Indulgence in Death by JD Robb

This is the first time I’ve read one of JD Robb’s (Nora Roberts) novels so I approach the series with fresh eyes, joining the relationship between Eve Dallas and Roarke two years into their marriage. That said, it became clear that even though the book was a continuation of a long standing arc, it wasn’t imperative to have read previous episodes – although a bonus if you wanted to follow the development of the main characters. Available from Amazon Now.

One thing is clear from the outset, murder and Eve are never far away and while on a holiday in Ireland, visiting Roarke’s family, a body is discovered and her vast knowledge and experience helps the local police to solve the case in quick time before heading off to Italy. Back in New York and with very little rest the body of a limousine driver is discovered, killed by a crossbow through the neck.

When a high class escort (Ava Crampton) is found days later Eve and her partner Peabody set out to investigate the murders and as the body count increases, the investigation intensifies. Killed at the recently re-opened Coney Island, it is clear from the outset that this is a well-planned and well executed (sorry!) murder. A jamming device is used to block camera coverage and the murderer commits the savage and brutal act, save for a glimpse of his shoes, unrecognised.

With a suspect in the frame for the murders and determined to stop another death, what ensued was a race against time before another body showed up and enough evidence found to put away the killer. Things don’t quite go to plan and Dallas calls in additional help as the heat intensifies.

Roarke is a rich and successful business man and the circles he travels in help give Eve an understanding of the suspects she chases throughout.

Set in a futuristic world, “Indulgence in death” is a fast paced novel. Given this was my first experience reading the series, I adapted to the vocabulary quite quickly. Sure it took me a few chapters to understand the setting and why the sounds of a rooster and a cow would frighten Dallas but I soon adapted to the future!

Given the futuristic setting the murders (and there are plenty) were all “old fashioned” – by that I mean utilising ancient weaponry like crossbows, swords and well if I tell you more it might spoil things for you! On describing the history of the escort I found it intriguing that they were expected to take classes and courses to advance in grades, the higher the grade the more money they could command – the mind boggles!

All in all Robb does a great job with the supporting characters and even though she concentrates heavily on Dallas she does bring in others to offer support and invaluable guidance along the way. Dallas & Roarke’s relationship interested me as did her strong persona. She doesn’t take any messing and like a rabid dog once she gets her teeth into something she never lets go.

At times I found her a little too harsh a character but then she goes and does something to soften my perceptions – it’s quite the rollercoaster! Clearly intelligent, Eve is a colourful character and places everyone else in the shade.

I thoroughly enjoyed the mix between old and new, the past and the future – Highly imaginative, clever murders and the introduction to the auto chef – every home should have one! Indulgence in Death is an exploration into the futuristic narrative – one thing is clear though; detectives still detect!

Brilliant – Eve Dallas is an insurmountable force!

Published by Piatkus books (Little Brown) is now available.