Crime

Vengeance in Death by J. D. Robb is book six in the In Death series, and we finally get a small glimpse into Roarke's past. Even after a trip to Dublin and meeting a few of his past friends, he still fascinates me. While we know both Eve's and Roarke's tragic childhoods, Roarke doesn't exhibit any vulnerability or fragility like Eve. We know her sharp edges hide that vulnerability, but Roarke doesn't appear to have any of the same damage to his psyche. With at least forty-plus more books in the series, I hope we learn more about what makes him tick because only Vengeance in Death whetted my appetite.

Somerset plays a larger role in Vengeance in Death, and I have mixed thoughts about that. I hoped that he and Eve would bury the hatchet and use the opportunity to improve their relationship after everything Eve did for Roarke and him. I do not understand why Roarke is so hands-off in this one area when he likes to control or influence practically every other area of his life. I'm sure there is a reason, and this is another piece of information I hope Ms. Robb reveals in future books.

As always I enjoyed my time with LT Eve Dallas and her family. I loved that we got out of New York City and learned a little more about Roarke's past. I may be late to the In Death party, but better late than never! ( )

Funny is some parts. Kinda tedious is a lot. Was hoping the jerk butler would bite it in the end. ( )

This was an incredibly exciting installment! There is a killer on the loose and he seems to be playing games with Eve. He gives her just enough hints to keep her in the game but he always seems to be one step ahead of her. The fact that the victims seem to be connected to Roarke and Summerset is her number one suspect only adds to the suspense. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end and I was satisfied by how the story drew to a conclusion.

Susan Ericksen did a phenomenal job with the narration. I really enjoy the consistency that she has brought to the series and the voices and accents that she uses for the characters adds a lot to the reading. I definitely recommend this series to others who are looking for an engaging mystery. The mystery in this book was top-notch and the characters were incredibly well-done. I cannot wait to read more of this fantastic series! ( )

Vengeance in Death
4 Stars

Eve Dallas’s loyalties are one again put to the test when her husband’s oldest friend and closest confidant, Summerset, is framed for a series of murders targeting acquaintances from his shared past with Roarke. As the evidence against him accumulates, Eve must put aside her animosity for the man in order to capture a brilliant yet deranged killer guided by a warped sense of vengeance.

Roarke’s criminal past is front and centre in this installment and readers are treated to some compelling detail and insight into his life as a street urchin turned minor mobster in the Emerald Isle. The fact that he managed to escape the horrors of that world with his soul more or less intact is a testament not only to his strength of will, but also to his capacity for love and loyalty.

The events of the case also bring the relationship between Summerset and Eve to the fore. While they have consistently been at odds with one another, there have also been the occasional glimpses of understanding and perhaps even respect between them. These, however, are put to the test as Summerset must reconcile his contempt for the police and the realization that his hopes for Roarke’s future will never materialize with the fact that Eve is in their lives to stay.

The investigation is one of the more gruesome in the series this far as the killer is not averse to torturing his victims in horrendous ways. There are some excellent twists and turns although it is possible to follow the clues and figure out the villain’s identity.

All in all, an entertaining read and I look forward to seeing more of Eve, Roarke, Summerset, Peabody and the colorful McNab in the future. ( )