What do you think?
Rate this book
In Death #24
Innocent in Death
When history teacher Craig Foster is found dead in his classroom, his young wife is devastated, and his family, friends and colleagues all shocked. The two ten-year old students who discovered his body may be traumatised for life.
Magdalena Percell, an old flame of Eve's billionaire husband Roarke, has turned up in New York, and she's anything but innocent. Unfortunately, Roarke seems blind to Magdalena's maniuplations, but not to her shapely figure and flirtatious ways. But Eve will have to put aside her potential heartbreak, for a while at least- because another man has just turned up dead…
Magdalena Percell, an old flame of Eve's billionaire husband Roarke, has turned up in New York, and she's anything but innocent. Unfortunately, Roarke seems blind to Magdalena's maniuplations, but not to her shapely figure and flirtatious ways. But Eve will have to put aside her potential heartbreak, for a while at least- because another man has just turned up dead…
385 pages, Hardcover
First published February 20, 2007
1386 people are currently reading
8081 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 1,474 reviews
April 4, 2018
This is one of Robb's best books in the whole series. It really consists of two story lines, the drama of Roarke versus Eve when a woman from his past reappears on the scene, against a rather unusual set of murders and a very unlikely murderer.
When Eve and Roarke fall out they do it big time and the sadness is overwhelming. Now that we are in book 24 we know and love them so well that their pain is ours! I liked the way that just as things became too uncomfortable in their relationship world Robb would switch us back to the crimes and give Eve ( and us) something else to think about.
This book requires a box of tissues and a free afternoon so you can read it in one sitting. Luckily I had both :)
When Eve and Roarke fall out they do it big time and the sadness is overwhelming. Now that we are in book 24 we know and love them so well that their pain is ours! I liked the way that just as things became too uncomfortable in their relationship world Robb would switch us back to the crimes and give Eve ( and us) something else to think about.
This book requires a box of tissues and a free afternoon so you can read it in one sitting. Luckily I had both :)
July 15, 2020
4 stars
Is it bad that I read this series as a "palate cleanser" of sorts? I know that whether I read an amazing book that I wish I could live in a little longer or a crappy one that I wish I never touched, Roarke and Eve are guaranteed to fix my mood either way so I can read the next book on my list without residual or lingering emotions. I know I can go back to them whenever I want and I have 20+ books to catch up.
As for this book, I don't know what it says about me that I figured out the killer from the beginning... But I loved the ride as always.
On a side note, I really wish I had a Trina in my life. And a Mavis!
P.S. What do you guys think of Morena Baccarin as Eve?
Is it bad that I read this series as a "palate cleanser" of sorts? I know that whether I read an amazing book that I wish I could live in a little longer or a crappy one that I wish I never touched, Roarke and Eve are guaranteed to fix my mood either way so I can read the next book on my list without residual or lingering emotions. I know I can go back to them whenever I want and I have 20+ books to catch up.
As for this book, I don't know what it says about me that I figured out the killer from the beginning... But I loved the ride as always.
On a side note, I really wish I had a Trina in my life. And a Mavis!
P.S. What do you guys think of Morena Baccarin as Eve?
May 24, 2017
I loved it. An old flame of Roarke's turns up and she is out to cause trouble. Eve is not happy. She is feeling insecure. Magdalena is everything that she is not ... ooooh, the angst. Roarke was clueless. Well, he is a man, right? He thought nothing of meeting with "Maggie" for lunch or the odd meeting. Her presence in NYC means that Eve is finding it hard to concentrate on the case in hand.
We had the secondary cast of characters but they did not seem to be to the fore much really.
Mavis gives her good advice and of course we have Mira, whom I love.
Captain Whitney give some sage advice too.
William Butler Yeats is Roarke's favourite poet. Quite a favourite of mine also.
So, book 24 and I am still loving this series.
We had the secondary cast of characters but they did not seem to be to the fore much really.
Mavis gives her good advice and of course we have Mira, whom I love.
“No. No, I don't believe you'd betray me with her. I don't believe you'd cheat on me. But I'm afraid, and I'm sick in my heart that you might look at her, then at me. And regret.”
Captain Whitney give some sage advice too.
William Butler Yeats is Roarke's favourite poet. Quite a favourite of mine also.
So, book 24 and I am still loving this series.
May 28, 2020
5 stars**
Bloody brilliant! My first 5 star for this beloved series so far. It was so good! I gotta confess that I jump one book and a novella to read this one. After reading the blurb I just couldn’t help myself! My weakness is Roarke and Eve’s relationship. I love love it when they have obstacles in their marriage. Man this one was brutal for Eve! But it’s the angst that I crave because these two are so passionate about each other. The author did such a good job handling both their emotions though. Yes, I wanted to shake Roarke at times when he was so clueless but, just a little. And hug Eve but she’d probably kick my butt. Lol!
”Sometimes the unspeakable can come from the decent. And sometimes, it’s possible to make yourself decent out of the unspeakable.”
The case for this installment was one of the hardest I think so far, at least for me. Even though I did guess who the villain was (blame it on law and order) I enjoyed how Eve was able to piece everything together she has such a brilliant mind. It’s crazy how she gets in this set of mind of trying not to get emotionally attached to each victim but, in reality she connects to them and ends up feeling almost too much. But that’s what makes Eve so unique. Even though my OCD was killing me because I went out of order it was so worth it. Now back to the regular schedule reading lol! ❤️
Bloody brilliant! My first 5 star for this beloved series so far. It was so good! I gotta confess that I jump one book and a novella to read this one. After reading the blurb I just couldn’t help myself! My weakness is Roarke and Eve’s relationship. I love love it when they have obstacles in their marriage. Man this one was brutal for Eve! But it’s the angst that I crave because these two are so passionate about each other. The author did such a good job handling both their emotions though. Yes, I wanted to shake Roarke at times when he was so clueless but, just a little. And hug Eve but she’d probably kick my butt. Lol!
”Sometimes the unspeakable can come from the decent. And sometimes, it’s possible to make yourself decent out of the unspeakable.”
The case for this installment was one of the hardest I think so far, at least for me. Even though I did guess who the villain was (blame it on law and order) I enjoyed how Eve was able to piece everything together she has such a brilliant mind. It’s crazy how she gets in this set of mind of trying not to get emotionally attached to each victim but, in reality she connects to them and ends up feeling almost too much. But that’s what makes Eve so unique. Even though my OCD was killing me because I went out of order it was so worth it. Now back to the regular schedule reading lol! ❤️
September 26, 2017
5+ stars - Romantic Suspense/Futuristic/Mystery/Crime/Romantic Thriller
Wow! This is definitely one of my favorites of the series!
An old flame of Roarke’s shows up and causes trouble for him and Eve, and I really felt for Eve in this one. Roarke pretty much bungled things in the beginning in how he dealt, or rather didn’t deal, with Magdalena.
“I had that hole in me, that empty space. I could have lived my life with it, content enough. I wasn’t an unhappy man.” He kept his eyes on hers as his thumb brushed lightly over the back of her hand. “Then, one day I felt something—a prickle at the back of my neck, a heat at the base of my spine. And standing at a memorial for the dead, I turned, and there you were.” He turned her hand over, interlocking fingers. “There you were, and it all shifted under my feet. You were everything I shouldn’t have, shouldn’t want or need. A cop for Jesus’ sake, with eyes that looked right into me.” He reached out, just a whisper of fingers on her face. And the quiet touch was somehow wildly passionate, desperately intimate. “A cop wearing a bad gray suit and a coat that didn’t even fit. From that moment, the hole inside me began to fill. I couldn’t stop it. I couldn’t stop what rooted there, or what grew.
The tears came now. He watched them drip down her cheeks, wondered if she were even aware they leaked out of her. “She was part of my life. You are my life. If I have a regret, it’s that even for an instant you could think otherwise. Or that I allowed you to.”
As for Eve’s murder case, it was definitely sick and twisted with some surprising plot twists. I actually had a hunch about the killer from early on.
Wow! This is definitely one of my favorites of the series!
An old flame of Roarke’s shows up and causes trouble for him and Eve, and I really felt for Eve in this one. Roarke pretty much bungled things in the beginning in how he dealt, or rather didn’t deal, with Magdalena.
“I had that hole in me, that empty space. I could have lived my life with it, content enough. I wasn’t an unhappy man.” He kept his eyes on hers as his thumb brushed lightly over the back of her hand. “Then, one day I felt something—a prickle at the back of my neck, a heat at the base of my spine. And standing at a memorial for the dead, I turned, and there you were.” He turned her hand over, interlocking fingers. “There you were, and it all shifted under my feet. You were everything I shouldn’t have, shouldn’t want or need. A cop for Jesus’ sake, with eyes that looked right into me.” He reached out, just a whisper of fingers on her face. And the quiet touch was somehow wildly passionate, desperately intimate. “A cop wearing a bad gray suit and a coat that didn’t even fit. From that moment, the hole inside me began to fill. I couldn’t stop it. I couldn’t stop what rooted there, or what grew.
The tears came now. He watched them drip down her cheeks, wondered if she were even aware they leaked out of her. “She was part of my life. You are my life. If I have a regret, it’s that even for an instant you could think otherwise. Or that I allowed you to.”
As for Eve’s murder case, it was definitely sick and twisted with some surprising plot twists. I actually had a hunch about the killer from early on.
September 13, 2021
When a popular school teacher is horribly poisoned in a cruel and calculated way, Lt. Eve Dallas (NYPSD) finds it hard to find someone who would want him dead. He's newly married, adored by his wife, loved by the kids he teaches and popular with the other teachers. Eve has to work hard to find any motive, and almost overlooks the one person devious and warped enough to have murdered him.
This is one of the best episodes in this excellent series so far. Not only does Eve have a puzzling murder on her hands but one of her husband Roarke's past lovers, Magdalena, is back in town and doing her best to get her claws back into him. However, Magdalena has no idea who she is up against and it's entertaining to watch her find out. It's good to know I am only half way through this series with so many enjoyable episodes still to come!
This is one of the best episodes in this excellent series so far. Not only does Eve have a puzzling murder on her hands but one of her husband Roarke's past lovers, Magdalena, is back in town and doing her best to get her claws back into him. However, Magdalena has no idea who she is up against and it's entertaining to watch her find out. It's good to know I am only half way through this series with so many enjoyable episodes still to come!
August 9, 2016
Points for the best murderer in the series. Creepy and unexpected.
But, the main story in this is the woman who is trying to come between Roarke and Eve. And, she's succeeding. This book has an emotional pull if you have come to know and love this couple - which I have. I was pissed off at Roarke, so it was my first fight with a book boyfriend. I felt bad for Eve, but kept hoping she'd knock that bitch back. But, I also had no doubt that they would come through it.
But, the main story in this is the woman who is trying to come between Roarke and Eve. And, she's succeeding. This book has an emotional pull if you have come to know and love this couple - which I have. I was pissed off at Roarke, so it was my first fight with a book boyfriend. I felt bad for Eve, but kept hoping she'd knock that bitch back. But, I also had no doubt that they would come through it.
January 10, 2018
Suspense 4.5 stars / Romance: Roarke 2 to 4 stars, Eve 3 to 5 stars
Excellent suspense. Despite I knew pretty early who was the murderer, the story was extremely captivating. Deep and psychologically well written. Bravo!
Romance. Well, I knew about this book / OW drama for a long time. I was prepared, but still pissed 😤
Damn, Roarke disappointed me. He was so blind and definitely led by his dick. His ex, Magdalena, whom he dated for a year 12 years ago, was a bitch, but very intelligent one. Yes, I disliked her, but I need to agree that she was a brilliant manipulater. Nothing sexual happened and if not for Roarke and Eve's unique relationship, I would even say Roarke did ok with the situation. But! This couple has its own dynamic and the situation should be judged according to it. Roarke hurt Eve. Eve showed her human side and got jealous, but not in the typical hysterical way. She was very vulnerable, but still very wise.
I wish Eve punched Roarke not only at the end, but also at the beginning and then repeatedly through the whole story.
My favorite moment - of course when she punched him and his ex.
It was delicious 😍😍😍
Yes!
You rock, my Eve!!!! ❤😎❤
Excellent suspense. Despite I knew pretty early who was the murderer, the story was extremely captivating. Deep and psychologically well written. Bravo!
Romance. Well, I knew about this book / OW drama for a long time. I was prepared, but still pissed 😤
Damn, Roarke disappointed me. He was so blind and definitely led by his dick. His ex, Magdalena, whom he dated for a year 12 years ago, was a bitch, but very intelligent one. Yes, I disliked her, but I need to agree that she was a brilliant manipulater. Nothing sexual happened and if not for Roarke and Eve's unique relationship, I would even say Roarke did ok with the situation. But! This couple has its own dynamic and the situation should be judged according to it. Roarke hurt Eve. Eve showed her human side and got jealous, but not in the typical hysterical way. She was very vulnerable, but still very wise.
I wish Eve punched Roarke not only at the end, but also at the beginning and then repeatedly through the whole story.
My favorite moment - of course when she punched him and his ex.
It was delicious 😍😍😍
Yes!
You rock, my Eve!!!! ❤😎❤
July 19, 2017
The maître d’ swooped down on her like a vulture on readkill.
“Mademoiselle. I regret, we cannot seat walk-ins.”
“How do you seat anyone if they don’t walk in?”
And since we all know that Eve is not a girl who let others walk on all over her, and here she’s against a very astute killer, she does some great ass-kicking! LOL
If a complicated killer is not enough, one of Roarke’s exes is murking waters! And, we see some serious trouble between Eve and Roarke! WOW!!!
Hahaha!!! And here Sommerset and Eve unite against the bitch!!!
““She would be a sparkling accent on his arm. She speaks flawless French and Italian, and has a limitless supply of charm when she wishes to dispense it. And she’ll use him. She’ll take, take more. If it was necessary, or if she simply had the whim, she’d toss him to the wolves to see who’d win.”
He finished the whiskey. “You, Lieutenant, are often crude, you are certainly rude, and have very little sense of how to be the wife—in public—of a man in Roarke’s position. And you would do anything, no matter what the personal risk, to keep him from harm. She will never love him. You will never do anything but.”
… and after the storm has passed they return to their normal behavior:
”She looked at him as she put it on. “He’s okay. We’re okay. She’s not going to be a problem for him anymore.”
“Or for you?”
“Or for me.”
“I’m very glad to hear it.”
“I know you are. Appreciate it.”
“I’ve brought that unfortunate vehicle you’ve yet to wreck around in anticipation of your departure. I hope you won’t leave it soiling the front of the house much longer.”
“Kiss my ass, scarecrow.”
“There.” He smiled at her. “We’re back to normal.”
Then we have Eve’s “acceptance” of Ian’s and Peabody’s relationship…
”He stretched out on the backseat on the drive, and from the movements Eve caught in the rearview, and Peabody’s muffled giggles, he was snaking his hand between the front seat and the passenger door to tickle his cohab.
“You want to retain use of that hand, Detective, you’ll keep it off my partner until your personal time.”
“Sorry. Your partner shatters the power of my will.”
“Keep it up, and I’ll shatter all your fingers.””
The worst part is when Eve discovers who the killer is… It’s horrific and totally blew my mind!
May 14, 2012
Although I'm an absolute fan of this series, I'll be the first to admit the majority of the "whodunnits" in the books are relatively easy to figure out before the halfway point. However, Innocent In Death was a nice change. There were so many possible suspects going in so many different directions I was never quite sure who could have killed the innocent Craig Foster. The fact that throughout the story Eve herself couldn't even pinpoint a motive only added to the mystery's mystery!! When I finally did zero in on the killer, I dismissed her for a more "appropriate" suspect. The final showdown between Eve and the suspect was the most chilling of the series to this point. The fallout of this case is a powerful one - its rippling effects will likely continue to play out in the series because of who the killer is and the implied promise of another showdown between Eve and the killer in the distant future.
In previous books, I've found some of the subplots placing Eve and Roarke at odds haven't always worked. At times they appear just tossed in to amp up the emotional drama between the two, but like here, when they work they are phenomenal. The re-entrance of one of Roarke's old flames caused a realistic emotional upheaval in the couple's life. It went beyond typical jealousy to the very core of their relationship. It showed both Eve and Roarke at their most vulnerable and Roberts at her most brilliant.
This book reminded me why I love this series so much. Roberts is at her best when writing as J.D. Robb. Her ability to write multilayered, multifaceted stories filled with humor and angst is nothing short of amazing.
In previous books, I've found some of the subplots placing Eve and Roarke at odds haven't always worked. At times they appear just tossed in to amp up the emotional drama between the two, but like here, when they work they are phenomenal. The re-entrance of one of Roarke's old flames caused a realistic emotional upheaval in the couple's life. It went beyond typical jealousy to the very core of their relationship. It showed both Eve and Roarke at their most vulnerable and Roberts at her most brilliant.
This book reminded me why I love this series so much. Roberts is at her best when writing as J.D. Robb. Her ability to write multilayered, multifaceted stories filled with humor and angst is nothing short of amazing.
October 30, 2018
Oh god, oh god this book was so good!!! J.D.Robb, you're bloody amazing... <3
"You’re not just the center of my world, Eve.” He kissed her brow, her temples, her lips. “You’re the whole of it.”
"You’re not just the center of my world, Eve.” He kissed her brow, her temples, her lips. “You’re the whole of it.”
September 15, 2023
I don't know how Nora Roberts does it, but these books just get better and better. They are always a great mystery and the love story of Roarke and Eve is as hot as ever. This time the murder has Eve baffled and the appearance of one of Roarke's former lovers has her distracted.
Craig Foster is a young teacher. Smart, likable and a favorite with his students, who could possibly want him dead? As a newlywed, he and his wife were very much in love. The two students who found his body are devastated. The whole school is in mourning and Eve is having a tough time zeroing in on the killer and the motive.
When one of Roarke's former lovers turns up looking to rekindle their past relationship, Eve has a tough time because she sees something in Roarke that causes her a great deal of pain. After her second divorce Magdalena is looking for another husband and old flame Roarke is the one she let get away, but she intends to remedy that mistake. Roarke sees a woman he once cared a great deal for, Eve sees a manipulative bitch who is causing her to be distracted from her job.
Craig Foster is a young teacher. Smart, likable and a favorite with his students, who could possibly want him dead? As a newlywed, he and his wife were very much in love. The two students who found his body are devastated. The whole school is in mourning and Eve is having a tough time zeroing in on the killer and the motive.
When one of Roarke's former lovers turns up looking to rekindle their past relationship, Eve has a tough time because she sees something in Roarke that causes her a great deal of pain. After her second divorce Magdalena is looking for another husband and old flame Roarke is the one she let get away, but she intends to remedy that mistake. Roarke sees a woman he once cared a great deal for, Eve sees a manipulative bitch who is causing her to be distracted from her job.
November 6, 2022
Düşünün ki kaç kitaptır sizi sinir etmeyen bir erkek karakter var... Bir yerde bir patlak verecekti diye de hiç düşünmedim. Adama inancım o kadar kesindi. Ama... Kocaman bir AMA, Roarke şaşırttı beni. Resmen sinir harbi yaşadım.😱 Adamda yok yok. Maddi-manevi dört dörtlük bir şahsiyet. Akıl tutulması yaşadı kısa çaplı diye düşünmek istiyorum. Resmen davanın önüne geçti hlbu hâlleri 🙄🤦🏻♀️
Bunun dışında, katili tahmin edenler olmuş ama ben konduramadığım için hiç aklıma gelmedi. Meraktan sonuna baktığım için 😁 kim olduğunu öğrendim.
Roarke ve Eve için gergin ve sınanmalık bir hikayeydi.Sonunda yola geldiler de rahatladık ♥
Bunun dışında, katili tahmin edenler olmuş ama ben konduramadığım için hiç aklıma gelmedi. Meraktan sonuna baktığım için 😁 kim olduğunu öğrendim.
Roarke ve Eve için gergin ve sınanmalık bir hikayeydi.Sonunda yola geldiler de rahatladık ♥
June 12, 2018
In what fucking universe is telling your wife she filled a hole another woman left in you romantic? Like, what the actual fuck?
May 22, 2017
I have to say that this was another solid read in the In Death Series. But I also have to say this one was not my favorite.
For me the murder mystery just wasn’t my cup of tea. It wasn’t gruesome or anything like that rather the basis of it just didn’t sit well with me. There was little page time for Feeney, McNabb and Baxter which was a tad disappointing. I missed having them around.
Then there was some drama going on with Roarke and Eve and this BITCH from his past. It caused me anxiety. I’m not sure which one of them pissed me off the most. Roarke had his head up his arse and Eve had this insecurity thing going on that just didn’t fit her. But one of the things I LOVE that JD does with this series is she keeps things real. R & E’s relationship is far from perfect and this bump in the road for them was proof of that. ❤
January 30, 2022
Seriously, the audible is excellent - all available on my trusty SCRIBD subscription - Susan Erickesen, the narrator is top notch - even pulls off the Irish accent for Roarke (you know me - this is quite the achievement).
Roarke is a bit clueless when an old flame turns up ... well, at least HE is 'clueless' but SHE (Magdelana) is a "bitch" and is totally clued in to what she wants!
Magdelana … don't you just hate her too?
Ha Ha - I love Eve's friends: Mira and Mavis had her back on this one ... Even Summerset, bless him was rooting for Eve.
Poor Eve was really hurting. How does she not know that Roarke would die for her?
I have a friend and years ago I remember her telling me that she had never had a fight with her then boyfriend, now husband - C'mon, as Roarke might say "That's a load of bollocks." ... I dunno - life would be very boring if one never had an argument with one's partner ...
Cannot recommend this series highly enough ...
"Fuck me," Roarke muttered. "What bloody bullshit ... Christ Jesus, Eve."
Roarke is a bit clueless when an old flame turns up ... well, at least HE is 'clueless' but SHE (Magdelana) is a "bitch" and is totally clued in to what she wants!
“He lifted his glass, smiled over the rim at Eve. And when someone said his name, and he glanced toward them, Eve saw something come into his eyes, just a flash of it. A something she'd only seen when he looked at her.
It was gone, shuttered down into polite pleasure. But it had been there. Very slowly, Eve tracked her gaze over, and saw her.”
Magdelana … don't you just hate her too?
MIRA - "I dislike her intensely."
EVE - "She speaks French and Italian."
MIRA - "That bitch."
Ha Ha - I love Eve's friends: Mira and Mavis had her back on this one ... Even Summerset, bless him was rooting for Eve.
"It's very cold, Eve."
He spoke her given name quietly, and nearly shattered her last line of defense
He finished the whiskey. "You, Lieutenant, are often crude, you are certainly rude, and have very little sense of how to be the wife--in public--of a man in Roarke's position. And you would do anything, no matter what the personal risk, to keep him from harm. She will never love him. You will never do anything but."
Poor Eve was really hurting. How does she not know that Roarke would die for her?
"Fuck. that! Fuck it, Eve. Am I to be tried and condemned."
I have a friend and years ago I remember her telling me that she had never had a fight with her then boyfriend, now husband - C'mon, as Roarke might say "That's a load of bollocks." ... I dunno - life would be very boring if one never had an argument with one's partner ...
Cannot recommend this series highly enough ...
April 2, 2018
Rereading April 2018 for buddy read. Innocent is one of my Top five - probably Top three In Death books...possibly #1! :) A Five Star Read every single time!! Oh the feelings!
(2015 review) While the case in this book is a good one with a shocker ending, it's the character relationships that shoot this one to the top of my list of In Death books. The character relationship development is huge! When a past love of Roarke's returns to claim the love she left behind 12 years ago, Eve's world is severely rattled. Roarke appears blinded by the manipulation of his past girlfriend, & Eve is devastated after witnessing a certain "look" on Roarke's face...a look usually reserved only for Eve. The heartbreak & angst are high in this one as Roarke & Eve struggle with out of the ordinary feelings neither are sure how to handle. Eve fears that if he could go back & choose again, Roarke's choice might not be her. Roarke is upset that Eve doesn't completely trust him. The pain that they both feel just hurts my heart. Loved this book. And, oh yes, the case also has some heartbreaking scenes. This one has lots of momentous quotes. Innocent in Death is my favorite of the In Death series. A fantastic Must Read!
(2015 review) While the case in this book is a good one with a shocker ending, it's the character relationships that shoot this one to the top of my list of In Death books. The character relationship development is huge! When a past love of Roarke's returns to claim the love she left behind 12 years ago, Eve's world is severely rattled. Roarke appears blinded by the manipulation of his past girlfriend, & Eve is devastated after witnessing a certain "look" on Roarke's face...a look usually reserved only for Eve. The heartbreak & angst are high in this one as Roarke & Eve struggle with out of the ordinary feelings neither are sure how to handle. Eve fears that if he could go back & choose again, Roarke's choice might not be her. Roarke is upset that Eve doesn't completely trust him. The pain that they both feel just hurts my heart. Loved this book. And, oh yes, the case also has some heartbreaking scenes. This one has lots of momentous quotes. Innocent in Death is my favorite of the In Death series. A fantastic Must Read!
April 23, 2023
I read this book when it first came out years ago, and listened to it this week as I'm working through most of the J.D. Robb books on audio. I loved it as much the second time as the first.
July 29, 2017
First, I won't talk much on the murders on this one but the murderer? Oh man, it was damn right creepy. So unexpected and it was like a punch in the gut. I was thinking, can it really happen? Is it possible?
Also a woman (who I want to b*tch slap)from Roarke's past is set to cause trouble and grief in their marriage. For the first time in starting this series, I did not have hearts in my eyes while reading about Roarke. Not happy with him here. Men can be so dense! And also for the first time our fearless Eve feels vulnerable to the machinations of an evil b*tch. She dubs her anti me and I don't like an insecure Eve but as a woman I totally understand her. I hurt for Eve here.
"Don't diminish my feelings, my instincts, or what I know. Don't you make a joke of this or of me. You looked at her, and for a second, the first time you saw her again, you gave her what's supposed to be mine."
"Can you really believe this? Believe that I'd regret it was you and not her? Haven't I told you enough, shown you enough, that you're everything to me?"
"Can you understand that that whatever it was I felt for her it's nothing. It's so pale, so thin and weak compared to what I feel for you."
And when he found out at last (halleluiah) the b'tch's plan. I loved what he said to her.
"I'd crush you like a bug for causing my wife one single.moment of pain. Believe it. Fear it."
But My favorite part is the punches towards the end. It was epic! Eve my hero!
Also a woman (who I want to b*tch slap)from Roarke's past is set to cause trouble and grief in their marriage. For the first time in starting this series, I did not have hearts in my eyes while reading about Roarke. Not happy with him here. Men can be so dense! And also for the first time our fearless Eve feels vulnerable to the machinations of an evil b*tch. She dubs her anti me and I don't like an insecure Eve but as a woman I totally understand her. I hurt for Eve here.
"Don't diminish my feelings, my instincts, or what I know. Don't you make a joke of this or of me. You looked at her, and for a second, the first time you saw her again, you gave her what's supposed to be mine."
"Can you really believe this? Believe that I'd regret it was you and not her? Haven't I told you enough, shown you enough, that you're everything to me?"
"Can you understand that that whatever it was I felt for her it's nothing. It's so pale, so thin and weak compared to what I feel for you."
And when he found out at last (halleluiah) the b'tch's plan. I loved what he said to her.
"I'd crush you like a bug for causing my wife one single.moment of pain. Believe it. Fear it."
But My favorite part is the punches towards the end. It was epic! Eve my hero!
January 3, 2022
1st read 11-16 September 2013
2nd read 9-18 January 2016
The kid is the creepiest one I have ever read.
2nd read 9-18 January 2016
The kid is the creepiest one I have ever read.
November 20, 2022
Audible is excellent ... I know, I keep repeating myself.
Eve - my FAVOURITE ever heroine.
Roarke - PERFECT.
Magdelena - total BITCH.
Eve - my FAVOURITE ever heroine.
Roarke - PERFECT.
Magdelena - total BITCH.
September 29, 2024
I have to say, I liked this one a lot - it's a highlight of the series, I think.
Roarke pissed me off a bit, in how poorly he handled the Magdalana situation - it was awful seeing him be so fucking blind as she manipulated him, and how much he hurt Eve ... all while continuing to act like he was the victim here. Ugh. As I think I've mentioned in other reviews, I'm not the Roarke fangirl that I think a lot of reviewers are. Don't get me wrong, I love him. I just don't fall into the "Roarke can do no wrong" club. He does wrong, a lot. I'm more Team Eve than Team Roarke, most of the time... though I'm always Team Roarke+Eve. They have a very real relationship, with very real hiccups and tension, but they always triumph and their relationship is beautiful.
And I really just love Eve. She has no foundation of normalcy, and watching her struggle to understand things most of us learned in childhood is compelling reading. She is a magnificent character - fierce and brilliant, and yet also fiercely loving, even when that love costs her so much (I don't just mean with Roarke, I mean with her friends - the books where they slapped at her for doing her job really hurt, Feeney probably more than anyone since he's such a father-figure to her - and with the dead she stands for).
This book was also great for confirming explicitly that the sniping between Summerset and Eve is just window-dressing now - a drama they both enjoy. That's been pretty clear for a while, but I think that making it explicit was good, especially because in this book Eve really needed the support.
I also have to say, the mystery in this one was really engaging. Across the board, this book was firing on all cylinders.
Roarke pissed me off a bit, in how poorly he handled the Magdalana situation - it was awful seeing him be so fucking blind as she manipulated him, and how much he hurt Eve ... all while continuing to act like he was the victim here. Ugh. As I think I've mentioned in other reviews, I'm not the Roarke fangirl that I think a lot of reviewers are. Don't get me wrong, I love him. I just don't fall into the "Roarke can do no wrong" club. He does wrong, a lot. I'm more Team Eve than Team Roarke, most of the time... though I'm always Team Roarke+Eve. They have a very real relationship, with very real hiccups and tension, but they always triumph and their relationship is beautiful.
And I really just love Eve. She has no foundation of normalcy, and watching her struggle to understand things most of us learned in childhood is compelling reading. She is a magnificent character - fierce and brilliant, and yet also fiercely loving, even when that love costs her so much (I don't just mean with Roarke, I mean with her friends - the books where they slapped at her for doing her job really hurt, Feeney probably more than anyone since he's such a father-figure to her - and with the dead she stands for).
This book was also great for confirming explicitly that the sniping between Summerset and Eve is just window-dressing now - a drama they both enjoy. That's been pretty clear for a while, but I think that making it explicit was good, especially because in this book Eve really needed the support.
I also have to say, the mystery in this one was really engaging. Across the board, this book was firing on all cylinders.
August 23, 2016
My favorite in the series so far!!
I knew it was that demon!!
I knew it was that demon!!
November 8, 2022
this was intense and exceptional!!
glad that finally I guessed the killer early on, still I could n0t stop reading it
this series is amazing and so addicting!!
glad that finally I guessed the killer early on, still I could n0t stop reading it
this series is amazing and so addicting!!
June 2, 2019
The one where Eve investigates a murder of a teacher at a private school. It was creepy seeing who the murderer was.
On a personal note, an ex of Roarke comes back into his life and stirs up some serious strife between Eve and Roarke. Eve can see she’s manipulating Roarke, but Roarke is blind to it.
“No. And don’t you saddle your high horse and think to ride it here. I did nothing to cause this.”
The hurled ball of fury merely bounced off Summerset’s composure. “And nothing to prevent it.”
“Prevent what?” Roarke whirled. Here, at least, was a target for the rage. “My wife’s sudden turn into an unreasonable, jealous mass of moods?”
“Your wife’s astute reaction to the manipulations of a clever woman. Which you’d recognize if you weren’t so hellbent on being right.”
It ends well but there’s a lot of marital angst in it.
On a personal note, an ex of Roarke comes back into his life and stirs up some serious strife between Eve and Roarke. Eve can see she’s manipulating Roarke, but Roarke is blind to it.
“No. And don’t you saddle your high horse and think to ride it here. I did nothing to cause this.”
The hurled ball of fury merely bounced off Summerset’s composure. “And nothing to prevent it.”
“Prevent what?” Roarke whirled. Here, at least, was a target for the rage. “My wife’s sudden turn into an unreasonable, jealous mass of moods?”
“Your wife’s astute reaction to the manipulations of a clever woman. Which you’d recognize if you weren’t so hellbent on being right.”
It ends well but there’s a lot of marital angst in it.
October 8, 2022
Uzun zamandır ilk defa katili çok önceden bilmeyi başardım 🤭
May 28, 2018
Very disturbing one. I knew from the beginning who the killer was but I hoped to see someone else murdered the people. But I wasn't lucky, reading those last pages made me feel sick. But I had to say; an amazing story as always. Eve and Roarke had the biggest problem in their marriage in this one and I was sad half of the book. Of course they worked it out but it was depressing to read.
The author still amazes me. At her every book I can't stop reading. I'll definitely go on.
“She would be a sparkling accent on his arm. She speaks flawless French and Italian, and has a limitless supply of charm when she wishes to dispense it. And'd she'll use him. She'll take, take more. If it was necessary, or if she simply had the whim, she'd toss him to the wolves to see who'd win."
He finished the whiskey. "You, Lieutenant, are often crude, you are certainly rude, and have very little sense of how to be the wife--in public--of a man in Roarke's position. And you would do anything, no matter what the personal risk, to keep him from harm. She will never love him. You will never do anything but.”
“No. No, I don't believe you'd betray me with her. I don't believe you'd cheat on me. But I'm afraid, and I'm sick in my heart that you might look at her, then at me. And regret.”
The author still amazes me. At her every book I can't stop reading. I'll definitely go on.
“She would be a sparkling accent on his arm. She speaks flawless French and Italian, and has a limitless supply of charm when she wishes to dispense it. And'd she'll use him. She'll take, take more. If it was necessary, or if she simply had the whim, she'd toss him to the wolves to see who'd win."
He finished the whiskey. "You, Lieutenant, are often crude, you are certainly rude, and have very little sense of how to be the wife--in public--of a man in Roarke's position. And you would do anything, no matter what the personal risk, to keep him from harm. She will never love him. You will never do anything but.”
“No. No, I don't believe you'd betray me with her. I don't believe you'd cheat on me. But I'm afraid, and I'm sick in my heart that you might look at her, then at me. And regret.”
February 22, 2010
Roarke vs. Magdalena:"Listen carefully. I'd crush you like a bug for causing my wife one single moment of pain. Believe it. Fear it." ....
Any threat to Eve, whether it be emotional or physical, sure brings out Scary Roarke with a vengenance. Yeah, Roarke was a blind fool at first when it came to Magdalena, but he came to his senses and when he finally saw through Maggie's farce he didn't hold back one bit on his wrath.
Eve vs. Magdalena: I had no doubt Eve would come out swinging, literally. In the end, how she dealt with Roarke and Maggie was priceless. Hilarious, applaudable....and just so Eve.
This one joins Divided in Death and Reunion in Death as one of the top favs in the series.
Any threat to Eve, whether it be emotional or physical, sure brings out Scary Roarke with a vengenance. Yeah, Roarke was a blind fool at first when it came to Magdalena, but he came to his senses and when he finally saw through Maggie's farce he didn't hold back one bit on his wrath.
Eve vs. Magdalena: I had no doubt Eve would come out swinging, literally. In the end, how she dealt with Roarke and Maggie was priceless. Hilarious, applaudable....and just so Eve.
This one joins Divided in Death and Reunion in Death as one of the top favs in the series.
March 9, 2022
I was a little disappointed in my book boyfriend, Roarke, in his handling of the situation with the "slut" and how he acted with Eve. Glad Eve handled it, in the end, the way she did. WTG, Eve!
As far as the story itself, it was very disturbing. I figured out the who about half way, but didn't know the why. Geez!
As far as the story itself, it was very disturbing. I figured out the who about half way, but didn't know the why. Geez!
January 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this addition to the In Death series! However I found it to be heart-wrenching and disturbing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,474 reviews