Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Calculated in Death (In Death, #36)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Calculated in Death

(In Death #36)

J.D. Robb (Goodreads Author),

Nora Roberts (Goodreads Author)

4.27 · Rating details · 22,131 ratings · 1,428 reviews

On Manhattan's Upper East Side a woman lies dead at the bottom of the stairs, stripped of all her valuables. Most cops might call it a mugging gone wrong, but Lieutenant Eve Dallas knows better.

A well-off accountant and a beloved wife and mother, Marta Dickenson doesn't seem the type to be on anyone's hit list. But when Eve and her partner, Peabody, find blood inside the b ...more

Get A Copy

Mass Market Paperback, 338 pages

Published July 30th 2013 by Berkley Books (first published February 2013)

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Calculated in Death, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.27 ·

Rating details

· 22,131 ratings · 1,428 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of Calculated in Death (In Death, #36)

Sep 12, 2012 Siang rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

May there be many more In Death books to come.

flag 68 likes · Like · see review

Aug 09, 2018 Jen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: august-2018, kindle-own, favorites, mystery, series-book, suspence, romantic-suspence

Another great read with Eve and Roarke in the year 2060! I absolutely love the In Death series! It is the longest series I know of with approximately 46 books under JD Robb’s name! JD Robb is better known as Nora Roberts; and she proves that she can not only write heartwarming love stories but also fascinating crime/murder mysteries. What I love about the In Death series is the characters in it. Eve and Roarke are the main characters and mostly everyone who has read these books falls hard for th ...more

flag 51 likes · Like · see review

Feb 23, 2013 Phrynne rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A few more happy hours spent in the company of Eve, Roarke, Peabody and the rest. There were a number of murders, lots of possible murderers and Eve managed to become physically involved several times. In other words, all the fun and games we expect from these novels.

I always enjoy the way Robb writes, but sometimes she produces real gems. Her description of the sleeping cat, Galahad, as looking like "overfed roadkill" delighted me! She also has a real ability to write humorous dialogue . I spen ...more

flag 46 likes · Like · see review

Dec 31, 2012 Annie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: author-jd-robb, favorites, drinks-on-me, king-of-the-harem, my-hottie-harem, review-requests, series-in-death, arc, read-in-2013, genre-romantic-suspense

Another book. Another murder. Yet none of it feels old or redundant. Visiting Eve and Roarke in CALCULATED IN DEATH is like catching up with old friends. You never seem to get tired of reading about them.

On the Upper East Side, a woman is found dead at the bottom of a staircase, missing her valuables. The victim is named Marta Dickenson and as a successful accountant and a loving mother, she is the last person suspected to be targeted for a hit. Because of that, most cops would conclude that it was a mugging, but signs indicate to Eve that something else is going on here. Blood inside the building notifies Eve that a homicide may be the answer. That means, a killer is on the loose and it’s up to Eve to locate and tag this trained killer.

If you’re a loyal fan of the series, you are guaranteed to love this book. Robb follows the same equation that has created such a buzz surrounding this series. Smart and effective, Eve Dallas is as tough as ever and nothing seems like it’s ever going to slow her momentum down. Lieutenant Eve Dallas will forever go down as one of the most well-loved and memorable heroines of our time.

The titles of the books often give readers a glimpse of what the mystery is about and I think this calculated, numerical approach to a mystery is something new and fresh. I love the way Robb is able to take something so simple and create a story that has its twists and turns to make it a ride that readers will never forget.

When I read an In Death novel, I often force my brain to work overtime, trying to decipher the next move or outcome before Robb so expertly reveals the truth. It’s almost like readers are the audience at a magic show, where Robb is the magician performing a magic trick to impress us all. I’m always trying to figure out her next move before she even attempts it, and yet I am always so surprised by the reveal in the end. For me, that’s what makes this series so engaging and fun. That’s what keeps me coming back for more.

As most of you know, I love Roarke (who doesn’t?) so I always tune into the next installment of this series to get my dose of the hot Irish businessman. Roarke doesn’t make his grand appearance until a little later in the book, but as long as he is there, I’m a happy reader.

CALCULATED IN DEATH thrilled me, seduced me and excited me. Robb can never disappoint me.

*ARC provided by publisher ...more

flag 40 likes · Like · see review

Sep 08, 2016 Jilly rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery

A mystery about accountants and accounting stuff? Count me in!! (haha, see what I did there?)

Okay, so maybe the world of accounting isn't the most exciting thing out there, but don't worry because we get to learn about shell corporations, dummy companies, and tax shelters - so it's edutainment.

Okay, so maybe I don't want to learn about those things and just want to read about bloody murders in the future where there are flying cars and machines that cook for you. But, still - it was readable.

O ...more

flag 34 likes · Like · see review

Jan 31, 2019 Hulya Kara Yuksel rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I just love this series so freaking much. ❤❤❤
Eve & Roarke are the best couple that I've ever read. 😍😍😍

...more

flag 31 likes · Like · see review

Oct 24, 2017 Mo rated it really liked it · review of another edition

"On Manhattan's Upper East Side a woman lies dead at the bottom of the stairs, stripped of all her valuables. Most cops might call it a mugging gone wrong, but Lieutenant Eve Dallas knows better."

“That's a lot of vegetables.
"It is, yes, and if you eat them like a good girl..." He lifted the silver lid on another plate, revealed a small pizza, with pepperoni arranged into a smiley face.
She tried to give him a stony stare, but the laugh won out. "You think you're cute, don't you, pa

...more

flag 29 likes · Like · see review

Nov 17, 2012 Livia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

In my opinion, CALCULATED IN DEATH is one of the best in the series. The premier of the movie based on one of Eve's cases is finally about to happen. Before Eve and Roarke and the gang can party, she must first solve the murder of a wealthy accountant. It's a good old fashion mystery that is exciting from beginning to end. In the background lurks the issue of Eve having to get all gussied up for a fancy party. It's true In Death fun! ...more

flag 24 likes · Like · see review

Sep 18, 2017 ♥Sharon♥ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

What can I say that I haven’t already said before? It is all repetitive I know but the In Death Series is truly one of a kind. I have never read a series beyond say 7 or 8 books with such desire to read on. And now I find myself having finished 36. It is just crazy!

I adore Eve and who she is. I wish I could be as badass as she is. Throughout the series Eve evolves. Not drastically but enough to appreciate the change in her. She'd be the first one to tell you she never expected to be as happy as ...more

flag 30 likes · Like · see review

Sep 07, 2012 Kjen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Another most excellent installment of my favorite series! Lots of interesting plot/case twists and turns and a really bad 'bad guy'...blah, blah, blah...lol...I know, what about Eve and Roarke, right?!!? Eve and Roarke are awesome!(; Ahhh, no spoilers, though. So many parts to love...just a few...Roarke makes a unbelievably sexy nurse, the work out scene, the whole freaking incredible ending, Roarke's boy-o comment about the knife...I could go on and on! Oh, and Eve's character is really growing ...more

flag 16 likes · Like · see review

Feb 21, 2013 Sarescent rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-books, reviewed, least-favorites

After a devoted wife and mother is murdered in what appears to be a botched mugging, Eve Dallas and her billionaire genius husband Roarke delve into the world of white-collar crime and financial intrigue. This is another solid but unexceptional effort in what was once a truly brilliant series. I feel like I harp on this every time I review a new In Death book, but the plots are so lackluster now. It truly depresses me because I've read the older books until the pages fell out.

So, delving in, Dal After a devoted wife and mother is murdered in what appears to be a botched mugging, Eve Dallas and her billionaire genius husband Roarke delve into the world of white-collar crime and financial intrigue. This is another solid but unexceptional effort in what was once a truly brilliant series. I feel like I harp on this every time I review a new In Death book, but the plots are so lackluster now. It truly depresses me because I've read the older books until the pages fell out.

So, delving in, Dallas and Peabody quickly ascertain that the murder was premeditated and the victim, an accountant working on several corporate audits, was killed to cover up financial crimes. We meet the victim's husband and in-laws when Dallas goes to break the news, but there's no information given about her to make her unique or three-dimensional, so I didn't care much about her character or resolving her murder. (Obviously I think all killers should be caught and no one deserves to die, etc, but I'm mentioning this because this lack of charisma was a recurring theme in this book.)

Dallas utilizes her husband's business acumen to help her determine which of the victim's clients had financial motives to want her dead. We're introduced to several vapid, obnoxious, rich characters, and one of them turns out to be the mastermind behind the plot. His hired muscle soon kills off two more financial players involved in his fraud scheme. There is no interrogation scene with the mastermind, so we don't even get the pleasure of seeing Dallas match wits with him. We do see her interrogate the hired muscle, a big bruiser type who is nothing but a killing machine. HE IS THE MOST BORING PERP IN ANY BOOK. Seriously. A rock or a cup would be more interesting than this guy.

So, the murder case is a bit of a wash, though there are a few good things, particularly in a scene with Peabody and a paranoid hacker. That leaves the development of Eve, Roarke, and the other supporting characters. Calculated in Death ties into what, in my opinion, was the weakest book in the series, Celebrity in Death. The big climactic scene takes place at the premiere of the film made from Nadine's book about the Icove case. Why we need to revisit the Celebrity in Death characters, none of whom I cared about and most of whom I could barely remember, is a puzzle to me. Let these characters die, please. There's a utterly ridiculous scene between Eve and the actress who played her in the film. It was stupid, completely out of left field, and very unrealistic.

The Eve/Roarke scenes were more of the same, little development, and the sex scenes were DULL. Oh, this hurts me. Remember the post-exercise sex in Immortal in Death? What about the sex in the garden in Purity in Death? Why can't we get an exciting sex scene in any of the new books? I don't know if Robb is shying away from good sex scenes given the new popularity of erotic fiction and the rise of authors like Sylvia Day and E.L. James, or if she's just out of ideas. These books are so mild sexually you don't even feel odd about sharing them with your grandma. And that's not a bad thing, I guess, but... I just miss what they used to be.

It hurts me to be so negative, but there it is. ...more

flag 15 likes · Like · see review

Sep 11, 2012 Ren Puspita marked it as own-unread · review of another edition

Shelves: romantic-suspense, own-mass-market

But when someone steals the files out of Marta's office, Eve must immerse herself in her billionaire husband Roarke's world of big business to figure out who's cruel and callous enough to hire a hit on an innocent woman

Oh, it will be interesting! To see Eve in Roarke's business will be hilarious! :D
(and yes, I still want many monkey sex between them) ...more

flag 14 likes · Like · see review

Jan 02, 2015 Angela (Reading Frenzy Book Blog) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, 4-and-a-half-stars, romantic-suspense

4.5 stars

Eve, Roarke, Peabody and the rest of the gang are back to solve another case; this one involving the murder of a likable accountant. The book gets off to a slow start, primarily due to the story being bogged down with too many similar suspects to keep straight, but things pick up considerably about one quarter of the way through. In fact, I’m pleased to say that although this is the thirty-sixth novel in the In Death series it manages to sustain a fresh feel. The book contains many of t ...more

flag 13 likes · Like · see review

Feb 07, 2013 Tanja ~ T's Book ~ KT Book Reviews rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery-action-adventure

It’s the middle of winter and you are tired of looking at brown grass, your boots are getting far to scuffed and you are just tired of opening the coat closet doors. “What I need”, you say to yourself,” is a day at the beach”. A tropical getaway and a good stiff drink.

Calculated in Death has none of that. But as far as the read, it’s all that. Oh how I missed you guys! I gave Calculated in Death 5 stars. Yes 5 stars just because it was a breath of fresh air. Stay with me here folks. Cause ya mi ...more

flag 11 likes · Like · see review

Feb 03, 2021 Wendy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 5000-2021, feb-21, wom-21

I really enjoyed this 36th book in J.D. Robb's "In Death" series! ...more

flag 11 likes · Like · see review

Feb 25, 2020 Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile rated it liked it · review of another edition

spoilers ahead

An innocent accountant is murdered and her loving family shattered as greedy men seek to cover up their misdeeds. Eve leaves the streets to head into the world of business to track a killer who doesn't intend to stop until all evidence of their secrets are destroyed
I enjoyed the first half but I skimmed a bit in the latter, still a good read a and solid series however ...more

flag 10 likes · Like · see review

Apr 20, 2013 Cathryn Chandler rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: jd-robb

I’m a big Nora Roberts fan, and out of all the series she’s written—I like the books she’s produced under her pseudonym of J.D. Robb the best. Set about fifty years into the future, and starring the outstanding characters of murder cop Eve Dallas and her husband/lover multi-billionaire Roarke, the series now spans over 30 volumes. And I have read every one of them at least 4 times, definitely putting me into the category of “BIG” fan.
Calculated in Death is the 36th entry into the JD Robb series. I’m a big Nora Roberts fan, and out of all the series she’s written—I like the books she’s produced under her pseudonym of J.D. Robb the best. Set about fifty years into the future, and starring the outstanding characters of murder cop Eve Dallas and her husband/lover multi-billionaire Roarke, the series now spans over 30 volumes. And I have read every one of them at least 4 times, definitely putting me into the category of “BIG” fan.
Calculated in Death is the 36th entry into the JD Robb series. I didn’t think I would ever say this about one of the Eve/Roarke books, but this review will be short and to the point because I didn’t care for the book. Which, if you read the reviews on Kindle, puts me in the minority.
The plot was good. It moved along, it was well thought out and very much in the vein of the previous books. No complaints there. All the characters were present-- Eve and Roarke, Peabody and McNab, Eve’s squad, Dr. Mira and so on. But I had to literally plow through this book. It took me days to read it—and believe me, it never takes me days to read a book in this series. It also wasn’t hard to figure out why.
In all the years I’ve been reading, I’ve never seen a writing style change so drastically in a single book. The dialogue was off. As one example, one character asked another if they wanted to come in, and the character responded “I would, yes.”—a cadence very typical of Roarke but was said by Eve. She then went into the home of someone on the initial, possible suspect list and proceeded to sit down in the living room and discuss the case and the other suspects with this person. Eve doesn’t do that.
But mostly—Eve didn’t have that innate femininity that she always has in the books—even when she’s at her best as a kick-ass murder cop, and Roarke didn’t have that dark, masculine quality—he was (gasp) kind of flat in this book. Because the change in writing style was so dramatic, it made the book difficult to read because I kept expecting the JD Robb I was used to.
So—if you are a JD Robb fan, and I had to pick one book out of the series to tell you to take a pass on—this one would be it, with apologies to Nora Roberts.. because I really do love her books.-- Vicki
...more

flag 10 likes · Like · see review

Feb 04, 2013 Diane rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Another great In Death book - lots of suspects, very good story line - some really good banter between the main characters.

I would like to know who edits these books though - 2 things jumped right off the page at me - "Harvo" was called "Harpo" again and Peabody was refered to as "Officer" Peabody when she was introduced to one of the interviewees. Blatant errors!

It's still a very good read and for those who think the book is anticlimatic, well everything after NY2D is anticlimatic!

5 stars and ...more

flag 11 likes · Like · see review

Mar 06, 2013 Trisha rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, murder-mystery, in-death, science-fiction

From my blog:

The Good: In Death books are always good for giving the reader a good and complicated crime to solve. Not all of the books are a whodunit but this one was. I was guessing who the killer(s) was clear up until the reveal. Then again, I never figure that out in books, TV, or movies for that matter. Robb is good at giving the reader more than just a crime story to read. She weaves the character's personalities and relationships with each other throughout the story.

The Bad: I didn't like ...more

flag 9 likes · Like · see review

Feb 04, 2018 Anna Serene rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: g-female-authors, imo-series-love, s-i-am-the-law, ms-smexy-times, s-m-b-illionaire-rich, m-fiction, m-romance, m-science-fiction, s-part-of-a-series, m-mystery-thriller-horror

2.5 stars

This was the most boring In Death book I've ever read. I get that this is book 36 in a series, and I should probably be grateful that the vast majority of the books have not been like this one, but this was BORING. Even Eve and Roarke were boring in this one. I hope the next one is significantly better. ...more

flag 8 likes · Like · see review

Sep 01, 2017 Mei rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary

Another fantastic idea!

flag 8 likes · Like · see review

Sep 09, 2017 Ann Lou rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This series hasn't let me down yet and I believe never will. After 36 books, I still want more of Eve's ass kicking. Roarke's too perfect beyond words but I wouldn't mind having him for a night or two *shameful grin* And the rest of the gang? They all make this series worth so much reading. I feel like we are family already. *my sentimentality is showing*

Anyhoo, we have calculated killings in this one. According to Eve, stupid but calculated. I have to admit, I am not really a fan of numbe ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Oct 03, 2019 Mara rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: subscription

I really liked the ending set piece of this one, and thought the whodunnit was one of the better ones in the series

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Feb 05, 2020 fleurette rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: crime

This series is my comfort read. When I don't feel like reading and I feel that slump is approaching, I am reading a book from this series. Generally this series keeps a nice level. Although of course there are better and worse books in it. This book is a bit weaker in my opinion. Or maybe I wasn't in the mood after all.

Eve is involved in solving the mystery of death of an accountant who audited large companies. It is known from the beginning that the motive lies in inconsistencies in the account ...more

flag 12 likes · Like · see review

Dec 21, 2012 Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audio

Quick review:

Cover: Fitting
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess: Steamy
Thumbs Up: 4
Overall: Back to basics with Dallas and the crew
Characters: Well written
Plot: Blue collar crime going murderous
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Roarke

SUMMARY (50 words or less)
This series has been a stable for me. The earlier books were great and they still continue now to be good. However, before Dallas used to say no to kids ever. I got the sense in this book that things may change. Any ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Mar 06, 2013 Awilk -never sleeps- rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: law-men, read-in-2013, hot-alphas, dhasg13

There really isn't anything to say about this book. After so many of these In Death books, it is like visiting old friends. I do enjoy my now twice yearly visits, and as soon as one comes to an end, I start looking forward to the next one.
Almost everyone was here. There was a couple missing, but hopefully they will turn up next time.
The storyline was what I expected. Well written and fast. There is never enough Roarke for me, but I did enjoy him playing nurse in this one.
Now it is time for me to ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Nov 10, 2016 Kathryn rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-star, romantic-suspense, series-books, audiobooks

Another interesting story, although perhaps not as suspenseful as some of them. Susan Ericksen again narrated this so well. Loved how she does the voice of Peabody. Pacing, intonation and expression is perfect.

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Dec 08, 2019 Sarah rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: scanned, books-i-own-print, read-in-2019, books-i-own-kindle

When accountant Marta Dickenson is murdered it initially looks like a mugging gone wrong, but something just doesn't quite add up for Eve and Peabody so they decide to take a closer look. They quickly discover that Marta was specifically targeted but what reason would anyone have to kill a normal woman who just did her job to the best of her ability before going home to spend time with her family? The deeper Eve digs the more she starts to see there has been a cover up and it looks like someone ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Sep 14, 2020 ☘ Lily ☘ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020, billionaire-gazillionare, futuristic-set-in-future, interesting-supporting-characters, pages-300-400, best-heroine-everrrrr, suspense-or-mystery, action-based, adult-romance, adventure

I have come to a realization. I never want this series to end. I'm not ready yet. Even when it's an okay read, even then, it is better than anything I've read.

So, the case in this one is more of a corporate killing. Which if you ask me, didn't exactly tickle my fancy. But like I said, even then, it was such a great read.

*sigh* Let me bask in the magnificent of Roarke and Eve. And Peabody and the rest. ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Apr 02, 2013 Lindig rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: thriller

I've been a big fan of this series from the beginning but it's become a bit boring and predictable in the last few books (since New York to Dallas, which I think should have been the last book). Yes, it's good that Eve is dealing with her demons but it's begun to flatten her out into a less edgy character. When I saw that this book was going to deal with accounting and money, I thought Roarke was going to be more of a main character, possibly dealing with more of his early years, but no, it was ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
J.D. Robb : Calculated In Death (Spoiler Zone)	76	219	Jan 28, 2017 05:03AM
Honest opinions ... ?	21	121	Sep 02, 2015 08:26AM
Should I read this book? And is it any good?	6	42	Aug 27, 2015 06:44AM
J.D. Robb : Buddy Read - Calculated In Death (July 2015) - Spoiler Zone	92	56	Aug 05, 2015 06:04PM

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Genres

Mystery

624 users

Romance

249 users

Fiction

147 users

Mystery > Crime

144 users

Romance > Romantic Suspense

125 users

Futuristic

115 users

Suspense

105 users

Science Fiction

83 users

Audiobook

64 users

Thriller

61 users

See top shelves…

About J.D. Robb

J.D. Robb

30,711 followers

J.D. Robb is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling In Death series and the pseudonym for #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts. The futuristic suspense series stars Eve Dallas, a New York City police lieutenant with a dark past. Initially conceived as a trilogy, readers clamored for more of Eve and the mysterious Roarke. Forgotten in Death (St. Martin's Press, September 2021) ...more

Other books in the series

In Death (1 - 10 of 53 books)

Books by J.D. Robb

More…

Goodreads Staffers Recommend Their Favorite Audiobooks

A great audiobook requires not only fantastic source material, but also a narrator who can translate that text into an amazing...

Trivia About Calculated in Dea...

3 trivia questions

More quizzes & trivia...

Quotes from Calculated in Death

“That's a lot of vegetables.
"It is, yes, and if you eat them like a good girl..." He lifted the silver lid on another plate, revealed a small pizza, with pepperoni arranged into a smiley face.
She tried to give him a stony stare, but the laugh won out. "You think you're cute, don't you, pal?"
"Adorable."
"In this case, you can have adorable. Ow!" She managed the stony stare when he slapped her hand away from the pizza.
"Vegetables first.” — 34 likes

“Wow, colorful. I think the kid’s head plowed into me. He came at me like a mortar. Pow! Skull meets tits. Tits lose.” — 23 likes

More quotes…

See a Problem?

Preview — Calculated in Death by J.D. Robb

Calculated in Death

(In Death #36)

Get A Copy

Friend Reviews

Reader Q&A

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

Readers also enjoyed

Genres

About J.D. Robb

Other books in the series

Books by J.D. Robb

Related Articles

Trivia About Calculated in Dea...

Quotes from Calculated in Death