Rapture in Death

Long-time readers know I adore Nora Roberts and will gleefully read anything she publishes. Despite my love for her, I always avoided her In Death series because I didn’t want to have to tackle the 50+ novels in that series in addition to everything else I want to read. Still, I tasked myself with listening to my long audiobook list in order of publication date, and it just so happens that my husband had downloaded the first book in the series. So, I started Naked in Death, not knowing what to expect. I finished it in a day and immediately listened to books two, three, and four in short succession. Yeah, I’m a fan, and I cannot wait to get back to the series. First of all, I love the tone of this series. Not only is it darker and show more grittier than the novels she writes under her name, but there is also a rawness to Eve and Roarke that I adore. Everything about the series has an edge, from the characters to the world itself. Sure, it has fancy technology and gadgets, but there is something broken in Eve’s world that draws you to her. Only my self-control is preventing me from using my extra credits from downloading as much of the series as I can get and devouring them all. show less

"A woman who steps out on a ledge is either very brave or very stupid."

The scowl turned into a sneer. "I don't have to ask what category you put me in."

"No, you don't." He watched her climb up and thought her courage was terrifying.

Winding down from her honeymoon with newly wed husband Roarke, Eve is unfortunately unable to fully separate herself from death. It follows her in her dreams and in reality. When people with no suicidal tendencies begin ending their lives naked and with smiles on their faces, Eve's gut cries foul play despite the cases.

Trigger Warnings: dubious consent/rape, mind control

I'll admit, this one had me guessing. Roberts led me as astray as she possibly could, but I'm not complaining. Roarke and Eve's dynamic show more is so absurdly wonderful to me, and I adore how much they can't get enough of each other while also simulatenously trying to let the other person still be themselves. They continue to learn more about each other and fall impossibly further in love.

Two minor qualms I have with this series though:
1) Eve works in the New York Police Department. Why is their funding so shitty? Why don't they have good equipment? It's a bit of an odd point for me.
2) The novels always end very abruptly; almost always directly after the criminal is caught and Eve walks/is carried away from the scene. It doesn't really let anything settle with the reader (at least imo)

Also I'm happy Roberts finally introduced a female criminal. show less

Detective Eve Dallas and billionaire Roarke are married now, but the honeymoon is short lived. People are dying and Eve is convinced that their deaths aren’t the accident they initially appear to be. As always, this series so, SO works for me because the writing is very tight—sticking closely with a no nonsense police procedural, but also allowing just enough character development as the series develops that I’m quite attached to Eve, Roarke, Peabody, Mavis and all the regulars. There’s an interesting mystery to solve in each one. And Eve with her smart talk and grit is a kick butt main character I can’t read enough of.

Content Warning: suicide, rape

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.

This novel takes place right at the end of Eve and Roarke's honeymoon. I think this is the first book where we really see them in harmony with each other.

Once again Eve's case spills over into her personal life. People keep killing themselves, but Eve is convinced they were helped along. Her only evidence - besides her gut feeling - is each had a small blip on the brain. For me it isn't ever hard to figure out who the villains are, but it is a joy watching Eve work. I especially liked the moral and social implications this case delved into. Mind control/mood control is a very scary thing.

There's one scene in particular with Roarke that's very emotional to read about.

Overall a good entry.

I can’t believe I waited so long to read another Eve Dallas book, especially considering how the last one left one. This adventure definitely didn’t disappoint and I love the mystery and suspense from the very beginning.

Not only does Eve and Roark’s chemistry continue, it heats up even more then expected. Sometimes I feel like they’ve been together forever when really it’s only a couple books so I can only imagine what the future holds since I am still so early into the series.

This particular mystery has everyone confused and wondering what is going on when normally happy people start committing suicide, leading Eve to believe something is terribly wrong. New technology and strange physical encounters in their personal life show more lead Eve and Roark to dig deeper into technology experts in search of the culprit.

Very very much enjoyed this one. Can’t wait for my next mystery! show less

The fourth book of the popular “In Death” series by J.D. Robb starts at the end of Eve and Roarke's honeymoon at the Roarke-owned Olympus One resort. When an engineer is discovered dead in his room by his roommate, Eve is asked to check into it as a favor. It appears to be self termination and Eve and Roarke head back to New York to start life as newlyweds. On her first day back to work Eve has to testify at a trial. The next day the defendant's lawyer is discovered dead and it's also ruled a self termination. When a controversial politician kills himself Eve thinks it's just too coincidental. Why are all these brilliant people with great futures and no history of depression killing themselves? Soon Eve is thrown into the world of show more virtual reality and mind control, where your own mind can become someone else's weapon. Eve is determined to find the murderer responsible for these deaths, but the closer she comes to the truth, the more danger she, and Roarke, are in.

This is a great series when you just want to be entertained by a blend of romance and Eve's kick butt personality. I'll continue to read the series because I enjoy the characters, especially Peabody, even when some of the situations they find themselves in seen a bit implausible. The books hit all the right buttons for those who love strong women with inner vulnerabilities in the not so distant future. Just sit back, enjoy the fun and don't expect to be challenged by difficult mystery elements. I'm a fan and am moving on to #5, Ceremony in Death. show less

Rapture in Death
4 Stars

A series of suspicious suicides connected to virtual reality goggles has Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas racing against time to stop a demented sociopath bent on destroying that which she holds most dear.

A quick and entertaining read despite the predictable mystery.

The theme of the dangers of subliminal messaging and the very real potential for abuse are compelling, and salient in light of the advances in today’s gaming technologies. Robb’s insights are interesting given the fact that this book was written in 1996.

Although the villain is obvious early on, mainly due to the creepy vibe and shudder inducing comments that they impart, the case is intense and suspenseful. The climax and resolution are particularly show more intense and had me on the edge of my seat.

Roarke and Eve’s romance goes from strength to strength as Eve finally realizes just how much he means to her. Some of their scenes together are scorching hot and a lot more graphic than I am used to from Nora Roberts.

In terms of character development, Eve allows her personal feelings toward a suspect to influence her investigative method and it almost costs her everything. Her preoccupation, however justified and however despicable the suspect’s actions, is nevertheless unprofessional and dangerous.

Roarke is as sexy and enigmatic as ever and there is one scene in which he is downright scary demonstrating that he has not distanced himself from his dark past on the streets of Dublin as much as was previously believed.

Summerset, Nadine and Mavis all put in appearances, but it is Peabody who absolutely steals the show. Her one-liners are precious.

In sum, this is a fun series and I’m glad that I finally got around to reading it. show less