What do you think?
Rate this book
In Death #59
Passions in Death
Homicide Detective Eve Dallas hunts a killer who turns a wedding party into a murder scene in the latest novel by the #1 New York Times bestselling author, J.D. Robb.
On a hot August night, Lt. Eve Dallas and her husband, Roarke, speed through the streets of Manhattan to the Down and Dirty club, where a joyful, boisterous pre-wedding girls’ night out has turned into a murder scene. One of the brides lies in a pool of blood, garroted in a private room where she was preparing a surprise for her fiancée—two scrimped and saved-for tickets to Hawaii.
Despite the dozens of people present, useful witnesses are hard to come by. It all brings back some bad memories for Eve. In her uniform days, she’d suffered an assault in the very same room—but she’d been able to fight back and survive. She’d gotten justice. And now she needs to provide some for poor young Erin.
Eve knows that the level of violence and the apparent premeditation involved suggest a volatile mix of hidden, heated passion and ice-cold calculation. This is a crime that can be countered only by hard detective work and relentless dedication—and Eve will not stop until she finds the killer who destroyed this couple’s dreams before the honeymoon even began…
On a hot August night, Lt. Eve Dallas and her husband, Roarke, speed through the streets of Manhattan to the Down and Dirty club, where a joyful, boisterous pre-wedding girls’ night out has turned into a murder scene. One of the brides lies in a pool of blood, garroted in a private room where she was preparing a surprise for her fiancée—two scrimped and saved-for tickets to Hawaii.
Despite the dozens of people present, useful witnesses are hard to come by. It all brings back some bad memories for Eve. In her uniform days, she’d suffered an assault in the very same room—but she’d been able to fight back and survive. She’d gotten justice. And now she needs to provide some for poor young Erin.
Eve knows that the level of violence and the apparent premeditation involved suggest a volatile mix of hidden, heated passion and ice-cold calculation. This is a crime that can be countered only by hard detective work and relentless dedication—and Eve will not stop until she finds the killer who destroyed this couple’s dreams before the honeymoon even began…
359 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2024
4662 people are currently reading
22797 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Robb
169 books35k followersJ.D. Robb is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling In Death series and the pseudonym for #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts. The futuristic suspense series stars Eve Dallas, a New York City police lieutenant with a dark past. Initially conceived as a trilogy, readers clamored for more of Eve and the mysterious Roarke. Forgotten in Death (St. Martin's Press, September 2021) is the 53rd entry in the series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,546 reviews
August 12, 2024
A joyful pre-wedding party celebration turning into a murder scene will immediately pull readers into the story in
Passions in Death,
the fifty-ninth book in J. D. Robb’s well-written futuristic police procedural set in August, 2061 in New York City. This series features homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas, her partner, Detective Delia Peabody, and her husband, Roarke, along with an assortment of regular secondary characters. The two brides, Erin Albright and Shauna Hunnicut, and their friends are having a girls’ night out five days prior to the wedding. One bride has a surprise for the other and has rented a private room to prepare for the big reveal. However, someone has a surprise planned for her. Dallas and Peabody arrive on the scene, but useful witnesses are hard to find. Can they find the murderer?
Time spent with Dallas, Roarke, Peabody, and their colleagues and friends is always entertaining. Eve is honorable, honest, a detailed planner, has strong moral principles, and has a strong sense of duty to victims and their families. Her need to serve and protect comes through in every book, but the underlying impetus for this is best understood by reading this series in order. Her ability to think through scenarios and latch onto the most likely one is uncanny and fascinating to see unfold. It’s compelling to see how Eve’s mind works getting a better and better picture of the killer.
As always, the interactions between Dallas and Roarke as well as with their friends and her homicide team are enjoyable and bring different facets of her personality to light. I thought the scene between Dallas and Roarke when he was angry about a work-related issue added insight into how far their relationship has come during the series.
Murder, suspense, and drama immediately pull readers into the storyline. The author continues to use prose to elicit a strong emotional response from readers. She also is skilled in using humor to bring out character personalities as well as to offset some of the more serious aspects of the story. Complex plots, strong characters, excellent pacing, and delightful relationships are a constant in this series. Woven through the novel are threads of friendship, standing for victims, complicated relationships, ego, justice, trust, anger, found family, jealousy, manipulation, and much more.
Robb is an excellent storyteller who combines a clever plot with gripping scenes, lots of solid police investigation, and engaging characters with depth. Besides the investigation, Dallas’s strong investigative techniques and her relationships with Roarke, her friends, and her colleagues drive the narrative. It has the right balance of mystery, police investigation, romance, and creative twists. While it was a little too easy to discern who the killer was, the full motivation took some time to become apparent.
Overall, this novel was an emotional and twisty tale with great characterization that kept me engaged throughout the story. If you enjoy intriguing near-future police procedurals with a strong female lead, then I recommend this series. I can’t wait to read the next book.
St. Martin’s Press and J.D. Robb provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for September 03, 2024.
------------------------------------------
My 4.59 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
Time spent with Dallas, Roarke, Peabody, and their colleagues and friends is always entertaining. Eve is honorable, honest, a detailed planner, has strong moral principles, and has a strong sense of duty to victims and their families. Her need to serve and protect comes through in every book, but the underlying impetus for this is best understood by reading this series in order. Her ability to think through scenarios and latch onto the most likely one is uncanny and fascinating to see unfold. It’s compelling to see how Eve’s mind works getting a better and better picture of the killer.
As always, the interactions between Dallas and Roarke as well as with their friends and her homicide team are enjoyable and bring different facets of her personality to light. I thought the scene between Dallas and Roarke when he was angry about a work-related issue added insight into how far their relationship has come during the series.
Murder, suspense, and drama immediately pull readers into the storyline. The author continues to use prose to elicit a strong emotional response from readers. She also is skilled in using humor to bring out character personalities as well as to offset some of the more serious aspects of the story. Complex plots, strong characters, excellent pacing, and delightful relationships are a constant in this series. Woven through the novel are threads of friendship, standing for victims, complicated relationships, ego, justice, trust, anger, found family, jealousy, manipulation, and much more.
Robb is an excellent storyteller who combines a clever plot with gripping scenes, lots of solid police investigation, and engaging characters with depth. Besides the investigation, Dallas’s strong investigative techniques and her relationships with Roarke, her friends, and her colleagues drive the narrative. It has the right balance of mystery, police investigation, romance, and creative twists. While it was a little too easy to discern who the killer was, the full motivation took some time to become apparent.
Overall, this novel was an emotional and twisty tale with great characterization that kept me engaged throughout the story. If you enjoy intriguing near-future police procedurals with a strong female lead, then I recommend this series. I can’t wait to read the next book.
St. Martin’s Press and J.D. Robb provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for September 03, 2024.
------------------------------------------
My 4.59 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
September 7, 2024
Another totally absorbing police procedural in my favourite series. I found his one extra interesting in that the reader is basically offered two options for the murderer - Eve herself cannot choose so there was no chance that I could! Of course she sorts it all out, persuades the murderer to confess and all is good in the In Death world.
Robb provides plenty of humour and amusing banter to lighten what is a very dark story. The murder was nasty and one of Eve's nightmares was very scary. At the same time we visited the house in progress, there was a mention of the Candy Thief, and Galahad scored a forbidden treat at breakfast time at last. And it was maybe even better than bacon.
I read it all in one day and now have the long wait to February and the publication of book number 60.
Robb provides plenty of humour and amusing banter to lighten what is a very dark story. The murder was nasty and one of Eve's nightmares was very scary. At the same time we visited the house in progress, there was a mention of the Candy Thief, and Galahad scored a forbidden treat at breakfast time at last. And it was maybe even better than bacon.
I read it all in one day and now have the long wait to February and the publication of book number 60.
August 19, 2024
"In Death" returns with yet another fantastic installment! I was very eager to read this book because I have been a longtime reader of J. D. Robb and an avid fan of this series since I read the first one!
I love how the author connects certain aspects of Eve's present life to those of her previous existence. She is an intriguing detective, and I loved that this book showed off a little more of her tender side as she considers how much she enjoys being Roarke's wife. The way she looks into each crime in this series never ceases to intrigue me. And the case itself was intriguing and one that took some time for me to figure out.
The audiobook versions are excellently executed. The narration in the In Death series is masterfully done by Susan Ericksen. I can instantly recognize a character based on how she presented their voice.
Because J.D. Robb done a fantastic job of providing details from earlier novels that are important to the current plot, I believe you could pick up the series right here and understand what is happening. But I really suggest starting at the beginning of the series if you want to really connect with every character.
I plan to continue reading this series for a long time, and I'm looking forward to the next book!
I love how the author connects certain aspects of Eve's present life to those of her previous existence. She is an intriguing detective, and I loved that this book showed off a little more of her tender side as she considers how much she enjoys being Roarke's wife. The way she looks into each crime in this series never ceases to intrigue me. And the case itself was intriguing and one that took some time for me to figure out.
The audiobook versions are excellently executed. The narration in the In Death series is masterfully done by Susan Ericksen. I can instantly recognize a character based on how she presented their voice.
Because J.D. Robb done a fantastic job of providing details from earlier novels that are important to the current plot, I believe you could pick up the series right here and understand what is happening. But I really suggest starting at the beginning of the series if you want to really connect with every character.
I plan to continue reading this series for a long time, and I'm looking forward to the next book!
September 4, 2024
While a little more personal life macro plot progression would have taken this to the next level (I feel like Mavis & Peabody have been moving into this new house for half the series at this point 😅), I really appreciate the solid police procedural of this one. It was one that was more about probing the psychology of the suspects rather than strictly following clues, but that worked with the overall theme of a crime of passion.
Note - this is one that could be read without reading earlier books pretty well if folks are looking to try the series
Note - this is one that could be read without reading earlier books pretty well if folks are looking to try the series
September 3, 2024
Passions in Death by J D Robb
In Death series #59. Futuristic police procedural.
Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas is awakened by a phone call from dispatch about a murder at the Down and Dirty club. A bride has been killed in one of the private rooms at a pre-wedding girls’ night party. Roarke goes with Eve to the bar, knowing she’s had her own history of assault in those private rooms. But Eve will have to put that aside now as she works the current case where no one saw anything helpful and the bar has no cameras to pull from.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook of this novel narrated by Susan Erickson who does the majority of the series. There is a specific accented voice for Roarke, and of course, Eve, Peabody and a couple of other regulars. To be honest, it took me a couple of books to get used to the narrator since it wasn’t what I used to from originally reading the series. She has grown on me and I now appreciate the continuity as well as hearing these characters come to life.
I do listen at 1.5 to more closely match my reading speed and conversations.
I Laughed out loud when Eve Dallas is using the beverage machine in the police station and at the end of the transaction, it says thank you to Detective Baxter! Hilarious. Dallas is using someone else’s code because she’s been restricted. She has a history of bad language and hitting and kicking the machine. Too funny.
There was also some seldom heard sentimentality from Eve about being married and how nice it is. Then she and Roarke walked among peach trees in their back yard and she remembers planting one. We know they are happy together but these sweet acknowledgments were touching to hear.
A wonderful addition to the series.
I received a copy of the from NetGalley and publisher Macmillan Audio.
In Death series #59. Futuristic police procedural.
Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas is awakened by a phone call from dispatch about a murder at the Down and Dirty club. A bride has been killed in one of the private rooms at a pre-wedding girls’ night party. Roarke goes with Eve to the bar, knowing she’s had her own history of assault in those private rooms. But Eve will have to put that aside now as she works the current case where no one saw anything helpful and the bar has no cameras to pull from.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook of this novel narrated by Susan Erickson who does the majority of the series. There is a specific accented voice for Roarke, and of course, Eve, Peabody and a couple of other regulars. To be honest, it took me a couple of books to get used to the narrator since it wasn’t what I used to from originally reading the series. She has grown on me and I now appreciate the continuity as well as hearing these characters come to life.
I do listen at 1.5 to more closely match my reading speed and conversations.
I Laughed out loud when Eve Dallas is using the beverage machine in the police station and at the end of the transaction, it says thank you to Detective Baxter! Hilarious. Dallas is using someone else’s code because she’s been restricted. She has a history of bad language and hitting and kicking the machine. Too funny.
There was also some seldom heard sentimentality from Eve about being married and how nice it is. Then she and Roarke walked among peach trees in their back yard and she remembers planting one. We know they are happy together but these sweet acknowledgments were touching to hear.
A wonderful addition to the series.
I received a copy of the from NetGalley and publisher Macmillan Audio.
September 5, 2024
the setup…
Erin Albright and Shauna Hunnicut are celebrating their upcoming wedding at the Down and Dirty Club. Erin steps away in the middle of the excitement and joyous partying to prepare for her secret surprise she’s arranged for Shauna. She steps into the privacy room to meet the friend who’s her co-conspirator in presenting the surprise. But the surprise is on Erin when whoever is in that room uses a garrote on her, leaving her dead and alone. Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas receives the call directly from Crack, the owner. It’s also eerily coincidental that it’s the same club and room where she was attacked during her pre-wedding celebration.
the heart of the story…
The coincidences to Eve’s assault at the club abound as she was attacked by someone she knew and thought she could trust. Erin and Shauna were surrounded by a tight-knit group of friends, all loyally devoted to one or the other or both. Eve is certain someone in that group wasn’t their friend or, at least not Erin’s and she explores their world with precision and depth. I honed in on a suspect early on, which differed from Eve’s supposition and I foolishly held onto my choice. Yeah, right.
the bottom line…
I enjoyed this latest installment in the series as it was not only a glimpse back into the past but an interesting case on its own. Erin and Shauna’s circle of friends was a strong one but one of them was wearing a mask. Eve and her team not only followed exceptional police procedurals but delved into the psychological aspects of that circle to root out the killer and betrayer. Yes, I got caught flatfooted but there’s the fun. This series just doesn’t get old.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Erin Albright and Shauna Hunnicut are celebrating their upcoming wedding at the Down and Dirty Club. Erin steps away in the middle of the excitement and joyous partying to prepare for her secret surprise she’s arranged for Shauna. She steps into the privacy room to meet the friend who’s her co-conspirator in presenting the surprise. But the surprise is on Erin when whoever is in that room uses a garrote on her, leaving her dead and alone. Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas receives the call directly from Crack, the owner. It’s also eerily coincidental that it’s the same club and room where she was attacked during her pre-wedding celebration.
the heart of the story…
The coincidences to Eve’s assault at the club abound as she was attacked by someone she knew and thought she could trust. Erin and Shauna were surrounded by a tight-knit group of friends, all loyally devoted to one or the other or both. Eve is certain someone in that group wasn’t their friend or, at least not Erin’s and she explores their world with precision and depth. I honed in on a suspect early on, which differed from Eve’s supposition and I foolishly held onto my choice. Yeah, right.
the bottom line…
I enjoyed this latest installment in the series as it was not only a glimpse back into the past but an interesting case on its own. Erin and Shauna’s circle of friends was a strong one but one of them was wearing a mask. Eve and her team not only followed exceptional police procedurals but delved into the psychological aspects of that circle to root out the killer and betrayer. Yes, I got caught flatfooted but there’s the fun. This series just doesn’t get old.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
July 8, 2024
PASSIONS IN DEATH is the fifty-ninth book in J.D. Robb's futuristic, police procedural style In Death Series. For new readers feeling overwhelmed with the sheer number of books, you can be confident jumping in at any point as each title in the series stands alone with a murder mystery solved and needed backstory included within the pages of each book. However, the main characters as well as some of the repeat support characters are introduced in early books, and character development is a key part of the storyline throughout the series. Hard-core Dallas fans will tell you that it enhances your reading pleasure to start with NAKED IN DEATH and proceed through the series in order of publication.
Drinks flow freely at The Down & Dirty Club which is open on a Monday night for guests of the pre-wedding party of Erin Albright and Shauna Hunnicut. The brides and their tribe of friends’ drink, sing and dance the night away in celebration of the two women's upcoming nuptials, leaving all inhibitions on the floor with their clothes. During the height of the party, Erin slips away unseen to a back room to prepare for a special surprise she's planned for her bride-to-be Shauna, and that's where Lt. Eve Dallas, accompanied by her ridiculously wealthy husband Roarke, finds her lying in a pool of her own blood. Eve's momentarily taken aback as she recognizes the room as the same one in which she had once fought for her own life, and she vows to get justice for this woman whose future has been brutally stolen from her. As the story unfolds, evidence points toward a cold, premediated murder of passion by someone close to the victim - someone she trusted and considered a friend. No one has a bad thing to say about the victim . . . so which member of her close tribe of friends murdered her?
A gripping, deeply emotional police procedural, PASSIONS IN DEATH displays Robb's expertise in continuously delivering highly visual, masterly plotted, strong character driven stories that keep fans clamoring for more. Her ability to meticulously maneuver Eve and company through the solving of yet another complex murder case is highly entertaining and nothing short of amazing. While PASSIONS IN DEATH is a bit slower paced than some of the other books, the short list of red herrings, lack of apparent motive, and frustrating perplexity of the case keeps both characters and readers on their toes while setting a mysterious smoke and mirrors atmosphere and tone throughout. As always, I find Eve's mind a fascinating place to be when she's sniffing out clues and homing in on the murderer with the intensity of a bloodhound on the trail of prey before striding into the interrogation room with fire in her eyes and justice on her lips in an old fashion showdown with the villain reminiscent of the final gunfight at the OK Corral. There's never any doubt who the victor will be.
PASSIONS IN DEATH is another highly visual, inventive masterpiece by Author J.D. Robb, aka Nora Roberts, highlighting the many intricacies of relationships especially within found family or a close circle of friends. Fans will appreciate appearances from a few of the series' regulars like Peabody, Mavis and Bella. PASSIONS IN DEATH is a compelling, highly addictive blend of crime and police procedural suspense with a sexy side of fairytale romance ala Eve's own mysterious prince of a husband, Roarke. Highly recommended to fans of the series as well as fans of intriguing mysteries and suspense thrillers.
Special thanks to St. Martins Press and J.D. Robb for an arc of this title which is scheduled to be released Sept. 3, 2024. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is also available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
Drinks flow freely at The Down & Dirty Club which is open on a Monday night for guests of the pre-wedding party of Erin Albright and Shauna Hunnicut. The brides and their tribe of friends’ drink, sing and dance the night away in celebration of the two women's upcoming nuptials, leaving all inhibitions on the floor with their clothes. During the height of the party, Erin slips away unseen to a back room to prepare for a special surprise she's planned for her bride-to-be Shauna, and that's where Lt. Eve Dallas, accompanied by her ridiculously wealthy husband Roarke, finds her lying in a pool of her own blood. Eve's momentarily taken aback as she recognizes the room as the same one in which she had once fought for her own life, and she vows to get justice for this woman whose future has been brutally stolen from her. As the story unfolds, evidence points toward a cold, premediated murder of passion by someone close to the victim - someone she trusted and considered a friend. No one has a bad thing to say about the victim . . . so which member of her close tribe of friends murdered her?
A gripping, deeply emotional police procedural, PASSIONS IN DEATH displays Robb's expertise in continuously delivering highly visual, masterly plotted, strong character driven stories that keep fans clamoring for more. Her ability to meticulously maneuver Eve and company through the solving of yet another complex murder case is highly entertaining and nothing short of amazing. While PASSIONS IN DEATH is a bit slower paced than some of the other books, the short list of red herrings, lack of apparent motive, and frustrating perplexity of the case keeps both characters and readers on their toes while setting a mysterious smoke and mirrors atmosphere and tone throughout. As always, I find Eve's mind a fascinating place to be when she's sniffing out clues and homing in on the murderer with the intensity of a bloodhound on the trail of prey before striding into the interrogation room with fire in her eyes and justice on her lips in an old fashion showdown with the villain reminiscent of the final gunfight at the OK Corral. There's never any doubt who the victor will be.
PASSIONS IN DEATH is another highly visual, inventive masterpiece by Author J.D. Robb, aka Nora Roberts, highlighting the many intricacies of relationships especially within found family or a close circle of friends. Fans will appreciate appearances from a few of the series' regulars like Peabody, Mavis and Bella. PASSIONS IN DEATH is a compelling, highly addictive blend of crime and police procedural suspense with a sexy side of fairytale romance ala Eve's own mysterious prince of a husband, Roarke. Highly recommended to fans of the series as well as fans of intriguing mysteries and suspense thrillers.
Special thanks to St. Martins Press and J.D. Robb for an arc of this title which is scheduled to be released Sept. 3, 2024. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is also available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
June 3, 2024
Two women are celebrating their upcoming nuptials at a strip club when one of them winds up dead. But Eve and Peabody are on the case, so it's only a matter of time. In this 59th entry to the In Death series, Robb explores the ins and outs of friendship and love, jealousy and control.
Y'all. I love this series. Through 58 books I've loved it. You'll notice this is number 59. It was fairly flat. I generally can't predict who the killer is in these types of books, especially not early on. But the first time the killer is mentioned, I knew it was them. And this just felt like it went on and on. There wasn't much to the story. There wasn't a lot of action either. It probably could have been a short story. The writing was still good and very readable, but this just wasn't it. Here's hoping for more with number 60, Bonded in Death. 🤞
Y'all. I love this series. Through 58 books I've loved it. You'll notice this is number 59. It was fairly flat. I generally can't predict who the killer is in these types of books, especially not early on. But the first time the killer is mentioned, I knew it was them. And this just felt like it went on and on. There wasn't much to the story. There wasn't a lot of action either. It probably could have been a short story. The writing was still good and very readable, but this just wasn't it. Here's hoping for more with number 60, Bonded in Death. 🤞
September 4, 2024
Normally love J.D. Robb...but this one disappoints
I have read every book in her Death series and eagerly look forward to each new release. This one lacked both humor and intrigue for me. Frankly I found it boring which is something I never say about an Eve Dallas story. So disappointed.
I have read every book in her Death series and eagerly look forward to each new release. This one lacked both humor and intrigue for me. Frankly I found it boring which is something I never say about an Eve Dallas story. So disappointed.
September 7, 2024
Boring
Not up to J.D. Robb’s usual - not intense, not fun to read; no real excitement. I actually found it rather boring.
Not up to J.D. Robb’s usual - not intense, not fun to read; no real excitement. I actually found it rather boring.
September 5, 2024
This has got to be the most boring of all of the series. So disappointing after waiting eagerly for the release of this title. It’s like JD Robb was sleeping through writing it. The murder was boring, the characters were boring, and I honestly didn’t care who the murderer was or what the motivation was. I also found the plot confusing in places. In one scene, the wrong main character’s name was used. This book will not be one that I will be rereading and I’ve read most of the books two or three times. I hope she gets back on track with the next one which will centered around Summerset.
September 23, 2024
3.5 stars**
September 12, 2024
I am beginning to wonder if these are ghostwritten.
December 31, 2024
It was a hot night in the Down & Dirty Club, owned by Eve's good friend Crack. The pre-wedding party members were having a blast, with plenty of friends, lots of laughter and much alcohol to imbibe. But when things turned bad, Lieutenant Eve Dallas and civilian Roarke, headed there, calling in Peabody and McNab to also attend. The murder of one of the brides was horrific, brutal and cruel; the devastation of those friends who were in attendance was deep. And Eve was determined to find the killer who wrecked a wedding, a future, a life, plus the honeymoon which had been lovingly planned...
Passions in Death is #59 in the In Death series, by J.D. Robb and it's another spectacular episode. It's great catching up with all the usual characters, seeing Eve's challenges as she fights to solve the case. I'm looking forward to #60, Bonded in Death, due out in February. Highly recommended.
Passions in Death is #59 in the In Death series, by J.D. Robb and it's another spectacular episode. It's great catching up with all the usual characters, seeing Eve's challenges as she fights to solve the case. I'm looking forward to #60, Bonded in Death, due out in February. Highly recommended.
September 10, 2024
This is book 59 in this series and while I have only read about 10 or so books (scattered of course) I could follow and enjoy this one. I will admit reading them in order does enhance it a bit (for instance there was a cameo in this one from a small player in the last one which I read which was fun), but you can follow the story without that. This mystery did feel smaller in some ways to some that I have read, but it also explored friendship and had Eve doing some introspection on how her cases impacted her with some clear parallels between her and the victim. I enjoyed this one more than the last one I think because it felt deeper, but I do admit it is less action packed. I listened to the audiobook and loved the way the narrator brought everyone to life (except Peabody’s voice, that seemed silly honestly). Eve is called to the same club where she was attacked right before her own wedding to a party of women who had been celebrating two of the women’s impending marriage. But one of the brides has been murdered and Eve is determined to figure out who. I do have to admit this one was easier than most to solve (the only other possible suspect was way too obvious).
September 28, 2024
The 59th instalment didn't hit quite the spot.
It wasn't as shocking, fascinating or memorable as other cases. I loved everything about the main cast. That will never get old. But the story won't stay in my mind for long.
But guess what, in 6 month I'll be back with them on another adventure. :D
It wasn't as shocking, fascinating or memorable as other cases. I loved everything about the main cast. That will never get old. But the story won't stay in my mind for long.
But guess what, in 6 month I'll be back with them on another adventure. :D
September 10, 2024
J.D. Robb's provocative 59th title in her Lieutenant Eve Dallas series begins with the murder of Artist Erin Albright during her own Bachelorette Party at the notorious Down and Dirty club. Lt. Dallas and her partner Detective Amelia Peabody investigation of Erin's murder begins with their questioning of Erin's fiancee, Shauna. The suspects include: Erin's bitter ex, an art dealer who knows the value of a dead artist's works ,and the club's bartender who found Erin's body. "Passions" has less action than the previous Dallas novel, Random In Death. This is more of a slow burn police procedural novel, which is a plus because Robb successfully develops her characters motives that kept me guessing who did it? Dallas is still one of the best recurring characters in series fiction. She's more empathetic than she was in the earlier books, but she still maintains her no holds barred approach when it comes to catching criminals. Robb has scored another winner this year with Passions In Death. It shows that there's still no justice like Dallas justice.
September 13, 2024
Passions In Death is the 59th book, and an excellent addition, in J.D. Robb's "In Death" series.
On a hot summer night Lt. Eve Dallas is called to the Down & Dirty Club where a wild and crazy pre-wedding Girl's Night ends in murder. One of the brides-to-be has been murdered in a private room as she was preparing a surprise for her fiancee.
Witnesses are difficult to come by, as most were partying in the club, but Eve will not stop until she finds the killer who destroyed the dreams of this bride to be.
With each and every "In Death" book I love re-visiting all of the characters that I have come to know and care about.
Always excellent narration by Susan Ericksen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook.
On a hot summer night Lt. Eve Dallas is called to the Down & Dirty Club where a wild and crazy pre-wedding Girl's Night ends in murder. One of the brides-to-be has been murdered in a private room as she was preparing a surprise for her fiancee.
Witnesses are difficult to come by, as most were partying in the club, but Eve will not stop until she finds the killer who destroyed the dreams of this bride to be.
With each and every "In Death" book I love re-visiting all of the characters that I have come to know and care about.
Always excellent narration by Susan Ericksen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook.
February 3, 2025
“Passions in Death” is the fifty-nineth installment in the Death Series. When the series approached the fifties, I considered stopping, thinking J. D. Robb might start repeating storylines or show signs of burnout. However, here I am, still captivated by the series. So far, J.D. Robb has managed to keep the narratives fresh and engaging without recycling ideas or losing steam.
While I was reading this book, I pondered what keeps me coming back for more. I believe it’s Robb’s characters. Each one is unique and incredibly interesting, with the potential to be the protagonist of their own series. They are not one-dimensional but rather complex individuals. I enjoy all of them, but Dr. Mira stands out as the most fascinating. The relationship between Dallas and Roake is also a key element of the storyline.
In this story, Erin Albright is found garroted in a private room at the Down and Dirty Club on the eve of her wedding. Robb explores themes of marriage and the value of friendship. As with all the Robb’s stories, the intense, non-stop action and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat.
I experienced this book as an audiobook purchased from Audible. It’s thirteen hours and fifty-four minutes long, and Susan Ericksen does an excellent job narrating this series.
While I was reading this book, I pondered what keeps me coming back for more. I believe it’s Robb’s characters. Each one is unique and incredibly interesting, with the potential to be the protagonist of their own series. They are not one-dimensional but rather complex individuals. I enjoy all of them, but Dr. Mira stands out as the most fascinating. The relationship between Dallas and Roake is also a key element of the storyline.
In this story, Erin Albright is found garroted in a private room at the Down and Dirty Club on the eve of her wedding. Robb explores themes of marriage and the value of friendship. As with all the Robb’s stories, the intense, non-stop action and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat.
I experienced this book as an audiobook purchased from Audible. It’s thirteen hours and fifty-four minutes long, and Susan Ericksen does an excellent job narrating this series.
December 8, 2024
I was a bit disappointed in #59 in the In Death Series. Just didn't seem up to par with so many others and certainly didn't fulfill those "passions" expected from JDR. Don't take me wrong, it was still a worthy read and I did enjoy the extra doses of flirty banter between Roarke and Eve. Watching as their feelings deepen and they become more open in acknowledging the comfort and happiness each have found in their marriage and love for one another was more prominently displayed in this storyline.
The case seemed flat and, even though sad and horrendously cruel, not as exciting and riveting as others. There was a lot of repetition involved in the dialogues and case solving procedures. I was far from awestruck.
I am excitedly looking forward to #60 coming February 4, 2025 that hints at Summerset having a key role. Poor Summerset seems to have gotten thrown into the background lately. It'll be nice to find him in the forefront once again.
So, yeah this one didn't thrill me -- but it kept me reading and it's always fun to catch up with the fabulous and entertaining characters that make up this longstanding and favorite series of books.
The case seemed flat and, even though sad and horrendously cruel, not as exciting and riveting as others. There was a lot of repetition involved in the dialogues and case solving procedures. I was far from awestruck.
I am excitedly looking forward to #60 coming February 4, 2025 that hints at Summerset having a key role. Poor Summerset seems to have gotten thrown into the background lately. It'll be nice to find him in the forefront once again.
So, yeah this one didn't thrill me -- but it kept me reading and it's always fun to catch up with the fabulous and entertaining characters that make up this longstanding and favorite series of books.
August 23, 2024
Sadly, this one was disappointing
September 6, 2024
Disappointed again
So DEI that it makes one gag. Live and let live. Fine. But no celebrating how great one is to embrace every outlandish, and often mentally ill, fad that comes along and berating anyone holding on to old, moralistic, idealist morale and sanity. If it is is fine to celebrate homosexuality then why isn't it fine to celebrate heterosexuality? The entire story and theme is to rejoice in the present DEI mentality.
Where did Dallas, emotionally tortured cop go? Where did the enjoyable relationships with other main characters go? Other than a slight mention to keep their presence alive.
Have always ordered the next book. But after the last couple and then this DEI manifesto, no thanks.
So DEI that it makes one gag. Live and let live. Fine. But no celebrating how great one is to embrace every outlandish, and often mentally ill, fad that comes along and berating anyone holding on to old, moralistic, idealist morale and sanity. If it is is fine to celebrate homosexuality then why isn't it fine to celebrate heterosexuality? The entire story and theme is to rejoice in the present DEI mentality.
Where did Dallas, emotionally tortured cop go? Where did the enjoyable relationships with other main characters go? Other than a slight mention to keep their presence alive.
Have always ordered the next book. But after the last couple and then this DEI manifesto, no thanks.
September 4, 2024
not pleased
Not her best book and I have read every JD Robb books..very disappointed in this book, as they are expensive to buy.
Not her best book and I have read every JD Robb books..very disappointed in this book, as they are expensive to buy.
March 3, 2025
The Good:
✔️ Familiar, Comforting Formula – If you’re a longtime fan of Eve, Roarke, and their dynamic, you’ll get what you expect: sharp investigative work, solid banter, and a reliable rhythm of crime-solving. The futuristic NYC setting still adds a fun, slightly gritty edge.
✔️ Engaging Mystery Premise – A garroting at a club? A bride’s dream trip to Hawaii turned into tragedy? The setup is dramatic and promises emotional weight.
✔️ Eve’s Personal Connection – The callback to Eve’s past gives her an extra layer of emotional investment, and it’s always interesting when cases hit close to home.
The Meh:
❌ Predictable Investigation – While the case is compelling at first, it follows a familiar procedural pattern. There aren’t many standout twists or surprises, and the pacing drags in the middle.
❌ Underwhelming Emotional Depth – Given the personal connection Eve has to the crime scene, I expected a bit more exploration of her trauma or how it affects her. Instead, it felt like just another case to check off the list.
❌ Lack of Tension – The best In Death books balance Eve’s detective work with high-stakes, emotional tension. This one felt… fine. Not bad, but not gripping. The resolution didn’t pack much punch.
Final Verdict:
If you’re a die-hard In Death fan, this is a decent but forgettable installment. It has all the usual elements—gritty murder, Eve’s no-nonsense approach, Roarke’s unwavering support—but it doesn’t bring anything fresh or particularly thrilling. A solid, middle-of-the-road read for the series, but not one that stands out.
🎶 Seven Devils – Florence + The Machine
🎶 Haunted – Beyoncé
🎶 You Should See Me in a Crown – Billie Eilish
✔️ Familiar, Comforting Formula – If you’re a longtime fan of Eve, Roarke, and their dynamic, you’ll get what you expect: sharp investigative work, solid banter, and a reliable rhythm of crime-solving. The futuristic NYC setting still adds a fun, slightly gritty edge.
✔️ Engaging Mystery Premise – A garroting at a club? A bride’s dream trip to Hawaii turned into tragedy? The setup is dramatic and promises emotional weight.
✔️ Eve’s Personal Connection – The callback to Eve’s past gives her an extra layer of emotional investment, and it’s always interesting when cases hit close to home.
The Meh:
❌ Predictable Investigation – While the case is compelling at first, it follows a familiar procedural pattern. There aren’t many standout twists or surprises, and the pacing drags in the middle.
❌ Underwhelming Emotional Depth – Given the personal connection Eve has to the crime scene, I expected a bit more exploration of her trauma or how it affects her. Instead, it felt like just another case to check off the list.
❌ Lack of Tension – The best In Death books balance Eve’s detective work with high-stakes, emotional tension. This one felt… fine. Not bad, but not gripping. The resolution didn’t pack much punch.
Final Verdict:
If you’re a die-hard In Death fan, this is a decent but forgettable installment. It has all the usual elements—gritty murder, Eve’s no-nonsense approach, Roarke’s unwavering support—but it doesn’t bring anything fresh or particularly thrilling. A solid, middle-of-the-road read for the series, but not one that stands out.
🎶 Seven Devils – Florence + The Machine
🎶 Haunted – Beyoncé
🎶 You Should See Me in a Crown – Billie Eilish
September 5, 2024
I have read all of the in death series over the last 10 years & tend to give them 4 or 5 stars but I thought this one was disappointing and is my least favourite 😕 I thought it was boring. It really lacked the complexity, depth & hard hitting action I have grown used to with the In Death series. No twists and turns, just Dallas methodically solving the case. The usual colourful supporting cast of characters also didn’t play much of role. I’ll still read the next one, but really hoping for more 🤞🤞
September 7, 2024
I have loved every one of JD Robb's (Nora Roberts) books. Well-crafted stories, logical plots, good characters. I got this one the day it came out.
However, this one? It was as though she had a page requirement she had to meet and took a great 200-page book and expanded it to 300. I think I'll go back to previous ones I've read and refresh my memory on what I love about her writing.
However, this one? It was as though she had a page requirement she had to meet and took a great 200-page book and expanded it to 300. I think I'll go back to previous ones I've read and refresh my memory on what I love about her writing.
September 9, 2024
So sad! Without a doubt, this is the worst of the series and believe me I have read them all. This one feels totally phoned in. Either Nora’s getting very tired of writing these or she has a ghost writer that’s new and this is as good as it got. I don’t know. I’m so still very sad.
September 6, 2024
I’ve been a fan since day one. Read and reread multiple books. But this one is definitely the worst. :(
September 22, 2024
Book 59 - hard to believe. I loved it. I honestly feel if the 'button' appears, it will be an automatic five star for me ...
Every gray button I see is ugly (as was her suit back in the first book, when the button first appeared) so, a gray heart will have to do, in lieu.
Some nice interactions between Eve and Roarke - yes, he is still 'perfect'.
... and Eve is perfect too - I love her.
Nice intereactions with secondary characters, Mavis, Bella, which I really enjoy and is sometimes lacking in some of the books.
Storyline was not as grisly as some of the others in the series. Looking forward to Book SIXTY.
He slid a hand into his pocket, fingered the gray button.
Every gray button I see is ugly (as was her suit back in the first book, when the button first appeared) so, a gray heart will have to do, in lieu.
Some nice interactions between Eve and Roarke - yes, he is still 'perfect'.
... and Eve is perfect too - I love her.
Nice intereactions with secondary characters, Mavis, Bella, which I really enjoy and is sometimes lacking in some of the books.
"Let's have some wine."
Storyline was not as grisly as some of the others in the series. Looking forward to Book SIXTY.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,546 reviews