Fury in Death by J.D. Robb

Fury in Death (In Death, #63)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: In Death #63
Publication Date: 9/8/26
Period: Future New York – 2061
Number of Pages: 368

Another outstanding addition to the In Death series! I think I say this with every review, but it is true—every single time! At sixty-three books into the series, it is still as fresh, innovative, interesting, and engrossing as the very first book. I honestly hope this series continues for another thirty years!

In the Prologue of Fury in Death, we meet the antagonist—and, surprisingly, we come to like him. Yes, we have a sympathetic antagonist this time, and his story is absolutely heartbreaking. I thought this was one of the book’s most interesting aspects. His circumstances and the people who manipulated and used him make it difficult not to feel sympathy for him, even as he becomes a murderer.

I especially loved Eve’s response to him. She understands what happened to him without excusing what he has done. Her determination to bring him to justice is matched by her determination to find the people who created the circumstances that turned him into the murderer he has become. Eve’s dogged pursuit of justice for everyone involved is one of the things I love most about her. She can see the person behind the crime, and this time that understanding leads her to some particularly difficult and uncomfortable questions.

I also appreciated the more introspective Eve we see in this book. As she works through the case, she is forced to think about the choices people make, the circumstances that shape them, and where responsibility ultimately lies. Watching that thought process—and seeing how much Eve has grown over the course of the series—was wonderful. Even after sixty-three books, there are still new facets of Eve’s character for us to discover.

And, of course, we get more of Peabody and McNab and their families! I was delighted to spend more time with Peabody’s Free-Ager family, who have descended on New York for the housewarming of the large, happy home that Peabody, McNab, Leonardo, and Mavis have created. They are such a wonderful, sometimes chaotic, group, and I always enjoy the glimpses we get into the personal lives of Eve’s extended circle. With Mavis and her ever-expanding crew also settling into the new home, there is certainly no shortage of personalities, opinions, and opportunities for Eve to be exasperated!

Meanwhile, Eve and her team are racing to solve the murders before more people can be executed. Once again, Dallas and her intrepid team from NYPSD are up to the task, following the clues, sorting through the financials, and working tirelessly to uncover the truth.

I was completely engrossed from the moment I read the first words, and apparently once wasn’t enough because I immediately went through the book a second time in audio. I always enjoy Susan Eriksen’s narration of this series, and she once again does an outstanding job. Her pacing is perfect, her distinctive voices make it easy to identify each character, and she makes you feel as if you are right there in the room with them. She brings out the humor, horror, suspense, tenderness, and sheer joy in the story so beautifully.

There is something rather amazing about reaching book sixty-three in a series and still feeling that sense of anticipation when a new book arrives. I care about these characters, I enjoy spending time with them, and I continue to be impressed by how much new life and depth J.D. Robb brings to a series that could so easily have become predictable by now.

I loved the mystery, the character development, the relationships, and especially Eve’s determination to seek justice—not only for the victims, but also for someone whose life had been so terribly damaged by others. Fury in Death is another winner for me, and I’m already looking forward to the next one!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Miss Morton Takes The Waters by Catherine Lloyd

Miss Morton Takes the Waters (A Miss Morton Mystery)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Miss Morton Mysteries #5
Publication Date: 8/25/26
Period: Early Victorian, 1841
Number of Pages: 272

Miss Morton has been quite concerned about her employer, Mrs. Frogerton, since Mrs. Frogerton was seriously injured during their last adventure. Mrs. Frogerton’s wound has healed, but her spirits have not. When the doctor agrees that a season in Bath might be just the thing to restore Mrs. Frogerton to her normal spritely self, they head out almost immediately.

Mrs. Frogerton wasn’t enamored of the baths and refused to try them a second time. Miss Morton despaired of Bath providing any help at all. However, they soon met their neighbors, and things began to perk up – especially after a murder, and then another. It wasn’t long before Mrs. Frogerton was up to her mischievous self while ‘helping’ the local police Inspector. With lots of suspects and motives, they had their work cut out for them.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the irrepressible Mrs. Frogerton return in full force and bowl right through both the police and the suspects. At the same time, the more level-headed Miss Morton tried to keep her steered in the correct direction. This book had a nice selection of new characters, and I wonder if we’ll have another book set in Bath before they return to London. If we are not going to have another book in Bath, there are a few loose ends I would have liked to see finished. What happened to Mrs. Walsh? What happened with Mr. and Miss Markham? Did Miss Markham and Mr. Pettigrew get together? I hate hanging chads 😊.

I would suggest that while this book can be read as a standalone, you would find far more enjoyment if you read the series from the beginning. The character growth and backgrounds throughout the series definitely enhance your reading pleasure.

This is a book I recommend and hope you will enjoy as much as I did. Happy Reading!!!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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