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In Death #40
Obsession in Death
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Mystery & Thriller (2015)There's a thin line between hero worship and dangerous obsession...the explosive new Eve Dallas and Roarke thriller
A crisp winter morning in New York. In a luxury apartment, the body of a woman lies stretched out on a huge bed. On the wall above, the killer has left a message in bold black ink: FOR LIEUTENANT EVE DALLAS, WITH GREAT ADMIRATION AND UNDERSTANDING.
Eve Dallas is used to unwanted attention. Famous for her high-profile cases and her marriage to billionaire businessman Roarke, she has learned to deal with intense public scrutiny and media gossip. But now Eve has become the object of a singular and deadly obsession. She has an 'admirer', who just can't stop thinking about her. Who is convinced they have a special bond. Who is planning to kill for her - again and again...
With time against her, Eve is forced to play a delicate - and dangerous - psychological dance. Because the killer is desperate for something Eve can never provide - approval. And once that becomes clear, Eve knows her own life will be at risk - along with those she cares about the most.
404 pages, Hardcover
First published January 12, 2015
About the author
J.D. Robb
277 books32.5k followersJ.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) is the 53rd entry in the series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,675 reviews
February 19, 2020
13/2/15
This is the fortieth book in the In Death series and it is absolutely fantastic. To all those authors out there who cannot maintain their momentum through a mere trilogy - this is how you write a series! The story is as usual stand alone and it is written in the author's usual tight and gripping style. It is much better however if you have read all the previous books and have grown to know and love Eve and Roarke and all the rest of the gang. I loved everything about this book and the ending was truly outstanding. Please J.D. Robb don't stop writing this series for a long time yet!
18/2/20
And for my reread five years later I am not going to change a word of my original review. I had actually forgotten about the amazing stand off at the end. And the beautiful scene between Roarke and Eve straight after.
Okay so I am a fan. Can you tell?
This is the fortieth book in the In Death series and it is absolutely fantastic. To all those authors out there who cannot maintain their momentum through a mere trilogy - this is how you write a series! The story is as usual stand alone and it is written in the author's usual tight and gripping style. It is much better however if you have read all the previous books and have grown to know and love Eve and Roarke and all the rest of the gang. I loved everything about this book and the ending was truly outstanding. Please J.D. Robb don't stop writing this series for a long time yet!
18/2/20
And for my reread five years later I am not going to change a word of my original review. I had actually forgotten about the amazing stand off at the end. And the beautiful scene between Roarke and Eve straight after.
Okay so I am a fan. Can you tell?
Shelved as 'own-unread'
January 26, 201640 books and...still no sign for THE END
Heh, who cares as long I get my Roarke fix XD
Heh, who cares as long I get my Roarke fix XD
February 11, 2015
You don’t need me to tell you that a crime series blurbed by Stephen King, Kathy Reichs, David Baldacci and Dennis Lehane is kind of a big deal. A simple glimpse at the cover can reveal all you need to know. But even that simple glimpse isn’t needed in this case – if you’ve somehow managed to miss the hype surrounding J.D. Robb’s (Nora Roberts’) In Death series, it’s safe to conclude that you’ve been living under a pretty big rock.
Obsession in Death is the fortieth book in this series (that’s right, 40th), and it’s quite easy to see why Nora Roberts is so successful. The book is pure perfection, tightly plotted and so smoothly written that you barely even notice the words and the sentences. It’s a story that develops right in front of us, outside of language or any confines of its genre.
By now, Eve Dallas is one of the most popular characters in detective fiction – or fiction in general, really. We know the woman inside and out, we know that she’s tough as nails, but also kind-hearted and fair. We know that she doesn’t trust easily and has a god reason for it, and above all, we know that she loves Rourke more than life itself. Eve is nothing short of brilliant and Rourke is her perfect match. The balance Roberts creates between gruesome murders and their comforting love is practically flawless. Consequently, our emotional investment in these two is sky high.
In this installment, Eve faces a formidable enemy, a murderous secret admirer. A psychotic individual is killing people who have wronged Eve, seeing it as a favor of sorts, and it’s only a matter of time before the murderer turns on the object of his or her obsession. The game is tense and the stakes are high, but we know by now that Eve and Dallas are more than up to the task.
It needs to be said that the mystery was perfectly plotted and executed. I was surprised at every turn and solving the puzzle was completely beyond me. Roberts allowed me no time to breathe, which is exactly how I love my crime novels.
Don’t be intimidated by the number of books in this series. You can jump right in anytime and anywhere you want. Each book can easily function as a standalone, and although there’s mention of old cases, not knowing the details won’t take away from your reading enjoyment.
Obsession in Death is the fortieth book in this series (that’s right, 40th), and it’s quite easy to see why Nora Roberts is so successful. The book is pure perfection, tightly plotted and so smoothly written that you barely even notice the words and the sentences. It’s a story that develops right in front of us, outside of language or any confines of its genre.
By now, Eve Dallas is one of the most popular characters in detective fiction – or fiction in general, really. We know the woman inside and out, we know that she’s tough as nails, but also kind-hearted and fair. We know that she doesn’t trust easily and has a god reason for it, and above all, we know that she loves Rourke more than life itself. Eve is nothing short of brilliant and Rourke is her perfect match. The balance Roberts creates between gruesome murders and their comforting love is practically flawless. Consequently, our emotional investment in these two is sky high.
In this installment, Eve faces a formidable enemy, a murderous secret admirer. A psychotic individual is killing people who have wronged Eve, seeing it as a favor of sorts, and it’s only a matter of time before the murderer turns on the object of his or her obsession. The game is tense and the stakes are high, but we know by now that Eve and Dallas are more than up to the task.
It needs to be said that the mystery was perfectly plotted and executed. I was surprised at every turn and solving the puzzle was completely beyond me. Roberts allowed me no time to breathe, which is exactly how I love my crime novels.
Don’t be intimidated by the number of books in this series. You can jump right in anytime and anywhere you want. Each book can easily function as a standalone, and although there’s mention of old cases, not knowing the details won’t take away from your reading enjoyment.
February 17, 2015
It's the week after Christmas but before the new year and Eve Dallas has a serious fan and self-appointed avenger. There's a special message just for her at the murder scene of a prominent defense attorney. After a second murder with another message to Eve, it's clear she's the object of someone's obsession.
In this story, we not only work to deduce the identity of the killer but the next victim as they're all related to past cases. I enjoyed testing my memory of earlier books and characters. It was also inevitable that those close to Eve would eventually become targets and that was another guessing challenge. A unique aspect, though, was the amount of page time devoted to the routine workings of Eve's Homicide squad. That's new and fresh.
I liked this story and it's one of a few in the series where I couldn't identify the killer before the person was revealed. The procedural was spot on, the dialogue pithy and the case just plain interesting. This one goes in my favorites pile.
In this story, we not only work to deduce the identity of the killer but the next victim as they're all related to past cases. I enjoyed testing my memory of earlier books and characters. It was also inevitable that those close to Eve would eventually become targets and that was another guessing challenge. A unique aspect, though, was the amount of page time devoted to the routine workings of Eve's Homicide squad. That's new and fresh.
I liked this story and it's one of a few in the series where I couldn't identify the killer before the person was revealed. The procedural was spot on, the dialogue pithy and the case just plain interesting. This one goes in my favorites pile.
November 24, 2017
Book 40! I am still as invested in Eve and Roarke as I was in Book 1. Hard to believe, I know.
I should have tried American biscuits the last time I visited but the "gravy" did not look very inviting!
Eve has become the object of one person’s obsession. Someone who finds her extraordinary, and thinks about her every hour of every day. Who believes the two of them have a special relationship. Who would kill for her — again and again...
“Well now, this must be love. You sharing the biscuits.” “They’re cookies. Biscuits are hot bread you smother in butter or gravy. Remember which side of the Atlantic you’re on, ace.”
I should have tried American biscuits the last time I visited but the "gravy" did not look very inviting!
"Bloody bollocks to that."
February 20, 2016
IT'S COMING NEXT MONTH!!!!!
Eve Dallas, versus The Number One Fan From Hell - yep, you can bet I'll be getting it day&date, can't you?
PS: Thank you for all the LIKEs - but I haven't read anything but this sample posted on the J.D. Robb site. If you didn't know about it already, read it - I think this one's going to seriously challenge Eve...and Roarke, too!
2/11/15:
Just finished it. I give it 4-1/2 stars, and think it's the best
J.D. Robb book Nora Roberts has turned out in a while. While I've enjoyed the last few books, they'd mostly settled into the comfortable groove that a long-running mystery series with a large built-in audience tends to, being more about hanging out with characters you like than providing a compelling story. (Even
DELUSION IN DEATH, about a terrorist/mass murderer with ties back to the Urban Wars, ultimately turned out to be about one resentful loser's ego - and I found
NEW YORK TO DALLAS to be really disappointing given how important to the series arc it should have been!)
This time, Eve encounters a crazed fan of hers, who's killing those people who "insulted" Eve in some way, and leaving fan letters at the crime scenes.
"Don't Mind Willard - He's Just a Sycophantic Killer!"
Eve's not only unnerved by this attention - she's angry because, to her mind, "if somebody doesn't insult you as a cop, you're not doing your job!" After the first killing, Defense Attorney Leanore Bastwick (from
Rapture in Death), Eve and Peabody quickly eliminate any alternative motive, then get down to the uncomfortable (for Lt. Dallas) business of reading through her voluminous fan mail to try and find potential suspects. (Turns out Eve's been getting fan mail pretty much since she started attracting media attention - none of which she reads, because being in the spotlight makes her uncomfortable! She gets even
more
uncomfortable when she reads how her fans view her, and what they'd like to do with/to her....)
Eve's Read Things No Police Lieutenant OUGHT To Read...!
One of the things that makes this book stand out from most recent In Death books is Eve's feeling of entrapment by her murderous fan: If Commander Whitney takes the case away from her, the fan will kill to get Eve back on as Primary; if Eve stays on the case, the killer will keep killing to get acknowledgement and approval from her; if Eve gives that approval, the killer will be encouraged to keep killing; if Eve ignores her, the killer will keep killing to finally get her attention.... The only good news, as far as Eve is concerned, is Dr. Mira's agreeing with her assessment that the killer will try for her eventually - and sooner the more Eve refuses to give her approval!
After a second successful killing the next day - of minor league pool hustler/funky-junkie Ledo from
Conspiracy in Death in his flop - word leaks of the fan letters Lt. Dallas is getting, and she has to do a press conference. Before the press conference she tells her squad of the case, and they all volunteer to help sort through the endless piles of correspondence she's gotten - and to consider other possible angles to narrow it down some. Feeney and McNab start running algorithms to narrow the field, as does Roarke from he and Eve's home computer lab, and a list of possible suspects starts to emerge - a multiply-married female computer geek who decided Eve should be her first lesbian experience, a criminology professor who thinks sex enhances crimefighting, and ex-cop who's charged every person she's ever worked alongside with sexual harassment, and so on....
Some of this lot provides some much-needed comic relief to Eve's and Peabody's investigation, while others remind us of the fallout from her previous investigations (like the son of a dirty cop from the Precinct in Judgement in Death who, despite some mental issues, desperately wants to be a good cop just like her - or the somewhat dirty ex-cop who knows she screwed up, but can't stop her mother from writing threatening letters to Eve!).
When The Killer's third try, professional photographer Dirk Hastings (
Portrait in Death), fails due to Hastings having a new girlfriend staying over, the turn against Eve and her friends happens - very quickly. While NYPSD Departmental Psychiatrist Dr. Mira is a bit surprised at it happening so fast, she explains her suspicions that The Killer identifies so closely with Lt. Eve Dallas that she or he may have started to imitate her. During the interview with Hastings he refers to the person who attacked him as "she" and "her" - and for Eve, another big piece of the puzzle drops into place as she realizes the killer is likely a female.
Cazart!
Not wanting to spoil the story completely, I'd just like to point out that another thing I really like about this book is its callbacks to other books in the series. Not just the by-now familiar "Icove Case" that occurred in
Origin in Death, but characters and events that reach back as far as the earliest days of the In Death stories. Seeing Eve reconnect with people she hasn't talked to or even thought about in years gives this case a depth and richness that I really enjoyed, along with the reveal of The Killer and her motivations (yes, it's a "she").
One of the best of one of my favorite series - and if you don't want to start at the beginning, a good place to jump in for new readers.
Eve Dallas, versus The Number One Fan From Hell - yep, you can bet I'll be getting it day&date, can't you?
PS: Thank you for all the LIKEs - but I haven't read anything but this sample posted on the J.D. Robb site. If you didn't know about it already, read it - I think this one's going to seriously challenge Eve...and Roarke, too!
2/11/15:
Just finished it. I give it 4-1/2 stars, and think it's the best
J.D. Robb book Nora Roberts has turned out in a while. While I've enjoyed the last few books, they'd mostly settled into the comfortable groove that a long-running mystery series with a large built-in audience tends to, being more about hanging out with characters you like than providing a compelling story. (Even
DELUSION IN DEATH, about a terrorist/mass murderer with ties back to the Urban Wars, ultimately turned out to be about one resentful loser's ego - and I found
NEW YORK TO DALLAS to be really disappointing given how important to the series arc it should have been!) This time, Eve encounters a crazed fan of hers, who's killing those people who "insulted" Eve in some way, and leaving fan letters at the crime scenes.
"Don't Mind Willard - He's Just a Sycophantic Killer!"
Eve's not only unnerved by this attention - she's angry because, to her mind, "if somebody doesn't insult you as a cop, you're not doing your job!" After the first killing, Defense Attorney Leanore Bastwick (from
Rapture in Death), Eve and Peabody quickly eliminate any alternative motive, then get down to the uncomfortable (for Lt. Dallas) business of reading through her voluminous fan mail to try and find potential suspects. (Turns out Eve's been getting fan mail pretty much since she started attracting media attention - none of which she reads, because being in the spotlight makes her uncomfortable! She gets even
more
uncomfortable when she reads how her fans view her, and what they'd like to do with/to her....) Eve's Read Things No Police Lieutenant OUGHT To Read...!
One of the things that makes this book stand out from most recent In Death books is Eve's feeling of entrapment by her murderous fan: If Commander Whitney takes the case away from her, the fan will kill to get Eve back on as Primary; if Eve stays on the case, the killer will keep killing to get acknowledgement and approval from her; if Eve gives that approval, the killer will be encouraged to keep killing; if Eve ignores her, the killer will keep killing to finally get her attention.... The only good news, as far as Eve is concerned, is Dr. Mira's agreeing with her assessment that the killer will try for her eventually - and sooner the more Eve refuses to give her approval!
After a second successful killing the next day - of minor league pool hustler/funky-junkie Ledo from
Conspiracy in Death in his flop - word leaks of the fan letters Lt. Dallas is getting, and she has to do a press conference. Before the press conference she tells her squad of the case, and they all volunteer to help sort through the endless piles of correspondence she's gotten - and to consider other possible angles to narrow it down some. Feeney and McNab start running algorithms to narrow the field, as does Roarke from he and Eve's home computer lab, and a list of possible suspects starts to emerge - a multiply-married female computer geek who decided Eve should be her first lesbian experience, a criminology professor who thinks sex enhances crimefighting, and ex-cop who's charged every person she's ever worked alongside with sexual harassment, and so on.... Some of this lot provides some much-needed comic relief to Eve's and Peabody's investigation, while others remind us of the fallout from her previous investigations (like the son of a dirty cop from the Precinct in Judgement in Death who, despite some mental issues, desperately wants to be a good cop just like her - or the somewhat dirty ex-cop who knows she screwed up, but can't stop her mother from writing threatening letters to Eve!).
When The Killer's third try, professional photographer Dirk Hastings (
Portrait in Death), fails due to Hastings having a new girlfriend staying over, the turn against Eve and her friends happens - very quickly. While NYPSD Departmental Psychiatrist Dr. Mira is a bit surprised at it happening so fast, she explains her suspicions that The Killer identifies so closely with Lt. Eve Dallas that she or he may have started to imitate her. During the interview with Hastings he refers to the person who attacked him as "she" and "her" - and for Eve, another big piece of the puzzle drops into place as she realizes the killer is likely a female.Cazart!
Not wanting to spoil the story completely, I'd just like to point out that another thing I really like about this book is its callbacks to other books in the series. Not just the by-now familiar "Icove Case" that occurred in
Origin in Death, but characters and events that reach back as far as the earliest days of the In Death stories. Seeing Eve reconnect with people she hasn't talked to or even thought about in years gives this case a depth and richness that I really enjoyed, along with the reveal of The Killer and her motivations (yes, it's a "she").One of the best of one of my favorite series - and if you don't want to start at the beginning, a good place to jump in for new readers.
October 27, 2018
Obsession in Death is a re-read for me, and I loved it the second time, just as much as the first! A crazy person obsessed with Lieutenant Eve Dallas who was determined to kill anyone and everyone who had ever crossed her. Each killing signed with “Your true and loyal friend” had Eve, Roarke, Peabody and the whole NYPD team racing against time to find a psychotic killer who wanted Eve’s approval!
The usual antics along with the wry humour that always gets me laughing; the twists and turns which keep the pages racing along - #40 in the In Death series is excellent. And Eve is one hell of a kick-ass cop! Highly recommended.
The usual antics along with the wry humour that always gets me laughing; the twists and turns which keep the pages racing along - #40 in the In Death series is excellent. And Eve is one hell of a kick-ass cop! Highly recommended.
February 16, 2015
Best book in the series since NEW YORK TO DALLAS, in my opinion. I enjoy them all, but some rise above the others like this one.
September 17, 2016
Finishing this book means I have officially finished my reading goal for 2016. This is a cause for celebration!!
Oh yeah, chocolate milk. Liquid gold...
Okay, so anyway, this book was all about Eve. She has a fan of her work who has decided that the best thing they can do to "help" her is to kill everyone who has treated Eve badly. Why can't I get fans like that? I've already got my list written up for them! Life just isn't fair.
Of course, Eve is a total ingrate and is pissed off that her "new best friend" is killing people. She doesn't see this as a gesture of friendship and devotion like I would at all. She wants to put her friend in jail. Talk about a buzz-kill. Eve is so fussy over this whole law thing.
The book was fun and I enjoyed all of the side characters as always. I like how the author is bringing in the other detectives a little bit more and giving them some flavor. It actually sounds like a lot of fun to work in homicide. Who knew?
Oh yeah, chocolate milk. Liquid gold...
Okay, so anyway, this book was all about Eve. She has a fan of her work who has decided that the best thing they can do to "help" her is to kill everyone who has treated Eve badly. Why can't I get fans like that? I've already got my list written up for them! Life just isn't fair.
Of course, Eve is a total ingrate and is pissed off that her "new best friend" is killing people. She doesn't see this as a gesture of friendship and devotion like I would at all. She wants to put her friend in jail. Talk about a buzz-kill. Eve is so fussy over this whole law thing.
The book was fun and I enjoyed all of the side characters as always. I like how the author is bringing in the other detectives a little bit more and giving them some flavor. It actually sounds like a lot of fun to work in homicide. Who knew?
June 26, 2019
Lieutenant Eve Dallas has to deal with a crazed fan that kills for her, will Eve manage to find out and stop the killer before someone close to her gets hurt?
Obsession in Death is the 40th book in the In Death series and the first book I read in this series. I didn't know that J.D. Robb as a pseudonym for Nora Roberts before I got information about this book and I was a bit curious how an author that I associate with romance (albeit with a dash of mystery to them I have read) would be as a crime author. One thing for sure, this crime novel was a lot more chic lit that the usual crime novels I read. That is not necessarily a bad thing by the way. I'm just not used to having clothes described in detail in that way. This could be because this is a female writer, but I can't think of any other crime novels I read written by a female author that clothes are so often described or that the characters are so perfect. That's another thing, the main good characters are a bit too perfect for my taste. They are looking so good, dress so fine and that isn't something I associate with crime novels. Also, I'm not that used to in crime novels that romance/sex scenes take up much space. Usually, there is there in the background, some romance, that's nice. But here we have Eve and her billionaire husband Roarke suddenly engaged in that kind of sex scenes you find in a romance book. But that was actually alright because it didn't feel like erotic, it was OK to read. It wasn't four pages of rough sex, with a lot of dirty words. So I didn't mind.
But what I did mind was the slow pace throughout the book. It wasn't even that complicated story, to begin with. Someone was idolizing Eve Dallas and to prove that the person killed for her. Eve and her partner Peabody had to find the killer. But I just couldn't really get into the story. But the book wasn’t that bad, I liked the futuristic theme of the book, quite nice to have a crime novel set in the future. It wasn’t badly written and I would very much read more in this series. Especially from the beginning since I’m curious to know more about the characters.
But the book wasn’t that bad, I liked the futuristic theme of the book, quite nice to have a crime novel set in the future. It wasn’t badly written and I would very much read more in this series. Especially from the beginning since I’m curious to know more about the characters.
So if you like crime novels, like romance novels, then why not try out this series.
Thank you Piatkus for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
Obsession in Death is the 40th book in the In Death series and the first book I read in this series. I didn't know that J.D. Robb as a pseudonym for Nora Roberts before I got information about this book and I was a bit curious how an author that I associate with romance (albeit with a dash of mystery to them I have read) would be as a crime author. One thing for sure, this crime novel was a lot more chic lit that the usual crime novels I read. That is not necessarily a bad thing by the way. I'm just not used to having clothes described in detail in that way. This could be because this is a female writer, but I can't think of any other crime novels I read written by a female author that clothes are so often described or that the characters are so perfect. That's another thing, the main good characters are a bit too perfect for my taste. They are looking so good, dress so fine and that isn't something I associate with crime novels. Also, I'm not that used to in crime novels that romance/sex scenes take up much space. Usually, there is there in the background, some romance, that's nice. But here we have Eve and her billionaire husband Roarke suddenly engaged in that kind of sex scenes you find in a romance book. But that was actually alright because it didn't feel like erotic, it was OK to read. It wasn't four pages of rough sex, with a lot of dirty words. So I didn't mind.
But what I did mind was the slow pace throughout the book. It wasn't even that complicated story, to begin with. Someone was idolizing Eve Dallas and to prove that the person killed for her. Eve and her partner Peabody had to find the killer. But I just couldn't really get into the story. But the book wasn’t that bad, I liked the futuristic theme of the book, quite nice to have a crime novel set in the future. It wasn’t badly written and I would very much read more in this series. Especially from the beginning since I’m curious to know more about the characters.
But the book wasn’t that bad, I liked the futuristic theme of the book, quite nice to have a crime novel set in the future. It wasn’t badly written and I would very much read more in this series. Especially from the beginning since I’m curious to know more about the characters.
So if you like crime novels, like romance novels, then why not try out this series.
Thank you Piatkus for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
March 8, 2015
As always a great read. My favorite series, bar none.
February 12, 2017
5 Fantastic stars !
What a way to start the 2017! This book was just Mag and beyond <3
I loved how all our fav characters showed up and jazzed up this book.
And Roarke..*sign*. Roarke & Eve's chemistry in this read,was off the charts!
The story-line stayed solid,the suspense... interesting.But the ending? Now THAT WAS MAG <3
Here is hoping Robbs next books are just as awesome !
What a way to start the 2017! This book was just Mag and beyond <3
I loved how all our fav characters showed up and jazzed up this book.
And Roarke..*sign*. Roarke & Eve's chemistry in this read,was off the charts!
The story-line stayed solid,the suspense... interesting.But the ending? Now THAT WAS MAG <3
Here is hoping Robbs next books are just as awesome !
May 9, 2019
Another perfect Eve & Roarke story!
Exciting, suspensy, mysterious, sexy, funny, adorable.
I just love these books!
January 5, 2016
Eve Dallas has a new best friend; the only problem is her new best friend is a murderer. The suspect in this book is killing people who (s)he has perceived as having disrespected Eve, and is presenting the crimes as "gifts". There is also a very real danger to Eve's circle of family / friends as the suspect may begin to see those friends as a hindrance to his/her relationship with Eve; after all Eve can only have one true friend.
Robb did a wonderful job allowing the readers to go back over Eve's life to see how these relationships began, and how they grew with each book in the series. The author also did a great job in allowing us to see Eve not only as a homicide detective, but also as a "motive" to these crimes and as a possible future victim. The readers were able to see how each of these roles affected Eve, Roarke, Peabody and the rest of Eves circle.
Robb did a wonderful job allowing the readers to go back over Eve's life to see how these relationships began, and how they grew with each book in the series. The author also did a great job in allowing us to see Eve not only as a homicide detective, but also as a "motive" to these crimes and as a possible future victim. The readers were able to see how each of these roles affected Eve, Roarke, Peabody and the rest of Eves circle.
December 29, 2015
This never gets old. Eve and Roarke forever! :)
April 26, 2019
Sooner or later we knew it would happen – she’s married to a hot billionaire and is a kickass cop who has closed some major cases, an obsessed ‘fan’ was sure to sooner or later emerge, to cause trouble. This book starts with Eve’s fan ‘helping’ Eve by killing those that Eve has come across and are in some way corrupt/criminal and/or have a morally questionable outlook on life. This fan feels they share an intense and all-consuming friendship with Eve, a bond Eve has with no one else – even the delectable Roarke. But this obsessive fan could so easily tip into jaded and angry, feeling slighted and underappreciated by Eve, either way they aren’t happy with the friends who they feel are hindering them from gaining all Eve’s attention.
Again, a very enjoyable read, all the secondary characters added to my reading pleasure, and loved the little scene with Bella.
Again, a very enjoyable read, all the secondary characters added to my reading pleasure, and loved the little scene with Bella.
December 18, 2015
Just perfection!
January 9, 2018
5 stars - Futuristic/Crime/Romantic Suspense/Science Fiction/Mystery
40 books and I’m still in total awe with this series and just as Obsessed with Roarke and Eve and the gang as ever!
40 books and I’m still in total awe with this series and just as Obsessed with Roarke and Eve and the gang as ever!
September 29, 2017
We have another winner here. I have so much love for this series and its characters. Eve who is tough as nails. Ass kicker. Bad ass but is creep out by cows (hilarious) And she has a way with metaphors. My ultimate girl crush.
Okay, okay, back to the story. A crazy and obsessed fan of Eve is bent on killing the people who he/she perceives offended and disrespected Eve. But the killer turned to Eve's close friends and Roarke as targets thinking Eve can't see him/her when other people are in the way.
We didn't know the bad guy till almost the end. I was like "who the hell could it be?" One the best installments ever!
Okay, okay, back to the story. A crazy and obsessed fan of Eve is bent on killing the people who he/she perceives offended and disrespected Eve. But the killer turned to Eve's close friends and Roarke as targets thinking Eve can't see him/her when other people are in the way.
We didn't know the bad guy till almost the end. I was like "who the hell could it be?" One the best installments ever!
May 7, 2015
The days between Christmas and New Year in New York were cold, crisp and icy – the luxury apartment where the body of a high profile lawyer lay stretched out on her bed was not much warmer. But the message that the killer had left for Lieutenant Eve Dallas was chilling; and signed off “YOUR TRUE AND LOYAL FRIEND…”
It seemed that Eve had an admirer; someone who was convinced they could get rid of those who hadn’t respected Eve, hadn’t treated her right – Eve was tied to the laws of justice but the killer could and would kill for her; not once, but until Eve showed her approval of the job her “new best friend” was doing.
As Eve, Roarke and the NYPD team raced against time, the investigation showed the danger of this crazed and obsessed killer. And Eve came to the realization that those she cared about most were in the firing line – the killer would get at her by eliminating her loved ones. Who would be in the killer’s sights next? Peabody and Dallas were getting closer – but would the killer better them? After all, that killer thought they knew Eve’s every move…
Brilliant! Another great In Death thriller by J.D. Robb. This is #40 in the series and I hope it continues for at least another 40! Twists, turns; page turning thrills and chills – all the old clichéd phrases; but they’re all true! Eve Dallas is one hell of a cop! Highly recommended.
It seemed that Eve had an admirer; someone who was convinced they could get rid of those who hadn’t respected Eve, hadn’t treated her right – Eve was tied to the laws of justice but the killer could and would kill for her; not once, but until Eve showed her approval of the job her “new best friend” was doing.
As Eve, Roarke and the NYPD team raced against time, the investigation showed the danger of this crazed and obsessed killer. And Eve came to the realization that those she cared about most were in the firing line – the killer would get at her by eliminating her loved ones. Who would be in the killer’s sights next? Peabody and Dallas were getting closer – but would the killer better them? After all, that killer thought they knew Eve’s every move…
Brilliant! Another great In Death thriller by J.D. Robb. This is #40 in the series and I hope it continues for at least another 40! Twists, turns; page turning thrills and chills – all the old clichéd phrases; but they’re all true! Eve Dallas is one hell of a cop! Highly recommended.
January 29, 2015
For Eve Dallas’ 40th outing (yes, that’s four-zero), J.D. Robb has created a story that does more than just introduce a murder to solve. Woven throughout the bodies, the evidence, and the investigation, we find out how far Eve has come through the course of not just her career, but her life. In recent outings, we’ve seen more of what Eve’s past has been like. But now, as she peels back the layers of this case, Eve (and we along with her) begins to realize how much her life has changed. Though she’s always pictured herself as a loner, with each new clue that unfolds in this mystery, she realizes that she does have a family. And she realizes how important they are to her as well. Even the staunch, stuffy Somerset holds some stunning revelations for her.
Have you ever heard how hard it is to write books in a series and keep them all interesting and well written? When you read Robb’s In Death series, she makes it look so easy. It feels like Dallas and Roarke have infinite adventures waiting for us and when I finish each one, it makes me look forward to the next.
If you have enjoyed any of the previous books in Robb’s In Death series, you’ll like this one. And if you’ve never read a Robb book, but you like mysteries or thrillers, give this series a try. It may become one of your favorites.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
Have you ever heard how hard it is to write books in a series and keep them all interesting and well written? When you read Robb’s In Death series, she makes it look so easy. It feels like Dallas and Roarke have infinite adventures waiting for us and when I finish each one, it makes me look forward to the next.
If you have enjoyed any of the previous books in Robb’s In Death series, you’ll like this one. And if you’ve never read a Robb book, but you like mysteries or thrillers, give this series a try. It may become one of your favorites.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
February 16, 2015
Obsession in Death marks the 40th installment of the incredible world and dynamic duo that Robb introduced fans to back in 1995. Still going strong as ever, Robb has turned our lovely Eve from a lonely insecure woman to a woman rich in friends and love. With a gorgeous husband away at her side and a rewarding career that has catapulted her into celebrity status, she now faces the greatest challenge ever-her very own stalker who is eliminating anyone who stands between them and Eve. Fabulous characterization and dialogue intertwines with the fast paced action packed storyline that divulges into the mind of a person who both loves and despises Eve. Friends and foes alike all come under Eve’s scrutiny as she struggles to locate the villain before they strike again.
December 31, 2020
How apt that this book sets during the New Year when I finished it on the first day of 2021. Damn, 2020 was tough; it was long painful year and yet flashed by so quickly.
Anyway, this book was perfect. Finally, a case that was a little bit personal and got me on the edge of my seat. I love cases where we got the whole homicide crew into the mix. I love these characters so much that my heart hurts when I reached the final page.
Hence why I'm starting the next book right away!
Anyway, this book was perfect. Finally, a case that was a little bit personal and got me on the edge of my seat. I love cases where we got the whole homicide crew into the mix. I love these characters so much that my heart hurts when I reached the final page.
Hence why I'm starting the next book right away!
June 23, 2019
As always a great read. I've never been disappointed with this series!
February 27, 2015
Even after 40 novels and a dozen novellas, I have to say this series is still absolutely amazing! She always brings something new to the series both in character development and story line. I couldn’t stop reading Obsession. It was a walk down memory lane for series fans but it could still work as a stand alone or intro to the series for newcomers.
I know it is intimidating to look at a series that includes 40 novels. Everyone thinks, I can’t start in so late in a series. As an avid reader (and re-reader) of this series, Obsession in Death had me going “no, no, no” once I recognized who it was from the past books that the killer was going after, but it was also written so it wasn’t necessary to know the series.
Let’s step back for those who haven’t given this series a try. The In Death series takes place in the year is 2060 and it focuses on Lieutenant Eve Dallas of the New York Police and Security Department. Over the course of these 40 novels, Lt. Eve Dallas has worked alone in solving murders but most often she works with her partner, Det. Delia Peabody, her former trainer EDD Capt. Ryan Feeney, the rest of her homicide division and most particularly, her husband, Roarke, who she met in the first novel, Naked in Death. Of course, he’s mega rich and mega gorgeous and takes care of our hard working homicide cop, but before you roll your eyes, you only need to read one book to go “I’m in.”
In Obsession, a killer has been following the career of Eve Dallas and doesn’t believe that Eve has been given the respect she deserves. The killer admires Eve and wants to be her friend and will prove this by killing those who have been disrespectful to Eve.
If the killer truly knew our Lt. Dallas, they would know that the deaths she investigates are personal to Eve. She will stop at nothing to bring justice for the dead whether or not she knew them or liked them in life. It doesn’t take long for this obsessed killer to realize that the gifts being left aren’t being properly appreciated by Eve.
This killer not only develops a taste for the killing, but quickly starts to unravel as they realize that not only does Eve not appreciate what they are doing for her, but that Eve is actively trying to put them in a cage. The killer realizes that in order for Eve to focus her attention on their true friendship, the killer needs to start getting rid of those who surround Eve and who absorb all her attention — like Peabody, Mira, Mavis, Feeney and even Roarke.
With everyone Eve cares about at risk, the clock is ticking quickly to stop the killer before the people she loves are killed in the name of friendship. When Eve realizes that the killer is picking the victims from her own case files, that screams cop or someone on the inside. It gets harder to watch your back when someone you thought you could trust might just be waiting to stab you there.
With a nail-biting ending, J.D. Robb a/k/a Nora Roberts proves that even after 40 books she is still going strong.
THOUGHTS:
I am a big fan of the In Death series. I love a good romance. I love science fiction. I love police dramas. I especially love a good police dramas where there is an ensemble cast working together to investigate the crime. These investigations can each be enjoyed separately. The only thing you would miss by grabbing a random story in the series in the growth of the relationships between the characters.
Although there are definitely some stories which were better than others, they are each creative in their plots. Some involve more science fiction plots, such as Fantasy in Death and Purity in Death, which used advanced technology to kill. Some involve tracking down an unknown killer and others about finding a known killer or several times multiple killer or conspirators.
What we do get in each and every story is the ever growing bond between the characters. Eve was abused and raped by her father, forced to kill him to survive, and at eight was thrown into a careless system of child care. She knew what she wanted and that was to be a police officer. But she had no friends and no basic knowledge of what to do with a friend. When the series starts, the only person she relies on and trusts is Capt. Feeney who was her former partner. She has learned to be wife and a friend through two years of continuing emotional growth on her part, sometimes forced on her by those who cared about her enough to push her boundaries. She is a much different character than when we were first introduced to her 40 books ago which is what makes it such a great series.
I challenge anyone who hasn’t tried an In Death story to grab just one and I am certain you will want to read the complete series. With 40 novels to choose from, there are plenty to keep you busy. Feel free to comment and ask for a recommendation. Normally, I like to start from Book 1, but I was introduced to this series somewhere around Book 17. I started taking out the books from the library, but starting getting annoyed reading them out of order because I had to wait for them to be available. I knew I was missing something in the character relationships. Eventually, I just purchased my own so I could read them in order.
I listened to the majority of these novels by audiobook which is narrated by Susan Erickson. One thing I have missed from being fortunate enough to received an advance copy is Susan’s narration. She does a fabulous job bringing these characters to life and when I read them, I still hear all the voices as she presents them.
Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See more at EBookObsessed.com
I know it is intimidating to look at a series that includes 40 novels. Everyone thinks, I can’t start in so late in a series. As an avid reader (and re-reader) of this series, Obsession in Death had me going “no, no, no” once I recognized who it was from the past books that the killer was going after, but it was also written so it wasn’t necessary to know the series.
Let’s step back for those who haven’t given this series a try. The In Death series takes place in the year is 2060 and it focuses on Lieutenant Eve Dallas of the New York Police and Security Department. Over the course of these 40 novels, Lt. Eve Dallas has worked alone in solving murders but most often she works with her partner, Det. Delia Peabody, her former trainer EDD Capt. Ryan Feeney, the rest of her homicide division and most particularly, her husband, Roarke, who she met in the first novel, Naked in Death. Of course, he’s mega rich and mega gorgeous and takes care of our hard working homicide cop, but before you roll your eyes, you only need to read one book to go “I’m in.”
In Obsession, a killer has been following the career of Eve Dallas and doesn’t believe that Eve has been given the respect she deserves. The killer admires Eve and wants to be her friend and will prove this by killing those who have been disrespectful to Eve.
If the killer truly knew our Lt. Dallas, they would know that the deaths she investigates are personal to Eve. She will stop at nothing to bring justice for the dead whether or not she knew them or liked them in life. It doesn’t take long for this obsessed killer to realize that the gifts being left aren’t being properly appreciated by Eve.
This killer not only develops a taste for the killing, but quickly starts to unravel as they realize that not only does Eve not appreciate what they are doing for her, but that Eve is actively trying to put them in a cage. The killer realizes that in order for Eve to focus her attention on their true friendship, the killer needs to start getting rid of those who surround Eve and who absorb all her attention — like Peabody, Mira, Mavis, Feeney and even Roarke.
With everyone Eve cares about at risk, the clock is ticking quickly to stop the killer before the people she loves are killed in the name of friendship. When Eve realizes that the killer is picking the victims from her own case files, that screams cop or someone on the inside. It gets harder to watch your back when someone you thought you could trust might just be waiting to stab you there.
With a nail-biting ending, J.D. Robb a/k/a Nora Roberts proves that even after 40 books she is still going strong.
THOUGHTS:
I am a big fan of the In Death series. I love a good romance. I love science fiction. I love police dramas. I especially love a good police dramas where there is an ensemble cast working together to investigate the crime. These investigations can each be enjoyed separately. The only thing you would miss by grabbing a random story in the series in the growth of the relationships between the characters.
Although there are definitely some stories which were better than others, they are each creative in their plots. Some involve more science fiction plots, such as Fantasy in Death and Purity in Death, which used advanced technology to kill. Some involve tracking down an unknown killer and others about finding a known killer or several times multiple killer or conspirators.
What we do get in each and every story is the ever growing bond between the characters. Eve was abused and raped by her father, forced to kill him to survive, and at eight was thrown into a careless system of child care. She knew what she wanted and that was to be a police officer. But she had no friends and no basic knowledge of what to do with a friend. When the series starts, the only person she relies on and trusts is Capt. Feeney who was her former partner. She has learned to be wife and a friend through two years of continuing emotional growth on her part, sometimes forced on her by those who cared about her enough to push her boundaries. She is a much different character than when we were first introduced to her 40 books ago which is what makes it such a great series.
I challenge anyone who hasn’t tried an In Death story to grab just one and I am certain you will want to read the complete series. With 40 novels to choose from, there are plenty to keep you busy. Feel free to comment and ask for a recommendation. Normally, I like to start from Book 1, but I was introduced to this series somewhere around Book 17. I started taking out the books from the library, but starting getting annoyed reading them out of order because I had to wait for them to be available. I knew I was missing something in the character relationships. Eventually, I just purchased my own so I could read them in order.
I listened to the majority of these novels by audiobook which is narrated by Susan Erickson. One thing I have missed from being fortunate enough to received an advance copy is Susan’s narration. She does a fabulous job bringing these characters to life and when I read them, I still hear all the voices as she presents them.
Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See more at EBookObsessed.com
March 6, 2022
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
I’ll say it right up front – I loved this book. Obsession in Death is a monstrously entertaining story of obsession, murder, love, and family. J.D. Robb is a powerhouse author whose talent for creating complex, interesting characters and relationships is on full display in this fortieth In Death novel.
Murderers have fixated on Eve in the past for one reason or another, but never before has someone been so wholly obsessed with her. Every case, every friendship, every aspect of Eve’s life is being picked apart by someone and for once Eve is at a loss. It’s almost impossible to figure out who is using her as their reason to kill and the manner in which the killer’s obsession escalates gives Eve a very real reason to fear that her loved ones are in danger. It was fascinating to see Eve so completely thrown off her stride. Her level of celebrity is something she’s always brushed off as a minor nuisance. However, now that her time in the spotlight has potentially made her the object of an unbalanced individual’s worship, she can no longer brush it aside. This case and the obsessed killer make Obsession in Death a twisted, fascinating tale.
Though this book can be read as a standalone, it truly is an In Death fan’s delight. The nature of the case forces Eve to look back on her life and work starting from the very first book in the series. As a reader, this was an extreme pleasure, for it really allows you to see how far Eve has come both as a cop and as a person. The case puts the spotlight on Eve and her personal relationships, showing the growth of a woman who only had Mavis and Feeney at the beginning of Naked in Death to someone who has not only a husband she loves but a whole family over her own making. The killer’s method of picking victims also means there are callbacks to previous In Death books (Rapture in Death, Conspiracy in Death, and Portrait in Death to name just a few). It’s a trip down memory lane that’s seamlessly woven into the new case. You don’t have to have read any prior books in the series in order to follow along, but there’s definitely an added layer of entertainment revisiting past cases provides.
There’s so much to love about Obsession in Death and I barely scratched the surface. Even though this is the fortieth book in the series (and Eve and Roarke’s fiftieth outing when counting novellas) Obsession in Death feels as fresh and exciting as the first novel. Ms. Robb never stops letting Eve, Roarke, and their loved ones grow as characters and Obsession in Death beautifully highlights how far everyone has come. I could not put this book down and I simply cannot wait to see where Ms. Robb takes Eve and Roarke next.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I’ll say it right up front – I loved this book. Obsession in Death is a monstrously entertaining story of obsession, murder, love, and family. J.D. Robb is a powerhouse author whose talent for creating complex, interesting characters and relationships is on full display in this fortieth In Death novel.
Murderers have fixated on Eve in the past for one reason or another, but never before has someone been so wholly obsessed with her. Every case, every friendship, every aspect of Eve’s life is being picked apart by someone and for once Eve is at a loss. It’s almost impossible to figure out who is using her as their reason to kill and the manner in which the killer’s obsession escalates gives Eve a very real reason to fear that her loved ones are in danger. It was fascinating to see Eve so completely thrown off her stride. Her level of celebrity is something she’s always brushed off as a minor nuisance. However, now that her time in the spotlight has potentially made her the object of an unbalanced individual’s worship, she can no longer brush it aside. This case and the obsessed killer make Obsession in Death a twisted, fascinating tale.
Though this book can be read as a standalone, it truly is an In Death fan’s delight. The nature of the case forces Eve to look back on her life and work starting from the very first book in the series. As a reader, this was an extreme pleasure, for it really allows you to see how far Eve has come both as a cop and as a person. The case puts the spotlight on Eve and her personal relationships, showing the growth of a woman who only had Mavis and Feeney at the beginning of Naked in Death to someone who has not only a husband she loves but a whole family over her own making. The killer’s method of picking victims also means there are callbacks to previous In Death books (Rapture in Death, Conspiracy in Death, and Portrait in Death to name just a few). It’s a trip down memory lane that’s seamlessly woven into the new case. You don’t have to have read any prior books in the series in order to follow along, but there’s definitely an added layer of entertainment revisiting past cases provides.
There’s so much to love about Obsession in Death and I barely scratched the surface. Even though this is the fortieth book in the series (and Eve and Roarke’s fiftieth outing when counting novellas) Obsession in Death feels as fresh and exciting as the first novel. Ms. Robb never stops letting Eve, Roarke, and their loved ones grow as characters and Obsession in Death beautifully highlights how far everyone has come. I could not put this book down and I simply cannot wait to see where Ms. Robb takes Eve and Roarke next.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
October 1, 2019
There are so many reasons why I really enjoyed this book. Not knowing who the killer was until very late in the book, red herrings tossed about, references to cases gone by, and to characters from previous cases/books. A little bit of bantering and a few "Eveisms" :) A little more is revealed about Summerset's past life, and some fun time with little Bella!
This book was well worth the re-read, I had forgotten who the bad guy was. I highly recommend this book to all J.D. Robb fans and to those that haven't read her books yet.
2 thumbs up and 5 very bold and bright stars - thank you J.D. Robb for a very entertaining and enjoyable book!
From the blurb: A crisp winter morning in New York. In a luxury apartment, the body of a woman lies stretched out on a huge bed. On the wall above, the killer has left a message in bold black ink: FOR LIEUTENANT EVE DALLAS, WITH GREAT ADMIRATION AND UNDERSTANDING.
Eve Dallas is used to unwanted attention. Famous for her high-profile cases and her marriage to billionaire businessman Roarke, she has learned to deal with intense public scrutiny and media gossip. But now Eve has become the object of a singular and deadly obsession. She has an 'admirer', who just can't stop thinking about her. Who is convinced they have a special bond. Who is planning to kill for her - again and again...
With time against her, Eve is forced to play a delicate - and dangerous - psychological dance. Because the killer is desperate for something Eve can never provide - approval. And once that becomes clear, Eve knows her own life will be at risk - along with those she cares about the most.
This book was well worth the re-read, I had forgotten who the bad guy was. I highly recommend this book to all J.D. Robb fans and to those that haven't read her books yet.
2 thumbs up and 5 very bold and bright stars - thank you J.D. Robb for a very entertaining and enjoyable book!
From the blurb: A crisp winter morning in New York. In a luxury apartment, the body of a woman lies stretched out on a huge bed. On the wall above, the killer has left a message in bold black ink: FOR LIEUTENANT EVE DALLAS, WITH GREAT ADMIRATION AND UNDERSTANDING.
Eve Dallas is used to unwanted attention. Famous for her high-profile cases and her marriage to billionaire businessman Roarke, she has learned to deal with intense public scrutiny and media gossip. But now Eve has become the object of a singular and deadly obsession. She has an 'admirer', who just can't stop thinking about her. Who is convinced they have a special bond. Who is planning to kill for her - again and again...
With time against her, Eve is forced to play a delicate - and dangerous - psychological dance. Because the killer is desperate for something Eve can never provide - approval. And once that becomes clear, Eve knows her own life will be at risk - along with those she cares about the most.
March 13, 2015
If you are a fan of ROARKE, Eve and the rest of the futuristic squad, you won't be disappointed in this 40th edition of the "In Death" series that ends ........with a bang!
While Obsession In Death is a winner and one of my very favorites.......would really, really like to see lots more ROARKE in #41!!!
April 1, 2022
Fortieth in the In Death romantic suspense series and revolving around Lieutenant Eve Dallas.
My Take
I do adore Robb's In Death series and not all of her stories come up to her usual standard. Obsession in Death is one of those. Oh, the writing is well done, but there's a flatness to the story, although it is a step above going through the motions.
I can understand someone being fed up with the legal system and how many people get shafted by it. Particularly the victims! And yet, our legal system can't work unless the defense has lawyers. Yeah, I do feel like a hypocrite in that I want people to have access to a good defense…unless they're guilty.
It's an age-old guilt very few of us can escape, feeling responsible for what another claims they're doing "just for you". And Roarke is right. S/he is killing for themselves and simply using Eve as an excuse.
Hmm, I suspect we all want a spouse like Roarke. Thoughtful, considerate, and happy in our company. Dallas is damn lucky with her squad as well. They'd rather juggle more work and work more hours to help her out on this one.
I do enjoy the psychological profiling that Dallas and Mira engage in. It's a part of the In Death stories that crops up in each one, and it's not only applied to the criminals. Eve also cracks me up with her penchant for killing droids.
It's clever the way Robb includes the killer's thoughts. They're somewhat coherent but off in that what is s/he thinking way. Ya want to set 'em down and explain where they're off in their processing as you wonder how they can be that off track.
I do love the In Death series. Robb has a great cast of characters — primary, secondary, and tertiary — about whom you can't help but want to know more. Just think of Trueheart and all his innocent goodness! We get a lot more of Bella in this than we do of Mavis or Leonardo. I have been wanting more interaction with Bella — she's so darn cute! But I also want more Mavis. I miss her.
There's very little Summerset in this — I do enjoy their snarky exchanges. Dallas has more interaction with Kyung than she does Whitney. There's nothing about the candy thief, and I do miss hearing about that fab car Roarke gave Dallas. Just a mention now and then would make me happier. I know, I know, *eye roll* time, lol. Now that I think about it, I don't think there's much sex in this either. Well, you know Dallas, getting a kiss from Roarke in front of other cops is practically full-blown lovemaking.
In a way, this was like a tour of past In Death stories as Robb brings those characters into the story. It's almost enough to inspire me to start a re-read of the series. I remember a lot of the stories, but there is quite a bit that I've forgotten.
The Story
Some nutjob is showing Eve his admiration for her work — and putting everyone she loves in jeopardy.
And she's considering one of their own.
The Characters
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is in charge of the NYPSD Homicide Division and has a reputation for solving cases. She's married to the delicious Roarke, a billionaire who "owns solar systems" per Eve's snarky comments, lol. Lawrence Summerset is Roarke's major domo and practically a father to him as well. Eve, however, "despises" the ground he walks on. Ivanna Liski, a former spy and prima ballerina, is an old, old friend of Summerset's. She was also godmother to Marlena. Galahad is their cat.
Detective Delia Peabody is her partner who is thoroughly enjoying her new pink coat. She's living with Ian McNab, a detective with the Electronic Detectives Division (EDD). McNab has a ten-year-old cousin, Fergus, with equal computer skills.
The rest of the NYPSD
The detectives in Dallas' division include Jenkinson of infamous tie fame, the Slick and Shiny Baxter, Reineke, Santiago, Carmichael of the hot buns, and the innocent Troy Trueheart. Commander Whitney is Eve's boss. Chief Tibble is the head cop. Kyung is the not-an-asshole media liaison. Detective Webster with IAB once had a thing for Dallas, but Roarke, um, discouraged his interest. He's more interested in a certain girl cop in Olympus these days. Captain Ryan Feeney is the head of EDD and practically a father to Eve. Detective Yancy is their very skilled sketch artist.
Forensics includes:
Dawson is the head sweeper; his team includes Fizz, Lottie Roebuck, and Charis Cannery; Mickey is new. Jen Kobechek is their best handwriting analyst. Li Morris is the head medical examiner. Garnet DeWinter is with bones, and she and Morris are keeping each other company. Dick Berenski is the disgusting chief lab tech. Harvo is the queen of hair and fibers.
Officers include:
Officer Rinehart was the first on scene for Ledo along with Officer Morales. D-Officers Carter and Bates are on-scene at Ledo's flop (the D stands for droid). Officer Osgood was at Nadine's apartment building. Officer Hanks is in Evidence.
Additional support includes:
Dr. Charlotte Mira is the department's chief profiler who thinks of Eve as a daughter; Dennis is her sweet husband. The one Eve has a crush on. Cher Reo is the assistant prosecuting attorney who works with Eve on sending cases to trial.
Mavis was once Eve's only friend. Now she's a famous rock star married to Leonardo, a now-famous dress designer with a greedy baby, Bella. Benedict Mantal and Grommet are part of Mavis' private security. Nadine Furst is a highly competent on-air newscaster and a highly trusted friend of Dallas'. She bribes her way through the detective pool with baked goods, lol. Bruno is the eye candy she's taken with her on vacation. Trina, a beauty specialist, is the person Dallas most fears.
Caro is Roarke's administrative assistant. Cosette Deveroix is a chief cyber engineer in his Paris office. The brilliant Jamie Lingstrom is Feeney's godson and a Roarke protégé.
Leanore Bastwick was a high-powered defense lawyer. Cecil Haversham was her admin. Jess Barrow had been a client of hers a few years ago (see Rapture in Death , 4). One that Eve arrested. A current case is Misters Warren and Quirk. She was a partner in Bastwick and Stern where Aaron Stern is the other partner. Carolina Dowd is Stern's administrative assistant.
The contenders include…
Arthur Foxx was Fitzhugh's spouse. Now his widow(er?) I guess. He could well have nursed angry thoughts about Bastwick (see Rapture in Death ). Dirk Hastings is that nasty, insulting photographer from Portrait in Death , 16. He's just lucky Matilda Zebler, a high profile model, is around. It's rather fun to watch Dirk be tamed! Savannah Bocco and Thea Rossi are sixteen-year-old eyewitnesses. Flo-lo, a.k.a., Florence Louise, is their absent friend. Nick Bocco is Savannah's concerned dad.
Morgan Larkin; Milton Whepp is a criminology instructor with an oversized libido; former Detective Gina Tortelli who now works for Arsenial Investigators has a really angry mother, Teresa; the obsessed former Officer Hilda Farmer (she will C.R.A.C.K. you up; Charlie Kent is the bondsman she works for these days); and, Loreen Messner is a court bailiff.
Hilly Decker is a paralegal and another of Dallas' fans. Luca is her ex. Mrs. Missenelli is her neighbor with the big fluffy white cat, Toby. Mason Tobias can't seem to keep a job, and he's very detail oriented. His father was Officer Roland Tobias under Captain Roth (see Judgment in Death , 11). Officers Rhodes and Willis are his alibi. Wendall Ledo is a pool hustler and third-rate illegals dealer addicted to funk who haunts Gametown which is owned by Carmine Atelli. Josie and Vivi are Carmine's alibis. Misty Polinsky is Ledo's neighbor. Eve has a practical, if painful, method of dealing with the wise-cracking Pick. Chester is the unhelpful doorman.
Eve notes that she not only knew victims, but she also knows some of the reporters including Flake, Newton, Jackson. Tiko gets a mention.
Employees at the bar and grill include Trevor, Lolo who's partners with Casey in the restaurant, and Steph.
Dochas is the women and children's shelter Roarke set up.
The Cover and Title
The cover is Robb's signature blocking with a metallic copper background for the top two-thirds against which Robb's name is in large white embossed letters. A thick band of black bricks forms the background for the title in an embossed copper while the bottom strip is a mélange of images from the story from a close-up of an eye, lightning striking, Times Square, the messages from the killer, and the tools of death.
The title is what s/he has, an Obsession in Death to prove his/her admiration.
My Take
I do adore Robb's In Death series and not all of her stories come up to her usual standard. Obsession in Death is one of those. Oh, the writing is well done, but there's a flatness to the story, although it is a step above going through the motions.
I can understand someone being fed up with the legal system and how many people get shafted by it. Particularly the victims! And yet, our legal system can't work unless the defense has lawyers. Yeah, I do feel like a hypocrite in that I want people to have access to a good defense…unless they're guilty.
See if you can find the wrongfully used "puss" and "wail".Whoa, this is the first time Eve has ever considered bringing in Roarke's coffee brand for her people. I do like her reasons for rejecting it. What indeed would be the fun?
It's an age-old guilt very few of us can escape, feeling responsible for what another claims they're doing "just for you". And Roarke is right. S/he is killing for themselves and simply using Eve as an excuse.
Hmm, I suspect we all want a spouse like Roarke. Thoughtful, considerate, and happy in our company. Dallas is damn lucky with her squad as well. They'd rather juggle more work and work more hours to help her out on this one.
As Jenkinson says, "'Nobody effes with our LT. Deal with it,' he told Dallas, then walked out."It's so sweet the care Eve takes with Mason. Then there's Tortelli's excuses, jeez. Peabody hits it on the head about Tortelli's stupidity.
I do enjoy the psychological profiling that Dallas and Mira engage in. It's a part of the In Death stories that crops up in each one, and it's not only applied to the criminals. Eve also cracks me up with her penchant for killing droids.
It's clever the way Robb includes the killer's thoughts. They're somewhat coherent but off in that what is s/he thinking way. Ya want to set 'em down and explain where they're off in their processing as you wonder how they can be that off track.
I do love the In Death series. Robb has a great cast of characters — primary, secondary, and tertiary — about whom you can't help but want to know more. Just think of Trueheart and all his innocent goodness! We get a lot more of Bella in this than we do of Mavis or Leonardo. I have been wanting more interaction with Bella — she's so darn cute! But I also want more Mavis. I miss her.
There's very little Summerset in this — I do enjoy their snarky exchanges. Dallas has more interaction with Kyung than she does Whitney. There's nothing about the candy thief, and I do miss hearing about that fab car Roarke gave Dallas. Just a mention now and then would make me happier. I know, I know, *eye roll* time, lol. Now that I think about it, I don't think there's much sex in this either. Well, you know Dallas, getting a kiss from Roarke in front of other cops is practically full-blown lovemaking.
In a way, this was like a tour of past In Death stories as Robb brings those characters into the story. It's almost enough to inspire me to start a re-read of the series. I remember a lot of the stories, but there is quite a bit that I've forgotten.
The Story
Some nutjob is showing Eve his admiration for her work — and putting everyone she loves in jeopardy.
And she's considering one of their own.
The Characters
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is in charge of the NYPSD Homicide Division and has a reputation for solving cases. She's married to the delicious Roarke, a billionaire who "owns solar systems" per Eve's snarky comments, lol. Lawrence Summerset is Roarke's major domo and practically a father to him as well. Eve, however, "despises" the ground he walks on. Ivanna Liski, a former spy and prima ballerina, is an old, old friend of Summerset's. She was also godmother to Marlena. Galahad is their cat.
Detective Delia Peabody is her partner who is thoroughly enjoying her new pink coat. She's living with Ian McNab, a detective with the Electronic Detectives Division (EDD). McNab has a ten-year-old cousin, Fergus, with equal computer skills.
The rest of the NYPSD
The detectives in Dallas' division include Jenkinson of infamous tie fame, the Slick and Shiny Baxter, Reineke, Santiago, Carmichael of the hot buns, and the innocent Troy Trueheart. Commander Whitney is Eve's boss. Chief Tibble is the head cop. Kyung is the not-an-asshole media liaison. Detective Webster with IAB once had a thing for Dallas, but Roarke, um, discouraged his interest. He's more interested in a certain girl cop in Olympus these days. Captain Ryan Feeney is the head of EDD and practically a father to Eve. Detective Yancy is their very skilled sketch artist.
Forensics includes:
Dawson is the head sweeper; his team includes Fizz, Lottie Roebuck, and Charis Cannery; Mickey is new. Jen Kobechek is their best handwriting analyst. Li Morris is the head medical examiner. Garnet DeWinter is with bones, and she and Morris are keeping each other company. Dick Berenski is the disgusting chief lab tech. Harvo is the queen of hair and fibers.
Officers include:
Officer Rinehart was the first on scene for Ledo along with Officer Morales. D-Officers Carter and Bates are on-scene at Ledo's flop (the D stands for droid). Officer Osgood was at Nadine's apartment building. Officer Hanks is in Evidence.
Additional support includes:
Dr. Charlotte Mira is the department's chief profiler who thinks of Eve as a daughter; Dennis is her sweet husband. The one Eve has a crush on. Cher Reo is the assistant prosecuting attorney who works with Eve on sending cases to trial.
Mavis was once Eve's only friend. Now she's a famous rock star married to Leonardo, a now-famous dress designer with a greedy baby, Bella. Benedict Mantal and Grommet are part of Mavis' private security. Nadine Furst is a highly competent on-air newscaster and a highly trusted friend of Dallas'. She bribes her way through the detective pool with baked goods, lol. Bruno is the eye candy she's taken with her on vacation. Trina, a beauty specialist, is the person Dallas most fears.
Caro is Roarke's administrative assistant. Cosette Deveroix is a chief cyber engineer in his Paris office. The brilliant Jamie Lingstrom is Feeney's godson and a Roarke protégé.
Leanore Bastwick was a high-powered defense lawyer. Cecil Haversham was her admin. Jess Barrow had been a client of hers a few years ago (see Rapture in Death , 4). One that Eve arrested. A current case is Misters Warren and Quirk. She was a partner in Bastwick and Stern where Aaron Stern is the other partner. Carolina Dowd is Stern's administrative assistant.
The contenders include…
Arthur Foxx was Fitzhugh's spouse. Now his widow(er?) I guess. He could well have nursed angry thoughts about Bastwick (see Rapture in Death ). Dirk Hastings is that nasty, insulting photographer from Portrait in Death , 16. He's just lucky Matilda Zebler, a high profile model, is around. It's rather fun to watch Dirk be tamed! Savannah Bocco and Thea Rossi are sixteen-year-old eyewitnesses. Flo-lo, a.k.a., Florence Louise, is their absent friend. Nick Bocco is Savannah's concerned dad.
Morgan Larkin; Milton Whepp is a criminology instructor with an oversized libido; former Detective Gina Tortelli who now works for Arsenial Investigators has a really angry mother, Teresa; the obsessed former Officer Hilda Farmer (she will C.R.A.C.K. you up; Charlie Kent is the bondsman she works for these days); and, Loreen Messner is a court bailiff.
Hilly Decker is a paralegal and another of Dallas' fans. Luca is her ex. Mrs. Missenelli is her neighbor with the big fluffy white cat, Toby. Mason Tobias can't seem to keep a job, and he's very detail oriented. His father was Officer Roland Tobias under Captain Roth (see Judgment in Death , 11). Officers Rhodes and Willis are his alibi. Wendall Ledo is a pool hustler and third-rate illegals dealer addicted to funk who haunts Gametown which is owned by Carmine Atelli. Josie and Vivi are Carmine's alibis. Misty Polinsky is Ledo's neighbor. Eve has a practical, if painful, method of dealing with the wise-cracking Pick. Chester is the unhelpful doorman.
Eve notes that she not only knew victims, but she also knows some of the reporters including Flake, Newton, Jackson. Tiko gets a mention.
Employees at the bar and grill include Trevor, Lolo who's partners with Casey in the restaurant, and Steph.
Dochas is the women and children's shelter Roarke set up.
The Cover and Title
The cover is Robb's signature blocking with a metallic copper background for the top two-thirds against which Robb's name is in large white embossed letters. A thick band of black bricks forms the background for the title in an embossed copper while the bottom strip is a mélange of images from the story from a close-up of an eye, lightning striking, Times Square, the messages from the killer, and the tools of death.
The title is what s/he has, an Obsession in Death to prove his/her admiration.
February 10, 2015
OBSESSION IN DEATH hits the fabulous fortieth installment in the still strong Romantic Suspense series. J.D. Robb has made Eve Dallas into a celebrity. She’s well-known and respected for her work, but also for her status and marriage to hubby, Roarke. With this brings on a lot of attention, both the good and the bad kind. And unfortunately, someone is killing people off whom they believe have done Eve wrong in some way.
Killing her enemies isn’t the best way to become Eve’s friend, but it is a good way of getting her to notice you. With this strange obsession to bring justice and be Eve’s best friend, this killer becomes one of my most favorite cases in the series.
OBSESSION IN DEATH possesses everything I’ve come to love about this series. Robb infuses the book with humor, suspense, action and that perfect lead up to the climax involving all our favorite characters. There was never a dull moment in this book. I found myself sneaking in pages whenever I could, laughing at the easy banter Peabody and Eve have.
One other thing I have to note is Dr. Mira’s analysis in this book. Mira has been a solid friend and confidant for Eve, but not only does she help Eve clear her mind and stay on track, but she also offers such great information on the suspects. I think one of the key things about Robb’s writing, and how she is able to write 40 books in a series successfully, is that the characters are all very well rounded and multidimensional. In Mira’s analysis of this book’s killer, you get a peak into how Robb’s mind works, how she breaks down a character’s personality and how deep a character analysis she goes into. By the time we get the book, the direction is strong in each scene.
It’s no wonder why Robb can manage 40 books easily in a series. With such strong characters and even tighter writing, I suspect the In Death series will remain a strong contender in the genre.
*ARC provided by publisher
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