Book Review: In Death series by J.D. Robb

The In Death murder/suspense series by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts’ pseudonym) was recommended to me and, on the whole, I enjoyed reading the first few books. Set in the year 2058, the characters are driving cars that can also fly; droids are commonly encountered in places of business; and prostitution is legal if one is a “licensed companion.” Phones and computers don’t seem much more advanced than they are today, but even fiction writers may find it difficult to wow readers with futuristic technical mumbo jumbo.

The murders in the In Death series are vivid blood-drenched scenes: internal organs are splayed about, and severed body parts must be located. I am repulsed but hooked, and anticipate the analysis of each crime in order to create a profile of the killer. Motives are contemplated and the suspect list grows. The characters aren’t always enthralling, but I am sufficiently engrossed so as to finish each book and discover how the pieces fit together.

By books three and four, though, I found the formula for these futuristic books wearisome. Eve Dallas, the main character in the series, was an orphan with an abusive and foggy past. Despite her hardships, she grows into a physically and mentally tough cop working for truth and justice. Roarke (no other name needed, apparently) is a ruffian from the streets of Ireland who has become a glamorous and sophisticated billionaire conducting business in every imaginable industry. Unglamorous yet attractive Eve meets Roarke when he is a prime suspect in a murder, which is a recurring theme in this series. For reasons only found in romance novels, Roarke is enraptured by Eve and finds endless ways to demonstrate and profess his undying love. Even after Roarke is dismissed as a murder suspect (another recurring theme), their relationship develops, and they marry, Eve can’t seem to come to grips with the attention and devotion. Am I being too critical when I ask, “How hard is it to tell your husband you love him?”

As a cop, Eve has managed to command the respect of her peers and superiors. Of course, she is street smart and does not back down from a fight, even if the villain is twice her size and possesses a weapon more deadly than her futuristic stun gun. Inevitably, she triumphs, then puts up another fight refusing to be tended by medics or take pain relievers that might cloud her thinking.

Her only acceptable tonic seems to be making love to Roarke – first thing in the morning, after a grueling day fighting crime (or just fighting), or any other implausible time. As a romance writer, Roberts may find this indispensable to her craft, but the frequent sex scenes appear contrived in this murder/suspense series. It also seems out of character for Eve to be so distant emotionally, but so capable sexually.

Individually, the In Death books can be enjoyable fiction, especially if you are a fan of Nora Roberts. Repetitive references to childhood experiences, emotional turmoil, and character descriptions may dull your senses if you read these books one after the other. I recommend reading another book or two between In Death doses so the references refresh your memory and prepare you for the story that lies ahead.