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Review: Origin in Death

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Review: Origin in DeathOrigin in Death (In Death, #21) by J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts
Series: In Death #21
Published by Berkley Books on January 31, 2006
Pages: 347
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: A standout entry in the In Death series that tackles complex ethical questions while delivering a compelling mystery. This is one of my favorites. The exploration of medical ethics and what makes us human elevates this beyond a standard procedural into something more thought-provoking. The relationship between Eve and Roarke shines here as well.

THE STORY: When renowned physician and geneticist Dr. Wilfred B. Icove is found murdered in his office, Lieutenant Eve Dallas investigates his seemingly perfect life and reputation. As Eve digs deeper, she uncovers disturbing secrets about the doctor’s work that lead her into a complex web of medical ethics violations, genetic manipulation, and a scientific conspiracy.

OPINION: ORIGIN IN DEATH stands out for its gripping mystery and the thought-provoking ethical questions it raises. The case is one of the most compelling in the series, delving into medical ethics, genetic engineering, and the definition of personhood. These themes add depth and urgency to what could have been a standard murder investigation.

Eve’s takedown of the Icove legacy is especially satisfying. Her determination to uncover the truth—no matter how unsettling—shows her at the top of her game, both as a detective and as a moral force. The case pushes her to think beyond crime-solving and confront uncomfortable realities.

The relationships in the book also add to its strength. Eve and Roarke continue to grow together, with their different views on the case adding tension and insight. Their dynamic blends emotional connection with sharp dialogue and mutual respect.

The supporting cast contributes meaningfully, too. From Peabody to Mira, each character brings a unique perspective that helps drive the investigation forward. The sense of teamwork is strong and well-developed.

A welcome touch of levity comes with the arrival of Roarke’s Irish relatives, whose warmth and humor bring balance to a story heavy with sci-fi themes and ethical complexity. Their presence adds heart to the book and reminds us of the human connections that ground even the most high-concept cases.

What sets this book apart is how it uses science fiction to explore real-world ethical dilemmas without losing focus on character. It’s smart, engaging, and emotionally grounded—one of the best in the In Death series.

WORTH MENTIONING: There is some conflict between Eve and Mira, which adds depth to their relationship as it is developing through the series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ORIGIN IN DEATH is the 21st 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.

five-stars

Review: Archangel’s Ascension

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I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


Review: Archangel’s AscensionArchangel's Ascension (Guild Hunter, #17) by Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #17
Published by Berkley Books on May 6, 2025
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 416
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: Anyone who was disappointed with Aodhan and Illium’s first book finally gets a sequel where the two develop their romantic relationship further. Anyone familiar with the series might guess at the significant event in the book from the title.

THE STORY: Illium and Aodhan get a book that delves into their developing relationship. Readers of the series know that these two longtime friends recognized that friendship had turned to love. The two angels have become more comfortable with their relationship, but still have challenges, especially regarding Aodhan’s past, which is directly confronted in this book as the two deal with building a relationship after trauma.

OPINION: ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION significantly improves over “ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT. I found that the previous book lacked romantic tension and relied on a weak plot. In contrast, this sequel delivers a compelling story centered on a cold case that mirrors Aodhan’s past trauma. This narrative choice allows Aodhan to finally confront his inner demons with Illium’s support, creating genuine emotional depth between them.

The ascension threat to Illium adds real stakes to their relationship, creating the tension that was missing before. Their connection feels authentic now – Singh has found her voice in writing these two as romantic partners rather than just friends. The glimpses into their future add intrigue without distracting from the main storyline. This book makes ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT better as well because it completes what felt shallow and unconvincing in that book.

I particularly loved the cameos from characters we’ve known and loved throughout the series. Singh weaves in appearances from Elena, Raphael, Dmitri, and Naasir without letting them overshadow Illium and Aodhan’s journey. These familiar faces enhance the story and reinforce the strong bonds that make this series special.

Things are changing in the Guild Hunter World.

WORTH MENTIONING: Readers should be aware that this book deals with the aftermath of sexual and emotional trauma.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is the seventeenth book in the Guild Hunter series. This book is really the second part of ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT and should be read after that book. The entirety of the series is just better read in order, but ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT is the minimum.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley which I used to prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

five-stars

Review: Survivor in Death

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Review: Survivor in DeathSurvivor In Death (In Death, #20) by J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts
Series: In Death #20
Published by Berkley Books on February 1, 2005
Genres: Mystery, Futuristic
Pages: 384
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: An emotionally powerful book. I’ve read it repeatedly and still enjoy it. The case involving a child survivor brings out new dimensions in the characters and challenges Eve in deeply personal ways. A standout entry that showcases the heart of the series.

THE STORY: Lieutenant Eve Dallas is called to a horrific crime scene where an entire family has been murdered in their sleep – all except for nine-year-old Nixie Swisher. As the only witness and possible target, Nixie must be protected. Eve brings her home, forcing Eve and Roarke to temporarily become guardians while hunting for cold-blooded killers who may return to finish the job.

OPINION: SURVIVOR IN DEATH is one of the books in the series that is important to the character development in the In Death series.

The murder investigation unfolds at a perfect pace. But what elevates this book to something special is how the case impacts Eve on a deeply personal level. Nixie’s situation resonates with Eve’s own childhood trauma, creating moments of genuine emotional power throughout the story.

Eve’s reluctant role as Nixie’s protector forces her outside her comfort zone in ways that reveal new aspects of her character. Her awkward but determined efforts to connect with and protect this traumatized child showcase both her growth throughout the series and her fundamental decency beneath the tough exterior.

Roarke shines in this book as well, naturally stepping into a supportive role for both Eve and Nixie. Their temporary family unit creates touching scenes which echo as the series goes forward, balancing the darkness of the crime with moments of warmth and even humor.

The secondary characters each contribute meaningfully to the story, from Peabody’s steadfast support to Summerset’s unexpected connection with Nixie. The entire cast rallies around this child in ways that highlight the found family that has formed around Eve over the course of the series.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book deals with the murder of children and family trauma, which may be difficult for some readers.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SURVIVOR IN DEATH is the 20th 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.

five-stars

Review: Visions in Death

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Review: Visions in DeathVisions in Death (In Death, #19) by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #19
Published by Berkley Books on August 3, 2004
Genres: Mystery, Futuristic
Pages: 384
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: A solid entry in the In Death series that leans more toward the procedural side. While the mystery is well-crafted, the highlight is the development of Eve and Peabody’s relationship.

THE STORY: Eve Dallas investigates a series of brutal murders where women are strangled with a red ribbon, their eyes removed after death. The case takes an unusual turn when a psychic, Celina Sanchez, comes forward with visions of the murders. Initially skeptical, Eve must determine whether Celina’s insights are legitimate and if they can help catch the killer before he strikes again.

OPINION: VISIONS IN DEATH is a good addition to the series, though it focuses more heavily on the crime than character development. The investigation takes center stage in this book, with the serial killer case driving most of the action. Robb crafts a tense, methodical hunt for a particularly disturbing murderer. The procedural elements are well-executed, with Eve’s detective work showcased in detail as she pursues a killer with a specific pattern.

While the case is engrossing, there’s less of the personal growth and relationship development that makes the best books in this series shine. However, the book does deliver in one significant area: the evolution of Eve and Peabody’s relationship. Their dynamic deepens in meaningful ways, revealing the trust and respect that has grown between them. These moments provide the story’s emotional core and are the true highlight of this installment. They also show how far these two have come since Peabody was first introduced to the series.

The introduction of the psychic element adds an interesting dimension to the investigation, challenging Eve’s strictly logical approach.

WORTH MENTIONING: Reading these books years after they were written creates an interesting contrast between Robb’s imagined 2050s technology and our technological development. As we get closer to the timeframe of these books, the technological elements feel less like predictions of the future and more like an alternate timeline—a nostalgic vision of what we once thought the future might be.

CONNECTED BOOKS: VISIONS IN DEATH is the 19th 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 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: Divided in Death

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Review: Divided in DeathDivided in Death (In Death, #18) by J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts
Series: In Death #18
Published by Berkley Books on January 26, 2004
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 371
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: A standout entry in the In Death series that delivers both a tricky mystery and a deeply personal, emotional conflict between Eve and Roarke.

THE STORY: When Reva Ewing, a former Secret Service agent and Roarke employee, is found standing over the bodies of her husband and his lover, the case seems straightforward. But as Eve investigates, she uncovers a deeper conspiracy. Even more challenging, evidence surfaces involving Eve’s childhood trauma, leading to a fundamental conflict between Eve and Roarke, which challenges their marriage.

OPINION: This book delves deeply into Eve’s past trauma and the moral complexities of justice versus vengeance, making it an emotionally charged but immensely rewarding read. This series’s best books have an intriguing mystery and reveal complexities and conflicts between Eve and Roarke. This one satisfies both for me.

Although this is the eighteenth book, only a few years have passed since Eve and Roarke met and married. They are still working through their relationship challenges, and I enjoyed seeing them gain a deeper understanding of each other. Their conflict in this book feels genuine and adds depth to their relationship, forcing them to confront fundamental differences in their worldviews.

The mystery itself is solid, with layers of conspiracy and technological intrigue keeping the investigation interesting. However, what makes this book exceptional is the personal stakes—particularly as Eve must deal with new revelations about her past. The way she processes this information while simultaneously managing both the case and her conflict with Roarke showcases her growth as a character.

Secondary characters provide crucial support and perspective, helping to ground Eve and Roarke as they work through their differences. The number of secondary characters keeps growing, and I appreciate their complexity, as I care more about them with each new layer we learn.

WORTH MENTIONING: We learn more about Eve’s past for the first time in a couple of books.

CONNECTED BOOKS: DIVIDED IN DEATH is the 18th book in the In Death series. While the mystery in this book is standalone, there are continuing and overarching storylines (especially regarding Eve and Roake’s history) 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.

five-stars

Imitation in Death

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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: Meet You in the Middle

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Review: Meet You in the MiddleMeet You in the Middle by Devon Daniels
Published by Berkley Books on February 2, 2021
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 368
Goodreads
two-stars

FINAL DECISION: I was not engaged by this book. The story was too banal and uninteresting, with the characters not well defined or interesting. The first quarter of the book was the best. Once the characters became interested in one another, I was not interested in them.

THE STORY: Senate staffer Kate Adams is trying to gain support for a piece of liberal legislation when she encounters Ben Mackenzie, who works for a conservative senator. The two strike sparks off of one another immediately. As the two continue to spar with one another, they first develop an unlikely friendship and then their relationship becomes deeper and more complicated.

OPINION: I kept reading this book, figuring that there must be something there, but I was just bored by it. The story between these two was superficial and did not really engage with their conflicts. There actually is little politics in this one. It’s more used as a device to keep the two apart, and it doesn’t grapple with the differences between these characters. Don’t have much else to write about it. Not sexy, not funny, and definitely doesn’t live up to the blurb or even the first couple of chapters.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book has only one sex scene late in the novel.

CONNECTED BOOKS: MEET YOU IN THE MIDDLE is a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book two stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Edelweiss. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

two-stars

Review: When She Dreams

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Review: When She DreamsWhen She Dreams (Burning Cove, #6) by Amanda Quick
Series: Burning Cove #6
Published by Berkley Books on May 3, 2022
Genres: Historical
Pages: 320
Goodreads
three-half-stars

 

FINAL DECISION: I enjoyed this book, but it is my least favorite of the series because there is so much going on in the suspense/story that I missed the moments between the hero and heroine. They and their relationship felt less well-defined and concrete and thus I had less interest in their romance.

THE STORY: Maggie Lodge hires a private investigator Sam Sage to find out who is involved in attempting to blackmail her absent employer. The two end up traveling to Burning Cove to investigate. Both have bad relationships in their background, but Maggie also fears men who have attempted to take control of her ability to lucid dream. In Burning Cove Sam and Maggie run into charlatans, doctors who claim knowledge of lucid dreaming, and a killer. At the same time, Maggie and Sam are attracted to one another and yet have reservations about risking themselves again.

OPINION: This book was okay and it delivers on the mystery/suspense, but I was much less engaged with the couple. Both of the main characters have bad relationships in their background, but nothing about it really felt like it had affected them. The whole relationship between Sam and Maggie was too simple. There was no drama and no real connection.

I’m not sure where the relationship went wrong, but I know that I really wasn’t attached to the relationship. The suspense is supposed to drive the relationship forward, and there was too much that Sam and Maggie did apart. Too many scenes where they weren’t together. All that weakened the connection between the characters.

The book wasn’t terrible. I enjoyed it. I just wanted much more. I probably won’t return to it again.

WORTH MENTIONING: Luther and Raina make an appearance in this book. The bad thing was I wanted more of their story than Sam and Maggie.

CONNECTED BOOKS: WHEN SHE DREAMS is the sixth book in the Burning Cove series. This book can be read as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.

 

three-half-stars

Review: Guild Boss

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I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


Review: Guild BossGuild Boss by Jayne Castle
Published by Berkley Books on November 16, 2021
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 304
Goodreads

 

FINAL DECISION: This book was just fun. An action-adventure paranormal sci-fi futuristic mystery. The conflict here is external concerning the plot so the romance just felt sweet and enjoyable. Loved the strong characters — and who can resist a pizza-eating dust bunny?

THE STORY: A return to Harmony, a colony of earth now cut off where people have various psychic powers interacting with the alien world. Lucy Bell disappears into the tunnels under the city and is rescued by Gabriel Jones, one of the Guild Hunters. While Lucy insists that she was drugged and kidnapped, people believe that she got drunk after a party and wandered into the tunnels. The incident ruins Lucy’s reputation in her profession and months later when Gabriel comes back into her life, she is working as a guide on a studio tour. Now the Guild Boss of Illusion Town, Gabriel reconnects with Lucy as the two discover what happened the night Lucy disappeared.

OPINION: This book was deeply satisfying for me. It was light and fun (although there is a serious storyline — it’s not a comedy). It had a fun action-adventure vibe that I needed right now. I admit to being a huge Arcane fan and love whenever connections to that series come up. In this book Castle leans into the connection which was gratifying.

Nobody writes the “corporate” romance better than Jayne Ann Krentz (aka Jayne Castle) and this book moves the Guild more towards a polished organization. As someone who reads all three of Krentz’s different time periods, this book just felt like a great synthesis of all of them. The reveal of the significance of the book’s title was fun and just lifted the story with a little comedy.

I loved Gabriel who is put in his place by the strong Lucy. Their relationship has real equality, and there is chemistry and Castle always has great dialogue that builds a great relationship. These two are obviously meant for one another and much of the conflict is external involving the mystery, but it works here.

The only reason that this isn’t a perfect 5 star for me is that frankly there are other Castle books from this series that I love better. This one was really good, enjoyable, a rollicking adventure, and hit both the tone that I wanted and also had some great nostalgia.

I’m so glad that Castle is back writing this series and look forward to more.

WORTH MENTIONING: Gabriel is definitely one of those Jones for fans of Jayne Ann Krentz’s Arcane series. For fans of that series (who may be disappointed that Krentz abandoned the storyline in her contemporary romantic suspense), some of the past storylines are picked up here.

CONNECTED BOOKS: GUILD BOSS is the fourteenth book in the Harmony/Ghost Hunters series. The book can be read as a standalone although a new reader will need to catch up on some of the worldbuilding rules. This book is also connected with the Arcane series (which spans all three of Castle’s noms de plume — Jayne Ann Krentz, Amanda Quick, and Jayne Castle).

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

 

Review: Murder on Cold Street

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Review: Murder on Cold StreetMurder on Cold Street (Lady Sherlock, #5) by Sherry Thomas
Series: Lady Sherlock #5
Published by Berkley Books on October 6, 2020
Genres: Historical, Mystery
Pages: 344
Goodreads
five-stars

 

FINAL DECISION: With a tricky and somewhat classic mystery — who murdered two men in a locked room — this book combines a thinking investigation with a wonderful turn in Sherlock’s “romance” with Ingram.

THE STORY: Inspector Treadles is found locked in a room with two dead men and is thus the prime and only suspect in their murders. Charlotte along with her cadre of family and friends has to find out what happened or whether or not Inspector Treadles acting upon jealously murdered the men associated with his wife’s business.

OPINION: The mystery here is a classic one — who murdered the victim in a locked room? This book, like all in this series, has a great mystery premise. It certainly meets the standard of constructing an intriguing and satisfying mystery. What sets this book, and the series apart for me is the character of Charlotte and the ongoing stories that span the books of the series. The character of Charlotte finally is getting a growth spurt in this book. Her world has changed, and she is gaining complexity as it does. I love her interactions with her friends and family especially Lord Ingram (who is simply adorable in this book). Charlotte is a bit flustered in this book, which is a change for her but quite lovely overall as we get to see more of her softer side.

WORTH MENTIONING: The book ends with a peek at what is coming up next.

CONNECTED BOOKS: MURDER ON COLD STREET is the fifth book in the Lady Sherlock series. The mystery is standalone and can be read without having read the other books in the series. However, there are overarching character stories and an overarching plotline that is advanced in this book.

FINAL DECISION: I give this book 5 stars.

 

five-stars