"Salvation
in Death" by J.D. Robb; Putnam ($25.95)
___
Eve and
Roarke are back with a suspenseful story that will
enthrall you by capturing your curiosity and snare you
with the usual wit, repartee and passion that have
made this series of books an addiction for many
readers.
For
those of you who have never read one of J.D. Robb's
books, find copies of the first two stories of the
series, "Naked in Death" and "Glory in
Death." You'll be hooked. And by the way, for
those who don't know this yet, J.D. Robb is Nora
Roberts.
In this
tale, Eve and Roarke are enjoying their happy albeit
never restful marriage. Surrounded by an eclectic
group of colorful friends, Eve tries to deal with the
complicated and scary parts of her life - like
planning a wedding shower - and the mundane, like
solving a murder.
Or two.
This
book actually has two murders for Eve and her trusty
partner, Peabody, to solve. One is cracked pretty
quickly, the other takes up the entire book.
While
conducting a funeral Mass, a priest is poisoned. As
Eve begins investigating this intriguing case, she
unearths secrets and will prevent you from being able
to put the book down.
And of
course when she goes home, Roarke is there to help her
unravel the mystery - and help her remember that her
life is about more than solving murders now.
Roarke
isn't quite as involved with helping her solve this
case as in some others, and perhaps there isn't quite
enough of him in the book. But when he's there?
He's.....well, he's Roarke.
As one
expects from a J.D. Robb book, the banter and dialog
between characters is snappy, witty and fun.
Especially between Roarke and Eve, although Peabody
has become quite a sidekick as well.
Like
when Eve comes home to Roarke the first evening and
says, "I thought you were somewhere else today.
Like Mongolia."
"Minnesota."
"What's
the difference?"
Then
she asks, "Did you buy Mongolia?"
"Minnesota."
"Either."
"No.
Did you want it?"
And
then there are the mushy scenes, those tender moments
that these two driven, tough people share only when
they're alone. As usual, this book hits on all
cylinders.
HOW IT
STACKS UP
Overall
rating: 5 of 5 hearts. The interaction between Eve and
Roarke, and the couple and their friends, is always
fun and witty and would make it worth reading even if
there was nothing else. However, there is a big
something else that will keep you turning the pages -
the murder. It's a good mystery to solve.
Hunk
appeal: 10-plus, plus, etc. Roarke is the standard to
measure all others - and they all come up short. It
doesn't hurt that he owns planets and is the most
powerful, rich and gorgeous man in the universe. But
he not only totally loves Eve, he totally understands
her. And still considers her "everything and all
things" for him.
Steamy
scene grade: XXXXX. Roarke and Eve. Enough said.
Happily-Ever-After:
Very good. Eve solves the case beautifully, and she
has her moment with Roarke. Of course the best thing
is knowing we'll be reading more about Eve, Roarke and
the gang. In fact, "Promises in Death" is
scheduled for release in February. Something to look
forward to after the holidays.
___
Also
this week.....
HOME
FOR THE HOLIDAYS, by Johanna Lindsey (2000, paperback)
5 of 5.
You may
have to do a bit of scrounging to find this one, but
it will be worth the hunt. It was actually a hardcover
before it was released a year later as a paperback.
It's a perfect holiday story, borrowing the
"Scrooge" theme. Like most of Lindsey's
books, this is a historical romance, set in
turn-of-the-century London. Baron Vincent is a man
void of emotion, one who has lived his 29 years
without love, without friends and without a Christmas
tree. Then he meets Larissa, a sweet young woman who
is only supposed to be pawn in Vincent's plan for
revenge. Of course he falls in love with her and she
changes his life. Unfortunately, he did tell her all
of that until after she discovers Vincent is
responsible for her and her family's misfortunes.
Which makes for a great reconciliation scene.
