Reviews

Shadows in Death by J.D. Robb

mvptp's review against another edition

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adventurous dark sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved everything about this book. Everything 

nelljustice's review against another edition

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5.0

All I can say about Lorkin Cobb is “What an effing idiot.” He thinks he’s gonna take Roarke down? Kill Dallas? Dude, you got some delusions of grandeur. Obviously, he has no idea who he’s messing with.

This was a story that did have a bit more gooey stuff between Roarke and Dallas (before the ultimate end) and it felt a little over the top. Other than that, it was golden. The initial case was a quick solver and I was gratified at how Eve got the defendant to cry. The arrogant nasty sociopathic jerk cried. That case didn’t exactly end right with that arrest. I got to go with the team on a fast paced, no holds barred manhunt of the bought and paid for assassin. I got to learn more about Roarke’s background. I got a good look at how Sommerset fathers Roarke (which was really awesome) and how cool it is to watch a team work together. Everyone. All of Eve’s people wanted in on catching this moron. They, every last one of them, are frosty to the ult. And the ending?!? It was a spectacular chase. I loved every minute of it. I can tell you I always get satisfaction at the end of these books. Eve and Delia do their “in the box” work and nail the sleazy, evil monster to the wall. It’s such a feeling to see the good guys win. This ending was no slouch either. It may be the best dramatic endings so far. No, no cliffhanger, just an awesome “nail that bastard” ending. I also loved, to the point of “nanner, nanner” NYPSD’s success in locating Cobb when InterPol hadn’t been able to in 20 years. It was marvelous.

My favorite alternate character in this book was the shopkeeper at the men’s store that Cobb shopped at. He was an absolute treasure. He was so excited to be a part of a police investigation that I just had to smile. I loved him. Watch for him when you read/listen to this book.

As always, these books get a 5 star.

holl3640's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

silenciadelumbrae's review against another edition

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4.0

Listen. I liked it. I did. Obviously, from the rating.

But at SOME point we have to run out of secret shadowy pocket characters from Roarke's past, right? Eventually? Sooner or later there'll be no one left who wants to kill him?

This is, if I remember correctly, the third book in the series where there was a surprise new bad guy from the past. Possibly the fifth or sixth if we're also counting Dallas.

The story was fun and I enjoyed it, and it's always nice to come back to the characters I know so well, but five to six books with variations on the same villain/plot does get a little tiring. Hopefully the next one will be something new.

Four stars.

traecrochet's review against another edition

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5.0

First book out of my reading slump is a 5 star. Hopefully I can keep up the momentum.

cheesehead_reader's review against another edition

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5.0

This series shouldn't grown tired a long time ago but it hasn't. I love going back to the In Death world twice a year. Some are better than others but all are good. This one was one of the best.

maggie73's review against another edition

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4.0

Probably a 3.5*

raeanne's review against another edition

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4.0

Knew the bad guy right away and still kept me reading.

laurenjodi's review against another edition

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4.0

Shadows in Death
4 Stars

A woman is murdered in Washington Square Park and Roarke, catching a glimpse of the suspect in the crowd, recognizes him as a vengeful foe from his past. Soon the race is on for Eve and her team to stop a vicious killer who has acquired a new target - Roarke.

This is one of a handful of books in the series in which the villain's identity is revealed almost at once. While this is not usually my preferred setup, in this particular case, the early reveal is essential for both plot and character development. That said, it is unfortunate that his character has no foundation in any of the previous books as springing him fully-fledged on the reader at this point detracts somewhat from the story.

The investigation itself relies on solid police work and the excellent relationships that Eve and Roarke have with the people in their lives. From Charlotte and Dennis Mira to Commander Whitney and Eve's loyal team to Summerset and Roarke's Irish relatives, it is a pleasure to see them all rally around and express their respect and loyalty to Roarke in both words and deeds - it was definitely not a given.

Overall, Shadows in Death is an engaging addition to the series, and having the focus shift to Roarke was an inspired choice by Robb. Looking forward to the next book.