Eve is called in to find out who poisoned the hot chocolate of a young schoolteacher in the 24th In Death mystery. As she explores the secrets and relationships in this exclusive private school, she is also dealing with the return of one of Roarke's old girlfriends who really wants to rekindle their relationship. There was a lot of conflict between Roarke and Eve in this one as both are dealing with hurt feelings and misunderstandings. Sommerset is on Eve's side in this one. ( )

Innocent in Death
5 Stars

As Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her team strive to uncover the truth behind the shocking death of a well-liked teacher, another threat in the form of a former lover from her husband's past strikes closer to home and jeopardizes everything Eve and Roarke have created together.

Innocent in Death is one of the best installments in the series. The mystery surrounding Craig Foster's murder is gripping and the resolution is both horrific and monstrous yet believable at the same time.

The reappearance in Roarke's life of Magdeline Percell has the potential to create an excessive amount of annoying angst. Thankfully, this is kept to a minimum as Eve and Roarke confront the issue straight on, and there is no single moment in the reader's mind that things might not turn out well.

In sum, an excellent read, and it still amazes me that Robb finds new and incredible ways to engross her readers with this series. ( )

The mystery here (though really good) finishes in second place, behind the story of the old flame of Roarke's who shows up out of the blue. ( )

Eve is called in to find out who poisoned the hot chocolate of a young schoolteacher in the 24th In Death mystery. As she explores the secrets and relationships in this exclusive private school, she is also dealing with the return of one of Roarke's old girlfriends who really wants to rekindle their relationship. There was a lot of conflict between Roarke and Eve in this one as both are dealing with hurt feelings and misunderstandings. Sommerset is on Eve's side in this one. ( )

Craig Foster, Teacher, has minutes to live as Innocent in Death: Eve Dallas Mysteries by J. D. Robb begins. When his death comes it is going to be brutal, nasty, and very painful. It is a bad way to go and clearly somebody wanted him to suffer.

For Lieutenant Eve Dallas, the number one Homicide Detective In New York City, schools creep her out. Considering her childhood, one can certainly understand why. She would rather deal with a lot of bad things then walk into Sarah Child Academy. But, she must because Craig Foster is dead in his classroom and she stands for the dead.

So too does Detective Delia Peabody. Together the two begin working the case. Almost from the start at the crime scene, it is clear that this is a murder.

Unfortunately, it won’t be the last, despite their best efforts.

Innocent in Death is one of the better written and more intense books of this long running series. A lot is going on in the read via the multiple secondary storylines. None of those can be discussed without negatively impacting the read. So, I won’t.

Innocent in Death: Eve Dallas Mysteries is not only very good; it is well worth your time.

My reading copy came in digital format by way of the OverDrive/Libby app and the Dallas Public Library System.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2023 ( )