I went through while reading this novel - that in a good way though. Mostly because I am convinced of the awful evil-like-act of sex and slaughtering of human lives injected into the main plot. The scenes are vividly gruesome – full of blood and dark forces (boo!) to experience few wakeful nights contemplating what comes next. However I do not believe this as a distraction nor an obstacle in reading the novel. Furthermore, I do not believe it was black magic or witchcraft the ultimate reasons for such terrifying moments, but rather the writings of J.D. Robb continuously prove powerful as ever in creating believable suspense and overpowering sexy scenes through the magic of her words. With that being said it becomes obvious to me that this novel is a mystery first and the romance is only a secondary part of the story. The intensified romance between Eve and Roarke is as always appetizing and fulfilling with the added colorful twists shared by other characters - but the main goal is for Eve to face death and find justice. So with all honesty if you have the stomach to stand before the dead - then this novel is rightfully yours to explore.

I have read the first four books in the series (from the very beginning) and I now believe the beauty of taking it all in gradually with light paces in between – savoring moments by moments without any pressure of finishing the book at once is an ultimate satisfaction I have acquired. Of course one cannot help if the novel is hard to put down the only choice left is to finish the novel in a very short time, which occurred to me previously.

Despite other great books I have recently read I remain a new and faithful follower of J.D. Robb (a.k.a. Nora Roberts) and will surely continue on exploring the next book in the series: Vengeance in Death.  I also recommend checking out Christine’s previous review of Ceremony in Death – which I am sure my friend will get you hooked into reading this novel if you have not yet indulge your precious time with Robb.

SO what are you waiting for? 

Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb

* * *

Let me tell you what I like about this book in no particular order and maybe...maybe I could convince you to reminisce the moments with rapture in death.

HUMOR

I like Peabody so much she cracks me up in this novel. Peabody who is now officially transferred to the homicide division has few funny shares of her own. I remember the part when she came in aboard Roarke’s jet pressed and polished but then quickly spoils her effect with her jaw hanging open as she swiveled her head right and left in an attempt to see everything at once. The picture is so vibrant I feel watching her up close and personal. Then there’s that part when Peabody sees double after the bomb exploded. I think it was the way Peabody said it that makes me laugh. Also when Feeney finds the disc which he seals the work log for your eyes only because it contains explicit speculations about Eve in a sexual manner, do you remember what Peabody said after that? She asked if there was anything on the disc that mentions about her. Creepy but cute isn’t she?

INTELLIGENCE

I enjoy the heated dialogue between Dr. Mira who favors psychology and Reeanna for physiology. Here the topic on human brain’s complicated organ presents two different beliefs. According to the conversation, physiology sees us coded in the womb that we are, what we are born. The genetic code is stamped on us in the moment of conception. It can be altered to a certain extent but the basis of what we are cannot be changed. Psychology on the other hand take into account the environment, free will, the basic human drive to better oneself. That a child raised in privilege despite its background at birth would reflect that upbringing, that education. That the emotional nest and the basic human drive to better oneself cannot be discounted.

Robb’s touch on futuristic technology never ceases to amaze me. Here she promotes – technology can create beauty and youth, but passion and greed can destroy them. The discussions went technically deep once the topic on the anatomy of the brain was compared to a computer. The plot starts when three apparent suicides occur: a brilliant engineer, an infamous lawyer, and a controversial politician with three strangers nothing in common – and no obvious reasons for killing themselves. Autopsies revealed small burns on the brains of the victims which lead to Lieutenant Dallas’ investigation between genetic abnormality and a high-tech method of murder.

THRILL

Who wouldn’t be so thrilled when in just few chapters’ in a background view telling us that the game had just begun, without revealing the source of the voice? It was enough for me to continue reading.

ROMANCE

Same with Robb’s other novels I couldn’t continue to deny the spice of romance – intimately and passionately phrased with emotions. I wonder what inspires her to come up with such creative imaginations and craftsmanship. There should definitely a PG advisory marked from beginning to end on J.D. Robb's novels.

In contrary, after reading this 4^th book in the series I find certain patterns in the plot where the ending is quickly put together while the motivation behind killing because "it can be done easily" is too light for my taste. Nevertheless, I find the novel entertaining and worthy of my time, enough to finish reading in two nights. Robb’s descriptions of each character, the details and her word selections are mostly the keys to awaken my senses - sufficient to drive me into the “I can’t put it down” type of mood.

If I haven’t convinced you yet to pick up Robb’s “In Death” series, I suggest you visit Lori’s review of this book. It also got 4 1/2 stars in Amazon's website - that might help you consider giving yourself a chance to enjoy a trilling adventure with Robb and with Christine's challenge.

Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb (with bonus Quiz)

Published in Paperback: July 1, 1996


The "Immortal in Death" is a story about ambitious individuals who would do everything to get what they want even if it means breaking the law, ending someone else’s life, or even sacrificing their own lives. Then there is also our very own Lieutenant Eve Dallas who would do everything to stop them and bring them to justice.

J.D. Robb provides a gripping plot with emphasis on friendship intertwined between characters. As a very close friend to Mavis, Eve must find a way to prove her friend’s innocence. Here I find the importance of keeping trust and honesty between friends (Eve + Mavis) as well as between lovers (Eve + Roarke). Establishing a new friendship between Eve and Peabody is also an integral part of the story as Eve provides Peabody the chance to learn from her expertise in solving a murder case. Fixing a broken friendship is also a goal for Commander Whitney while Mavis fights her unconditional love for Leonardo.

What I love about this book aside from the Eve+Roarke romance is how I get to know more about Eve’s past when her horrible childhood memories are revealed. Flipping through the pages I can see in her eyes the sadness and pain her life is going through – so sad it squeezes my heart and leaves me with tears. Robb not only a master storyteller but also has the magic touch for painting believable sentiments, emotional tragedy and then grabs your full attention on a slam dunk at the end.

* * * * * *

Here's a bonus quiz for all "In Death" followers - a good refresher on this book. What's the price for getting a perfect score? Your pride ;-)

Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb (Quiz) »

Glory in Death by J.D. Robb

So I have already established my fascination in Robb’s style of writing on my previous post – the way she grabs my full attention and the balance of suspense she used to keep my head spinning with excitement. On this post, I would like to establish why the need to continue on such fascination, reading the “Glory in Death”.

“The dead were her business. She lived with them, worked with them, studied them. She dreamed of them. And because that didn’t seem to be enough, in some deep, secret chamber of her heart, she mourned for them.”

The opening paragraph is sufficient enough to locate a relaxing place to sit on and prepare to stretch the time as I travel through the world of mystery. I could not help but compare this to the first book of the series – “Naked in Death”. The fundamental of both stories is about the search for justice but “Naked” is about a scandalous murder where victims are killed naked in bed using a gun while “Glory” involves ambition with successful and well-known victims murdered in brutal manner using a knife. In this novel I find familiar characters I have grown to love from the previous novel as well as new names I find crucial to the story.

“Glory in Death” is a continuation of the “Naked in Death” but is focused on different crime investigation using futuristic police procedural and the equipment used during the investigation. The exposure of programmed droids serving as a bartender, security guard, camera operator, and domestic helper made me think of Star Wars and the logo of Android Wireless Development by Google. In my mind I picture robots everywhere, here and there serving while making me feel like a princess. And then turns me into a dependent mogul to the machines at large.

But let me tell you this – reading the book is like an addiction – the more I fight it the worst I become. I think of my now favorite couple – Roarke and Eve fighting against their feelings only they fell on each other’s arm once again. This is the first time I hear Eve surrender emotional feelings to Roarke. Feel it when she utters the words of the heart – “Don’t go away”, “I need you. I can’t help it. I don’t want to.” Eve drew in a shuddering breath. “I love you.” And let it out. “God.”

Intimacy is what this is all about and it is very touching right?

Wait until you get to the end when J.D. Robb mesmerized me to start on reading the first chapter of the 3rd book in the series – “Immortal in Death”, when Roarke finally told Eve (not asked but told) the very important words in the middle of Central Park…

“I want you to marry me.”

STOP. Close your eyes and revisit the magic of the moment.

Isn’t it amazing? C’mon read with me on the next book. If you have read it, then reread it again and together we will fly through the adventures Robb has brought in to our lives.

Naked in Death by J.D. Robb

WARNING: This post is not a standard review but a mere reflection after reading in which may sometime appear both objective and subjective.

The day I finished reading J.D. Robb’s “Naked in Death” is the day I hated her. I hated her so much I learned to like her beyond doubt. I hate her because she got me into this mess of becoming hooked on her own world of mystery. That she managed to maneuver my feelings of wanting and begging for more actions each chapter. That somehow out of the blue she gave me this dark evil sensations I became excited, thrilled, wobbly (because of not enough sleep), and then with a quick thump brought me back to reality and transformed me into this new emotional and “lovey-dovey” romantically upbeat person again. She knows exactly how and where to push the buttons inside my head. My heart races as I flip through the pages. (I must have heard that line a thousand times but I feel obliged to say it out loud. It makes me feel better. Really.).

When Eve, Lieutenant Dallas (the main character) gets all helpless and starts seeking for Roarke – the suspect of several murders (while fighting hard her feelings for him), was not at all a surprise for me as I knew the moment I heard his name the two of them together would click. The intertwined story between them and the fast-paced murder investigation involving several high ranking officials brought me to the edge. I felt Eve’s emotions everywhere as if we are one in spirit while I progress further deep into the core of the story.

So I hated her for that because she made me worship her detective story better than the rest of her romance novels. A strong likeness toward Robb’s ingenious work of art was building up inside me while keeping my calmness overrides the urge of the moment. The plot on each chapter is well developed I have to continue on reading almost without taking a break. The story was set in the future using futuristic technology equipments, advanced police investigative techniques, execution of the law in a whole new different society with aggressive politics and ambitions of tomorrow. Robb stirred the story with different suspects – makes you moan for justice and takes the pleasure of twisting your head, making you think and think hard it’s all over only to find out the juices are still coming in, more suspects – more suspicions. All alive and kicking once again.

There is one observation only I would probably agree: Robb’s (Roberts) picture at the back of the cover makes me think of Eve – that hair, the outfit, that playful gaze in her flashy coat. Did she create Eve’s character after her? I would never know that unless I get inside her head.

Some memorable lines I picked below:

“She woke at three, shuddering, clammy, fighting for the breath to scream. Whimpers sounded in her throat as she croaked out an order for lights. Dreams were always more frightening in the dark.”

“Her hand shook as she raised the glass again. “There was so much blood. She was so small, but there was so much blood. On the floor, on the wall, all over him. I could see it was still dripping off the knife. Her face was turned toward me. Her little face, with big blue eyes. Like a doll’s.”

“Those jittery eyes shot to Eve, and she knew, in that instant, what it was to be picked up bodily and thrown to the wolves.”

Summary:

Eve Dallas is a New York police lieutenant hunting for a ruthless killer. In more than ten years on the force, she’s seen it all – and knows that her survival depends on her instincts. And she’s going against every warning telling her not to get involved with Roarke, an Irish billionaire – and a suspect in Eve’s murder investigation. But passion and seduction have rules of their own, and it’s up to Eve to take a chance in the arms of a man she knows nothing about – except the addictive hunger of needing his touch.