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In Death #61
Framed in Death
Death imitates art in the brand-new crime thriller starring homicide cop Eve Dallas from the #1 New York Times-bestselling author J.D. Robb.
Manhattan is filled with galleries and deep-pocketed collectors who can make an artist's career with a wave of a hand. But one man toils in obscurity, his brilliance unrecognized while lesser talents bask in the glory he believes should be his. Come tomorrow, he vows, the city will be buzzing about his work.
Indeed, before dawn, Lt. Eve Dallas is speeding toward the home of the two gallery owners whose doorway has been turned into a horrifying crime scene overnight. A lifeless young woman has been elaborately costumed and precisely posed to resemble the model of a long-ago Dutch master, and Dallas plunges into her investigation.
Manhattan is filled with galleries and deep-pocketed collectors who can make an artist's career with a wave of a hand. But one man toils in obscurity, his brilliance unrecognized while lesser talents bask in the glory he believes should be his. Come tomorrow, he vows, the city will be buzzing about his work.
Indeed, before dawn, Lt. Eve Dallas is speeding toward the home of the two gallery owners whose doorway has been turned into a horrifying crime scene overnight. A lifeless young woman has been elaborately costumed and precisely posed to resemble the model of a long-ago Dutch master, and Dallas plunges into her investigation.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published September 2, 2025
4019 people are currently reading
18662 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.
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August 4, 2025
Art galleries, artists, and collectors are the focus of the sixty-first book in J. D. Robb’s well-written futuristic police procedural set in New York City (NYC),
Framed in Death.
This novel takes place in September of 2061 and features Lieutenant Eve Dallas with the NYC homicide police department, her husband, Roarke, and her partner, Detective Delia Peabody, along with an assortment of regular secondary characters.
While there are numerous galleries and collectors in Manhattan, one man’s brilliance is unrecognized by them. He vows his work will be well-known tomorrow. Dallas is called to the home of two gallery owners. An elaborately costumed and dead woman has been posed to resemble the model of a long-ago Dutch master.
Time spent with Dallas, Roarke, Peabody, and their colleagues and friends is always entertaining. Eve is smart, tenacious, determined, focused, and believes in what she does. It’s been a journey through these novels to see how she adapts socially. It’s compelling to see how Eve’s mind works as she gets a better picture of the killer. While she hates the associated paperwork and media requirements of her job, she feels it’s her duty to build a case that brings justice to the victims and those who mourn them. 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. There are several reoccurring characters that develop and gain depth over the course of the series.
Robb is an excellent storyteller who combines clever plots, intense scenes, lots of solid police investigation, and engaging characters with depth. The narrative has the right balance of mystery, police investigation, romance, and creative twists. This is a favorite series of mine and the author continues to deliver outstanding stories. Adding in personal moments like that of the House Tour and move-in-dinner continues to add depth to the characters.
Murder, suspense, and drama immediately pull readers into the storyline. While the novel is mainly from Dallas’ point of view, readers get insight into the killer’s mind in a few chapters, including the chilling first chapter. My one quibble with the book is that readers find out the identity of the killer relatively early in the book (although the police don’t find out until much later).
The author is skilled in using humor to bring out character personalities as well as to offset some of the more serious aspects of the story. Strong characters, excellent pacing, and delightful relationships are a constant in this series. Woven through the novel are threads of friendship, standing for victims, connections, jealousy, justice, trust, found family, and much more.
Overall, this novel was a tale with great characterization and a solid plot 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. J. D. Robb is a pseudonym for author Nora Roberts.
St. Martin’s Press and J.D. Robb provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for September 02, 2025.
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My 4.7 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
While there are numerous galleries and collectors in Manhattan, one man’s brilliance is unrecognized by them. He vows his work will be well-known tomorrow. Dallas is called to the home of two gallery owners. An elaborately costumed and dead woman has been posed to resemble the model of a long-ago Dutch master.
Time spent with Dallas, Roarke, Peabody, and their colleagues and friends is always entertaining. Eve is smart, tenacious, determined, focused, and believes in what she does. It’s been a journey through these novels to see how she adapts socially. It’s compelling to see how Eve’s mind works as she gets a better picture of the killer. While she hates the associated paperwork and media requirements of her job, she feels it’s her duty to build a case that brings justice to the victims and those who mourn them. 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. There are several reoccurring characters that develop and gain depth over the course of the series.
Robb is an excellent storyteller who combines clever plots, intense scenes, lots of solid police investigation, and engaging characters with depth. The narrative has the right balance of mystery, police investigation, romance, and creative twists. This is a favorite series of mine and the author continues to deliver outstanding stories. Adding in personal moments like that of the House Tour and move-in-dinner continues to add depth to the characters.
Murder, suspense, and drama immediately pull readers into the storyline. While the novel is mainly from Dallas’ point of view, readers get insight into the killer’s mind in a few chapters, including the chilling first chapter. My one quibble with the book is that readers find out the identity of the killer relatively early in the book (although the police don’t find out until much later).
The author is skilled in using humor to bring out character personalities as well as to offset some of the more serious aspects of the story. Strong characters, excellent pacing, and delightful relationships are a constant in this series. Woven through the novel are threads of friendship, standing for victims, connections, jealousy, justice, trust, found family, and much more.
Overall, this novel was a tale with great characterization and a solid plot 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. J. D. Robb is a pseudonym for author Nora Roberts.
St. Martin’s Press and J.D. Robb provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for September 02, 2025.
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My 4.7 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
September 3, 2025
In this 61st book in the 'Detective Eve Dallas' series, Eve is on the trail of a demented would-be artist.
It's 2061 and people communicate via video links, travel in semi-flying cars, and commit crimes.....just like current times. Lt. Eve Dallas is a capable New York detective married to Irish billionaire Roarke - a handsome devil with wild blue eyes.
As the story opens, a portrait painter in New York City - convinced of his brilliance - is frustrated and enraged by his lack of success. Determined to make an impression on the art world, the thwarted painter conceives a diabolical scheme. He will recreate portraits done by famous artists, with a twist.
For the artist's first project, 'Girl With A Pearl Earring' (1665) by Johannes Vermeer, the painter hires a sex worker - called a Licensed Companion (LC) in 2061 - to pose for him. The painter makes over the LC to look like the girl in Vermeer's painting, takes photos, and begins a portrait. The artist then drugs and kills the LC, and leaves her body in front of an art gallery, posed like Vermeer's painting.
The next day, the artist hires a male LC to pose for him, and makes the man over to look like 'The Blue Boy' (1770) by Thomas Gainsborough. The portraitist repeats the process described above, then leaves the LC's body near the home of an art gallery owner, posed like Gainsborough's painting.
Lt. Eve Dallas and her hippy-dippy partner, Sergeant Delia Peabody - who's a craft artist herself - get the case. The police know the perp won't stop, and they work day and night to catch the killer.
The cops aren't fast enough to stop a third murder though, a woman LC made over to look like 'Self-Portrait In A Straw Hat' (1780s) by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun.
The detectives get a break when a forensic examiner determines the clothing used to dress up the victims are custom-made garments sewn from fabrics authentic to the time periods of the portraits. The tailor-made clothing would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and would have to be made by specialists.
Dallas and Peabody immediately start calling fabric manufacturers and clothing makers to ask if anyone ordered the fabrics or garments on the murder victims.
EVERY MANUFACTURER cites client confidentiality, and Eve and Delia feel thwarted. However billionaire Roarke lends a hand here.
Roarke phones clothiers and says he's giving a costume party, and needs references to choose a clothing maker for himself and his wife. The clothiers name clients who bought costumes that emulate 'Girl With A Pearl Earring' and 'Blue Boy', and this turns out to be more clients than you might think.
Eve and Delia close in on the killer bit by bit, by tracking purchases of materials - fabric, paint, brushes, glue, wigs, etc. - needed for his 'displays'. It turns out the murderer is a spoiled rich boy who thinks he's going to be world famous.
The serial killer theme is grim, but there are light moments in the book as well. For example, Eve discovers someone stole her hidden candy bar, and thinks about coating the next one in laxatives; Eve meets an art gallery owner who's so snooty he 'out-snoots' Roarke's uppity butler Sommerset; and Delia Peabody and her friends show off their newly remodeled house, which Peabody calls "abso-mag"
Once the killer is nabbed Eve and Delia worry about getting him convicted, which makes an interesting finale to the novel.
The novel is engaging, but there are too many interviews with the victims' families, friends, and acquaintances; redundant phone calls to fabric makers, clothing manufactures, and artist supply stores; and excessive talk about the upcoming plea deal or trial. It almost feels like the author didn't have enough of a plot. That said, the mystery would probably appeal to Eve Dallas fans.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Susan Ericksen, who does a fine job, especially with Roarke's Irish accent.
Thanks to Netgalley, J.D. Robb, and Macmillan Audio for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
August 24, 2025
3.5 stars - This was a good ole fashioned gumshoe police procedural with a nice variant on the denouement. A solid entry in the series that I think will please long time readers
September 2, 2025
the setup…
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is dispatched to the home of art gallery owners Roger and Opal Whittier where the body of a young woman is costumed and posed in their doorway as the likeness of the Vermeer painting of The Girl with the Pearl Earring. The next day, the body of a young man is costumed and posed in the doorway of an art gallery, as the likeness of Gainsborough painting of The Blue Boy. It’s clear that the killer is making an artistic and deadly statement using licensed companions and Eve knows he has no plans to stop.
the heart of the story…
The case is immersed in the tony and elite art world and thankfully Eve is surrounded by people who are skilled and knowledgeable in this arena, including her own husband, Peabody and Leonardo the designer. The killer is identified early in the story, unusual for this series and it gave me pause for a moment until it didn’t. It was challenging to see the progress of the investigation while knowing the target. He was wealthy, arrogant, entitled and mistaken about his artistic “gifts.” It also put me on edge as I was a witness to the killer’s planning and executions. Ugh.
the bottom line…
As with most of the story topics in the series, this was exceptionally well researched, from costume design through the art procurement process employed by galleries. It slowed the pace somewhat but was always illuminating and interesting. The excitement, however, doubled in the climax when I was treated to two takedowns and Interview sessions, always a favorite. And! The Great House Project is finally completed and the walkthrough didn’t disappoint. Still fresh after sixty books! 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is dispatched to the home of art gallery owners Roger and Opal Whittier where the body of a young woman is costumed and posed in their doorway as the likeness of the Vermeer painting of The Girl with the Pearl Earring. The next day, the body of a young man is costumed and posed in the doorway of an art gallery, as the likeness of Gainsborough painting of The Blue Boy. It’s clear that the killer is making an artistic and deadly statement using licensed companions and Eve knows he has no plans to stop.
the heart of the story…
The case is immersed in the tony and elite art world and thankfully Eve is surrounded by people who are skilled and knowledgeable in this arena, including her own husband, Peabody and Leonardo the designer. The killer is identified early in the story, unusual for this series and it gave me pause for a moment until it didn’t. It was challenging to see the progress of the investigation while knowing the target. He was wealthy, arrogant, entitled and mistaken about his artistic “gifts.” It also put me on edge as I was a witness to the killer’s planning and executions. Ugh.
the bottom line…
As with most of the story topics in the series, this was exceptionally well researched, from costume design through the art procurement process employed by galleries. It slowed the pace somewhat but was always illuminating and interesting. The excitement, however, doubled in the climax when I was treated to two takedowns and Interview sessions, always a favorite. And! The Great House Project is finally completed and the walkthrough didn’t disappoint. Still fresh after sixty books! 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
August 22, 2025
Devoted fans of J.D. Robb’s In Death series are always thrilled when the talented author releases another book in the long-running series. While there are a mind-boggling sixty previous books, Robb’s expertise in the art of storytelling keeps each one fresh, exciting, and highly entertaining. The author turns her attention to the world of art and all it encompasses in Framed in Death (In Death #61)—a world of incredible art galleries, famous artists and works of art, collectors, and, unfortunately, mediocre wannabe artists. It’s a world where careers and fortunes are earned, and dreams and hearts may be broken. Once again, Robb has crafted a well-plotted, intriguing murder mystery with a delectable smorgasbord of investigative police work, in-depth characterizations, and immersive settings, with a healthy side of romance. Settle in for an entertaining evening of reading with the knowledge that J.D. Robb never disappoints.
In Manhattan resides an artist, a painter, a narcissist who fancies himself deserving of adoration and accolades among the art community, as well as a prominent ranking among the greatest artists of all time. Living lavishly off family wealth and trust funds, he’s unencumbered by mundane everyday tasks such as earning a living. With a mother who has always fed his inflated ego and warped sense of entitlement by repeatedly telling him how great his work is, he’s sorely disappointed when others fail to acknowledge his talent. As rejections from art galleries and collectors stoke his rage, he fumes over what he sees as imbeciles’ inability to recognize him as one of the greats and decides he’ll show the world just how brilliant he is by recreating some of the world’s most famous paintings. Soon the entire city will be talking about his work.
In the wee hours of the morning, Lt. Eve Dallas is called to a bizarre, staged murder scene to find a victim dressed like the woman in Vermeer’s painting Girl with a Pearl Earring. Dallas knows she’ll need all hands on deck, including billionaire husband and civilian consultant Roarke, after a second staged murder victim is discovered. The hunt is on for a serial killer dubbed “The Artist.”
Framed in Death is a futuristic police procedural set in New York City in September of 2061. Don’t worry if futuristic stories aren’t your thing—the science-fiction elements take a backseat to the murder investigation. In fact, many of the futuristic aspects in these books are already a reality, or close to becoming one, in our world today. The story is narrated from the point of view of Eve Dallas as she methodically conducts her investigation, with a few scenes from the killer’s perspective. The villain’s identity is revealed to readers early on, and while some armchair detectives may find that a bit disappointing, it allows readers to witness firsthand the rapid deterioration of the killer’s mental faculties as he spirals out of control. As always, Eve’s mind is a fascinating place to be when she’s actively pursuing a killer, following clues until one by one they snap into place. One of the most compelling recurring scenes in every In Death book comes near the end, when Eve gets the suspect in the interrogation room and rips him or her to pieces like a dog with a bone.
Author J.D. Robb is a gifted storyteller with the ability to capture readers’ attention on page one and hold them mesmerized until the final page. Her talent for descriptive, lyrical prose transports readers from their homes into fictional scenes via sight, sound, smell, and touch. As Eve and company unravel clues and get closer to unmasking a killer, the tone and pace increase until all the pieces are in place. Themes of friendship, trust, justice, and nature versus nurture are present, as they are in many of Robb’s books. This reader found the mother’s role as an enabler and fixer for her son disturbing yet all too familiar in today’s society.
Fans of the In Death series will rejoice at the stellar performances of many recurring characters in this one, as the gang’s all here with Eve and Roarke taking center stage. As she often does, Robb lightens heavy themes with snarky humor and delightful family/friend scenes courtesy of series regulars like Peabody and Mavis. Framed in Death is another excellent addition to this complex series that I hope never ends. Highly recommended to fans of the series and to readers who appreciate a beautifully written, intriguing murder mystery.
I received a complimentary arc of this title for review from Publisher St. Martins Press. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Framed In Death is scheduled to be released on Sept. 2, 2025. My review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is also available at Cross My Heart Reviews.
In Manhattan resides an artist, a painter, a narcissist who fancies himself deserving of adoration and accolades among the art community, as well as a prominent ranking among the greatest artists of all time. Living lavishly off family wealth and trust funds, he’s unencumbered by mundane everyday tasks such as earning a living. With a mother who has always fed his inflated ego and warped sense of entitlement by repeatedly telling him how great his work is, he’s sorely disappointed when others fail to acknowledge his talent. As rejections from art galleries and collectors stoke his rage, he fumes over what he sees as imbeciles’ inability to recognize him as one of the greats and decides he’ll show the world just how brilliant he is by recreating some of the world’s most famous paintings. Soon the entire city will be talking about his work.
In the wee hours of the morning, Lt. Eve Dallas is called to a bizarre, staged murder scene to find a victim dressed like the woman in Vermeer’s painting Girl with a Pearl Earring. Dallas knows she’ll need all hands on deck, including billionaire husband and civilian consultant Roarke, after a second staged murder victim is discovered. The hunt is on for a serial killer dubbed “The Artist.”
Framed in Death is a futuristic police procedural set in New York City in September of 2061. Don’t worry if futuristic stories aren’t your thing—the science-fiction elements take a backseat to the murder investigation. In fact, many of the futuristic aspects in these books are already a reality, or close to becoming one, in our world today. The story is narrated from the point of view of Eve Dallas as she methodically conducts her investigation, with a few scenes from the killer’s perspective. The villain’s identity is revealed to readers early on, and while some armchair detectives may find that a bit disappointing, it allows readers to witness firsthand the rapid deterioration of the killer’s mental faculties as he spirals out of control. As always, Eve’s mind is a fascinating place to be when she’s actively pursuing a killer, following clues until one by one they snap into place. One of the most compelling recurring scenes in every In Death book comes near the end, when Eve gets the suspect in the interrogation room and rips him or her to pieces like a dog with a bone.
Author J.D. Robb is a gifted storyteller with the ability to capture readers’ attention on page one and hold them mesmerized until the final page. Her talent for descriptive, lyrical prose transports readers from their homes into fictional scenes via sight, sound, smell, and touch. As Eve and company unravel clues and get closer to unmasking a killer, the tone and pace increase until all the pieces are in place. Themes of friendship, trust, justice, and nature versus nurture are present, as they are in many of Robb’s books. This reader found the mother’s role as an enabler and fixer for her son disturbing yet all too familiar in today’s society.
Fans of the In Death series will rejoice at the stellar performances of many recurring characters in this one, as the gang’s all here with Eve and Roarke taking center stage. As she often does, Robb lightens heavy themes with snarky humor and delightful family/friend scenes courtesy of series regulars like Peabody and Mavis. Framed in Death is another excellent addition to this complex series that I hope never ends. Highly recommended to fans of the series and to readers who appreciate a beautifully written, intriguing murder mystery.
I received a complimentary arc of this title for review from Publisher St. Martins Press. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Framed In Death is scheduled to be released on Sept. 2, 2025. My review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is also available at Cross My Heart Reviews.
June 20, 2025
Ohhh, how I love this series and all of the characters in it!! I literally jumped for joy when I was gifted this ARC for review. Every case is well planned, and the amazing work of Eve and the detectives and officers in her squad is just magic. There are a lot of books in this series, but if you haven't started, I'd say you would definitely not regret it.
Thank you to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 2, 2025
A licensed companion is murdered, dressed like the Vermeer painting, Girl With A Pearl Earring, and left on the steps of an art gallery. Then it happens again--this time it's Gainsborough's Blue Boy. Could this be someone who fancies himself a great artist who has been rejected by these galleries? After the third "art" murder, Eve realizes that the murderer is a wealthy narcissist who feels justified in killing these people (who to him are worthless) for the sake of his "art." Can they trap him with enough evidence to convict before he kills again? The novel builds to an exciting conclusion with all hands on deck, including Roarke. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
September 1, 2025
Framed in Death by J D Robb
In Death series #61. Futuristic police procedural. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series because of the recurring regular characters.
A body is found, dressed and posed as a famous painting outside an art gallery in New York and Lt. Eve Dallas and her team are called in to investigate. A second body the next day and a different painting gives them the evidence they need to trace and clues to follow to track down the killer.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Susan Ericksen who does the full series. The performance includes specific distinct voices for many of the main characters with Eve’s emotions of anger and determination coming through clearly. Roarke’s accent and Peobody’s voice help bring the familiar through for anyone following this series.
I did listen at 1.5 and above to more closely match local conversation speed.
While New York 2061 is not my local environment, nor the murder aspect, it still feels like coming home when reading these books. It’s always fun to revisit with characters we’ve come to know and love.
The mysteries are always well written as Eve walks through the mind of the killer before she actually knows who it is. The supporting characters, including advanced technology make the story absorbing and thrilling.
Another successful case I was able to follow and be amazed at not only the investigation but the writing as well.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
In Death series #61. Futuristic police procedural. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series because of the recurring regular characters.
A body is found, dressed and posed as a famous painting outside an art gallery in New York and Lt. Eve Dallas and her team are called in to investigate. A second body the next day and a different painting gives them the evidence they need to trace and clues to follow to track down the killer.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Susan Ericksen who does the full series. The performance includes specific distinct voices for many of the main characters with Eve’s emotions of anger and determination coming through clearly. Roarke’s accent and Peobody’s voice help bring the familiar through for anyone following this series.
I did listen at 1.5 and above to more closely match local conversation speed.
While New York 2061 is not my local environment, nor the murder aspect, it still feels like coming home when reading these books. It’s always fun to revisit with characters we’ve come to know and love.
The mysteries are always well written as Eve walks through the mind of the killer before she actually knows who it is. The supporting characters, including advanced technology make the story absorbing and thrilling.
Another successful case I was able to follow and be amazed at not only the investigation but the writing as well.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
August 19, 2025
This is book 61 in the In Death series, but I have been reading these in a bit of a random order and that works. There are some story lines that slowly progress but for the most part each book is a mystery. In this one Lt. Dallas gets called to the scene of a person left dead and posed like a famous painting. I liked that this one showed us what he killer was early, it wasn’t about who did it, it was about how do they catch him. This killer had an abundance of resources and it was fun seeing how they would catch and make sure he stayed caught. I also liked that we saw a fair bit from the killer’s perspective, it was interesting and bit different. These are so fun to read, I listened to this one and the narration was really good and brought the characters to life.
September 3, 2025
Please note that I received this book from NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
This is the 61st Eve Dallas/In Death book and I am not going to do a rundown really. This gets 4 stars since even though it gets a little paint by numbers here and there, it was still solid. I liked this one more than the last book in the series. In this book, Eve/Peabody and others are after an Artist who is focused on hiring LCs/street workers to pose in famous portrait paintings of the masters of the art world. Eve and her crew are setting up to take him down.
Per usual we get another serial killer running around New York and Eve doing what she does best. I do think that this one worked a lot better because we weren't dealing with some international case. I tend to like those the least in the In Death series. Most of the characters are the same. I won't like, I skimmed over the Nadine scenes (she has become my least favorite secondary character). And I also skimmed over the house reveal scene. We know one big party is going to come up to show off the house and I pray we don't get to see it in literary form.
The ending was a little abrupt, I hope we hear what happens with this case down the line. It felt a bit unfinished based on what we get here.
I read this for Halloween Bingo 2025 Romantic Suspense.
This is the 61st Eve Dallas/In Death book and I am not going to do a rundown really. This gets 4 stars since even though it gets a little paint by numbers here and there, it was still solid. I liked this one more than the last book in the series. In this book, Eve/Peabody and others are after an Artist who is focused on hiring LCs/street workers to pose in famous portrait paintings of the masters of the art world. Eve and her crew are setting up to take him down.
Per usual we get another serial killer running around New York and Eve doing what she does best. I do think that this one worked a lot better because we weren't dealing with some international case. I tend to like those the least in the In Death series. Most of the characters are the same. I won't like, I skimmed over the Nadine scenes (she has become my least favorite secondary character). And I also skimmed over the house reveal scene. We know one big party is going to come up to show off the house and I pray we don't get to see it in literary form.
The ending was a little abrupt, I hope we hear what happens with this case down the line. It felt a bit unfinished based on what we get here.
I read this for Halloween Bingo 2025 Romantic Suspense.
August 29, 2025
I love finding out what new investigation Eve has to solve. The author is getting very creative with each book. Part of what I love about these books are Eve and Roarke’s relationship, so I was a little disappointed to find very little in this book. However, I love how much Roarke supports Eve. Overall, this was a fun investigation to follow along with and as always, the narrator did a great job.
August 10, 2025
It’s always wonderful to be back with group and after 60+ books, I don’t even read the synopsis any longer because I already know what I’m going to get.
This story has us seeing everyone we’ve come to know and love and it’s fun to read them all interact. I especially enjoyed the Great House reveal and how Eve’s separate friend families are officially meshed.
This plot line was a bit bonkers, but I Ioved the originality of it and seriously, kudos to Nora for keeping everything new and fresh while also making it feel comforting.
Overall, I’m in on this series until the very end, which I hope isn’t anytime soon.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
This story has us seeing everyone we’ve come to know and love and it’s fun to read them all interact. I especially enjoyed the Great House reveal and how Eve’s separate friend families are officially meshed.
This plot line was a bit bonkers, but I Ioved the originality of it and seriously, kudos to Nora for keeping everything new and fresh while also making it feel comforting.
Overall, I’m in on this series until the very end, which I hope isn’t anytime soon.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
June 23, 2025
This is a comfort read.
While I didn't find the plot totally original, I did enjoy the heck out of it with zero reservations. The book was pure fun.
Our villain ended up being quite different and I loved hating them.
As for our main cast of characters? Perfect as always.
I was shocked to realize that this was book 61!!! The series is still going strong and still a read guaranteed to entertain.
* ARC via Publisher
While I didn't find the plot totally original, I did enjoy the heck out of it with zero reservations. The book was pure fun.
Our villain ended up being quite different and I loved hating them.
As for our main cast of characters? Perfect as always.
I was shocked to realize that this was book 61!!! The series is still going strong and still a read guaranteed to entertain.
* ARC via Publisher
September 3, 2025
I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, in exchange for an honest review.
Framed in Death is the 61st installment in the In Death series. I’ve loved Nora Roberts (and her pen name, J.D. Robb) for well over half my life. I’ll read—and have read—pretty much anything that she writes. But there’s something about this series that is just so special to me. I’ve been following the adventures of Eve Dallas and Roarke, Peabody and the rest of the crew, since I was sixteen. Which was twenty years ago. Because Nora publishes two installments in the series per year, it feels like I have this bi-annual chance to catch up with a great group of friends. Some installments are more successful than others, but all of them provide me with that cozy feeling of sitting down to a meal with good friends I haven’t seen in months. That being said, Framed in Death is a very strong installment, one that had me glued to its pages late into the night.
Here we have a disgruntled rich boy who views himself as a master artist, who in truth has little talent to speak of. What he does have in a huge sense of entitlement and way too many resources at his disposal. These elements combine in twisted ways that express themselves in a string of murders, set up to replicate famous paintings of centuries past.
The dead fall under the care of Eve Dallas, one of the most famous murder cops in 2060s New York. She might be the wife of one of the wealthiest men on or off planet, but she is known for the quick mind and dogged determination that have landed so many murderers behind bars. Eve vows to give these unfortunate victims sacrificed on the altar of “art” that same justice.
I love books where art matters. Not the art world, but art itself. And Nora does really good art. I loved the deep dive this provided into art, from famed pieces that have endured for hundreds of years to up-and-coming artists, both those driven by their love for the work and those who are hungry for the fame they chase through it. Nora showcased art in beautiful ways while also underscoring the failings of the art world: the snobbery, the entitlement, the belief that those who create are of more value than those who consume.
And as always, it was lovely getting to spend a few days with my favorite murder cop and the family she has reluctantly built for herself. I love seeing Eve’s growth from the first book in the series to this 61st offering. She has bloomed in ways that she would have never expected. The connections she used to run from, she now purposely fosters. It’s beautiful how much she has softened over the course of the series, especially in her marriage and her friendships. That’s not to say that Eve isn’t still a force to be reckoned with. Because she absolutely is. But her relationships have developed in really beautiful ways. There has been so much healing in her life over the course of this series.
I loved Framed in Death from first page to last. It’s amazing that a series this long can still feel fresh and engaging after so many installments, but the world Nora has built in Eve and Roarke’s world seems to be evergreen. I don’t see myself ever tiring of these characters. I’ll continue to read every new In Death book for as long as Nora keeps writing them!
(cw: Be aware that there is language, violence, and open-door sexual content to be found in every installment if this series. If you’re a reader seeking to interact solely with clean and Christian fiction, you might want to give this series and author a pass.)
Framed in Death is the 61st installment in the In Death series. I’ve loved Nora Roberts (and her pen name, J.D. Robb) for well over half my life. I’ll read—and have read—pretty much anything that she writes. But there’s something about this series that is just so special to me. I’ve been following the adventures of Eve Dallas and Roarke, Peabody and the rest of the crew, since I was sixteen. Which was twenty years ago. Because Nora publishes two installments in the series per year, it feels like I have this bi-annual chance to catch up with a great group of friends. Some installments are more successful than others, but all of them provide me with that cozy feeling of sitting down to a meal with good friends I haven’t seen in months. That being said, Framed in Death is a very strong installment, one that had me glued to its pages late into the night.
Here we have a disgruntled rich boy who views himself as a master artist, who in truth has little talent to speak of. What he does have in a huge sense of entitlement and way too many resources at his disposal. These elements combine in twisted ways that express themselves in a string of murders, set up to replicate famous paintings of centuries past.
The dead fall under the care of Eve Dallas, one of the most famous murder cops in 2060s New York. She might be the wife of one of the wealthiest men on or off planet, but she is known for the quick mind and dogged determination that have landed so many murderers behind bars. Eve vows to give these unfortunate victims sacrificed on the altar of “art” that same justice.
I love books where art matters. Not the art world, but art itself. And Nora does really good art. I loved the deep dive this provided into art, from famed pieces that have endured for hundreds of years to up-and-coming artists, both those driven by their love for the work and those who are hungry for the fame they chase through it. Nora showcased art in beautiful ways while also underscoring the failings of the art world: the snobbery, the entitlement, the belief that those who create are of more value than those who consume.
And as always, it was lovely getting to spend a few days with my favorite murder cop and the family she has reluctantly built for herself. I love seeing Eve’s growth from the first book in the series to this 61st offering. She has bloomed in ways that she would have never expected. The connections she used to run from, she now purposely fosters. It’s beautiful how much she has softened over the course of the series, especially in her marriage and her friendships. That’s not to say that Eve isn’t still a force to be reckoned with. Because she absolutely is. But her relationships have developed in really beautiful ways. There has been so much healing in her life over the course of this series.
I loved Framed in Death from first page to last. It’s amazing that a series this long can still feel fresh and engaging after so many installments, but the world Nora has built in Eve and Roarke’s world seems to be evergreen. I don’t see myself ever tiring of these characters. I’ll continue to read every new In Death book for as long as Nora keeps writing them!
(cw: Be aware that there is language, violence, and open-door sexual content to be found in every installment if this series. If you’re a reader seeking to interact solely with clean and Christian fiction, you might want to give this series and author a pass.)
September 9, 2025
This is the 61st book I’m reading in this series and I keep having a lovely time
I missed it so much that it is a 4 star book.
I will read everthing until Nora Robert’s decides to end it. As long as there’s a new book I will be seated.
Nothing was groundbreaking here. It’s like watching a detective show but with your ears.
I’ve come to love all these characters and the way Eve Dallas and her squad catch the killer. And I cannot forget Roarke and Galahad 🥹 even though I hate chats
Susan Ericksen is and forever will be one of the best, if not the best narrator in the game. She’s been narrating all the books and she has a different accent and intonation for each character! Like I know who is speaking before the name is mentioned! Absolutely fantastic work from her. Nora Roberts keep writing these books till the end of time
I missed it so much that it is a 4 star book.
I will read everthing until Nora Robert’s decides to end it. As long as there’s a new book I will be seated.
Nothing was groundbreaking here. It’s like watching a detective show but with your ears.
I’ve come to love all these characters and the way Eve Dallas and her squad catch the killer. And I cannot forget Roarke and Galahad 🥹 even though I hate chats
Susan Ericksen is and forever will be one of the best, if not the best narrator in the game. She’s been narrating all the books and she has a different accent and intonation for each character! Like I know who is speaking before the name is mentioned! Absolutely fantastic work from her. Nora Roberts keep writing these books till the end of time
September 2, 2025
Framed in Death by J.D. Robb is another gripping addition to the long running In Death series. This time, Lieutenant Eve Dallas faces a chilling case where murder becomes art. A young woman is found posed like a painting, and Eve must untangle the twisted mind of a killer who thinks his crimes are masterpieces.
What I enjoyed most was how the story blended futuristic police work with the dark world of artistic obsession. Eve remains a strong, determined heroine, and the supporting cast Peabody, Roarke, and others, bring warmth and humor to balance the darker elements. While this book had a slower pace compared to some earlier installments, it was still engaging and full of clever details.
Even after more than sixty books, this series feels fresh, and JD Robb continues to deliver mysteries that keep me turning the pages. A must read for fans of Eve Dallas or crime thrillers with a unique twist.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own
What I enjoyed most was how the story blended futuristic police work with the dark world of artistic obsession. Eve remains a strong, determined heroine, and the supporting cast Peabody, Roarke, and others, bring warmth and humor to balance the darker elements. While this book had a slower pace compared to some earlier installments, it was still engaging and full of clever details.
Even after more than sixty books, this series feels fresh, and JD Robb continues to deliver mysteries that keep me turning the pages. A must read for fans of Eve Dallas or crime thrillers with a unique twist.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own
August 28, 2025
This one is such an addicting listen. Go into the future with Eve Dallas and her team as they race against time to solve a series of murders that have terrorized their town. I found this one to be interesting and enjoyed how art was weaved into the story. You can feel how Eve and the team are desperate to solve the murders and are doing everything possible to solve the crimes. Once the killer is found, let me tell you, they are something else.
The narrator, Susan Ericksen does a good job portraying Eve and Roarke. I really enjoy the Irish accent used for Roarke. However, for the rest of the characters and even the inner monologue I had to pay close attention when it switched.
This is perfect for fans of police procedurals, art driven mysteries, and a disturbed serial killer.
A very special thanks to Netgally + Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC.
The narrator, Susan Ericksen does a good job portraying Eve and Roarke. I really enjoy the Irish accent used for Roarke. However, for the rest of the characters and even the inner monologue I had to pay close attention when it switched.
This is perfect for fans of police procedurals, art driven mysteries, and a disturbed serial killer.
A very special thanks to Netgally + Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC.
August 29, 2025
1. Ok, who is the candy thief??
2. This was an interesting case. A guy recreating famous painting and killing the models.
3. You get cameos from all the usuals- the cops (and their ties), Rio, Mira, Mavis, all of them!
2. This was an interesting case. A guy recreating famous painting and killing the models.
3. You get cameos from all the usuals- the cops (and their ties), Rio, Mira, Mavis, all of them!
August 30, 2025
After 61 books, I don’t understand how these are still so entertaining. Framed in Death is about a frustrated artist who murders people to turn them into copies of famous artwork. Stories like these could be in bad taste. But I never feel like the crimes push into tastelessness. Eve is still a great main character, and the supporting characters still create a vivid and interesting universe. There were points where I felt the mystery was too easy or where I questioned why certain things were or were not done. But it’s still a fast, engaging read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2025
Author: J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts)
Genres: Fiction/Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary: In Manhattan’s flashy art world, one overlooked artist vows to make the city notice him. By morning, a young woman is found dead, posed like a figure from a Dutch painting. Now, Lt. Eve Dallas must uncover the killer behind the chilling display.
Tropes & Themes: hunt for a serial killer, revenge, using killing as artistry, enabling behavior, entitlement, justice and morality, privilege of life, and impact of scientific technology.
Character: Why is Roarke so smart? He is very knowledgeable, and he is always able to provide resources for Detective Eve's cases. He really brings a good balance to the book.
Thoughts: Thank you to the publisher for sending this ALC to me for review. This review are my own thoughts. I really loved this book. I was truly not and will never be disappointed with the "In Death" series. First, the narrator was amazing, and I loved the way that she was able to distinguish each character's voices. I appreciate the appropriate tone and mood of the narration, which really brought the book to life.
Second, J.D. Robb is just an amazing writer when it comes to this series. She knows how to keep one turning the pages and this is one book that I would love to purchase when it is released. One of the themes that resonated with me is as parents, often times we can and will enable certain behaviors in children. The killer really had an entitled mindset due to his mother's enabling. Obviously, he grew up not being held accountable for his actions in which his parents just used money to make problems go away or make things happen. In the end, I was shocked when his mother knowingly enabled behavior. Money cannot fix everything! Overall, it was definitely a five-star read for me.
Genres: Fiction/Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary: In Manhattan’s flashy art world, one overlooked artist vows to make the city notice him. By morning, a young woman is found dead, posed like a figure from a Dutch painting. Now, Lt. Eve Dallas must uncover the killer behind the chilling display.
Tropes & Themes: hunt for a serial killer, revenge, using killing as artistry, enabling behavior, entitlement, justice and morality, privilege of life, and impact of scientific technology.
Character: Why is Roarke so smart? He is very knowledgeable, and he is always able to provide resources for Detective Eve's cases. He really brings a good balance to the book.
Thoughts: Thank you to the publisher for sending this ALC to me for review. This review are my own thoughts. I really loved this book. I was truly not and will never be disappointed with the "In Death" series. First, the narrator was amazing, and I loved the way that she was able to distinguish each character's voices. I appreciate the appropriate tone and mood of the narration, which really brought the book to life.
Second, J.D. Robb is just an amazing writer when it comes to this series. She knows how to keep one turning the pages and this is one book that I would love to purchase when it is released. One of the themes that resonated with me is as parents, often times we can and will enable certain behaviors in children. The killer really had an entitled mindset due to his mother's enabling. Obviously, he grew up not being held accountable for his actions in which his parents just used money to make problems go away or make things happen. In the end, I was shocked when his mother knowingly enabled behavior. Money cannot fix everything! Overall, it was definitely a five-star read for me.
June 20, 2025
For the 61st book in this series, the path was a little different. Obviously, having read each and every one of the previous 60 books in this series....I AM a huge fan.
It is always a joy to drop back in and spend a while with Eve and Roarke and the gang. For whatever reason, this book felt....a bit more superficial than we have come to expect from the series. The actual case in this one was not so much a "whodunit" but more of a "wait for the crazy man to get caught" kind of book. There is a so-called artist who believes his art will be much improved by targeting and killing the people he gets to model for him.
Where I had a problem was with the pace of the murders and the ease of all of the aspects that usually go into such killings. No spoilers, so let's just say it was WAY too easy.
Where things kind of felt like they got back on the track was in the last 20% of the book. There is actually a new and different scenario that occurs and THAT was actually where I finally felt the tension build.
All in all, it wasn't my favorite book of the series, but as I said before......any opportunity to jump back into this world is always a joy.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on September 2, 2025.
It is always a joy to drop back in and spend a while with Eve and Roarke and the gang. For whatever reason, this book felt....a bit more superficial than we have come to expect from the series. The actual case in this one was not so much a "whodunit" but more of a "wait for the crazy man to get caught" kind of book. There is a so-called artist who believes his art will be much improved by targeting and killing the people he gets to model for him.
Where I had a problem was with the pace of the murders and the ease of all of the aspects that usually go into such killings. No spoilers, so let's just say it was WAY too easy.
Where things kind of felt like they got back on the track was in the last 20% of the book. There is actually a new and different scenario that occurs and THAT was actually where I finally felt the tension build.
All in all, it wasn't my favorite book of the series, but as I said before......any opportunity to jump back into this world is always a joy.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on September 2, 2025.
June 21, 2025
I am SO spoiled to not only have this book for early ‘reading’, but I have the audio copy which
is Narrated by the time honored brilliant & talented Susan Ericksen❤️.
This is one of the more interesting stories, which includes most of the Detectives and EGeeks,
along with Mira and DelRio.
This is a long, complicated story about a completely spoiled, pampered rich kid with zero
talent as an Artist (I am also zero talented in art, but choose to simply enjoy the artistic
endeavors of others.) and his “collection,” which he stated he wanted to include 8 ‘models’
and was, through great international detective work, shut down at three murders. He thought
his portraits to be brilliant, clever and he had no concern whatsoever for the LC’s he
killed. ‘LC’ is the term for Licensed Companion services in NYC in the year 2061…
By the time the murders are stopped, in brilliant fashion by Lt Dallas and her crew,
we shall see the murderous artist and his overindulgent and entitled mother on their
way to some quality time in cages, off planet to boot.
Another great book in this outstanding series! I cannot wait for the next one,
Stolen in Death, due 2 February 2026.
My thanks to Macmillan Audio for the brilliant presentation of this book
for review purposes.
P.S. Separate review(s) will be offered to NG.
is Narrated by the time honored brilliant & talented Susan Ericksen❤️.
This is one of the more interesting stories, which includes most of the Detectives and EGeeks,
along with Mira and DelRio.
This is a long, complicated story about a completely spoiled, pampered rich kid with zero
talent as an Artist (I am also zero talented in art, but choose to simply enjoy the artistic
endeavors of others.) and his “collection,” which he stated he wanted to include 8 ‘models’
and was, through great international detective work, shut down at three murders. He thought
his portraits to be brilliant, clever and he had no concern whatsoever for the LC’s he
killed. ‘LC’ is the term for Licensed Companion services in NYC in the year 2061…
By the time the murders are stopped, in brilliant fashion by Lt Dallas and her crew,
we shall see the murderous artist and his overindulgent and entitled mother on their
way to some quality time in cages, off planet to boot.
Another great book in this outstanding series! I cannot wait for the next one,
Stolen in Death, due 2 February 2026.
My thanks to Macmillan Audio for the brilliant presentation of this book
for review purposes.
P.S. Separate review(s) will be offered to NG.
January 25, 2025
Received an ARC courtesy of the publisher via Edelweiss.plus.
Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her team investigate a series of murders where the bodies are posed to look like famous paintings. Of course, her husband Roarke is there to act as Expert Consultant Civilian. The reader knows who-did-it fairly early in the story, but it was interesting to read about how they solved the case. Popular supporting characters appear or are mentioned; however, given the events in the previous book, I would have liked to see more of Summerset. Overall, an enjoyable read which I would have finished in one night if I didn't need sleep.
Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her team investigate a series of murders where the bodies are posed to look like famous paintings. Of course, her husband Roarke is there to act as Expert Consultant Civilian. The reader knows who-did-it fairly early in the story, but it was interesting to read about how they solved the case. Popular supporting characters appear or are mentioned; however, given the events in the previous book, I would have liked to see more of Summerset. Overall, an enjoyable read which I would have finished in one night if I didn't need sleep.
September 4, 2025
I really missed this series and Eve with Roarke. These books usually bring me so much joy, so I was a little sad that this one felt like it was missing something. Maybe it was the lack of interactions with Summerset, or the fact that Roarke only showed up in the evenings since the case didn’t require his help much. The ending ended up being the most exciting part—I don’t remember another book in the series where the suspect actually tried to run away after being arrested.
Still, the banter and small moments I love were there, which always makes this series special. 🫶🏻
Still, the banter and small moments I love were there, which always makes this series special. 🫶🏻
“I figured you’d be ready to slide into your coffin for the night.”
“As it happens I’ve just returned from dinner with friends. And while it often amazes me you have friends yourself, how was yours?”
“She sat a moment, plotting revenge. Coating the next bar with liquid laxative before stashing it came to mind, and felt very satisfying.
But, as lieutenant, she couldn’t afford to have anyone in her bullpen suddenly shitting their pants while in the pursuit of justice.
And yet as she stared down at the smiley face, she seriously weighed serve and protect against vengeance.”
“Let’s have a barbecue thing.”
He turned, studied her. “You’re very tired, aren’t you now? Not altogether lucid.”
“What would you do if I started shopping for my own clothes?”
“After I’d been treated for shock? I’d implore Louise to give you a full medical workup, including a brain scan.”
“Ha ha. I used to shop for my own clothes.”
He leaned over, kissed her cheek. “I’d say it was more bought them than shopped for. And I do treasure the button that fell off the hideous suit you wore the day we met.”
“Sap. A smartass and a sap.”
“I’m your mommy now, and you’re grounded for the next few lifetimes.”
September 5, 2025
4.5 stars
This long-running series is set in a future version of New York with Lt. Eve Dallas and her partner Detective Delia Peabody getting justice for homicide victims, but with helpful assistance from Eve's husband Roarke.
The case in this book is very creepy with a killer the press nicknames "The Artist" because he kills people and arranges their bodies to mimic famous paintings. The reader knows who the killer is, but the book is still tense and suspenseful, wondering if Eve and her team will be able to find him before he strikes again. I would call this book a procedural thriller, but it also includes some steam scenes between Dallas and Roarke. I'm always happy when Peabody is given an important role in the investigation as she is in this book. In addition to the mystery, there are also strong themes of found family as Eve and Roarke have both overcome very difficult childhoods to build successful lives full of love and friendship.
I received an advance copy of this book from St. Martin's Press for review consideration, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
This long-running series is set in a future version of New York with Lt. Eve Dallas and her partner Detective Delia Peabody getting justice for homicide victims, but with helpful assistance from Eve's husband Roarke.
The case in this book is very creepy with a killer the press nicknames "The Artist" because he kills people and arranges their bodies to mimic famous paintings. The reader knows who the killer is, but the book is still tense and suspenseful, wondering if Eve and her team will be able to find him before he strikes again. I would call this book a procedural thriller, but it also includes some steam scenes between Dallas and Roarke. I'm always happy when Peabody is given an important role in the investigation as she is in this book. In addition to the mystery, there are also strong themes of found family as Eve and Roarke have both overcome very difficult childhoods to build successful lives full of love and friendship.
I received an advance copy of this book from St. Martin's Press for review consideration, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
September 6, 2025
4 stars.
I enjoyed it. Especially the house tour. I hope we get to see the weekend BBQ in the next book and maybe the housewarming party. And the escalation with the Candy Thief. It'll be interesting to see what happens next.
This is very much a police procedural with Eve and her team chasing down leads. And Eve has caught herself another white, privileged, and entitled murderer. There seems to be a lot of them around in NY.
I don't actually read many books these days (usually just listen) but I always read the new book in this series so that I can look forward to revisiting it again with Susan Ericksen.
I enjoyed it. Especially the house tour. I hope we get to see the weekend BBQ in the next book and maybe the housewarming party. And the escalation with the Candy Thief. It'll be interesting to see what happens next.
This is very much a police procedural with Eve and her team chasing down leads. And Eve has caught herself another white, privileged, and entitled murderer. There seems to be a lot of them around in NY.
I don't actually read many books these days (usually just listen) but I always read the new book in this series so that I can look forward to revisiting it again with Susan Ericksen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
A fairly standard mystery novel, with the exception of a dinner party at Mavis and Peabody's new house, our heroes are all focused on arresting a murderer who is not too difficult to find, but rather to keep track of. However, Eve and Roarke are always easy to read.
Un giallo piuttosto standard, con l'esclusione di una cena nella casa nuova di Mavis e Peabody i nostri eroi sono tutti concentrati nell'arrestare un assassino nemmeno troppo difficile da trovare, ma piuttosto da mantenere. Comunque Eve e Roarke si fanno sempre leggere in scioltezza.
Un giallo piuttosto standard, con l'esclusione di una cena nella casa nuova di Mavis e Peabody i nostri eroi sono tutti concentrati nell'arrestare un assassino nemmeno troppo difficile da trovare, ma piuttosto da mantenere. Comunque Eve e Roarke si fanno sempre leggere in scioltezza.
September 10, 2025
It's always so great to see this expanded family surrounding Dallas and Rourke just keep growing and coming together in new ways. I love the new house and I can't wait to see more events happening there with Mavis and Peabody and the whole group. Just wonderful!!
September 10, 2025
Marvelous whodunnit, as always! One of my TOP favorite series - and this is like 60? 61? I mean… solid 4/5 stars. Definitely recommend this book on its own, but this series specifically (;
April 28, 2025
To everyone who knows me, I follow the In Death series by J.D. Robb religiously….This is book 61!
Review
Framed in Death by JD Robb
4.5 stars
Framed in Death brings forth a pretentious killer who kills for the name sparking passion in their art. In this book, we get POVs from the killer's end where the readers know who the killer is. This also makes it an interesting read because the killer would prop his victims up to represent famous classic paintings such as “The Lady with the Pearl Earring” and it is a race against time with the killer going for one victim every night before Eve and her team caught him.
| “With rank, comes bullshit” Even to Jenkinson, her second in command on the bs of paperwork |
As always, the book prioritizes the interpersonal relationships that Eve has such as one with her partner where their house of dreams is completed and Eve and Roarke were invited for dinner. It’s great to finally see a project over the course of several books completed. The relationships that Eve has with her crew of cops is great to see especially how they leaned to her case due to time constraints.
|”I do enjoy your bullpen, Lieutenant. I enjoyed it very much. It’s never dull” Roarke to Eve during his visit to her work place|
My favourite moments are always Eve’s interactions with Roake. The understanding and love they have for each other just grows - such as the marriage rules note with Eve always giving a heads up to Roarke if she is late, the money lending where Eve will always pay Roarke back to the formidable outfits Roarke always picks out for her. And their moments with Galahad, their cat where he sneaks up during breakfast time to get himself some and to a point that Roarke would banish him out of the bedroom and bring the used dishes to the closet to lock them in.
It is always fascinating to see Eve’s mind works and in this case, there were a lot of chipping aways and circumstantial moments before finally apprehending the killer. We also get to see how sometimes the law can make things more lenient when money can buy anything and how Eve and her team outsmarts the killer here.
It was a fun and riveting read for me. I would always recommend this series, as it features a strong female lead, police investigative elements thrown in, touchpoints of love, friendships, found family, and murder mystery elements.
Review
Framed in Death by JD Robb
4.5 stars
Framed in Death brings forth a pretentious killer who kills for the name sparking passion in their art. In this book, we get POVs from the killer's end where the readers know who the killer is. This also makes it an interesting read because the killer would prop his victims up to represent famous classic paintings such as “The Lady with the Pearl Earring” and it is a race against time with the killer going for one victim every night before Eve and her team caught him.
| “With rank, comes bullshit” Even to Jenkinson, her second in command on the bs of paperwork |
As always, the book prioritizes the interpersonal relationships that Eve has such as one with her partner where their house of dreams is completed and Eve and Roarke were invited for dinner. It’s great to finally see a project over the course of several books completed. The relationships that Eve has with her crew of cops is great to see especially how they leaned to her case due to time constraints.
|”I do enjoy your bullpen, Lieutenant. I enjoyed it very much. It’s never dull” Roarke to Eve during his visit to her work place|
My favourite moments are always Eve’s interactions with Roake. The understanding and love they have for each other just grows - such as the marriage rules note with Eve always giving a heads up to Roarke if she is late, the money lending where Eve will always pay Roarke back to the formidable outfits Roarke always picks out for her. And their moments with Galahad, their cat where he sneaks up during breakfast time to get himself some and to a point that Roarke would banish him out of the bedroom and bring the used dishes to the closet to lock them in.
It is always fascinating to see Eve’s mind works and in this case, there were a lot of chipping aways and circumstantial moments before finally apprehending the killer. We also get to see how sometimes the law can make things more lenient when money can buy anything and how Eve and her team outsmarts the killer here.
It was a fun and riveting read for me. I would always recommend this series, as it features a strong female lead, police investigative elements thrown in, touchpoints of love, friendships, found family, and murder mystery elements.
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