Review: Remember When

Review: Remember WhenRemember When (includes In Death, #17.5) by J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts
Series: In Death #17.5
Published by Berkley on January 15, 2019
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 460
Goodreads
four-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: This is duology that combines a present-and-future story. When read together, it is a clever and engaging blend of contemporary romance (Roberts) and futuristic mystery (Robb). This crossover showcases Nora Roberts’ versatility as an author and provides a link between her two writing personas.

THE STORY: The book is divided into two parts. In the first, set in the present, Laine Tavish, the respectable owner of an antique shop, finds her past catching up with her when her criminal father’s old partner shows up looking for hidden diamonds. She teams up with Max Gannon, an insurance investigator, to solve the mystery and keep herself safe.

The second part, set in Eve Dallas’ future New York, follows the granddaughter of Laine and Max as she becomes entangled in a mystery surrounding the same diamonds. Eve must solve a murder and prevent more deaths while unraveling a decades-old puzzle.

OPINION: REMEMBER WHEN is a unique entry that brilliantly bridges Roberts’ contemporary romance world with her futuristic In Death series. The structure of the book is refreshing and adds an extra layer of intrigue to both stories. The contemporary portion showcases Roberts’ skill in crafting engaging romance with a touch of suspense. Laine and Max’s relationship develops naturally amidst the danger, with their chemistry and banter providing a perfect counterpoint to the tension of the diamond hunt. The transition to the futuristic In Death story works well, and it’s fascinating to see how the consequences of the first story play out in Eve’s time. The In Death portion delivers the usual mix of clever detective work and character moments that I have come to expect.

This book is unique because it ties together both parts of Roberts’ writing identity. Seeing the connections between the two time periods adds depth to both stories and provides longtime readers with a treat. I especially enjoyed how the tone of the books changed — it was almost like two different writers collaborated. The pacing in both stories is well-handled, with each story feeling complete while also being part of a larger whole.

WORTH MENTIONING: Although originally published in this combo format, it has also been divided into its separate parts and sold separately — “Hot Rocks” by Nora Roberts and “Big Jack” by J.D. Robb.

CONNECTED BOOKS: REMEMBER WHEN is a standalone in terms of the contemporary story. The futuristic portion fits into the IN DEATH series but can be read on its own. However, readers familiar with the In Death series will get more out of the character interactions in the second half.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

four-half-stars

Imitation in Death

Imitation in DeathImitation in Death (In Death, #17) by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #17
Published by Berkley Books on August 26, 2003
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 342
Goodreads
four-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: This is an interesting entry in the In Death series that balances a very creepy mystery with meaningful character development, especially for Eve and Peabody.

THE STORY: Lieutenant Eve Dallas faces a challenging case when a killer starts imitating infamous serial killers from history. As the body count rises, Eve must delve into the minds of both the current killer and the historical murderers they’re copying. Meanwhile, Eve continues navigating her personal growth and relationships as her past continues to comes back to her.

OPINION: IMITATION IN DEATH delivers a well-crafted mystery while developing the character relationships that make this series so compelling for me. The central case is one that is creepy as the killer imitates famous serial killers. The concept provides a fresh angle that keeps the investigation engaging. Robb handles the darker elements with skill, balancing the grim nature of the crimes with moments of levity and personal interaction. The book, as others in the series, is not unduly graphic despite the killings.

As always, the heart of the book lies in the character development. Eve’s growth continues to be a highlight as she becomes more comfortable with her role not just as a cop but also as a friend, wife, and part of a larger community. Her interactions with Roarke remain a cornerstone of the series, showing their partnership’s strength and individual growth. There is a new twist to Eve’s development as more of her past comes to light.

The secondary characters also get their moments to shine. Peabody’s development as she strives to reach the rank of detective and the various personal tidbits all add depth to the narrative. It’s particularly satisfying to see how the recurring characters continue to evolve, making the series’ world feel increasingly rich and lived-in. What I really love about this series are the characters and their interaction so every book that develops those stories and relationships is of particular interest to me. Here, the development of the relationship between Peabody and Eve is particularly special and I really enjoyed the last 10 percent of the book because of it.

WORTH MENTIONING: This entire series takes place over such a short period of time despite the years over which the books were written. It is sometimes surprising that this book picks up right after the prior ones. Specifically, Eve is enjoying Summerset being gone…until he is not.

CONNECTED BOOKS: IMITATION IN DEATH is the 17th book in the In Death series. While the mystery in this book is standalone, there are continuing and overarching storylines (especially regarding character relationships and development) that continue from book to book. I recommend reading the series in order, although it is not necessary.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

four-half-stars

Review: Portrait in Death

Review: Portrait in DeathPortrait in Death (In Death, #16) by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #16
Published by Berkley on February 25, 2003
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 347
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: A really good entry in the In Death series. While the mystery starts slow, it builds to a heart-pounding finale. The real triumph here is in the character interactions, especially Roarke’s personal journey and the moments with secondary characters.

THE STORY: Eve Dallas investigates a series of murders where young, healthy victims are found dead, with the killer leaving behind haunting portraits of them. As Eve hunts for the twisted photographer, Roarke faces a personal crisis when he uncovers shocking information about his past.

OPINION: PORTRAIT IN DEATH showcases Robb at her best, blending mystery and character development into a compelling whole.

The murder investigation starts solidly, if unremarkable. However, the book’s last quarter ratchets up the tension, delivering a heart-pounding conclusion that had me on the edge of my seat. Robb proves once again she can craft a thrilling finale.

However, what elevates this book is the character interactions. Roarke’s storyline is a standout, showing his vulnerability as he grapples with revelations about his past. This adds new depth to his character and allows for some powerful moments between him and Eve. Their relationship continues to evolve, with Eve stepping into a supportive role that showcases her growth.

The variety of moments with secondary characters adds richness to the narrative. From Peabody’s steady presence to Summerset’s unexpected role, each interaction feels meaningful and adds to the overall tapestry of the story.

What’s particularly noteworthy is how just about every emotional moment incorporates characters we already know. This approach adds depth and layers to the world of In Death, making each book feel increasingly lived-in and authentic. It’s a testament to Robb’s skill in building a complex, interconnected cast of characters that readers care about.

The balance between the case and personal storylines is masterfully handled, keeping the pacing tight throughout. While the mystery is ultimately satisfying, the characters’ emotional journeys make this book truly memorable.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book offers significant development for Roarke’s character, providing insight into his background that longtime readers will particularly appreciate.

CONNECTED BOOKS: PORTRAIT IN DEATH is the 16th book in the In Death series. While the mystery in this book is standalone, there are continuing and overarching storylines (especially regarding character relationships and development) that continue from book to book. I recommend reading the series in order, although it is not strictly necessary.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

four-stars

Review: Purity in Death

Review: Purity in DeathPurity in Death (In Death, #15) by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #15
Published by Berkley on February 27, 2021
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 362
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: Enjoyable addition to the series. The highlight is the development of secondary recurring characters. While the central conflict of procedural justice versus vigilantism is interesting, I found the character interactions (especially the recurring secondary characters) more compelling than the mystery itself.

THE STORY: Lieutenant Eve Dallas investigates a series of deaths caused by a vigilante group using a computer virus to kill those they deem guilty but who have escaped legal justice. The case is especially challenging as it seems to implicate powerful and well-connected people in New York City.

OPINION: I found PURITY IN DEATH to be a solid entry in the In Death series. The book’s central conflict between procedural justice and vigilantism provides an interesting backdrop for the investigation, raising questions about the nature of justice and the role of law enforcement.

The real strength of this installment, however, lies in the development of the secondary recurring characters. We see growth and change in familiar faces like Peabody, McNab, Feeney, and others. Their personal and professional developments add depth to the series’ world and provide some of the most enjoyable moments in the book.

Eve and Roarke’s relationship continues to evolve, offering a mix of supportive and conflicting moments that keep their dynamic interesting. Their scenes together remain a highlight of the series.

While the ethical questions raised by the vigilante group’s actions are thought-provoking, it’s the character interactions and growth that keep me coming back to these books. PURITY IN DEATH balances advancing the overall series arc through character development while providing a self-contained mystery.

WORTH MENTIONING: A character from a prior book in the series makes a significant appearance. I loved checking in.

CONNECTED BOOKS: PURITY IN DEATH is the 15th book in the In Death series. While the mysteries in each book are standalone, there are continuing and overarching storylines (especially regarding character relationships and development) that continue from book to book. I recommend reading the series in order, although it is not strictly necessary.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

four-stars

Review: Reunion in Death

Review: Reunion in DeathReunion in Death (In Death, #14) by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #14
Published by Berkley on March 5, 2002
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 378
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: REUNION IN DEATH is an outstanding entry in the In Death series. Eve’s personal journey as she confronts her past and deepens her relationships makes this a pivotal book in her character development. The balance of a compelling mystery with rich character growth results in a truly satisfying read.

THE STORY: Lieutenant Eve Dallas faces a blast from her past when Walter Pettibone is murdered at his own birthday party. The killer is Julianna Dunne, a woman Eve put away years ago who has now been released and is out for revenge. As Eve races to catch Julianna before she kills again, she must also confront the memories and emotions from her own past.

OPINION: REUNION IN DEATH stands out as a powerful installment in the series, offering a perfect blend of character development and suspenseful storytelling.

While there isn’t much mystery here since Julianna Dunne’s involvement is known early on, the book excels in its portrayal of a tense cat and mouse game. Eve’s attempts to anticipate and outwit the murderer create a palpable sense of urgency and excitement throughout the narrative. This chase adds a layer of suspense that keeps the pages turning, even as the focus remains on character development.

The heart of this book lies in Eve’s continued confrontation with her past. As she deals with Julianna, a reminder of her early cases, Eve is forced to revisit and process aspects of her history. This introspection leads to significant character growth, providing some of the most poignant and revealing moments in the series so far.

What makes this book truly special is how Eve’s personal growth impacts her relationships. We see a profound deepening of her connection with Roarke as she becomes more open and vulnerable. Their scenes together are both tender and passionate, showcasing the strength of their partnership in the face of Eve’s emotional journey and the high-stakes case.

Moreover, Eve’s character development extends to her other relationships as well. We see her building stronger connections with characters like Peabody, Mira, and Feeney. This evolution from the solitary character we met in NAKED IN DEATH to someone who is slowly building a network of meaningful relationships is beautifully portrayed.

WORTH MENTIONING: One thing I really enjoy about the IN DEATH series is how the secondary characters develop as well. This book gives readers more about Peabody and develops her character more as well.

CONNECTED BOOKS: REUNION IN DEATH is the fourteenth book in the IN DEATH series. The mystery here is self-contained and thus can be read as a standalone; however, the character development is significant in this series, and Eve’s struggles are important here, so I recommend reading the books in order.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

five-stars

Review: Seduction in Death

Review: Seduction in DeathSeduction in Death (In Death, #13) by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #13
Published by Berkley on September 1, 2001
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 372
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: SEDUCTION IN DEATH is a solid addition to the In Death series. The book shines in its exploration of Eve’s ongoing struggle with her past and the deepening of her relationship with Roarke while the mystery takes a backseat.

THE STORY: In 2059, New York Lieutenant Eve Dallas investigates a series of murders involving young women. As Eve works the case, she finds herself confronting aspects of her traumatic childhood, adding personal stakes to the investigation.

OPINION: SEDUCTION IN DEATH is an engaging read in the series, though its strengths lie more in character development than in the mystery itself. The most compelling aspects of this book are how the crime impacts Eve and forces her to grapple with her past. We see Eve exploring and dealing with new aspects of the tragedy of her childhood. This internal struggle adds depth to her character and provides some of the most poignant moments in the book.

As always, the interactions between Eve and Roarke are the highlight of the story. Their relationship continues to evolve and deepen, offering both tender moments and the spark of tension that makes their dynamic so engaging. Robb excels at showing how their connection deepens even as Eve struggles with her past and the demands of her job.

The actual crime and the criminal’s identity are less important in this installment, with the whodunnit revealed early on. This allows more room for character exploration, which works to the book’s advantage.

While not the most mystery-focused entry in the series, SEDUCTION IN DEATH delivers on the character development and relationship aspects that fans of the series have come to love. It’s a solid addition that furthers the overall arc of Eve’s personal growth and her relationship with Roarke.

WORTH MENTIONING: There is a great secondary character story that continues to develop which adds some levity when Eve’s personal story is darker here.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SEDUCTION IN DEATH is the 13th book in the In Death series. While the crime plot stands alone, the character development benefits significantly from familiarity with earlier books.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

four-stars

Review: Connections in Death

Review: Connections in DeathConnections in Death (In Death, #48) by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #48
Published by St. Martin's Press on February 5, 2019
Genres: Futuristic, Mystery
Pages: 384
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: A solid entry in the series. I especially enjoyed the interaction between Eve and Roarke in this one as the two have become comfortable with one another in their marriage.

THE STORY: Eve and Roarke are working on their new school and youth center intended for children like they were growing up. When the brother of the new head psychologist is found dead, it at first seems that his troubles with addiction have resulted in his death, but Eve soon recognizes it as a disguised murder.

OPINION: I’m a big fan of this series. Most of the books are really good and a few are middling. This one is a solid entry. It has some of the aspects that I enjoy most about this series: a personal connection for Eve, a lot of interaction between Eve and Roarke, and appearances by Eve’s friends and coworkers.

I also admit that I am always more interested in these relationships than the mystery. There isn’t a tremendous amount of mystery here as the crime is quickly solved, but Eve has to put the evidence together to get the criminals. That worked well here. This book was more like a crime procedural than a mystery.

What I enjoyed the most was the continued maturing of Eve and Roarke’s relationship. Readers who have followed the entire breadth of the series will see a deepening and the two dealing with one another in a positive manner. I love watching these characters move beyond their painful pasts.

There is also a nice smattering of the other people in Eve’s life. She has a whole menagerie of people in her life now and we get a glimpse of many of them. I enjoy seeing Eve connect with others. Her growth has been amazing from the woman who was so alone in the first book in this series to someone who knows how to ask for and receive help from others.

This is a good entry in the series. Not one of the most compelling, but quite enjoyable.

WORTH MENTIONING: Although there have been 48 books in this series, just about 3 years have passed in the series itself so a lot has happened in those years.

CONNECTED BOOKS: CONNECTIONS IN DEATH is the forty-eighth book in the In Death series. This one can be read pretty much as a standalone although I think a casual reader misses a lot of character development.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

 

four-stars

Review: Leverage in Death

Review: Leverage in DeathLeverage in Death (In Death, #47) by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #47
Published by St. Martin's Press on September 4, 2018
Genres: Futuristic, Mystery
Pages: 385
Goodreads
four-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: Eve is surrounded by her supporting cast and this one really worked for me. Books where Eve and Roarke get to work together are always better in my opinion. This one is really about Eve and those around her with an intriguing mystery.

THE STORY: A man walks into a conference room wearing a suicide vest and kills his colleagues. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is called to the scene and soon discovers that there is more than a disgruntled employee involved. Someone held his wife and child hostage to compel is actions. To discover who and what was the motive, Eve gets some help from her husband Roarke.

OPINION: I really enjoyed this book. Honestly, the “mystery” wasn’t as intense as others in the series, but this book really sold the relationships in the series well. There is good stuff with Eve and Roarke, Eve and Peabody, Eve and Nadine. The book also closes off some of the lingering storylines in the series.

I did like the mystery even though it felt less important to this book than in others. The crimes were pretty dramatic and the motives and methods intriguing and murky. That I really enjoyed.

But my favorite part of this book is that we get to see Eve and Roarke working together. I read these books because I love seeing these two together and I liked this book so much more because the two of them spent most of the story interacting with one another.

WORTH MENTIONING: Sometimes I am shocked into thinking of how little time has passed in the In Death world. The Oscars where the Icove movie is nominated is just happening.

CONNECTED BOOKS: LEVERAGE IN DEATH is the forty-seventh book in the In Death series. The mystery here is self-contained but a reader is tossed immediately into the characters with no re-introduction for new readers.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

four-half-stars

Review: Interlude in Death

Review: Interlude in DeathInterlude in Death (In Death, #12.5) by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #12.5
Published by Berkley on August 29, 2006
Genres: Futuristic, Mystery
Pages: 88
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: This is a nice novella in the In Death world. The novella manages to pack in many of the same elements of the novels including the humor, romance, the large cast of characters, and an intriguing mystery.

THE STORY: Eve has one of the challenges of her career when she is supposed to give a speech (of all things) at a police convention at Roarke’s off-planet Olympus resort. When one of the attendees ends up murdered, Eve is on the case. The case is complicated by Eve having an altercation with the victim and his boss’s obsession with bringing down Roarke.

OPINION: This is a nice “interlude” in the series. It has all the elements in the full length novels, but manages to compact everything into less than 100 pages. I especially enjoyed that the story gives Eve and Roarke a significant amount of time together and yet there is plenty of time for action, for interaction with important characters in the series (pretty much all Eve’s colleagues), nuggets about Eve and Roarke’s pasts, and some sexy moments as well.

The story happens quickly and if there is any complaint it is that the mystery is not deep, but one cannot expect much more of a short novella. I did like that Eve is given a bump in the road by having a local cop to deal with.

The solution seemed pretty obvious to me at first, but I liked the twists even if it wasn’t really possible to reason out that solution, but regardless I liked the journey to get there.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book has an interesting moment when it is discussed why Eve is seemingly being passed over for promotion.

CONNECTED BOOKS: INTERLUDE IN DEATH is book 12.5 in the In Death series. This is a novella that gives a taste of the series. It can be read as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

 

four-stars

Review: Betrayal in Death

Review: Betrayal in DeathBetrayal in Death (In Death, #12) by J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts
Series: In Death #12
Published by Berkley Books on March 1, 2001
Genres: Futuristic, Mystery
Pages: 355
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: More a thriller than a mystery, this one tests Eve’s skills as she hunts a professional killer who has Roarke in his sights. I loved the pacing of this one and the exploration of Roarke’s past.

THE STORY: The rape and murder of a hotel maid in one of Roarke’s hotels brings Eve on the case of a professional killer who seems to be targeting those who work for Roarke. Eve fears that Roake is the final target. But because the killer is a hired gun, Eve also has to figure out who is the hidden figure behind these crimes. The solution might rest in Roarke’s shady past.

OPINION: This is a page turner from beginning to end as Eve races against time to find the killer. The book is focused and exciting and has plenty of emotional heft between Eve and Roarke as she is the caretaker this time. This story shakes Roarke and Eve is the one who not only has to solve the crime but also manage the emotions of Roarke.

This book demonstrates how well this series does crime combined with serious character development. Eve and Roarke center this story. While the crimes are salacious and over the top at times, the emotional heart of the series is the relationship between these two and how they are opening up to one another and building a relationship.

The killer in this case is a professional who has some interesting quirks which make him memorable and particularly vicious. It is a particularly nasty episode, but the twist at the end gives this some good emotional connection.

WORTH MENTIONING: A cute part of the book is Eve and Roarke ending up giving relationship advice to Peabody and McNab.

CONNECTED BOOKS: BETRAYAL IN DEATH is the twelfth book in the In Death series. This book has an independent and stand alone mystery with continuing personal story lines.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

 

five-stars