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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
I'm normally a fast reader of JD Robb books, but work and classes got a bit in the way, so I only finished this this morning.
Overall, I really liked it. I just need to go back and reread the middle set of books, because I don't remember another Christmas/holiday set book between Holiday in Death and this one, but certain things mentioned throughout made it seem like there was one. Oh well, another reason to reread them. What a hardship!
Overall, I really liked it. I just need to go back and reread the middle set of books, because I don't remember another Christmas/holiday set book between Holiday in Death and this one, but certain things mentioned throughout made it seem like there was one. Oh well, another reason to reread them. What a hardship!
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence
This is one of those titles that caused a reading funk for me. Because I didn't want it to end. I debated with myself: do I go back and re-read from the start of the In Death series? Do I read it a second time? (I wound up re-reading most of it and then moping a second time because the next book doesn't come out for a few more months.) So good.
I love the way she writes, and I love the characters in this series. This may be my new favorite of the series.
I work at Penguin, but that did not influence this review.
I love the way she writes, and I love the characters in this series. This may be my new favorite of the series.
I work at Penguin, but that did not influence this review.
The Christmas theme is played for lovely sentiment, with plenty of gift-giving, reminiscing, and partying. It’s used as an excuse to parade many of Eve’s friends through the pages for a moment or two, reminding us of her acquaintances and loved ones. It works and suits the milieu of the book.
There are plenty of suspects to truly dislike, which can be fun in its own way in this sort of book. Consider the presence of characters we can hate without guilt to be a Christmas present from Robb to her readership. Don’t worry, however; she doesn’t give short shrift to the more ambiguous characters–the people we like and feel sorry for, enjoy the presence of, dislike without hating, or can’t entirely pin down with ease. This aids in throwing some curve balls into the plot, nicely keeping villain options open until late in the game. Speaking of which, there are some great hints that don’t telegraph too much. I like the way the view of what happened wibbled and wobbled up until the very end.
My only negative with the book was that there was something of a lack of tension and suspense. There wasn’t much in the way of physical action, and while that almost works with the slower Christmas feel to the book, I would have liked a little more kick and immediate danger to the plot.
All in all, Festive in Death is an enjoyable winter holiday edition of the Eve Dallas “In Death” series!
[NOTE: advance copy provided for free by Penguin Group]
Visit my site for a longer review including premise: http://www.errantdreams.com/2014/08/review-festive-in-death-j-d-robb/
There are plenty of suspects to truly dislike, which can be fun in its own way in this sort of book. Consider the presence of characters we can hate without guilt to be a Christmas present from Robb to her readership. Don’t worry, however; she doesn’t give short shrift to the more ambiguous characters–the people we like and feel sorry for, enjoy the presence of, dislike without hating, or can’t entirely pin down with ease. This aids in throwing some curve balls into the plot, nicely keeping villain options open until late in the game. Speaking of which, there are some great hints that don’t telegraph too much. I like the way the view of what happened wibbled and wobbled up until the very end.
My only negative with the book was that there was something of a lack of tension and suspense. There wasn’t much in the way of physical action, and while that almost works with the slower Christmas feel to the book, I would have liked a little more kick and immediate danger to the plot.
All in all, Festive in Death is an enjoyable winter holiday edition of the Eve Dallas “In Death” series!
[NOTE: advance copy provided for free by Penguin Group]
Visit my site for a longer review including premise: http://www.errantdreams.com/2014/08/review-festive-in-death-j-d-robb/
I'm not sure when I became convinced that Nora Roberts is no longer writing all of the In Death books, but this entry in the series furthered that belief. There are thoughts and lines that simply don't sound right coming from Eve Dallas. More troubling, the (unsuccessful) effort to make the characters sound the same means that they don't show much growth from novel to novel.
This entry moves a bit slower than most and the twist is unsurprising. It's not a bad read, but far from the better novels in this long-running series.
This entry moves a bit slower than most and the twist is unsurprising. It's not a bad read, but far from the better novels in this long-running series.
My guilty pleasure read, I love the main character - Eve Dallas is just plain awesome. And Nora Roberts/ JD Robb always has a good story.
[9/10/14]
Pretty good, standard J.D. Robb murder mystery. Definitely worth reading again, but not her absolute best. Not quite enough of Roarke, and Eve's other friends.
[7/24/15]
I think I liked this better the second time through. I didn't remember the actual solution until I was almost at the end, and it was still enjoyable reading to see how it was resolved. Also, there was more of the Eve/Roarke dynamic than I remember from the first reading.
Pretty good, standard J.D. Robb murder mystery. Definitely worth reading again, but not her absolute best. Not quite enough of Roarke, and Eve's other friends.
[7/24/15]
I think I liked this better the second time through. I didn't remember the actual solution until I was almost at the end, and it was still enjoyable reading to see how it was resolved. Also, there was more of the Eve/Roarke dynamic than I remember from the first reading.
I should be tired of this series. but I'm really not. The mysteries are interesting and the characters are well developed.