Connections in Death by J.D. Robb

Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: In Death #48
Publication Date: 2/5/19
Number of Pages: 384

You might think that after 48 books this series would start to get stale, but that is definitely NOT the case. I look forward to each new book with as much enthusiasm as I did at the beginning of the series. I have absolutely loved watching Eve’s transformation – which is why I am a firm believer that you really should read the series from the beginning – or at least read the first five or six books to get an idea of who Eve and Roarke are and where they came from. You won’t regret it. I’ve seen several reviewers who have said that they think Eve and Roarke should have a baby, but since I’m positive that would end the series, I disagree with that. Besides, they have only been married for two or three years, so give them some time – and more books.

I adore all of the recurring characters in the series, so it was nice to have a reappearance of Crack. This time, he has a love interest and it will be nice to see where that goes in future books.

Lots of progress has been made on Roarke and Eve’s new school and youth center – An Didean (means Haven). It is state-of-the-art and offers everything a disadvantaged youth could need to become successful in life. One of the things it offers is psychological counseling and Roarke is in the process of hiring a head psychologist. Dr. Rochelle Pickering is a psychologist specializing in children – and she is Roarke’s top pick as the head psychologist. The fact that she is the love interest of Eve’s friend Crack is unexpected, but not unwelcome.

When Eve’s link signaled, she almost ignored it, until she noticed that the incoming was from Crack and he almost never tagged her. Something serious must be up – and it was. Crack and Rochelle discovered the body of her brother as they returned to Rochelle’s apartment after an evening out. Crack immediately called Eve rather than calling police dispatch – he wanted someone he trusted and someone he knew would stand for Lyle (Rochelle’s brother) and wouldn’t just write it off as an overdose.

Eve’s investigation brings her to admire the young man who had turned his life around. He’d gone from a member of the Bangers gang to prison to leading a straight life and having nothing to do with the gang or drugs. Could it be the gang who held him down and shot a lethal dose of drugs into him? Who else would have wanted him dead? Eve’s investigation takes her into the dangerous Underground, into gang territories and even to sleazy disbarred lawyers before she finally rounds up all of the culprits.

Eve and Roarke are always a wonderful read, and this is no exception. The book is well written, the plot is well executed and the characters are some of the best and strongest I’ve read. I love that Eve takes things literally and always questions and really messes up those old axioms/sayings – like March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. She’s funny, bright, serious and totally dedicated to those victims whose deaths she investigates.

Another great read and I highly recommend it!

Leverage in Death by J.D. Robb

Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: In Death #47
Publication Date: 9/4/18

You would think that after forty-seven books, this series would start to falter, but it hasn’t. It is still as interesting, intriguing and mesmerizing as it was in the beginning. The mysteries are heart-stoppingly intense and the romance with Roarke and Eve is definitely sigh worthy. There is always humor that will make you chuckle and/or shake your head, familiar characters that you love and victims that will make you cry. You definitely cannot go wrong if you choose a book in this series.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has definitely caught a gruesome case this time. Twelve victims were blown to bits and many more injured. But, there is no doubt about who exploded the bomb. The question is WHY. The bomber is a well-liked manager at the company, he loves his job, he loves the people with whom he works and, above all, he loves his wife and daughter. What in the world could ever cause him to blow himself and eleven other people to bits?

As Eve and her team investigate, we learn that the bomber is a victim himself. Eve is convinced that the culprits will not quit with just this one crime and she knows that another family is at risk. They identify a man that they are sure knows something – only to have him turn up dead. Then, another gruesome bombing. The chase is breath-stopping, the villains are a true surprise, and Eve is as hard-nosed and determined as ever.

I always love that there is a ‘back story’ going along with the mystery – just as there would be in real life. This time, it is the Oscars. As you know, Nadine wrote a book, The Icove Agenda, about one of Eve’s cases and it was made into a ‘vid’. Now, it is up for about a half-dozen Oscars – from screenplay to song. Everybody, except Eve, is very excited about the event. You’ll just love Eve’s very expected reactions. I also loved that there was more of Truehart, Baxter, Carmichael, and Bella in this one – but I missed Morris.

I bought the Whispersync version of this book and I just can’t say enough about Susan Ericksen’s narration. I love her voice range and the believable way she makes each of them sound. Just hearing the way she says (as Roarke) ‘Darlin’ Eve’ gives me goosebumps.

Great book! Now, I have to wait until February for the next one – bummer.

Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages…
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview