Apprentice in Death by J.D. Robb Series: In Death #43
Published by Berkley on September 6th 2016
Genres: Futuristic, Mystery
Pages: 375
Goodreads
“It would be the first kill.”
FINAL DECISION: Eve Dallas and her band of friends and investigators take on a sniper killing in New York. This book fits the pattern of the most recent books which focuses more on a crime. Eve is more balanced and well adjusted and as such there is not much drama there. An interesting story although there is not much drama in the whodunnit rather it is a “how do we capture the killer” book.
THE STORY: In January 2061, four people are shot at an ice rink in Central Park. Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas is called to the scene. She quickly realizes that the murders were committed by a sniper and fears that this is just the beginning. With the help of her fellow officers and her billionaire husband Roarke, Eve must find the motive and the murderer and stop any further killings.
OPINION: This is a fast paced mystery story. The action in the book takes place over only a few days and as a result, the book constantly feels in motion. I prefer the slower paced, whodunnit type stories, but this one is a quick paced suspense story.
On the positive side, I like the reappearance and reliance upon relationships. Eve has changed tremendously over this series and this book shows how her development actually aids her ability to do her job. She is clearly a more effective detective and a more well balanced person now. While the angst has been reduced, the humor has been retained.
This book allows us to return to the wacky and brilliant way that Eve’s mind works as she solves the crime. I especially enjoy how Eve is able to place herself in the varying positions of criminal and victim. She understands and that is her talent. What has changed in these books is that Eve is able to have a space for her own life.
I don’t want to give anything away, but the mastermind of this case is frightening to consider. The story is creepy in its own way and fascinating.
If you like the In Death books, this one follows much of the pattern of the recent books and so if you liked them, you should like this one as well. For a new reader, I still recommend that you start with the first book in the series NAKED IN DEATH which is simply fabulous.
WORTH MENTIONING: Bella’s first birthday party and redecorating.
CONNECTED BOOKS: APPRENTICE IN DEATH is the forty-third book in the In Death series. While the mystery in the book is a complete standalone, there are relationships and overarching stories for the series. While these do not prevent a new reader from starting here, new readers must recognize that there is a history behind this book.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.