Nine books into J. D. Robb's In Death series, and I can't seem to stop my growing obsession with it. Loyalty in Death has a rather fun plot as far as murder mysteries go. A mysterious political group instigating blowing up New York City landmarks and a woman who literally drilled her lover to the wall are just two problems Eve faces. Individually, they are intriguing enough, but having to solve the two cases together causes Eve more than one headache. How Ms. Robb weaves the two stories together is awe-inspiring.

For all the fun of the bombings and a woman who did the murder but goes free, Loyalty in Death wouldn't be half as impressive without that one spark of growth Eve shows. Watching Eve become something other than the short-tempered, bull-headed, mean lieutenant we first meet is why the series is so compelling. I love watching her hesitantly express her emotions to others, recognize her found family, and show the world her vulnerability. I am Team Eve all the way!

I continue to listen to this series via audiobook, and I have to say that Susan Erickson deserves all the awards for her performance. After nine books and the novella, her characterizations ARE the characters. I instantly know which character is speaking based on the voice used, a feat in and of itself. Even more remarkable is that these books contain a large cast of characters, and yet every character is unique and recognizable. Her performance never wavers, never changes. She is the reason I refuse to read the books. She brings the characters to life in a way I never could. ( )

Loyalty in Death
4 Stars

A routine investigation into the homicide of a businessman is interrupted by a series of bombings that hit close to home when the perpetrator targets Roarke's holdings and sends taunting letters to Eve.

While the bomb plot is all too realistic in this day and age (perhaps even more so post 9/11), and the case has some incredibly intense moments, the villains are fairly obvious and the outcome predictable. That said, the character development and dialogue make this a series to return to over and over.

The relationships really stand out in this installment whether it is Peabody and McNab taking an interesting step in their love/hate relationship; Eve realizing that marriage to Roarke will require a change in attitude, or the hints at some intriguing things to come with Eve's mother.

In sum, a fast-paced and enjoyable read. Looking forward to seeing what happens next. ( )

I love all the books in the IN DEATH series, but this was a special favorite. Detective Eve Dallas is on the hunt for a group of fanatics responsible for serial bombings throughout New York City. She and Rourke tease and have steamy passion. I loved the subplot involving Peabody and McNab, a ship I was hoping would eventually happen! There is a family connection in this book, and a really good mystery with several interesting twists! A great mix of police procedural and good character stories ( )

Loyalty in Death

There have always been those who would seek to overthrow a government, a political system, by any violent means necessary. In the year of 2059 that holds true just as it does today. The mission is their own greed and power and such forces never consider the blood of the innocents. Such is the situation in Loyalty In Death by J.D. Robb.

The terrorists in this case are known as “Cassandra” and Lieutenant Eve Dallas of the New York City Police and Security Division has yet to be aware of their presence. As the book begins, she is soon aware of the murder of J. Clarence Branson, who was 50, and was copresident of Branson Tools and Toys. He was screwed to death.

Literally.

His mistress, Lisabeth Cook, did it by way of one of his own power drills and a bolt through the heart. She drilled him to the wall and left him mounted there before calling the police and then sitting and sipping as she waited for the police to arrive. When Lieutenant Dallas arrives, Cook voluntarily confesses to the murder and recounts how he broke their business deal so Mr. Branson had to die.

Lieutenant Dallas knows how the case will go with the way the justice system is and the defense Cooke can afford. She also does not like any of it so she will keep investigating in the hopes that she can prove the need for additional charges and resulting prison sentence upon conviction.

That ongoing investigation, as week as a tip that at first seems to be totally unrelated, will lead her to a terrorist group that calls itself “Cassandra.” As has happened before, that group soon puts not only Dallas, but her husband Roarke, as well as thousands of others in their sights as they look to change the system, one lethal terroristic attack at a time.

As always in this series, there is plenty of action and adventure, head hooping point of view, and graphic sex. Unlike most other cases, Dallas and Roarke are not the only two engaged in the sexual escapades. The chase of the terrorists is pretty good though I had figured out most of it long before we were finally brought there towards the very end of the book.

Overall, Loyalty In Death by J.D. Robb is another fast fun read. As long as one does not take those books very seriously, they are an enjoyable mind cleanser.

The series to this point and my reviews:
Naked in Death: Eve Dallas Mysteries (Book 1) March 2021
Glory in Death: Eve Dallas Mysteries (Book 2) April 2021
Immortal in Death: Eve Dallas Mysteries (Book 3) May 2021
Rapture in Death: Eve Dallas Mysteries (Book 4) June 2021
Ceremony in Death: Eve Dallas Mysteries (Book 5) July 2021
Vengeance in Death: Eve Dallas Mysteries (Book 6) September 2021
Holiday in Death: Eve Dallas Mysteries (Book 7) October 2021
Conspiracy in Death: Eve Dallas Mysteries (Book 8) October 2021

My eBook reading copy came from the Dallas Public Library System and the Libby App. Once again, I needed technical assistance from my son, Scott, to make things download and actually work.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2022 ( )

The In Death series has, for me, always been more about the ongoing characters. I love checking in on Eve, Roarke, Peabody, McNab, Feeney, Mavis, Nadine and everyone else. The plot is secondary, but when the characters and plot are going on all cylinders, boy howdy are these books fun. This is not one of those books. Later books in the series say how Eve brought down a terrorist group that called itself Cassandra. This is that story, and for some reason, it...bored me. Not something have ever said before with this series. Even a twist involving Peabody's brother didn't bring me any further into the story. Ah, well, everyone should get one misfire. ( )