The #1 New York Times bestselling author spins an epic tale of loyalty, treachery, murder, and the long shadow of war鈥�
His passport read Giovanni Rossi. But decades ago, during the Urban Wars, he was part of a small, secret organization called The Twelve. Responding to an urgent summons from an old compatriot, he landed in New York and eased into the waiting car. And died within minutes鈥�
Lieutenant Eve Dallas finds the Rossi case frustrating. She鈥檚 got an elderly victim who鈥檇 just arrived from Rome; a widow who knows nothing about why he鈥檇 left; an as-yet unidentifiable weapon; and zero results on facial recognition. But when she finds a connection to the Urban Wars of the 2020s, she thinks Summerset鈥昮iercely loyal, if somewhat grouchy, major-domo and the man who鈥檇 rescued her husband from the Dublin streets鈥昺ay know something from his stint as a medic in Europe back then.
When Summerset learns of the crime, his shock and grief are clear鈥昩ecause, as he eventually reveals, he himself was one of The Twelve. It鈥檚 not a part of his past he likes to revisit. But now he must鈥昻ot only to assist Eve鈥檚 investigation, but because a cryptic message from the killer has boasted that others of The Twelve have also died. Summerset is one of those who remain鈥昦nd the murderous mission is yet to be fully accomplished鈥�
J.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.
What a fantastic addition to the series! Bonded in Death, the sixtieth book in J. D. Robb鈥檚 well-written futuristic police procedural set in New York City, is one of the best in the series. This series features homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas, her husband, Roarke, and her partner, Detective Delia Peabody, along with an assortment of regular secondary characters. This time we get more of Summerset鈥檚 background and history along with a fascinating murder. Summerset is the man who became a father to Roarke when he was a young boy on the Dublin streets.
Giovanni Rossi arrives in New York, but he was a part of a small, secret organization consisting of twelve individuals during the 2020鈥檚. He arrives in response to an old colleague and dies soon after being picked up at the airport. Lieutenant Eve Dallas finds the case frustrating. Rossi had just arrived from Rome. His widow doesn鈥檛 know why he left, and the police still don鈥檛 know what killed him or why. When Summerset, learns of the crime, he鈥檚 shocked and reveals how he knows the victim.
Time spent with Dallas, Roarke, Peabody, and their colleagues and friends is always entertaining. Eve is smart, tenacious, determined, focused, brave, and believes in what she does. However, her way doesn鈥檛 usually include the social niceties. It鈥檚 compelling to see how Eve鈥檚 mind works as she gets a better picture of the killer. As always, the interactions between Dallas and Roarke as well as with their friends and her homicide team are enjoyable and bring different facets of her personality to light. While this book didn鈥檛 include a lot of interactions with their friends, it included several people important to Summerset.
Murder, suspense, and drama immediately pull readers into the storyline. The author continues to use prose to elicit a strong emotional response from readers. While this one included some flashback scenes, Robb made the transitions smooth and the content riveting. While the killer is known early in the book, the story is about the investigation and search for him or her as well as the relationships people have formed.
Skilled in using humor to bring out character personalities as well as to offset some of the more serious aspects of the story, I didn鈥檛 want to put the book down. Strong characters, excellent pacing, and delightful relationships are a constant in this series. Woven through the novel are threads of friendship, standing for victims, found family, betrayal, greed, love, connections, bonds, hate, jealousy, justice, trust, anger, and much more.
Robb is an excellent storyteller who combines clever plots, intense scenes, lots of solid police investigation, and engaging characters with depth. The narrative has the right balance of mystery, police investigation, romance, and creative twists.
Overall, this novel was an emotional and twisty tale with great characterization that kept me engaged throughout the story. If you enjoy intriguing near-future police procedurals with a strong female lead, then I recommend this series. I can鈥檛 wait to read the next book.
St. Martin鈥檚 Press and J.D. Robb provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 04, 2025. ---------------------------------------------------------- My 4.84 rounded to 5 stars review will be posted in early January 2025.
the setup鈥� Giovanni Rossi arrives in New York from Rome, excited to reconnect with an old friend who sent him an urgent message asking him to come. He鈥檚 greeted by the limo driver, completely in keeping with what his friend would arrange. Within minutes of getting in the car he鈥檚 dead. When Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her team begin the investigation, everything about this is puzzling, including the type of gas used to kill Rossi. She discovers his connection to the Urban Wars and decides to ask Summerset for information. His immediate shock and grief turns the case in a completely different direction.
the heart of the story鈥� I鈥檝e wanted this story since the early days of the series! Summerset鈥檚 history before he set up in Dublin has always been murky and I knew he had been part of the Urban Wars. However, I was unprepared for the role he actually played as a member of The Twelve, a group of covert operatives who each had specialized skills and could move around under the radar. They went their separate ways after the war, taking an oath to each other except for the one who had betrayed them. It鈥檚 clear that someone is now targeting the remaining members of The Twelve.
the bottom line鈥� This story couldn鈥檛 be more timely as elements of what stimulated the Urban Wars are emerging in current times. Members of The Twelve were fascinating in their own right and as a team. Summerset takes on new dimensions, finally filling in those remaining holes and gaps about the man. Eve has her hands full as she has to balance using these exceptional minds and keeping them at arm鈥檚 length as she and her team are pushed to the limits to find the killer and anticipate his moves. I was on the edge of my seat for the last half of the story and loved the ending. And, now there鈥檚 an indelible connection between Summerset and Eve鈥h, the irony!
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(Thanks to St. Martin鈥檚 Press and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Sixty books into the series and the author is still giving us amazing books. I thought this one was up there with the best for sheer readability - there was no point at which I wanted to put it down.
A murder occurs at the beginning of the book, and it is not long before Eve identifies the killer. The rest of the story is the excitement of the chase as they attempt to catch him before he kills anyone else. Best of all is the link with the Urban Wars which makes Eve go to Summerset for information. At last we learn more about the backstory of this secretive man. Even Roarke is in for a few surprises.
This was an excellent read especially for anyone like me who has enjoyed all fifty-nine of the previous books. I am already looking forward to September and the release of #61.
BONDED IN DEATH is the sixtieth book in Author J.D. Robb's futuristic police procedural series set in New York City during the 21st century. Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas, billionaire husband and entrepreneur Roarke and an eclectic assortment of friends and colleagues unite to fight crime and bring justice to victims and their families. As always, Robb excels at rendering a tautly plotted murder mystery featuring strong, vibrant characterizations and settings with a sprinkling of humor to lighten darker storylines.
A man in Rome receives an urgent phone call causing him to drop everything and travel to New York City with no explanation to his family. He gets in a waiting limo at the airport and soon thereafter, he's found dead in the backseat with no immediate cause of death indicated. Called to the scene, Lt. Dallas quickly becomes irritated at the lack of clues, especially when facial recognition fails to identify the limo driver and presumed killer. As Eve and her team dig deeper, facts emerge indicating the victim had a connection to the historic Urban Wars that occurred during a period of unrest in Europe over four decades earlier. Dallas turns to the only person she knows who lived through those Wars - Roarke's major domo, Summerset, who resides in the mansion and takes immense pleasure in irritating Eve with daily exchanges of banter. The shock and pain on Summerset's face upon hearing of Rossi's death tells Eve that he holds the key to solving the murder if she can convince him to share his secretive past. When it becomes clear someone is targeting old comrades, Summerset reluctantly tells a dark tale about an organization he swore allegiance to known as "The Twelve鈥� - a group of confidants who secretly fought behind the scenes during the Urban Wars. With Summerset at the top of a "kill list", Eve and Roarke offer safe harbor in the mansion to the remaining members of The Twelve while Eve, Peabody and the rest of the police team search for an elusive killer. Can they unmask a mastermind of disguise before he kills again?
BONDED IN DEATH is THE In Death book I've been waiting for as I suspect is true of other fans of the series. The Urban Wars are mentioned in previous books with little to no information being revealed. It's been alluded to that Summerset's dark past is buried somewhere in the ashes of the Urban Wars, and readers are finally receiving the full story. Bringing the tale home to New York with safe shelter taking place in Roarke's mansion is brilliant on the part of the author as it brings people who knew, loved and worked with Summerset in his youth together in one place, allowing readers inside Eve鈥檚 at-home interview room as each remaining member relays their story. Flashbacks carry readers straight into the war zone enabling them to watch the horror of the ultimate betrayal play out firsthand. Robb expertly maneuvers characters and readers through connecting plot lines as intensity and urgency grow with frustrations at being unable to put a face to a suspected killer.
Author J.D. Robb is a brilliant storyteller who knows how to weave a fascinating, multi-faceted tale with characters readers love like family. I never tire of watching the cases play out through Eve's eyes as her mind is a fascinating place to be whether she's working a case or navigating the murky waters of wife and/or friendship rules. Character relationship development is always huge in these books, remaining the number one reason I recommend experiencing this series from the beginning - although each book stands alone with an intriguing murder case being investigated. I always look forward to the quirky banter between characters, especially Eve and Peabody, as well as the hilarious prose describing the vibrant dress and larger-than-life personalities of some characters. Pacing moves forward steadily with each revelation keeping characters and readers engaged.
Author J.D. Robb has rendered another excellent, immersive police procedural with strong, engaging characters and complex plot lines bearing the perfect blend of mystery, intrigue, romance and humor. I predict BONDED IN DEATH will be a favorite among long-time fans of the series. I also highly recommend it to those readers who enjoy a beautifully written and delivered murder mystery. Many thanks to St. Martins Press for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed are entirely my own. This title is scheduled for release on Feb. 4, 2025. My review first published in and is now available on my blog .
It鈥檚 hard to believe this is book 60 in this series and while I haven鈥檛 read them all (I just discovered them in the last year or so after all), but I think the story is still going well with interesting characters and continuing to create good plot lines. I hope there are more to come. I liked that this one contained more of the history in this world which helps to flesh so much out in the world building. I also loved that we go to see more of Summerset and his backstory which helps me to like him more. A killer has come to New York and lured their victim there. His biggest mistake though is making sure Lieutenant Eve Dallas is on the case. Dallas quickly realizes this case has ties to the Urban Wars of the 2020鈥檚 (yeah, that was a bit scary given the state of the world). This book is full of satisfying mystery, spies, and a good and healthy relationship that continues to develop through the series which I love. The narrator did a good job, I鈥檝e enjoyed them through the last couple of books and definitely would listen to more of them.
Bonded in Death by J D Robb In Death series #60. Futuristic police procedural. Thriller. Best read if at least familiar with the characters and series. During the Urban Wars, back in the 2020鈥檚, there was a group of spies, or undercover agents fighting for good, called The Twelve. The puzzling death of a Giovanni Rossi, who just traveled to New York has been killed and there is a note. The remaining members of the 12 that are still alive are being threatened and Eve and her team must put all the clues together and discover the killer before someone dies.
馃帶 I listened to this book via audiobook, performed by Susan Erickson, who does almost the entire series. It did take me a few books to become accustomed to the accents that the narrator has as opposed to what was in my own imagination, but I now couldn鈥檛 imagine reading one of these In Death books without these performances and accents. I do speed up the playback to 1.5 to more closely match a casual Midwest conversation.
Number 60 and as fresh and thrilling as ever. In this story we learn more about the Urban Wars fifty years prior and a few of the spies and secret agents of the times. More background on Summerset and his wife and co-conspirators. Eve, Peobody, Roarke, and the usual cast step up to work the case with all the intensity you expect. Utterly entertaining, with gripping suspense. It鈥檚 fascinating to listen to Eve walk through the crimes and think in the killers mind.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Macmillan Audio. This series is an autobuy for me.
Somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars - I think my expectations were somewhat unmet for this one. I'd expected that we would have some bigger macro plot movement in terms of character development, which I'm not sure happened. Sure, we had some lovely moments between Summerset & Eve that I think were impactful and will hopefully reflect in their relationship going forward, but the case itself was fine but not particularly a standout in the history of the series. I did enjoy this, but it wasn't one to remember (a la the Icove case, etc.)
Giovanni Rossi was part of the Urban Wars back in the day, and when he received an urgent summons from one of his fellow team to meet in New York, he left his wife and family, and Italy, flying into the big city. Picked up by limousine, Giovanni was enjoying a glass of wine when he died. So began Lieutenant Eve Dallas' newest and most bizarre case - The Twelve; a secret group of people who were working toward the end of the Wars back in mid 2020s - now there were seven, and the killer was after each and every one. When Eve talked to Summerset, Roarke's father-figure major-domo from the Urban Wars era, and saw his intense grief, she knew she'd hit pay dirt. Could she keep the rest of the Twelve safe, while catching an elusive and devious killer?
is #60 in the In Death series by and was another spectacular addition to the series. Quite different, with the origin being the Urban Wars, and the involvement of Summerset in was intriguing. His past, one he'd never talked about, was fascinating, with even Roarke learning more about Summerset's past than he'd ever known. I'm loving this series, hoping it continues for a good long time to come, and looking forward to the next! Highly recommended.
Sixty-plus books and novellas later, and I鈥檓 still not even close to being sick of this series. I started In Death back in April 2020, and now, almost five years later, I鈥檝e finally caught up鈥攁nd what a ride it鈥檚 been!
This latest installment delivers everything I love about the series: a gripping mystery, high stakes, and, of course, the incredible cast of characters I鈥檝e grown so attached to. The case itself is layered, tying back to the Urban Wars and unearthing a hidden piece of Summerset鈥檚 past. Seeing him take center stage was a treat, and his dynamic with Eve鈥攅qual parts exasperation and mutual respect鈥攁dded so much depth to the story.
The pacing was tight, the emotional weight was real, and the killer was chilling. But, as always, it鈥檚 the characters that make these books special. Eve, Roarke, Peabody, and the whole team continue to evolve in ways that feel natural and earned. Even after all these books, J.D. Robb keeps things fresh, and I can't wait for the next one.
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Summerset, you old dog! I knew still waters run deep, but I had no idea you were part of an elite underground group during the Urban Wars. The earlier books hinted at your involvement, but they gave very few clues as to the depth of your involvement. I think even Eve was impressed at your exploits. Maybe she will finally give you the respect you so richly deserve, or not. Not to mention that without you and your friend's assistance, she would have never caught the murderer. Susan Erickson is the narrator for this audio book, and I was not impressed with her characterizing of the characters or her pacing. It didn't add to the story for me.
An older, refined gentleman from Italy comes to New York at the request of an old friend and is murdered with Urban Wars era gas. His murder starts off a case for Eve that touches her and Roark personally and involves their butler, Summerset, intimately. His involvement in the Urban Wars was known, but the depth of it as a member of The Twelve is a surprise to Eve. This clandestine group was highly successful until they were betrayed by one of their own.
Eve receives a message that Giovanni Rossi was not the first member of The Twelve to die and he won't be the last. Not on Eve's watch.
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary audio Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Received an ARC courtesy of the publisher via Edelweiss.
Usually I will quit book series well before they reach book 60. I still find enjoyment in J.D. Robb's books featuring Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her gazillionaire husband. In this book, we get more background on Summerset and what he did during the Urban Wars. (I do admit it was a little odd reading flashbacks to events in the 2020s. I just consider these books as an alternate history/future).
I would read a spin-off series about the former group of spies, and I liked seeing older characters aid in the mystery. This is one of the types when we pretty much know the culprit early on, and it is more about their capture.
How is it that this is the 60th book and the series is still so freaking good and addictive?!?! I don't know how Nora Roberts (J.D. Robb) keeps putting out such great reads, but I'm glad she does.
Eve and Roark will never get old. Their relationship is fascinating and one of my favorite couples. I also like that we got to know more about Summerset finally. Another great installment in the In Death series.
"Bonded in Death," the 60th installment in the Death Series, transports readers to the Urban Wars era, this time set in England. The narrative alternates between past and present, shedding light on Summerset's involvement in the Urban Wars. When one of Summerset鈥檚 former unit teammates is murdered in New York City, the remaining team members reunite in NYC to assist Eve in solving the case. As always, Robb delivers a fast-paced story with a compelling rhythm to her writing.
I experienced this book as an audiobook from Audible, which runs thirteen hours and fifty minutes. Narrated by Susan Ericksen, who has lent her voice to the entire series, the audiobook maintains a consistent quality that I truly value. Ericksen鈥檚 narration continues to bring the story to life, and I particularly appreciate the stability of having the same narrator throughout the series鈥攁 detail that enhances the listening experience for me."
The 60th book in the In Death series by J.D. Robb (a/k/a Nora Roberts) is here! This series has grown so much, since it was initially conceived as a trilogy. Wow - talk about prolific!
Description: His passport read Giovanni Rossi. But decades ago, during the Urban Wars, he was part of a small, secret organization called The Twelve. Responding to an urgent summons from an old compatriot, he landed in New York and eased into the waiting car. And died within minutes鈥�
Lieutenant Eve Dallas finds the Rossi case frustrating. She鈥檚 got an elderly victim who鈥檇 just arrived from Rome; a widow who knows nothing about why he鈥檇 left; an as-yet unidentifiable weapon; and zero results on facial recognition. But when she finds a connection to the Urban Wars of the 2020s, she thinks Summerset鈥昮iercely loyal, if somewhat grouchy, major-domo and the man who鈥檇 rescued her husband from the Dublin streets鈥昺ay know something from his stint as a medic in Europe back then.
When Summerset learns of the crime, his shock and grief are clear鈥昩ecause, as he eventually reveals, he himself was one of The Twelve. It鈥檚 not a part of his past he likes to revisit. But now he must鈥昻ot only to assist Eve鈥檚 investigation, but because a cryptic message from the killer has boasted that others of The Twelve have also died. Summerset is one of those who remain鈥昦nd the murderous mission is yet to be fully accomplished鈥�
My Thoughts: I like this series because it is futuristic and Eve Dallas is a great character. Her instincts are good as well as her investigative skills. The tie-back to the Urban Wars was interesting with The Twelve having such fascinating roles and accomplishments. This was a tough and dangerous investigation and kept me turning the pages. I recommend this book as well as the series to anyone who likes mysteries and suspense.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Bonded in Death by JD Robb is number 60 in the 鈥淚n Death鈥� near future homicide detective series featuring Eve Dallas- a really tough kick butt lead character. Eve Dallas is one of my favorite authors, and I have been reading the In Death series since she first published Naked In Death in 1995. Now, book 60 of the series is out and I had to dive right into it.
Eve Dallas is in charge of homicide for the New York City police department in 2061 when she receives her newest case: Giovanni Rossi, who was killed by some unknown chemical shortly after flying into NY City. There is a strong connection to the Urban Wars ( a fictionally war set in 2024-2026) and potentially even Summerset had been part of an elite organization of 12 people.. I like meeting Summerset鈥檚 friends and how Eve and her team work on the case - someone closely associated with Summerset鈥檚 past.
Highly recommend Bonded in Death by JD Robb- great storyline, character development and the setting, of course is perfect! Ass the storyline develops and as the title reflects, the bonds between the original group and what they are willing to do to protect each other. The continued beloved characters that are a main focal point of the In Death series. I enjoy that it could be read as a stand alone (although I always recommend start with the first book, Naked in Death). I also liked the geeky stuff with technology and how the crime is analyzed.
Thanks to St. Martin's for the ARC for a fair and honest review.
Bonded In Death is Robb's 60th book in her Eve Dallas series. Eve along with her usual gang of crime solvers which includes her multi millionaire husband, Roarke, investigate the murder of Giovanni Rossi who was a member of the group, The Twelve, The former members are not only summoned to help investigate the murder of their former colleague, but recall their time in 2025's Urban Wars. Eve's unexpectedly discovers that Summerset, Roarke's loyal butler, is a former member of the group. Even more unexpected is that Summerset might be able to help Dallas find Rossi's murderer. Bonded has a good story especially with Summerset becoming part of the investigation. It's always fun to read how Eve and her crew try to capture the culprit especially with the wisecracks in between. Unfortunately, Bonded, isn't as compelling as the last two books in the series 2024's Random In Death and Passions In Death. The latest Dallas moves along at nice pace, but its story didn't have me turning the pages as two previous books.
Four decades ago, the Urban Wars marked a period of significant historical upheaval. Detective Eve Dallas鈥檚 most recent murder investigation leads her to examine the conflict in Europe in 2026. Summerset, Roarke鈥檚 majordomo, is poised to play a pivotal role in Eve鈥檚 new case. The murder victim, Giovanni Rossi, is revealed to have been a member of a clandestine group known as The Twelve. Surprisingly, Summerset is also a member of this group, albeit for reasons that remain enigmatic. The group comprises only a select few individuals, and the discovery of a kill list underscores the urgency for Summerset and the remaining members to seek protection under Eve and Roarke鈥檚 watchful eyes.
Upon discovering Rossi鈥檚 peculiar demise, Eve鈥檚 pursuit of his perpetrator intensifies, concurrently with her responsibility to safeguard Summerset and the others. For newcomers to the series, this revelation is undoubtedly shocking. Roarke, Eve鈥檚 affluent billionaire husband, possesses expertise in various fields. For several years, Summerset has been employed by Roarke, and Eve, following their marriage. He has played a significant yet discreet role in their lives. This is particularly noteworthy given that Summerset is the individual who ultimately gave Roarke his life and saved him during his youth.
The In Death series, set in the mid-21st century, several decades after the end of the Urban Wars, surprisingly shocks Summerset with Rossi鈥檚 demise, yet not entirely in disbelief. The shock he experiences is palpable. In this latest captivating and addictive installment, a substantial portion of the narrative focuses on Summerset, offering readers a glimpse into his early life.
Eve is in a very good place in her life. Loving Roarke and living a life with him is more than she ever imagined for herself. However, Eve has always felt a certain way towards Summerset, even avoiding him whenever possible. Now, Eve finds herself responsible for his life. Her carefully orchestrated life is controlled by rules, or boundaries, that she sets for herself - marriage rules, work rules, friend rules.
My review would be incomplete without acknowledging the exceptional narration provided by Susan Erickson throughout the entire series. Her remarkable ability to capture voices and convey the distinct personalities of each character is unparalleled. With Erickson鈥檚 voice acting, it becomes effortlessly apparent that Eve鈥檚 witty and sharp remarks, Peabody鈥檚 humorous demeanor, Summerset鈥檚 reserved nature, and Roarke鈥檚 protective instincts are all vividly portrayed. I really sunk into this audiobook, making me utterly crazy about this book, just as I was with every book in this series. Now, to wait for book 61 鈥�
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Sixty books into the In Death series, and I鈥檓 still completely obsessed鈥攊t honestly blows my mind how much I love these characters. Bonded in Death was another standout, with a case so gripping it made the book absolutely unputdownable for me. J.D. Robb has this incredible ability to keep each installment fresh, delivering high-stakes investigations while deepening the emotional bonds that make this series so special.
It鈥檚 hard to explain to someone who hasn鈥檛 experienced these books just how much joy this cast brings me. After more than 20 years and 60 books, they feel like family鈥攆ictional people I鈥檝e come to know intimately, even though their world revolves around death, blood, and duty. My love for them hasn鈥檛 faded one bit. What keeps me coming back is not just the thrill of the cases but the overarching arc of friendship, evolving relationships, and the unwavering connections between them all. The way these characters grow鈥攆alling in love, building families, strengthening friendships鈥攎akes each book feel like coming home, no matter how dark the murder at the center of the story might be.
Sixty books may only cover about four years in their fictional lives, but I never want this journey to end. For longtime fans, the details of the case almost don鈥檛 matter鈥攚e dive in blind every time, knowing we鈥檙e in for an incredible ride. But if you鈥檝e never picked up this series, do yourself a favor: start at the beginning, savor the journey, and if you get hooked, I promise鈥攜ou won鈥檛 regret a single moment of it.
Bonded In Death is the 60th book, and an excellent addition, in J.D. Robb's "In Death" series. Lt. Eve Dallas is called to investigate the murder of Giovanni Rossi, who had just arrived in New York City from Italy. It is quickly discovered that he had a shadowy past tied to the Urban Wars of London in 2026. As the investigation continues it is revealed that he was a member of The Twelve, a group who sought justice and to protect the innocent at this difficult time. The case also has surprising ties to the butler and mentor of Eve's charming billionaire husband Roarke. With each and every "In Death" book I love re-visiting all of the characters that I have come to know and care about. Always excellent narration by Susan Ericksen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an arc of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
I knew from the very first page the direction of this story even though it wasn't revealed for fully a quarter of the book. And because I was waiting on tenterhooks for the reveal, there was so much more anticipation in this one, and it was executed divinely, making this my favorite that JD Robb has put out in years.
Book 'sixty' and still as riveting as ever. I guess this series will definitely make it to book 100 (fingers crossed).
Usually, I am a little annoyed if Mavis & Co. don't show up but it did not seem to bother me this time - there were enough secondary characters involved to fill the gap.
鈥淗indsight. Is anything more frustrating than hindsight?鈥�
I am not going to rehash the storyline. If you are a fan, you will already be getting through this series (although I did read some review where someone had not read the previous books in the series and jumped into this one). I cannot even imagine how anybody could do that - not just for this series, but 'any' book series.
I suppose the good thing is that we don't have to wait too long for the next one - due out in September, I think.
I read and listened to the book - as ever, Susan Ericksen is a fabulous narrator.
Summerset ...
I don't think Eve and himself will ever see 'eye to eye鈥�!
I have sort of 'gone off' Hugh a bit (if you know, you know), but as I have been using him as Roarke for the last 59 book, I can hardly change him now ...
I love this series, and am constantly amazed that I still love it even when we're a zillion books in.
I'm not going to lie and say the murder mysteries never get repetitive - there are some elements in this one that are familiar, like someone pretending to be Summerset to lure a person to their death - but it isn't in a way that feels like a retread. It is just that, after 60 books, some tactics remind you of previous books. It doesn't take away from it, for me, because imo if you stuck with it this long, it is because you love the characters and want to revisit them every chance you get.
This one brought in almost everyone, which I loved - we get Summerset backstory (I still think he's kind of a turd for how he initially treated Eve, but man, his life has been hard), some Nadine, Commander Whitney, Tibble, Eve's whole team, Mira, Reo, and loads of Peabody. Pretty much the only major secondary character we didn't get was Mavis. And I loved how everyone functions so well as a team. You get your moments of friction, but they are blips (and nearly always related to wanting to take care of each other - medical, food, sleep, etc - never about tactics) because Eve and Roarke are so seamlessly a team now, and everyone else very much follows their lead. It gives me the warm fuzzies.
I kind of want to re-read the series, but I am not re-reading 60 books. So maybe I'll randomly hit one or two.
This one was a bit slower for me to get into, but once it gets going, it doesn't let go. I especially loved getting some insight to Summerset's past and of course how the bullpen rallies around Eve.
Genre: Police procedural with Romance 鉁咃笍 Crime and Cases: Murder 鉁咃笍 Thrilling and gripping all the way 鉁咃笍 Engaging plot 鉁咃笍 Past comes back 鉁咃笍 Fav. Main leads 鉁咃笍 Fav. side characters
REVIEW
The book began with a nail-biting and edge of the seat plot set-up. I wanted to speedily run through the words but I also wanted to savor them鈥攁 mark of a good thriller. In between, I found a balance.
Summerset has always been a mystery to me and I have always wanted to know more about him. This book served that on a platter. THE TWELVE鈥攃an you imagine? Although, if there is one fault in this book, it is this鈥擳he Twelve didn鈥檛 shine through as much as they should have for me. I expected something more bombastic from them, or some scenes with a little more wit and cunning.
In any case, Eve and Roarke were magnificent as usual. I love the way these two have blended into each other's life.
You and me, he thought. Even when it鈥檚 not just, it鈥檚 you and me.
The little two minute updates of the other characters by Peabody are a treasure. I hope those continue throughout.
I hope this series continue for a long while. I look forward to it every Feb and Sept.
I received an early digital copy of this book from the publisher, St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars.
It鈥檚 hard to believe that Bonded in Death is the 60th book in the In Death series. I know of no other series currently being written that is so enduring, and that is still going on so strong. One would think these characters would be worn thin by now, but they鈥檙e just as vibrant as they were in their earliest days, if not even more so. Some installments are better than others, of course. But even the weakest book in this series is still worth reading for those who have been with it since the beginning. Happily, this 60th novel is a strong one, and a worthy story for such a momentous anniversary.
Bonded in Death digs into the life of Summerset during the Urban Wars, as well as his team, The Twelve, who were covert operatives at the tail end of the war. Nearly forty years later, one of the team has turned traitor and is seeking to kill off the rest of the team. When one of the team falls, the others band together under Eve and Roarke鈥檚 roof, as Eve seeks to find this Judas before he can make himself the last man standing.
I loved learning more about Summerset, and seeing him in a different light. The Twelve was a fascinating team, comprised of wildly different people. Their lives and skillsets mixed with their ages brought to mind the movie Red and its sequel. The case itself was tense and compelling and layered, as all the best cases in this series tend to be.
After having read and reviewed so many books in the series, there鈥檚 very little I can say about it that I haven鈥檛 already said in an earlier review. As always, it鈥檚 a joy to catch up with characters who feel like friends, and whose lives seem to real to me after 60 books. Nora鈥檚 writing is always incredibly easy to sink into, and her storytelling is always propulsive. I love this series, and will keep reading any new installment she puts out into the world.