Innocent in Death (2007)

Why, wonders New York Police and Security Department homicide detective Lieutenant Eve Dallas, would anyone kill an inoffensive, pleasant, innocent history teacher? But there’s no doubt about it being murder since they’d found ricin in his brought-from-home lunch.

At the same time, Eve could easily visualize Magdelana Percell as a murder victim. The woman, once Roarke’s companion, has reappeared. Eve knows she’s up to no good and while her manipulations frustrate Eve, Roarke seems blind to her connivances and believes his occasional meetings with her are none of his wife’s business. The whole situation has unnerved Eve and placed her at odds with her husband.

Eve will have to put her own feelings aside so she can concentrate on solving the teacher’ murder. But what will happen with Magdelana?

In this, the twenty-fourth outing for the “In Death” crew, all the expected characters are in place. The unfolding plot consists of two main threads: the murder of Craig Foster and the reappearance of Magdelana Percell. Although astute readers may have an inkling as to the identity of the murderer, the resolution to that case is sure to come as a surprise for most. In addition, Eve’s angst and insecurity are effective counterpoints to the ever-efficient police detective unwaveringly seeking justice for the murdered.

As always, the ever-deepening relationships between the characters readers have come to know and love are the heart of the narrative; as the story unfolds, the tension between Eve and Roarke reveals the depth of their commitment to each other. As with previous stories, the strong sense of place anchors the tale. With sufficient backstory for the narrative to work as a stand-alone, new readers and fans of the series will find the mystery intriguing and the book difficult to put aside.

Highly recommended. ( )

An old flame of Roarke's comes into town looking to rekindle the flame. This causes problems between Eve and Roarke. Her head says one thing but her heart says something else. Eve now has to deal with jealousy. Roarke does not understand why she feels the old flame is a problem and does not ease Eve's jealousy. Meanwhile Eve has another murder to deal with.

I liked it. Eve is so human in this book. She's not happy with being so human. She's a cop. She does not feel jealousy. She is also shutting out her "family" during this time. For once she and Summerset are on the same side. I figured out the who but not the why. A good book! ( )

I bought this for the Kindle because I could not remember reading it before, which I had. Nevertheless the characters and the suspense and the action kept me glued to the book for the re-read. ( )

4.5 stars ( )

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. ( )