There are a stack of series I love: John Sandford’s Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers books; Martha Grimes’ Richard Jury/Melrose Plant series; Sue Grafton’s alphabet series’; Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books; and Robert B Parker’s Spenser series. And so forth. And possibly at the top of that list is JD Robb’s In Death series, which I’ve already raved about ad nauseum.
We’re up to number 41 but I pretty much know I can rely on Nora Roberts (writing as Robb) to deliver through tough Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her delightful mega-rich Irish hubby, Roarke.
In this latest outing we meet the bad guys up-front… which isn’t always the case. I usually like a big ‘reveal’ at the end, but I managed to cope with this disappointment with the fortitude you’ve come to expect from me. 😉
Darryl and Ella-Loo are kindred spirits. And not in a good way. Their first killing is kinda accidental but the act (ahem) turns them on so much, it sets them off on a killing spree which involves days of torturing their victims before death.
The FBI have already traced some of the crimes and know they’re after a serial killer/s but Dallas and her team go back further, knowing their earliest crimes will help them find the dangerous duo.
In almost every ‘In Death’ novel, the killer/s end up targeting Dallas, Roarke or one of their friends and I liked that this didn’t happen in this latest novel. There were no ‘Eve in danger’ moments which can (alas) become a bit anti-climatic when you know she’s not gonna actually die.
The pace and anticipation keep us on the edge of our seats (however) because they’re in a race to save the pair’s latest victim and we’re given an opportunity to meet her and become sufficiently invested in her wellbeing to turn pages quickly as if to hasten the arrival of Dallas and her team.
As an aside, I really liked the inclusion of the naive but savvy Arkansas police officer, Deputy Banner and hold a vague hope that he’ll be the replacement uniformed officer Eve briefly mentions in this novel.
Devoted in Death by JD Robb will be released via Little Brown Book Group UK and Hachette Australia on 10 September 2015.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers for review purposes.
September 10, 2015
I love, love this series too. They are automatic buys for me! Glad you enjoyed this installment.
September 10, 2015
I started collecting them Nise but the place I was getting them ran out. But then I started buying all of the newest releases so am only missing some of the middle section. Definitely a comfort read!
September 10, 2015
Isn’t it a wonderful series, says me who is only as far as #21 but soooo good on audio. I have a goal to arrive at the place where I am reading as soon as they publish. Good to know this one is as great as the others. I sometimes wish characters who are in one of these books could come back!
September 10, 2015
This one probably doesn’t have quite as much personal stuff in it. Often there are gatherings being planned or relatives arriving etc (and Eve freaking out) and this doesn’t really include as much of that, but parts of the case remind Eve a bit of her own family and childhood.
September 10, 2015
41?? geez I didn’t realise I was soooo far behind. Great series and I’m only on book 13, but then I somehow read book 18, Divided in Death. Good to hear it doesn’t peter out …
September 10, 2015
Ah yes and I think there are a few short stories or novellas which have been published as extras – none really impacting on the story arc so not necessary reading… and I haven’t seen or read all of those.
September 10, 2015
Wonderful! I have never read this series so will get started.. I also enjoy Michael Connelly’s Bosch series but have read all of them…
September 10, 2015
Are you watching the TV show Bosch Sue? I haven’t read all of them but was keen to watch the show and am mostly enjoying it. (A couple of the characters annoy me, but…)
September 10, 2015
I feel like I have been living under a rock, I’ve never read this series. :/
September 10, 2015
I don’t actually think the series is that widely known and Nora Roberts is certainly better known for her romantic suspense novels than her work as JD Robb, but I enjoy them!
September 12, 2015
I love this series and I have this sitting on my bedside table shouting at me! In Death is my go to read, I have read about the first twenty five then I got sent 39 so I jumped ahead a few. I have been trying to find time to go back and read the rest.
Thanks for sharing, I love JD Robb!!!
September 12, 2015
No worries Heather and enjoy this one!