Crime

Book seven in the In Death series by J. D. Robb takes us to Eve's and Roarke's first holiday season together. Holiday in Death surprised and impressed me. I expected the brutal murders, but I wasn't expecting a killer Santa. Nor was I expecting the use of The Twelve Days of Christmas as a calling card. Still, it was all within the normal scope of a typical Eve Dallas investigation.

Where Holiday in Death got me was with the non-murder investigation scenes. The scenes where Eve buys presents for her friends had me cackling with laughter, but the scenes of Eve and Roarke creating holiday traditions tore apart my heart. They are beautiful moments of healing for both of them that drove home how much they lost with their terrible childhoods and are more effective than all the nightmares or flashbacks.

I did have an issue with how Eve used Peabody to help capture the murderer because it seemed so unlike her. Given her background, I struggle with how she would be willing to put Peabody into that situation. Even with all the precautions and safety measures in place, Eve did not think of the psychological ramifications of what Peabody would face. As I said, given Eve's childhood this situation didn't sit right, but it did show how far Eve is willing to go to catch a killer.

I feel like these stories keep getting better. Every book shows Eve softening ever so slightly, healing just that tiny bit more. While it doesn't seem like much per book, if you look at the series as a whole, the character development throughout the first seven books has been phenomenal. I can't wait to see what happens next!

I don't know enough about Nora Roberts books to know if the continuity problem is common in her work. Also, at this point I'm hate reading this series.

Holiday in Death
4 Stars

In her latest case, Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas is on the trail of a sadistic serial killer who dresses up as Santa and finds his victims at an online dating service.

An exciting installment with several red herrings to keep the reader guessing.

Eve's complex and prickly nature make her one of those characters that evoke strong reactions in readers. While one cannot help but admire her strength and resilience in overcoming childhood trauma, she does have the unfortunate tendency toward allowing her personal demons to influence her investigative focus, which ultimately leads her down the wrong path.

Furthermore, there are times when Eve's harsh words and hurtful actions toward those closest to her can be grating. That said, it is clear that she is slowly coming to understand she is no longer alone in the world and that she needs to let people in.

In terms of the murder case, the symbolism associated with the 12 Days of Christmas is entertaining albeit underutilized. The links between the symbols and corresponding victims could have been used to better effect.

The secondary characters are wonderful as always. The developing love/hate relationship between Peabody and McNab is a highlight, and it will be interesting to see where this goes (if they don't kill each other first).

Overall, the In Death series is engaging, exciting, and entertaining. A definite must for lovers of romance and suspense. ( )

Dark Erotic BR Special cont.
All Sept.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/22215844-buddy-read-special-3---in-death-se...