Purity in Death (2002)

In Death 15

A vigilante group calling itself The Purity Seekers declares itself both judge and jury and creates a computer virus to target people they believe deserve death for their misdeeds. Their neurological virus causes the victim to succumb to rage and then to die. They claim their actions are not terrorism; rather, they serve the innocent.

While examining the dead man’s computer, one of the officers in the Electronics Detection Division of the New York Security and Police Department becomes infected, attacks McNab and takes Captain Feeney hostage. Can homicide detective Lieutenant Eve Dallas find the cyber terrorists and put an end to their “justice” before more people fall victim to their insidious virus? And will McNab survive this vicious attack?

Fifteenth in the “In Death” series, the intriguing plot delivers several unexpected twists as it unfolds. All the expected characters are on hand, along with a few from previous stories, and there is sufficient backstory for readers new to the series. As always, the strong sense of place anchors the narrative and the interaction between the characters remains a highlight of the series. The unique investigation involving the computer virus keeps the pages turning and readers, both new and returning, will find it difficult to set this book aside before turning the final page.

Highly recommended. ( )

I read the first book in this series years ago in a book group. I've read others in the series but not necessarily in order. I realized that I'd read a later book in the series when Mavis told Dallas she was pregnant.

A group of people is dissatisfied with the way the criminal justice system has handled certain classes of criminals, so they take matters into their own hands. I'm not sure if they hoped someone else would draw the homicide case or if they figured Dallas would get the case but underestimated her or thought they could control her.

I wonder what happened to Trueheart since I don't remember reading more about him in other books in the series. In this book, it seemed like he might be being set up to be Dallas's next Peabody. Also I don't remember Jamie showing up in other books I've read in the series--though since he's a kid and not yet old enough to become the police officer he wants to be, it might make more sense that he'd show up sparingly as the plots need someone with his skills (vs. Trueheart who's already a police officer and whose path should cross with Dallas's more often given they work at the same profession). ( )

There's a group murdering criminals who've escaped justice, however innocence are dying as well. Rourke and Eve battle and Eve struggles with the cost of her decisions as people get hurt.
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4.5 stars ( )