mariereadsamystery's profile picture

mariereadsamystery 's review for:

Framed in Death by J.D. Robb
4.0

Framed in Death is an excellent addition to the In Death series, which focuses on Eve Dallas, a no-nonsense cop investigating crimes in futuristic New York City. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this book, as I've been a long-time fan of J.D. Robb (also known as Nora Roberts). 

It's a familiar setting, as she is surrounded by the regular cast of characters found in the other In Death novels. In this entry of the series, a so-called artist kidnaps and murders prostitutes to bring attention to his art after years of rejection. He takes their lives to fuel his art, an intriguing plot that kept me hooked.

I always enjoyed these books because they're not written in alternating POVs like so many books are written today. Sometimes authors will write in alternating points of views, but it can be challenging to determine who is speaking since all perspectives are written similarly. But Robb’s narrative style keeps the story focused and engaging, without the possible distraction of multiple perspectives. It's a refreshing change from the norm and draws you into the story. 

I appreciated the references to the classic artworks featured in the crime. When it's a futuristic setting and storyline, it's interesting to see an author bring together modern times with a future setting. 
In the In Death series, the side characters are often a significant part of the story and serve to anchor Eve Dallas and humanize her, as she's a character who is typically all business. However, in this book, I didn't see how their interactions are related to the plot. Other than making a point about chosen family. Though she's a fantastic character, I didn't care about Peabody's home renovations. 

I've loved this series for years, and I keep coming back to it! It's a mix of all my favorite genres in one series. This book combines the intrigue of a mystery novel with the futuristic elements of a sci-fi story, creating a unique reading experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves mystery, sci-fi, with a touch of romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.