Strangers in Death by J.D. Robb
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Book Reviews of Strangers in Death
Book Review: A little predictable, but Eve still rocks!
Summary: 4 Stars
I didn't like the title for this installment of "In death" because it practically gave away the plot. This is one of Robb's most predictable mysteries, at least for anyone who is familiar with the Hitchcock film that inspired it. Thankfully, the real fun is in watching Eve zero in on the killer and figure out how the crime was committed despite flawless alibis. Plus, Robb makes sure to mention the movie directly in the book, almost like a wink to the reader! The story reminded me of one of those infrequent episodes of "Law and Order" where they show the villain commit the crime at the beginning. Viewers know who it is, but the police still have to work it out. It's not quite as satisfying as figuring it out along with them, but good none-the-less. Eve's still the cop I wish every city had protecting it.
Robb's mysteries can be fantastic and intricate, or fairly simple. Sometimes readers can figure them out in a few chapters (as I did here), or be held until the very end. But, her real gift is characterization. She creates wonderful characters readers like and can identify with. Even after twentysome installments, I'm still in love with Roarke, Eve, Peabody and the rest of the crew. They all have real depth-- their dialog and interaction make them come alive. I couldn't put this book down, and I'm sure fans of the series will not be disappointed. There is a lot of humor (where appropriate) to temper the murder mystery, but justice remains the focus. All the major characters make an appearance, if only briefly, but the major action is centered on Eve and Roarke. I've noticed in the last few books, Roarke has taken a more direct role in the investigation and we see more of him and Eve talking through the case. Peabody was pushed a little more into the background. This is fine for a few books, but I hope that she isn't relegated to minor character status like Feeney. Her repartee with Eve is just too good.
Overall, this isn't the best of the series but it's still a solid, very enjoyable mystery. The satisfaction of Eve getting the bad guy has not lessened one bit through all these novels, and I can't wait for more.
Book Review: More strong story-telling by Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb
Summary: 4 Stars
It looks like the most ordinary of crimes--a wealthy businessman is found dead in his bed, a rope around his neck and sexual aids both point to a possible sexual escapade going wrong. When his wife, safely alibied a thousand miles away, indicates that the dead man, Thomas Anders, was into kinky sex, the case seems open and shut. Except there are too many flaws for police Inspector Eve Dallas. Eve suspects the dead man's beautiful but cold wife, Ava--who stands to gain richly from her husband's death. Still, there's no doubt she was a thousand miles away, no bank withdrawals indicate the possibility of a murder for hire, and Ava's only known outside lover is a Licensed Companion who's personally known to Eve--no way would he have killed for her.
Eve continues to push on the case, looking for the flaw she knows must exist. The murder seemed well-planned, but the flaws indicated that the killer's nerve may have failed. Who could Ava have persuaded to do the deed? With the help of her billionaire-husband, Roark, Eve diggs deeper into Ava's activities. Could she have been responsible for her father-in-law's death as well? Still, without evidence, all she has is suspicion. Eve swears Ava won't get away with her crime, but even in 2060, evidence is needed to convict.
Author J. D. Robb (Nora Roberts) delivers another clever and well-written futuristic mystery. We didn't get the real emotional depth in some of the other In Death novels, but clever Eve, perky Sgt. Peabody, brilliant (and rich) Roark, and the rest of the characters in Eve's police world come together to follow distant connections, linking together possible crimes and possible connections that Ava had believed could never be found. STRANGERS IN DEATH is an enjoyable read--one I ended up consuming in a single sitting.
Book Review: A solid crime story with great characters
Summary: 4 Stars
It should first be said that this is part of a series about New York Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas, her friends and colleagues and her husband, multibillionaire Rourke. It makes sense on its own, but regarding the characters it's a lot better to have read the other titles in the series first. And they're definitely worth it.
'Strangers in death' is about the death of the wealthy owner of a sports equipment company. At first glance, it seems like a kinky sex session gone wrong. But it becomes clear very soon that this was a well-planned murder. The man was a nice guy according to everyone but his wife, who's obviously lying about a lot of things. But she has a watertight alibi and friends in high places. That doesn't stop Eve from following her instincts and trying to find out how and why the widow could have murdered her husband.
I enjoy the series a lot, mostly because I really like the characters and because the crime stories are always intelligent and have depth. The reason why I didn't give it 5 stars was that this time, the idea comes from a film whose story I happen to know, so I was somewhat ahead of part of the solution. Apart from that, which may not be a problem for all readers, it was a good crime story. I always enjoy some more stories about these characters, so a new Eve Dallas-novel is always a treat. Former titles had more depth and bite when it came to Eve's and Rourke's pasts and relationship, but then they have been together for a while now and I guess you can only write so much about their secrets and conflicts. So all in all, this is a solid and satisfying new title in this great series.
Naked in Death (In Death)
Book Review: Reviewed for Midwest Book Review
Summary: 4 Stars
Lt. Eve Dallas of the New York Police and Security Department is called to the scene of a murder where it appears philanthropist Thomas Anders died during a kinky sexual encounter. Evidence suggests the victim was sedated at the time of his demise and a lapse in the security system's recordings signifies this was not an accidental death. Eve quickly hones in on a suspect but can find nothing to connect the killer to Anders at the time he died. But this doesn't stop the lieutenant, who uses everyone at her disposal, including husband billionaire Roarke, as she meticulously unravels the mystery behind Anders's death.
This series attracts many fans, and for a good reason. Robb's writing is tight, flows well, and she offers characters her fans have grown to love. The mystery is a good one, with plenty of twists and turns, and, as always, Eve Dallas's intense personality and mindset pull the reader along with her as she seeks to resolve a mystery she takes personally.
Book Review: Strangers in Death by J.D. Robb
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this for my Mom for her birthday. She likes Nora Roberts novels
I received it fast Good price plus free shipping is great!