Crime

Let's face it. J. D. Robb/Nora Roberts has to be a clever person to be able to write so prolifically and keep each one of her novels unique. That being said, Witness in Death, number ten in the In Death series, is particularly clever. Her use of a story within a story is always a fun plot device. But to use an Agatha Christie mystery to establish another murder mystery? That's genius.

I remain surprised by how dark Ms. Robb is willing to go with this series. While we know most of Eve's childhood traumas, Witness in Death goes even darker. What's more, she can discuss such a taboo subject without glamorizing or trivializing it. Her focus is less on the act itself and more on the mental distress that comes from learning about such actions.

I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. I love how every book shows Eve becoming a little more vulnerable. She was so robotic at first, and even though we are only ten books in, she has grown so much. Friendships still baffle her, as do lavish displays of affection, but it is so satisfying to see her become almost human. ( )

Roarke is very addictive. Eve is not well.

Witness in Death
4 Stars

In her newest case, homicide lieutenant Eve Dallas finds herself in uncharted territory when she, along with the entire audience, witnesses the murder of an actor during a performance. Before long, Eve and her team are up to their necks in suspects and motives as the victim was uniformly despised by one and by all.

An excellent homage to Agatha Christie's mysteries in general and to her play, Witness for the Prosecution, in particular. Reading this book brought back fond memories of watching the film with my father.

Although the identity of the culprit is quite obvious early on, perhaps because the style is so Christie-like, it is, nonetheless, entertaining to follow along with Eve as she uncovers the clues and unmasks the killer. It must be said that this is definitely the first time in the series that the murder is 100% justified as the victim is a vile excuse for a human being.

In terms of the character development, readers are provided with additional insights into Eve's personality as the case demonstrates that she is still struggling with the horrific memories that have only recently risen to the surface. Thankfully, Roarke is there when she needs him the most and their romance is still exciting and fresh even after ten books.

All in all, another solid installment in a fun series. ( )

It has been said the play is the thing. For Lieutenant Eve Dallas of the NYPSD, murder is the thing. On a rare night out with her husband, Roarke, she is treating the play on the stage as a murder case. While the original Witness for the Prosecution came out around 1952, the cast has done a very good job bringing the tale to life. Too much so, as in one aspect. Eve Dallas, Roarke, and the entire packed house witness the death of one of the actors.
Was it an accident with the wrong prop or was it a deliberate murder?
While the world may be a stage and everyone else mere players, Lieutenant Eve Dallas is an exceptionally skilled player. Despite being a witness, or maybe because of being one, she is allowed to handle the case and the resulting investigation that soon becomes the subject of intense media scrutiny. Though when you are married to the wealthiest and sexist man ever known, everything you do generates considerable media scrutiny.
While she is not sharing graphically intimate moment with Roarke or trying to not think about Peabody and what is going on in her off duty life, Dallas is working a complex case. A case where nearly everyone involved is a professional liar because they are trained actors and actresses. A murder case that did not stop with one murder on stage.
While all the usual caveats apply regarding point of view head hopping and the occasional graphic sex scene, at the book’s heart, it is a complicated and enjoyable police procedural/mystery. Technology is prevalent and has its uses, but cases still get solved by boots on the ground and solid police work. Witness in Death by J. D. Robb is a fun read in a series that is well worth your time.

My eBook reading copy came from the Dallas Public Library System via the OverDrive/Libby App. Amazingly, I made it work this time without technical assistance from my son, Scott. I should go to a nearby store and buy a lottery ticket.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2022 ( )