Ceremony in Death

I actually think I like the fact that the reader knows who the "bad guy" is all along in this one instead of finding out when Eve does, because the last couple were getting pretty easy to predict and the climax felt like a let-down.
Still loving Mavis and Peabody. Eve's hard-ass line and resistance to Roarke's love, protection and affection is eroding but not fast enough for my taste. She comes off as petulant and bull-headed more often than not. She's surly about a ridiculous expensive spa visit and seems to take limo rides as an offense. It's irritating because most people would kill for that kind of treatment. Like, be a little grateful and enjoy yourself for a minute.
Anyway, I'm going to put this series down for a bit. May revisit show more in the future. show less

Ceremony in Death
4 Stars

Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas is forced to put aside her personal loyalties when she investigates the suspicious death of a fellow officer. When several other victims die in horrific circumstances, Eve finds herself embroiled in a conflict between opposing forces of good and evil that eventually leads her to a confrontation that may force her to play the ultimate price…

The best installment so far both in terms of the investigation and the character development.

The dichotomy between Good and Evil, and the symbolism of Wicca and Satanism, inherent in the case makes this one of the most intense and gripping mysteries in the series. The villains are truly diabolical and the mundane motive behind the crimes only show more compounds their depravity.

The characterization continues to be a highlight of these books. Roarke demonstrates once again the depth of his love for Eve and the lengths he will go to to protect her. There are also some compelling insights into both Peabody and Feeney’s characters as they learn more about themselves and Eve as well. Eve’s behavior, on the other hand, is problematic as she allows her personal experiences to color her judgement and tends to accept things at face value rather than looking beneath the surface to underlying motivations.

In sum, the suspense, intrigue and humor of this series make it very enjoyable and I look forward to reading the next one soon. show less

Ceremony in Death
4 Stars

Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas is forced to put aside her personal loyalties when she investigates the suspicious death of a fellow officer. When several other victims die in horrific circumstances, Eve finds herself embroiled in a conflict between opposing forces of good and evil that eventually leads her to a confrontation that may force her to play the ultimate price…

The best installment so far both in terms of the investigation and the character development.

The dichotomy between Good and Evil, and the symbolism of Wicca and Satanism, inherent in the case makes this one of the most intense and gripping mysteries in the series. The villains are truly diabolical and the mundane motive behind the crimes only show more compounds their depravity.

The characterization continues to be a highlight of these books. Roarke demonstrates once again the depth of his love for Eve and the lengths he will go to to protect her. There are also some compelling insights into both Peabody and Feeney’s characters as they learn more about themselves and Eve as well. Eve’s behavior, on the other hand, is problematic as she allows her personal experiences to color her judgement and tends to accept things at face value rather than looking beneath the surface to underlying motivations.

In sum, the suspense, intrigue and humor of this series make it very enjoyable and I look forward to reading the next one soon. show less

Ceremony in Death by J. D. Robb is the fifth book in the In Death series. This time around, Eve must solve a murder that appears to involve Wiccans and Satanists. (That it was first published in 1997 explains the interest in Satanism - according to the news in the 90s, Satanists were attempting to take over the country.) As always, Eve is every bit the ass kicker we know her to be, Roarke the safety net she never knew she needed, and the other characters the support system she doesn't realize she has. As always, I tore through the story, had a few good laughs at Eve's expense, and enjoyed myself immensely trying and failing to solve the mystery before Eve.

Just OK. The book up until the end was good but it seems that Robb wants to make Eve look like an idiot. It is always at the very end and you see it coming like a slow train. This was the second set up that is right in front of her, which is obvious, that she doesn't see. The only reason she makes it through is coincidentally. This time it was the kid that bugs her car. She gets caught by a set up, which for a cop that is questioning, should not happen. She shouldn't be putting herself in that position. This just makes the end frustrating. I wanted Eve to actually "figure it out".

What I liked- The relationship between Roarke and Eve. If it wasn't for the relationship and the background stories going on. The relationship between Feeny show more and Eve is expanded here and you get to see what they mean to one another.

What I didn't like- Eve doesn't follow her gut at all and doesn't question the big picture. It makes her look stupid and like a bad cop. When things are too good to be true, and too perfectly set up, they probably are. When Peabody questions Eve's technique, Eve blasts into her. This was really uncalled for and not at all objective. And then Peabody has to grovel to get back into Eve's good graces. I really didn't like it and it made it hard to like Eve at all from that point on. Peabody was right and the whole thing was wrong, yet Eve didn't even consider her.

Well I guess I'll see what the next books brings. I hope my regard for Eve goes back up because I don't know if I can continue reading just for the relationship issues. I really want a good background homicide mystery to go along with learning more about the characters. show less

My Review:

Ceremony in Death is the fifth installment in the "In Death" series and thus continues the saga of Eve and Roarke. In this story, Eve's friend in law enforcement has been murdered, and when it involved the occult, it only makes Eve even more determined to find out who is behind the murders. But then her life is put on the line and Roarke takes guarding her very seriously. This was quite an interesting story and I really had a blast with this one and even though it wasn't quite perfect, the mystery based plot is what made this one so great. The issues that I ended up having was with Eve. I know she needs to be this tough law enforcement officer, but at the same time she is too ruthless in this book. Probably the most ruthless I show more have ever seen. I would have liked to see her have more vulnerabilities. I am hoping that we see more of that as I explore more of these books in this one here.

Overall I had a good time with this one, and the plot kept me on edge the whole time and the occult theme was so fascinating. show less

Ceremony in Death
In Death, Book 5

I Picked Up This Book Because: #IDLR #InDeathLongReadathon

Media Type:Audiobook
Source:Everand
Dates Read: 5/6/24 - 5/9/24
Stars: 4

The Characters:

Eve Dallas: Police Lieutenant
Roarke: Independently wealthy, entrepreneurial, man of mystery and sexy times
Ryan Feeny (former police partner and friend), Mavis (BFF), Dr Mira, Nadine Furst

The Story:

What a weird installment. Religions can be strange, and I can fully admit I had no idea who it was. I knew it couldn’t have been the obvious, but I really didn’t see that coming. I guess the book did its job keeping me engaged because I was hooked.

I did spend some time wondering why people participate in the ceremonial/traditional things we do. I’m not sure if show more that was the author's intention or not but it happened. show less