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In Death #11
Judgment in Death
'She stood in Purgatory and studied death. The blood and the gore of it, the ferocity of its glee. It had come to this place with the wilful temper of a child, full of heat and passion and careless brutality.'
In an uptown strip joint a cop is found bludgeoned to death. The weapon's a baseball bat. The motive is a mystery. It's a case of serious overkill that pushes Eve Dallas straight into overdrive. Her investigation uncovers a private club that's more than a hot spot. Purgatory's a last chance for atonement where everyone is judged. Where your ultimate fate depends on your most intimate sins. And where one cop's hidden secrets are about to plunge innocent souls into vice-ridden damnation...
In an uptown strip joint a cop is found bludgeoned to death. The weapon's a baseball bat. The motive is a mystery. It's a case of serious overkill that pushes Eve Dallas straight into overdrive. Her investigation uncovers a private club that's more than a hot spot. Purgatory's a last chance for atonement where everyone is judged. Where your ultimate fate depends on your most intimate sins. And where one cop's hidden secrets are about to plunge innocent souls into vice-ridden damnation...
356 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2000
About the author
J.D. Robb
226 books33.9k 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 1,183 reviews
February 10, 2017
Over the course of this long series I am always amazed at the consistent quality of J.D. Robb's writing, but some of the books do stand out in excellence. This is one of them.
There is everything in this book!
Nearly all of our favourite characters make an appearance. Mavis has a very funny scene with Eve when they try to solve her problems with the aid of alcohol and ice cream. Mira tries to help solve the same problems in a very different way. Summerset only has less than a page but makes a real impact. His relationship with Eve is developing nicely:)
The action is full on and there are plenty of murders and the resultant police work. Eve is on top of her game and never falters despite constant interference from various sources.
The humour of course is always there. J.D. Robb has a talent for funny one liners and amusing banter.
I do have issues with Roarke in this book because I felt he was way out of line when Not one of his better moments but I guess the man is human.
I love this series:)
There is everything in this book!
Nearly all of our favourite characters make an appearance. Mavis has a very funny scene with Eve when they try to solve her problems with the aid of alcohol and ice cream. Mira tries to help solve the same problems in a very different way. Summerset only has less than a page but makes a real impact. His relationship with Eve is developing nicely:)
The action is full on and there are plenty of murders and the resultant police work. Eve is on top of her game and never falters despite constant interference from various sources.
The humour of course is always there. J.D. Robb has a talent for funny one liners and amusing banter.
I do have issues with Roarke in this book because I felt he was way out of line when Not one of his better moments but I guess the man is human.
I love this series:)
June 29, 2022
In JUDGEMENT IN DEATH, Detective Eve Dallas is given the case of a fellow police officer who has been beaten to death. The case grows complicated when she realizes the officer may have been involved in taking bribes or something else dirty, and runs into brick walls from internal affairs. Also, she and Rourke are fighting, which Eve doesn’t know how to deal with. This was a fun book and spicy with the piece of Eve/Rourke at odds.
November 11, 2016
In an uptown strip joint, a cop is found bludgeoned to death. The weapon's a baseball bat. The motive's a mystery. It's a case of serious overkill that pushes Eve Dallas straight into overdrive. Her investigation uncovers a private club that's more than a hot spot.
This series is addictive. Although the number of books in the series is quite daunting!
"I don't know how to do this! I love you, and it makes me crazy."
He had to laugh. She looked so baffled.
"Christ Jesus, Eve, you're a piece of work."
We definitely get more Roarke and Eve time in this one.
"I never cared for that Irish temper of yours ..."
Took me over a week to finish this one. Had to say goodbye to my best buddy on Monday so my mind was all over the place. Will love you always Binky xxx
July 29, 2016
So, there's a cop-killer in this book. But, he's only killing bad cops who were on the take, so really, is that so bad? I mean, it's a lot of work to catch a killer and he is kinda helping clean-up the police department.
Okay, okay. Killing is wrong. blah.blah.blah.
Along with this mystery is the mystery of Eve's stolen candy. She still hasn't caught the thief who is stealing her candy and actually had to resort to eating an apple. Why, God, why? Life can be so cruel. Of course, I have my suspicions about who the candy-thief is and hope to have them confirmed in the future.
And, really, that is the fun in these books because it's not that hard to figure out the bad-guy usually, but watching all of it play out is good. Finding out why they did it and all of the other details is fun.
There is also trouble in paradise. Eve and Roarke get into a serious knock-down, drag-out fight in this book. I'm hoping that they break up and Roarke needs comforting in the arms of an older, chubbier woman. I'll be waiting...
Okay, okay. Killing is wrong. blah.blah.blah.
Along with this mystery is the mystery of Eve's stolen candy. She still hasn't caught the thief who is stealing her candy and actually had to resort to eating an apple. Why, God, why? Life can be so cruel. Of course, I have my suspicions about who the candy-thief is and hope to have them confirmed in the future.
And, really, that is the fun in these books because it's not that hard to figure out the bad-guy usually, but watching all of it play out is good. Finding out why they did it and all of the other details is fun.
There is also trouble in paradise. Eve and Roarke get into a serious knock-down, drag-out fight in this book. I'm hoping that they break up and Roarke needs comforting in the arms of an older, chubbier woman. I'll be waiting...
July 4, 2018
Roarke <3
I love him so much. :)
She woke to sunlight and the scent of coffee. The first thing she saw was Roarke, with a mug of coffee in his hand.
"How much would you pay for this?"
"Name your price." she sat up took it from him, drank gratefully. "this is one of my favorite parts of the marriage deal." She let the caffeine flow through her system. "I mean the sex is pretty good, but the coffee...the Coffee is amazing. And you're all-round handy yourself most of the time.. thanks."
"Don't mention it.” :D
I love him so much. :)
She woke to sunlight and the scent of coffee. The first thing she saw was Roarke, with a mug of coffee in his hand.
"How much would you pay for this?"
"Name your price." she sat up took it from him, drank gratefully. "this is one of my favorite parts of the marriage deal." She let the caffeine flow through her system. "I mean the sex is pretty good, but the coffee...the Coffee is amazing. And you're all-round handy yourself most of the time.. thanks."
"Don't mention it.” :D
February 10, 2017
LOVED IT. It is as simple as that. This series is crazy good. I’m still baffled as to how she does it. After 11 books I still adore Roarke and Eve.
In Judgement in Death cops are being murdered. One is murdered in a place Roarke owns. Eve is not surprised by this but this particular club connects Roarke to a man he thought he left in his past. Max Ricker would make a mistake that he’d regret.
Listen to me now, and carefully. Touch her, put your hand on what’s mine again, and I’ll follow you to hell and peel the skin from your bones. I’ll feed you your own eyes. I take an oath on it. Remember what I was, and you’ll know I’ll do it. And worse.” He straightened again, his body rigid. “Get someone to drag him out of here. This is my place.”
Eve always puts herself in the throes of things. It is who she is and how she does her job. It is what makes her so good. Roarke’s love for her runs deep but it isn’t always easy for him to keep things in check.
“Life has very little even ground.” But he couldn’t hold out against her misery and stopped halfway down the stairs. “I love you, Eve. Nothing changes that, nothing could. But Christ, you piss me off.”
Telling a lie even if it is for all the right reasons will never sit well with Roarke. But Eve thinks she is doing the right thing when she decides to keep something from him…..that is until he finds out. Navigating through marriage is hard enough for her. When Roarke freezes her out she has no clue what to do. Then after a night of drinking, who would have thought that Mavis would give her the best advice?
“Dallas.” Mavis leaned over, then slid gracefully to the floor. “You didn’t figure the man factor. They got dicks. You can’t ever forget the dick when you’re dealing with a man.”
“Because women work on an emotional level.” Mavis hiccuped delicately. “Even you.” Eve rolled over, eyed Mavis narrowly. “Do not.”
“Do, too. First, he got you by the hormones. I mean, Jesus, look at him. The man’s a sexual . . . Gimme minute. A sexual . . . banquet. Yeah, that’s a good one. Then he clicked into your head, because he’s smart and interesting and mysterious and all that stuff you’d really go for. But then, the whammer was when he jammed right into your heart. Whatcha gonna do then? A guy got his hooks in your heart, he just reels you right in.”
“I’m not a goddamn fish.”
“We are all fish,” Mavis said in rounded tones, “in the great sea of life.”
It was a battle for Eve. For the longest time work was her life. It was all she knew. Roarke was now part of her life and when these two pieces crashed together it was hard for her. But loving Roarke filled the emptiness in her heart. He was becoming her everything.
Marriage, Eve thought as she took her seat, was a puzzle she didn’t think she’d ever solve. Too many damn pieces. And the shapes of them were constantly changing on her.
She started out, glanced back. Roarke was still watching her, the faintest of smiles on that killer mouth, the faintest glint in those wild blue eyes. “Jesus, he makes your mouth water.”
I am definitely addicted to this series. I can't seem to get enough of Roarke and Eve. All of the side characters continue to wow me too. Feeney, McNab and Peabody. And of course, Summerset, Mavis and Mira too!
“Look, there’s some whattayacallems.”
“Daffodils,” he said and caught her hand in his.
“Daffodils, Eve. It’s spring.”
“Finally feels like it, too.”
August 16, 2019
4.5 stars.⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another delightful read and more time well spent with Lieutenant Eve Dallas and company.
And this time.......when a shady character from Roarke's past resurfaces....... there is a little trouble in paradise for Eve and Roarke.....but along with passionate differences of opinion..... comes great make up sex !!! LOVE THIS COUPLE.
Another delightful read and more time well spent with Lieutenant Eve Dallas and company.
And this time.......when a shady character from Roarke's past resurfaces....... there is a little trouble in paradise for Eve and Roarke.....but along with passionate differences of opinion..... comes great make up sex !!! LOVE THIS COUPLE.
June 19, 2018
Judgment in Death is #11 in the In Death series, and a re-read for me. My love of this series continues – I would say it’s the best series I’ve ever read (my personal opinion of course!) Author JD Robb seems to have unlimited ideas for this series, and I hope she never runs out!
For Detective Eve Dallas, this case is far too personal. Cops dying, being brutally murdered one after the other – the rage of the killer was obvious; the little constants always there. Eve, with the help of the whole NYPSD – and Roarke – were determined to get answers.
Another excellent read; the laugh out loud moments are there; the seriousness of murder; the antics between Roarke and Eve – all together make a highly recommendable series.
For Detective Eve Dallas, this case is far too personal. Cops dying, being brutally murdered one after the other – the rage of the killer was obvious; the little constants always there. Eve, with the help of the whole NYPSD – and Roarke – were determined to get answers.
Another excellent read; the laugh out loud moments are there; the seriousness of murder; the antics between Roarke and Eve – all together make a highly recommendable series.
January 10, 2017
Absolutely adore this series and it's characters!
August 30, 2016
2.5 stars
What I like about these books are the way the investigation progresses in the futuristic world.
The name of the book exactly suggests why the killings are happening in this one... There is a killer judging and killing remorselessly..
Eve Dallas tries her best to sort out the mess and find the killer as soon as possible. She let's nothing stand in her way, not even the fact that she may be judged for her actions...
There was too much focus on Roarke and Eve's personal life and a lot of it covered the first real big fight they have.. This part could have been a bit shorter but whatever!
I has an inkling who it was pretty early on in the book (as soon as the character was introduced) and it got confirmed at around 80% of the book. Still the motive and the way it was handled was nice.
Overall it was better than 'OK' but some bits of it could have been better (especially the personal bits and pieces)....
What I like about these books are the way the investigation progresses in the futuristic world.
The name of the book exactly suggests why the killings are happening in this one... There is a killer judging and killing remorselessly..
Eve Dallas tries her best to sort out the mess and find the killer as soon as possible. She let's nothing stand in her way, not even the fact that she may be judged for her actions...
There was too much focus on Roarke and Eve's personal life and a lot of it covered the first real big fight they have.. This part could have been a bit shorter but whatever!
I has an inkling who it was pretty early on in the book (as soon as the character was introduced) and it got confirmed at around 80% of the book. Still the motive and the way it was handled was nice.
Overall it was better than 'OK' but some bits of it could have been better (especially the personal bits and pieces)....
January 27, 2020
Really enjoyed this one! I am noticing that I definitely appreciate these books more when I space them up somewhat. Otherwise, they can feel a bit repetitive and Eve might get on your nerves 🙂... Webster was a pleasant surprise as an addition to the character Dynamics. Looking forward to the next mystery
June 22, 2017
"Nonetheless. Both of you reacted as natural for you, engaged in a bout of rough, sweaty sex that no doubt satisfied you."
"You'd have thought so, but we hadn't even cooled off when he picked me up off the floor and carried me into bed and did it all over again."
Mira stared, rather blankly. "Does he have a particular diet? Vitamins?"
This quote is fun, but it's much more fun when you think that's Mira speaking! LOL
In this series the absolute best are the characters! All the characters! Each one has its own personality and its own kind of behaviour!
And a carefully and exactly placed sarcastic or fun dialogue can be like a cherry on top of a very good cake!
“This is just the prototype.”
She felt the color drain out of her face. Actually felt it. “As in experimental?”
With his dark hair whipping in the air blowing through his open window, hetossed her a wide, delighted grin. “Not anymore. We’re going down.”
“What?” She braced every cell in her body. “What?”
“On purpose, darling.”
Or this one:
“ ’Cause I had this dream. Maybe a dream. You were standing over me. I was just floating and you were standing there, ragging my ass. Ever tell you how sexy you look when you’re ragging ass?”
“Jesus.”
“Sorry, a little re . . . residual lust. D’ya say you’d spit on my grave?”
“Yeah. I will, too, if you try to cash out again.”
All the books I've read so fare are full of this kind of dialogues!!! It's just a pleasure to read them!!
On to the next!
February 9, 2022
Re read February 2022
March 3, 2023
Instalment 11 of the series, and I'm loving it as I did with the first! The characters remain engaging, and the murder investigations intriguing!
When I first decided to start the In Death series, I dreaded the fact there were so many books, but now I'm afraid 56 books are too few!
In Judgement In Death, Eve investigates the death of a fellow officer, and it's personal not just for her but as she uncovers pieces of the puzzle she'll realise that it's more personal as she first believed since someone from her husband's past seems to be involved!
This development, of course, puts Roarke into protecting mode and has Eve taking steps behind his back, which causes friction but also ignites the well-known passion that exists between them, especially when a past love interest appears in the scene!
Coworkers and friends like Mavis, Dr. Mira, and Feeny are helping on the professional but also the personal level!
When I first decided to start the In Death series, I dreaded the fact there were so many books, but now I'm afraid 56 books are too few!
In Judgement In Death, Eve investigates the death of a fellow officer, and it's personal not just for her but as she uncovers pieces of the puzzle she'll realise that it's more personal as she first believed since someone from her husband's past seems to be involved!
This development, of course, puts Roarke into protecting mode and has Eve taking steps behind his back, which causes friction but also ignites the well-known passion that exists between them, especially when a past love interest appears in the scene!
Coworkers and friends like Mavis, Dr. Mira, and Feeny are helping on the professional but also the personal level!
February 6, 2017
Someone is killing cops on Eve Dallas' watch and she won't stand for that. The first cop was killed in a nightclub owned by her husband Roarke, so he won't stand for it either. Together they make a formidable team, but all is not peaches and cream and they have their first real row over Roarke's over-protectiveness of Eve when she's facing danger on the job.
All my favourite characters feature in this novel and are developing nicely. Peabody is enjoying juggling two lovers and sometimes giving Eve to much information. Mira and Mavis try to give Eve advice about handling men in their own distinctive ways. As always an entertaining read with plenty of wry humour as Eve and her team hunt down the killer with a little help from Roarke.
All my favourite characters feature in this novel and are developing nicely. Peabody is enjoying juggling two lovers and sometimes giving Eve to much information. Mira and Mavis try to give Eve advice about handling men in their own distinctive ways. As always an entertaining read with plenty of wry humour as Eve and her team hunt down the killer with a little help from Roarke.
June 30, 2018
This is my third time reading straight through the In Death series (have read certain books many times more), and I have to say it is pure pleasure each time. I first read the paperbacks, then had the pleasure of listening to Susan Ericksen's interpretation in the audiobooks, and now - this time, I'm reading them on Kindle. Never gets old. Judgement is a favorite for all the Roarke and Eve scenes as I'm a big fan of the character relationship development in the series. The supporting cast is awesome, as always, and the murder mystery intriguing. If you haven't tried this series, you're missing a real gem. It's nearly impossible to keep a series fresh book after book after book and yet, Robb knocks it out of the park every single time. Another Must Read in the series!
November 7, 2018
5 blazing Stars!!
One of the best installments in the series (or maybe it is just me because it's been a while since I had a session with the gang.)
Have I told you how amazing Eve is? In all aspects of her life? She is a woman who has a working brain in that beautiful head of hers. It is uncommon in fiction, but this heroine actually THINKS.
As a cop, she doens't leave one angle unexplored, she actually has a knack for getting into any perpetrator's brain and anticipate his every move. In this book's case she was after a cop-killer, which in itself is a very emotional and demanding task. I'm proud to state that I had figured out the killer from the start, but knowing this didn't decrease my enjoyment of the story. It was really fun to pay attention to every clue the author left and how smart Eve was to grab it. Applause to both J.D. Robb and Eve. Someone would think that the author might get sloppy or hasty after so many books, but NO, this one was as solid a mystery as in any previous book in the series.
As a friend, she is loyal, always standing by her friends or whomever is decent and fair towards her. But be cautious, if you ever cross her or betray her!
As a wife, it is a delight to watch her toss her hard skin and become vulnerable towards her husband, to open up her heart to potential pain, in order to feel love's warming to maximum. In this story, Eve and Roarke often collide (as they usually do) but it was a pleasant surprise to see, for once, that Eve was the one to humble herself first, admit the wrongness of her behavior and reach out to Roarke. The magnitude of her love for Roarke and the amount of progress she has done in their relationship, literally stuns me.
One of the best installments in the series (or maybe it is just me because it's been a while since I had a session with the gang.)
Have I told you how amazing Eve is? In all aspects of her life? She is a woman who has a working brain in that beautiful head of hers. It is uncommon in fiction, but this heroine actually THINKS.
As a cop, she doens't leave one angle unexplored, she actually has a knack for getting into any perpetrator's brain and anticipate his every move. In this book's case she was after a cop-killer, which in itself is a very emotional and demanding task. I'm proud to state that I had figured out the killer from the start, but knowing this didn't decrease my enjoyment of the story. It was really fun to pay attention to every clue the author left and how smart Eve was to grab it. Applause to both J.D. Robb and Eve. Someone would think that the author might get sloppy or hasty after so many books, but NO, this one was as solid a mystery as in any previous book in the series.
As a friend, she is loyal, always standing by her friends or whomever is decent and fair towards her. But be cautious, if you ever cross her or betray her!
As a wife, it is a delight to watch her toss her hard skin and become vulnerable towards her husband, to open up her heart to potential pain, in order to feel love's warming to maximum. In this story, Eve and Roarke often collide (as they usually do) but it was a pleasant surprise to see, for once, that Eve was the one to humble herself first, admit the wrongness of her behavior and reach out to Roarke. The magnitude of her love for Roarke and the amount of progress she has done in their relationship, literally stuns me.
April 25, 2021
3rd read: 14-25 April 2021
2nd read: 27th November-1st december 2014
1st read: 26th February- 13th March 2013
That's me every time I finish a book in this series
This is the first installment in the In death series that I review, and it’s hard! I loved everything, even the fighting, and I don’t have anything to say that the other people who wrote reviews didn’t say before me. It was a pleasure to listen to it, I don’t think I’ve enjoyed another audiobook more.
About the novel: In this book Eve deals with a cop killer and as you can imagine Roarke gets involved(being awesome and owning half the universe or more he really can’t help it). I had moments when I thought that I knew who the unsub was, but then I convinced myself that I was wrong… Ms. Robb has such great talent that she manages to make you doubt everything, you can’t find that in many writers. She plays us, readers, like a virtuoso and drops hints and facts when you don’t expect it and you start being unsure again and again.
This book had something that the others from the series didn’t: a fight, a big one, between Eve and Roarke! I hated every minute of it, of not seeing them being the perfect couple I knew they were, of them not showing their trust and love in each other as they always did… But I also loved it(I know… I know… I can’t make my mind up). Ms. Robb showed us that she created real characters with real feelings and not some plastic puppets that you get bored of and despise in the end. I loved how she made everything work, and… let’s face it: I loved the making up part =))
The secondary characters that we’ve come to expect were also here and had minor and major roles and we saw more glimpses from their lives: Peabody still strings McNab along and loves it, Doctor Mira is the strong professional woman that, to me, shows how Eve will be in 20 something years and how well hers and Roarke’s relationship will go, Mavis and Leonardo have the time of their lives together and with their careers… all in all: everything is well when it ends well.
About the narrator: Susan Ericksen is a goddess! I want to marry her and never let her go! She makes all the characters unique that you know them and she gets all the accents and nuances right! I wish she will do all the audiobooks in the world, or at least those I listen to!
Quotes(the best of the best):
"You know the problem of seeing 2 guys?"
"What is it Peabody?"
"There isn't one!"(Eve and Peabody)
"Nonetheless. Both of you reacted as natural for you, engaged in a bout of rough, sweaty sex that no doubt satisfied you."
"You'd have thought so, but we hadn't even cooled off when he picked me up off the floor and carried me into bed and did it all over again."
Mira stared, rather blankly. "Does he have a particular diet? Vitamins?"(Mira and Eve)
"You pulled your weapon on me." He couldn't get over that one. Wasn't sure he ever would.
"That's right." She shoved his hand away from her chin. "You think I'm stupid enough to jump physically between two crazy men trying to break each other's faces? I had it on stun."
"Oh, well then, what am I whining about? You had it on stun." He had to laugh. "Christ, Eve."
"I wouldn't have used it on you. Probably. And if I had, I'd've been really sorry."(Eve and Roarke)
2nd read: 27th November-1st december 2014
1st read: 26th February- 13th March 2013
That's me every time I finish a book in this series
This is the first installment in the In death series that I review, and it’s hard! I loved everything, even the fighting, and I don’t have anything to say that the other people who wrote reviews didn’t say before me. It was a pleasure to listen to it, I don’t think I’ve enjoyed another audiobook more.
About the novel: In this book Eve deals with a cop killer and as you can imagine Roarke gets involved(being awesome and owning half the universe or more he really can’t help it). I had moments when I thought that I knew who the unsub was, but then I convinced myself that I was wrong… Ms. Robb has such great talent that she manages to make you doubt everything, you can’t find that in many writers. She plays us, readers, like a virtuoso and drops hints and facts when you don’t expect it and you start being unsure again and again.
This book had something that the others from the series didn’t: a fight, a big one, between Eve and Roarke! I hated every minute of it, of not seeing them being the perfect couple I knew they were, of them not showing their trust and love in each other as they always did… But I also loved it(I know… I know… I can’t make my mind up). Ms. Robb showed us that she created real characters with real feelings and not some plastic puppets that you get bored of and despise in the end. I loved how she made everything work, and… let’s face it: I loved the making up part =))
The secondary characters that we’ve come to expect were also here and had minor and major roles and we saw more glimpses from their lives: Peabody still strings McNab along and loves it, Doctor Mira is the strong professional woman that, to me, shows how Eve will be in 20 something years and how well hers and Roarke’s relationship will go, Mavis and Leonardo have the time of their lives together and with their careers… all in all: everything is well when it ends well.
About the narrator: Susan Ericksen is a goddess! I want to marry her and never let her go! She makes all the characters unique that you know them and she gets all the accents and nuances right! I wish she will do all the audiobooks in the world, or at least those I listen to!
Quotes(the best of the best):
"You know the problem of seeing 2 guys?"
"What is it Peabody?"
"There isn't one!"(Eve and Peabody)
"Nonetheless. Both of you reacted as natural for you, engaged in a bout of rough, sweaty sex that no doubt satisfied you."
"You'd have thought so, but we hadn't even cooled off when he picked me up off the floor and carried me into bed and did it all over again."
Mira stared, rather blankly. "Does he have a particular diet? Vitamins?"(Mira and Eve)
"You pulled your weapon on me." He couldn't get over that one. Wasn't sure he ever would.
"That's right." She shoved his hand away from her chin. "You think I'm stupid enough to jump physically between two crazy men trying to break each other's faces? I had it on stun."
"Oh, well then, what am I whining about? You had it on stun." He had to laugh. "Christ, Eve."
"I wouldn't have used it on you. Probably. And if I had, I'd've been really sorry."(Eve and Roarke)
July 11, 2018
Of course I love this book. There is no one hotter than Roarke, and Eve is really cool, so...good team. But, my only draw back is something that shows itself in tons of books and real life. It's the private art collection of famous artists. Share them with the world. Art is not meant to be hoarded. I mean, books are art. What if those were hoarded? How terrible would it be if only one person could read Austen or Robb?
Reread July 2018 — Eve and the gang are on the hunt for a cop killer meanwhile a bad guy from Roarke’s past is rearing his ugly head. Some gory deaths but a sympathetic murderer. I mean he’s killing and uncovering dirty cops. Eve is forced to “stand for the dead” even though she is disgusted by them.
Reread July 2018 — Eve and the gang are on the hunt for a cop killer meanwhile a bad guy from Roarke’s past is rearing his ugly head. Some gory deaths but a sympathetic murderer. I mean he’s killing and uncovering dirty cops. Eve is forced to “stand for the dead” even though she is disgusted by them.
January 14, 2015
Thirty pieces of silver.
★★★★★ & a W.O.W! (This is a review of the audiobook.) I feel like a parrot, because I keep saying this, but this series just keeps getting better and better. This is certainly due, in large part, to Susan Ericksen’s excellent narration. She knows these characters so well and is so versatile with the voices. Love the rugged, poetic Irish lilt of Roarke’s voice; the friendly airiness of Mavis’s; the professional, dependable, but decidedly sassy Detective Delia Peabody’s; and the insightful, intelligence, serene, upper class New England accent of Dr. Charlotte Mira’s.
Still, I have to give Ms. Robb (AKA Nora Roberts) major kudos. It is hard to maintain a series and keep it fresh and interesting – and have the two main characters married! Each book contains a well-developed mystery, plus continues with an evolution of her passionate, powerful protagonists and her amazing secondary characters. It is fun to get to know them all, and neat to see they do something totally in character – yet somehow surprising! It takes a deft hand to do that.
In this one, she concentrates on the relationship between Roarke and Eve and all I can say is “O.M.G!” repeatedly. Ms. Robb pushes the envelope, takes them to a new level, and makes it work – all while entwining them in a compelling mystery that is the catalyst of their evolution.
In Death series in correct reading order.
* 
*Big Jack is the second part of Remember When, written by Nora Roberts (J.D. Robb’s alter-ego).
★★★★★ & a W.O.W! (This is a review of the audiobook.) I feel like a parrot, because I keep saying this, but this series just keeps getting better and better. This is certainly due, in large part, to Susan Ericksen’s excellent narration. She knows these characters so well and is so versatile with the voices. Love the rugged, poetic Irish lilt of Roarke’s voice; the friendly airiness of Mavis’s; the professional, dependable, but decidedly sassy Detective Delia Peabody’s; and the insightful, intelligence, serene, upper class New England accent of Dr. Charlotte Mira’s.
Still, I have to give Ms. Robb (AKA Nora Roberts) major kudos. It is hard to maintain a series and keep it fresh and interesting – and have the two main characters married! Each book contains a well-developed mystery, plus continues with an evolution of her passionate, powerful protagonists and her amazing secondary characters. It is fun to get to know them all, and neat to see they do something totally in character – yet somehow surprising! It takes a deft hand to do that.
In this one, she concentrates on the relationship between Roarke and Eve and all I can say is “O.M.G!” repeatedly. Ms. Robb pushes the envelope, takes them to a new level, and makes it work – all while entwining them in a compelling mystery that is the catalyst of their evolution.
In Death series in correct reading order.
*Big Jack is the second part of Remember When, written by Nora Roberts (J.D. Robb’s alter-ego).
April 6, 2021
we get more complexity in the relationship of Eve and Roarks in this one
another great addition to the series
another great addition to the series
August 4, 2020
This was an interesting murder investigation where cops are the murder victims and Eve has to figure out why. The twist in the tale - crooked cops. The investigations and it's angles - who did it and why were fun, not spoiling those.
Did I guess who did it? Yes.
It's fun when this happens but I still like reading how Eve and Roarke trap the killer, collect evidence or trap suspects.
What stood out for me?
I'm enjoying seeing how the characters and their relationships evolve, change over time, over cases.
1 This book had a subplot about the challenges women face peofessionally, especially in male dominated fields.
2 Eve's Girl gang
Mavis is mature and a relationship coach for Eve in this one. I like understated Mavis. Eve is slowly opening up and leaning on others for support.
Nadine has moved from pushy to supportive. The tentative friendship is more believable.
Peabody is wonderful as always.
3 I loved the scene with Dr Mira.
. However much it may discomfort you, Eve, I look on you as a kind of surrogate daughter. It's a pity that causes you embarrassment," she said mildly when that emotion ran over Eve's face. "You don't know my children, but I can promise you that they would tell you I am relentless when concerned about their happiness. While I will try not to interfere, I will know the cause."
Dr Mira is epic in this scene. The mother daughter dynamic is openly acknowledged here. Eve deserves someone so supportive and perceptive.
4 Boy Girl Dynamics
You dented his ego, always a tricky proposition with a man, particularly a man like him. Then, before he could come to full terms with it, he walks in on you being hit on by another man."
5 The Mother in law factor
"Lieutenant."
She shoved her arms into the jacket, snarled at him. "What, goddamn it?"
He didn't so much as blink. "Regarding your actions of last evening—"
"Don't you start on me, hatchet-face." She shoved by him, wrenched open the doors.
"I believe," he continued in the same mild tone, "those actions were quite correct
What I didn't like or maybe an unpopular opinion :
Possibility of a Rant. You have been warned.
Does anybody think Roarke and Eve got married too soon?
They had a serious fight in this book. Issue - Actions without consulting spouse.
Roarke went silent and declared a Cold war. For a long time.
What does this solve?
It just keeps Eve in misery with zero effort.
Roarke has done this before. This is turning into a mock trial.
1 Over the diamond necklace.
2 Over commitment
3 Over Magdalena
I'm just 10 - 15 books in, there must be more.
Issue - Romantic pasts.
Eve had one ex to worry about. We meet Don in this book. He's smart, entertaining and likeable. Still has feelings for Eve.
Roarke and Don have a mini fight but it was not convincing. It made no impact.
Roarke has no fear of losing Eve.
It's like a bite sized Toblerone. Who does it satisfy?
Roarke has a parade of glamorous, sophisticated exes in every other book and the comparison is inevitable. Eve is insecure and subjected to this over and over. Even if Eve is a jerk at times, it's sad.
I liked the earlier books where Eve could go back home, to her own space and relax. Now she's running from one war zone to the next - active murder investigation to marriage troubles.
It's unbalanced somehow.
Did I guess who did it? Yes.
It's fun when this happens but I still like reading how Eve and Roarke trap the killer, collect evidence or trap suspects.
What stood out for me?
I'm enjoying seeing how the characters and their relationships evolve, change over time, over cases.
1 This book had a subplot about the challenges women face peofessionally, especially in male dominated fields.
2 Eve's Girl gang
Mavis is mature and a relationship coach for Eve in this one. I like understated Mavis. Eve is slowly opening up and leaning on others for support.
Nadine has moved from pushy to supportive. The tentative friendship is more believable.
Peabody is wonderful as always.
3 I loved the scene with Dr Mira.
. However much it may discomfort you, Eve, I look on you as a kind of surrogate daughter. It's a pity that causes you embarrassment," she said mildly when that emotion ran over Eve's face. "You don't know my children, but I can promise you that they would tell you I am relentless when concerned about their happiness. While I will try not to interfere, I will know the cause."
Dr Mira is epic in this scene. The mother daughter dynamic is openly acknowledged here. Eve deserves someone so supportive and perceptive.
4 Boy Girl Dynamics
You dented his ego, always a tricky proposition with a man, particularly a man like him. Then, before he could come to full terms with it, he walks in on you being hit on by another man."
5 The Mother in law factor
"Lieutenant."
She shoved her arms into the jacket, snarled at him. "What, goddamn it?"
He didn't so much as blink. "Regarding your actions of last evening—"
"Don't you start on me, hatchet-face." She shoved by him, wrenched open the doors.
"I believe," he continued in the same mild tone, "those actions were quite correct
What I didn't like or maybe an unpopular opinion :
Possibility of a Rant. You have been warned.
Does anybody think Roarke and Eve got married too soon?
They had a serious fight in this book. Issue - Actions without consulting spouse.
Roarke went silent and declared a Cold war. For a long time.
What does this solve?
It just keeps Eve in misery with zero effort.
Roarke has done this before. This is turning into a mock trial.
1 Over the diamond necklace.
2 Over commitment
3 Over Magdalena
I'm just 10 - 15 books in, there must be more.
Issue - Romantic pasts.
Eve had one ex to worry about. We meet Don in this book. He's smart, entertaining and likeable. Still has feelings for Eve.
Roarke and Don have a mini fight but it was not convincing. It made no impact.
Roarke has no fear of losing Eve.
It's like a bite sized Toblerone. Who does it satisfy?
Roarke has a parade of glamorous, sophisticated exes in every other book and the comparison is inevitable. Eve is insecure and subjected to this over and over. Even if Eve is a jerk at times, it's sad.
I liked the earlier books where Eve could go back home, to her own space and relax. Now she's running from one war zone to the next - active murder investigation to marriage troubles.
It's unbalanced somehow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2013
I'm still completely and unapologetically addicted to the characters in this series - especially Eve and Roarke, but even the supporting characters are so real and relatable they get under my skin.
This time around, Eve's hunting a cop killer. A cop killer who seems to be killing cops who may or may not be on the take. Naturally, cops don't like to be investigated, especially by another cop, so Eve's not too popular - but, being Eve, that makes no difference at all to her doing what she has to do.
But just to add another layer of complication, there's a criminal type somehow mixed up in what's going on, who just happens to be a former associate of Roarke's from before he went on the straight and narrow, and he's crazy as well as dangerous because he wants revenge on Roarke and he has no problem at all using Eve to get that revenge.
Although I enjoy the murder investigations, the irresistible draw of the series for me are the characters. There's a reason why Nora Roberts - writing as J.D. Robb - has published so many books and is consistently on bestseller lists - she writes amazing characters doing interesting things in ways that make you want to be IN the books!
Even the supporting and minor characters in this series are written as fully realized people. You feel like you really know these people, whether you like them or not, so the book feels real, and you can completely dive into and experience the story, which is exactly what a great book SHOULD do for you.
Can't wait to read the next book in this fantastic series!
This time around, Eve's hunting a cop killer. A cop killer who seems to be killing cops who may or may not be on the take. Naturally, cops don't like to be investigated, especially by another cop, so Eve's not too popular - but, being Eve, that makes no difference at all to her doing what she has to do.
But just to add another layer of complication, there's a criminal type somehow mixed up in what's going on, who just happens to be a former associate of Roarke's from before he went on the straight and narrow, and he's crazy as well as dangerous because he wants revenge on Roarke and he has no problem at all using Eve to get that revenge.
Although I enjoy the murder investigations, the irresistible draw of the series for me are the characters. There's a reason why Nora Roberts - writing as J.D. Robb - has published so many books and is consistently on bestseller lists - she writes amazing characters doing interesting things in ways that make you want to be IN the books!
Even the supporting and minor characters in this series are written as fully realized people. You feel like you really know these people, whether you like them or not, so the book feels real, and you can completely dive into and experience the story, which is exactly what a great book SHOULD do for you.
Can't wait to read the next book in this fantastic series!
December 29, 2017
I liked this one, if not for the mistake made by the killer I would have liked it till the end. As usual Eve and Roarke don't disappoint. I'm happy there was finally someone for Roarke to be jealous of too!
June 20, 2024
I am still enjoying this series as I slowly work through the backlog. This one may be one of my favorites so far. I liked the clash and eventually compromises Roarke and Dallas got through and felt like it strengthened their relationship in my eyes. Dallas is called to a crime scene where a man was beaten to death by a baseball bat brutally. Upon closer examination Dallas realized he wasn’t just a bartender at Purgatory but a cop. Even more determined than normal to solve the case she is determined to stop the cop killer. But sometimes you have to look in house when a cop dies and no one wants Dallas investigating and it’s more complicated since Roarke owns Purgatory. I really liked this mystery and while I did figure out the bad guy I had a fun time reading it.
August 25, 2019
I very much enjoy listening to Susan Erickson theatrically read Nora Robert's In Death novels. This is a fantastic series.
November 3, 2018
Judgement in Death
4 Stars
Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas faces one of her most challenging cases when an off duty police officer is killed in a deliberate and vicious attack. As Eve unravels the clues, she is forced to confront the harsh realities of corruption within the force as well as cope with her husband's protective instincts.
The storyline revolving around the murders of several apparently corrupt police officers and their connection to a career criminal and former associate of Roarke's is very compelling. While the details of the case initially come across as rather convoluted, everything ultimately comes together smoothly, and the culprit, although not immediately obvious, is easily pinpointed by process of elimination.
Roarke and Eve's developing dynamic is particularly gripping in this installment as he struggles to reconcile his ego and need to protect Eve with the knowledge that she too is trying to protect him. Their power plays lead to some intense cavemen like tactics on his part, but also to some funny and sweet moments between the couple.
The secondary cast is as appealing as ever and my favorite scene has to be Eve's conversation with Dr. Mira about Roarke, which gets the prim and proper psychologist very hot and bothered, lol!
IAB Lieutenant Don Webster also puts in a more significant appearance and his character really shines through. One cannot help but sympathize with his situation and appreciate his honesty and candor.
In sum, this is certainly one of the best books in the series and kudos to Robb for being able to keep her stories and characters lively and fresh for so long.
4 Stars
Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas faces one of her most challenging cases when an off duty police officer is killed in a deliberate and vicious attack. As Eve unravels the clues, she is forced to confront the harsh realities of corruption within the force as well as cope with her husband's protective instincts.
The storyline revolving around the murders of several apparently corrupt police officers and their connection to a career criminal and former associate of Roarke's is very compelling. While the details of the case initially come across as rather convoluted, everything ultimately comes together smoothly, and the culprit, although not immediately obvious, is easily pinpointed by process of elimination.
Roarke and Eve's developing dynamic is particularly gripping in this installment as he struggles to reconcile his ego and need to protect Eve with the knowledge that she too is trying to protect him. Their power plays lead to some intense cavemen like tactics on his part, but also to some funny and sweet moments between the couple.
The secondary cast is as appealing as ever and my favorite scene has to be Eve's conversation with Dr. Mira about Roarke, which gets the prim and proper psychologist very hot and bothered, lol!
IAB Lieutenant Don Webster also puts in a more significant appearance and his character really shines through. One cannot help but sympathize with his situation and appreciate his honesty and candor.
In sum, this is certainly one of the best books in the series and kudos to Robb for being able to keep her stories and characters lively and fresh for so long.
March 3, 2024
I'm on a re-read binge - and loving it.
And after so many years, it's almost like reading the books for the first time again. I forgot quite a bit 🫣 but that's probably normal after 50 plus books in 20 years.
Honestly, there is nothing that compares to this series. ♡
And after so many years, it's almost like reading the books for the first time again. I forgot quite a bit 🫣 but that's probably normal after 50 plus books in 20 years.
Honestly, there is nothing that compares to this series. ♡
December 6, 2023
Initial Thoughts
This was another great installment! Eve is on the case of a murdered cop. She doesn't know the victim personally but it still has an impact because of the brutality of the death. She is determined to get to the bottom of things and gets a little bit of help from Roark, Peabody, and McNab. I love that this mystery kept me guessing until the end. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrator did a great job with the story once again.
Full review to be posted soon.
This was another great installment! Eve is on the case of a murdered cop. She doesn't know the victim personally but it still has an impact because of the brutality of the death. She is determined to get to the bottom of things and gets a little bit of help from Roark, Peabody, and McNab. I love that this mystery kept me guessing until the end. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrator did a great job with the story once again.
Full review to be posted soon.
July 9, 2013
Oh, I have mixed feelings about this one...
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