Thursday, April 11, 2013

Review: Calculated in Death by J.D. Robb


Calculated in Death 
By J. D. Robb 
Book #45 in the In Death series 

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 building, the lieutenant knows Marta's murder was the work of a killer who's trained, but not professional or smart enough to remove all the evidence.

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. And as the killer's violent streak begins to escalate, Eve knows she has to draw him out, even if it means using herself as bait. . . .


Fans of this series will be really happy with this latest installment in the series. It has all the elements that we've come to expect and love about Lt. Eve Dallas and those in her futuristic world. There's the ongoing romance with her mega rich and gorgeous husband, the witty and hilarious rapport with her steady but delightful partner, Peabody, and a case with a slate of suspects that's awfully fun to watch Dallas unravel. Many of the other characters we enjoy are part of the story in meaningful ways and this one ranks in my top ten in the series.

If you have any interest in starting this series, it's best served up in order. One of the most compelling aspects of the stories is the incredible character development. Each book represents about one month of elapsed time in the series so don't let the number of books to date stop you. I got so hooked (when there were about 35 books) I read them straight through in about three months. Warning...they are that addictive

It's hard to niche these books into one genre. I read them for the mystery/suspense. Many consider them romantic suspense and some even Sci-Fi (that's a weaker argument). Whatever the genre, the stories are great, the characters well drawn and developed, the romance steamy and Eve Dallas a force to be reckoned with. You can't lose and this book is classic In Death.






7 comments:

  1. I have this one but I was told I have two more critical books in the series I need to listen to before this one. I am way behind on the series.

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    1. You definitely want to read them first. Do you have the reading order?

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  2. seriously, book 45?? I loved book 1 on audio (thank you audible sales), but I'm daunted by the size of this series... maybe one day I'll get to book 45, but then there will probably be 97... Book Savvy Babe

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    1. That's exactly what I said about a year and a half ago when I started reading the series and the books were around 40.... But now I'm on book 41 with little breaks in between to read other authors too! Jonnetta is right; this series is highly addictive!!!!!

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    2. You'd be surprised at how quickly you'll fly through this series. I've never been so addicted to books.

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  3. OOohhh I love this series so much. 45 books? I thought there were like 35. Are you counting the novellas? Omg having one of those what have I missed moments?! LOL

    Seriously can't wait to read this one and so glad to hear it's another good one. They're my favorite couple. Just love Roarke. And how kick ass Eve is. Such a good pair. And totally agree it's best in order. She has such amazing secondary characters and it's so fun to watch them all grow and change over time.


    ~Anna
    herding cats & burning soup

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    1. Definitely included the novellas in the total since they move the story arc.

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