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Naked in Death (In Death, #1)

J.D. Robb

Start date: January 16, 2012

Finish date: January 16, 2012

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What Members Thought

Dec 10, 2014 Connie N. rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: police-procedural, audio-done, new-york, narr-susan-ericksen, future, burgundy

5/23/22 - 5/25/22 - 5 stars - Having read through Book #54 in this series, I'm still in love with it and wanted to revisit from the beginning. What an interesting listen this was, the second time around. First of all, Susan Ericksen is amazing as narrator, although she seems not as comfortable in the role as she does after having done it for years. But her voicing is the same, with clear variations between the characters and plenty of inflection and interest. What I found fascinating was getting 5/23/22 - 5/25/22 - 5 stars - Having read through Book #54 in this series, I'm still in love with it and wanted to revisit from the beginning. What an interesting listen this was, the second time around. First of all, Susan Ericksen is amazing as narrator, although she seems not as comfortable in the role as she does after having done it for years. But her voicing is the same, with clear variations between the characters and plenty of inflection and interest. What I found fascinating was getting to know Eve and watching her and Roarke meet for the first time and begin to interact. Knowing what I know now, it was entertaining to see the early seeds of their relationship. I had forgotten that there was a different Chief of Police at this point, but that added interest and, of course, was an integral part of this initial plot. As we follow the death of licensed companions, we begin to understand Eve's dedication to her job, as well as a minimal introduction into her less-than-ideal background. There are brief meetings with Feeney, the Commander, Summerset, and Nadine Ferst. I had also forgotten about how Galahad (the cat) first entered the picture. All in all, an excellent review and just as enjoyable this time as it was the first time.

7/30/15 - 8/5/15 - 5 stars - #1 in the In Death series. I listened to the audio version, very capably read by Susan Ericksen.
For a long time, I put off reading this book because of everyone's love of this series, and I felt it couldn't live up to the hype. Plus I often don't agree with the general consensus, especially because this book is set in the future--not my usual thing. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. I totally loved it. It has all the elements I enjoy--romance (with a very hot hero) and mystery (not too gory or graphic), with some great characters. The futuristic part of the story was secondary, and simply added interest without being the focus. I did figure out the killer pretty quickly, but that didn't detract from the story at all, I was instead caught up in the unraveling of the clues which all made sense at the time. Main character Eve Dallas is a wonderfully flawed heroine with a mysterious past, but she's strong, confident, intelligent, with just a bit of humor. As primary detective, she is on a mission to solve the mystery, but she's not obnoxious or ill-advised about it, just doggedly moving from clue to clue, building her case. Roarke is sexy, powerful, and strong; a wonderfully supportive guy who can't figure out why it is he's so vulnerable to Eve's personality. They make a great couple that the reader is definitely rooting for. Secondary characters of Feeney, Charles, the Senator, and Rockman are all solid and add depth to the story.
Ericksen does a great job with the voices, with subtle nuances that provide just enough difference to make distinguishing them easy. Her subtle Irish accent for Roarke is very sexy, and the slight deepening of her voice is perfect for the male voices. I greatly enjoyed this book, particularly the audio, and greatly look forward to the next in the series. ...more

9 likes · Like · see review

Oct 30, 2018 Robin Loves Reading rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2018-challenge, audible, october-december-2018

Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.blogspot.com.

I am well over twenty years behind, with close to 50 In Death books written so far, but here I go with Naked in Death. I am delighted to have started this very successful and long-running series with an audiobook narrated by Susan Ericksen. I first downloaded this book eight years ago. Finally I had the pleasure of listening to it.

Classically listed as a detective fiction, or as a suspense, this book, as well as this Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.blogspot.com.

I am well over twenty years behind, with close to 50 In Death books written so far, but here I go with Naked in Death. I am delighted to have started this very successful and long-running series with an audiobook narrated by Susan Ericksen. I first downloaded this book eight years ago. Finally I had the pleasure of listening to it.

Classically listed as a detective fiction, or as a suspense, this book, as well as this entire series by J.D. Robb could easily be classified as romantic suspense. Also, it is set it 2058, so there is definitely a futuristic edge to it.

Eve and Roarke meet for the first time due to a very delicate situation. They have murder between them. They also share something just as dangerous, a powerful attraction to one another. While this may seem formulaic, it is far from it. Beyond the inevitable romance that occurs between Roarke and Eve, this story is about several women brutally murdered with Eve on the case. Circumstances initially point to Roarke. Eve is forced to push past what draws her to Roarke in order to effectively get to the bottom of these murders.

If this was a new series at this point in time, I might be reluctant to say that Eve quickly realizes that Roarke is not the murderer. After all, after dozens of books in this series, Eve and Roarke are still together, going strong.

There are nice aspects to this futuristic series, including the lifestyles, weapons, methods of travel, among other things. These things are not focal points, however. What we have here is a very-well written introduction to these two powerful characters. We learn about who Eve is, her tragic past, and what makes her tick. Then, of course, there is Roarke, an ultra-sexy Irishman who is richer than rich. There is plenty of action, intrigue and romance to keep you interested in this book.

Naked in Death was a fantastic mystery and I was able to enjoy listening to it in just a couple of sessions. It was really difficult to put down as the intrigue, twists and turns, as well as an incredible conclusion, all worked flawlessly to create a truly engaging book. I am very glad to have finally read it and am eager to take as long as it takes to read the entire series.

The next book in the series is Glory in Death, originally released in 1995. There are 48 books until February 5, 2019, which is entitled Connections in Death.

Please note: As the manner of the murders is indeed gruesome, at times the story is rather sensitive. ...more

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May 16, 2013 Ezi Chinny rated it liked it

Shelves: rape, law-enforcement, challenge-factory-2013, audiobook, mystery, suspense-thriller, murder, futuristic-society

I didn't feel the draw to this one. I didn't connect with Eve or Rouke, and I figured out the murderer really early.
I will read book 2 to see if I'm more engaged because it has to be good for this series to have 80 books, right?

I want to like Eve Dallas because she is a survivor, a fighter and a darn good cop, but I can't excuse how quickly she got with Rourke. Can she be that lonely? I do want to know more about her past so she gets another book to make me a believer. ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Sep 21, 2016 Moondance rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: new-york-city, bingo, favorite-author, eve-dallas, favorite-series, cops, new-york-futuristic, action, betrayal, couldn-t-put-down

She woke in the dark

The year is 2058. New York police lieutenant, Eve Dallas, is called to the murder scene of Sharon DeBlass. Sharon is the granddaughter of Virginia State Senator DeBlass. Sharon has been working in New York as a licensed companion. She died from gunshot wounds to the head, chest and genitalia in a world where guns are banned. Only serious (and wealthy) collectors have access to guns. The murderer leaves a calling card stating that Sharon is "one of six". Eve begins to track al She woke in the dark

The year is 2058. New York police lieutenant, Eve Dallas, is called to the murder scene of Sharon DeBlass. Sharon is the granddaughter of Virginia State Senator DeBlass. Sharon has been working in New York as a licensed companion. She died from gunshot wounds to the head, chest and genitalia in a world where guns are banned. Only serious (and wealthy) collectors have access to guns. The murderer leaves a calling card stating that Sharon is "one of six". Eve begins to track all of Sharon's appointments which leads her to Irish billionaire, Roarke.

The futuristic setting was well done without being cloying, cutesy or annoying. The world has made significant changes including banning guns, legalizing prostitution and certain drugs. There are flying cars, automatic cooking appliances and smart phones. Hmm.
The descriptions of the city and the characters just flows.

Eve is a wildly independent and private woman who is majorly flawed by her early childhood. Roarke was a kid from the streets of Dublin. Together they are explosive! Eve's investigation leads her straight to Roarke. He has his finger on the pulse of just about everything going on in the city and beyond. He is building a resort off planet for goodness sakes! HIs shady past worries Eve and has her delving into his life. Soon she finds herself in a relationship with him that tears into her division of right and wrong.

Oh my! Why in the world did I wait 21 years to start this series? I love everything about it. Eve is prickly and confident and a mass of contradictions. Roarke is just Roarke. He has a checkered past and although now a respected business man, still has a aura of badness. I love their interactions! I was touched that Roarke was the first one to mention love.

The political statements were slid into the storyline seamlessly. The ban on guns being up front and personal. The story also shows that politics never change.

The death of the child at the beginning is a lingering shadow throughout the story. I was not surprised when secrets were revealed about not only Eve but also the Senator's family.

This was a well paced mystery, a challenging romance and an excellent book! I have a new book boyfriend and can't wait to read the rest of the series. ...more

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