Book Review: Shadows in Death by JD Robb
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I’ve been reading this series for fourteen years now, and it never gets old. Although the idea and execution is similar from one book to the next, the stories, and especially the cast always brings their A game. Shadows in Death was especially interesting, because of the focus on Roarke’s past.

Lt. Eve Dallas is about to walk into the shadows of her husband’s dangerous past.
As it often did since he’d married a cop, murder interrupted more pleasant activities. Then again, Roarke supposed, the woman lying in a pool of her own blood a few steps inside the arch in Washington Square Park had a heftier complaint.
When a night out at the theatre is interrupted by the murder of a young woman in Washington Square Park, it seems like an ordinary case for Detective Eve Dallas and her team. But when Roarke spots a shadow from his past in the crowd, Eve realises that this case is far from business as usual.
Eve has two complex cases on her hands – the shocking murder of this wealthy young mother and tracking down the shadow before he can strike again, this time much closer to home. Eve is well used to being the hunter, but how will she cope when the tables are turned? As Eve and the team follow leads to Roarke’s hometown in Ireland, the race is on to stop the shadow making his next move . . .
Book Review: Shadows in Death by JD Robb
MY THOUGHTS
There is not much I can say about this book without spoiling the plot. But I’ve noticed that the more the plot focuses on a cast member the more I enjoy it.
This time the story focused on Roark’s past. And I must admit anything focusing on Roark is FINE in my book. We found out more about his past in Dublin where he grew up. Got more overall Roarke time. And the entire team was involved in bringing down the bad guy. It can’t get better than that.
Reading a JD Robb book is a twice a year experience that I can’t wait to jump in. I usually read the book in one sitting, and try to grab a copy as fast as its being released.
Police procedural cases are some of my favorites when it comes to thrillers. But the cast of the IN DEATH series is really what makes me come back for more. Their support for each other. Devotion. Trust. Faith. And love for one another is what makes this series such an addicting format.
It’s not just Dallas (Eve) and Roarke, who are one of the most interesting power couple that pull me in, it’s them plus their extended “family” that makes this series shine. Their family includes Summerset the butler (who Eve has the most interesting relationship with) and is a father figure to Roarke. The cat, Dr Mira and Dennis who Dallas has a crush on (most endearing thing ever), and her partner Peabody, who is the comedic relief to Dallas’s blunt demeanor. It all fits.
The cast is in a round about way, a patch-work family of characters that circle around Eve. She is the glue that keeps them all connected. She might complain about all the people in her life, but deep down she needs these human connections more than others.
Every IN DEATH book comes with DEATH, but on the other side there is this huge cast of characters that makes me smile each and every time. The author figured out a way to balance the evil side of human nature, and also showcase the BEST in people by arranging a cast of characters that depict the goodness that lives in all of us.
If you are interested in a series for the long haul, this one is the one I would recommend.
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Book Review: Shadows in Death by JD Robb
I really do need to check this series out! I have a bunch of them that someone gave me but I haven’t had the chance to dig into them…
oh, it’s a commitment because it’s already such a long series, but when you are part of it, every time you pick up a book it feels like coming home to friends and family 😀
I wish I wouldn’t have given up on this series several years ago. I would have loved to be where you are having read them all. I’m so far behind now!
You can always have a monthly goal of reading one book a month. There are some readers that have just started, but I am kinda glad I don’t have to start from the beginning. It’s a series that demands a real commitment at this point.
True! I would need to figure out where I stopped… I probably have that book on my Kindle.
I know I need to start this series soon – it sounds so good, and I still haven’t read Robb before! ?
It was a 3 star for me. ? I loved only the Roarke parts.
So sorry ? I liked this one a lot because of Roarke’s past.
I’ve read a few if the JD Robb books! There’s so many!
There are ? and it can be quiet intimidating for readers. I’m in a way glad I’m caught up ?