Lieutenant Eve Dallas returns to take on a case of death imitating art in Dark in Death, New York Times bestselling master of suspense J. D. Robb's 46th In Death novel (available January 30, 2018).
Read Allison Brennan's review of Dark in Death, then make sure you're signed in and comment below for a chance to win a copy of J. D. Robb's 46th In Death novel!
I’m a reader first and foremost. I love books; I’ve loved books since I was a toddler and would bring my grandpa a stack of my “favorites” to read every night before bed. According to my mother, my grandpa would try and skip pages or hide a couple books under the couch cushion, but I would always catch him and demand (I’m sure in a very cute way) that he read every page in every book I brought.
My love for stories has grown with me. I read every Trixie Belden and every Nancy Drew, and as I migrated to “grown-up” books, I loved to find a series to glom onto. While a good standalone is always fun, finding a new world to immerse myself in where I can return from time to time is always a special treat.
Sometimes, I find a series and read a bunch and lose interest. Other times, I find a series and can’t wait until the next book comes out. I might tell myself, “Okay, that book was fabulous—she (or he) can’t possibly do it again.” And then the author writes another great book. And another. And another.
Such is the In Death series by J. D. Robb. I keep expecting—after nearly 50 books—that there’s going to be a gradual decline. How can anyone, even a serious, professional author, keep writing stories with punch to keep me turning pages—to make me want to read every single page? It’s like I’m waiting for a dud … and while there have been a couple that I didn’t like as well as others, there has been no dud. No crash and burn. No steady decline. And mostly? I get a book like Dark in Death, which goes near the top of my favorites in the series.
Take a visual tour of Dark in Death with GIFnotes!
I started reading Dark with a bit of a frown. Why? Because my first published book (The Prey) had a similar premise—a killer using an author’s books as blueprints for murder. But I certainly wasn’t the first author to use that premise, and J. D. Robb won’t be the last. The premise was where the similarities ended, however. By the end of Chapter One, I was hooked.
“What’s forty-five seconds?”
“Sorry, the shower scene. It runs for forty-five brilliant, terrifying seconds. I just wonder if the last thing she saw before … if the last thing she saw was murder.”
Forty-five seconds, Eve thought when he walked away.
More than enough time to kill.
From there, I couldn’t put the book down. I was completely invested in the police investigation, the characters—both new and familiar—and figuring out the crime along with Lieutenant Eve Dallas. And near the middle, just when I thought Robb was going to take an easy out, she did something I didn’t expect, which had me smiling as I finished the second half of the book in one sitting.
More than a good crime thriller, which Robb always delivers, there was some “insider” author commentary that had me nodding my head. For anyone who watched Castle (especially the first couple seasons) who is also a writer, there were many “writer truths” that had me doubled over in stitches. There were a few of those in Dark that had me smiling, spoken through Eve’s cynical and honest voice. Of course, Robb knows what she’s talking about.
See also: Review: Breaking Point by Allison Brennan
So, I just re-read this review and realized I’m gushing. Yeah, I guess I am. One part thrilled, one part satisfied, and one part jealous. Why? Because I’m a writer, and I know that it isn’t easy to consistently write a great story. Series, standalone, or trilogies—writing is hard work.
Dark in Death has everything I want in a J. D. Robb thriller. Eve and Roarke, of course; Galahad, the spoiled fat cat; Peabody and McNab; a sprinkling of other favorites like Morris the M.E., Mira the profiler, Nadine the reporter, and the slew of Eve’s cops who—though they get little page time—have distinct personalities to add to the flavor of the story. And mostly, Dark in Death has a great murder mystery to solve with a compelling and believable villain. So here I am, done with the book and wondering when the next one is going to hit the shelves. I looked it up. I have to wait until September.
Fortunately, I have more books to read—and to write—while I impatiently wait for the next In Death.
Read an excerpt from Dark in Death!
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Dark in Death Comment Sweepstakes: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase does not improve your chances of winning. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of 50 United States, D.C., and Canada (excluding Quebec), who are 18 years or older as of the date of entry. To enter, complete the “Post a Comment” entry at https://www.criminalelement.com/blogs/2018/01/review-dark-in-death-by-j-d-robb-comment-sweepstakes beginning at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) January 30, 2018. Sweepstakes ends 12:59 p.m. ET February 13, 2018. Void outside the United States and Canada and where prohibited by law. Please see full details and official rules here. Sponsor: Macmillan, 175 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010.
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Allison Brennan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Lost Girls and Make Them Pay, among others. She was nominated for Best Paperback Original Thriller by International Thriller Writers and the Daphne du Maurier Award by Kiss of Death. A former consultant in the California State Legislature, Allison lives in Northern California with her husband, five kids, and assorted pets.
This books sounds great! Another great J.D. Robb detective story!
I would love to read the book.
This sounds like another great novel by the author – would love to read it.
Love JD Robb!
I’m super excited about Dark in Death! I just did a full re-read of the series!!
Sounds good!
Please enter me in this sweepstakes.
Thanks —
Reading a new J.D. Robb is like visiting with old friends–and getting a super puzzle to solve as well. Never fails to entertain.
J.D. Robb’s In Death series is my favorite! I wait and wait for each new book to be released. Dark in Death sounds like another great one.
O love her books. I hope that I can win.
Love JD Robb and have been reading her for years. I had no idea, though, that she has written 50 books! I am looking forward to reading this one and the one due out in September!
I was first introduced to Nora Roberts books by a friend of mine in 2001. Ever scence then I have read every book by her and have also gone to 3 different book signings. I also have quite a bit of her memorabilia/merchandise. To say I am a fan is an understatement. I always pre order her books now that I have a Kindle. Can wait to start reading Dark In Death tonight.
Thanks for the chance! This one is on my list.
Love the In Death series!
J.D.Robb’s Eve Dallas is still going strong at 45 books.
I love the In Death series. All the charaters make me smile.
I have read every single book in the “In Death” series (some of them twice). I can hardly wait to read Dark In Death. JD Robb is the best!!
Have read almost all of the In Death series. Can’t wait to read this one!
Can’t wait till this is out…I’d love to win! Please make my day!!! 🙂
This sounds exactly like the type of series I was hoping to read next! I have always loved mysteries and thrillers – from my young age of Nancy Drew, to my teens with Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock. I’m hoping J D Robb continues this series for a while – I love to read!
I love her books.
I ?? J.D. Robb Death Series. I regret finishing one, because I know I will have to wait for the next one to be written. 2 future plot lines I am looking forward too, someone CLOSE to Dallas dies, or that Dallas is pregnant. Would be interesting to see the character thrown for a loop, and/or the rest of the characters try to offer comfort. I usually borrow books from the library because I can get them in large print. But for this series I buy, & get out my full page magnifier. Can’t wait for it to come into the library.
I read many JD Robb novels! Always great!
Oooh!
I am in dire need of a new series..
I would love to win this book. I haven’t read any by this author as of yet. Thanks for the opportunity!
I’m a huge fan of Dallas and Roarke and all the gang! The books are like ice cream: I want to consume them slowly, but it’s just not possible.
If Allison numbers this on her Favorites in the Series list, I can’t wait to dive in. The In Death series is my Chicken Soup for Reading Slumps–any place, any time.
I’m on the wait list at the library, can’t wait.
Wow. This sounds INTENSE. I’m kind of a big chicken so takes a lot for me to want to read something that scares me a little bit. But this sounds amazing. Fingers crossed. Thanks for the chance !
I love the In Death series. I read them again and again and never grow bored. I wait impatiently for the next book to come out so that I can read it. I love the world J. D. Robb has created.
Sounds like a good book!
Hope to win !
Can’t wait to read this one. I read the first chapter and am ready for the rest.
I love J.D.Robb. I am currently reading Secrets in Death. Only problem with these books is I can’t put them down!
I’ve never read anything by J.D. Robb before. Sounds like I should!
Great review and you hit the nail on the head, how does she “keep writing stories with punch to keep me turning pages—to make me want to read every single page”! Long as she keeps writing them, I’ll be buying them. Just love JD Robb/Nora Roberts!
Would love to win!
I’d really like to read this!
Thank you for your review…..but you’ve made the wait for the release of Dark in Death even harder!
I have started rereading the In Death series, mainly because I can’t wait for the next book to come out! Never a dull read!
never read this series
I love JD Robb’s books and cannot wait to read this one!
great books and fabulous author. Thanks.
I love the In Death series and was pleased Ms. Brennan included my favorite character when she was doing a recap of them. I listen to the books while I knit or crochet and look forward to hearing this book the rest of the week.
Dark in Death sounds like an excellent read!
Dark in Death sounds like an excellent read!
LOVE THE SERIES, HAVE EVERY BOOK IN THE DEATH SERIES.
Another great Death book from a fantastic writer! Picking mine up tomorrow and can’t wait to get started.
Great series by a talented author.
Love JD ROBB and would love to win a copy of Dark In Death. One of my dog’s middle name was Roark. I tried to name my female, Eve Dallas, but she wouldn’t respond to it. She became Tallulah Bankhead, when she revealled herself to be a drama queen with a taste for wine. My new CRV is named Peabody, the trusty sidekick.
I am like the author of this review, I keep thinking where does all her ideas keep coming from to keep making more books, all within the same world of Eve and Roarke. I’ve decided to slowly collect the entire In Death series of recent. Before it was all through the library or borrowing books from friends. And I have decided to start at the beginning and read them in order. That is another great thing, they can be read alone or not, and they still go great with the mini recaps of certain elements of past books. Right now, I’m getting ready to start on Vengeance in Death. And I will make my way to where she is at now as a writer again! <3
I havereadandown all ofJ D Robbs’ books. Most of them are great, while a few are good, none are bad.
I have read every book in the series up to this point and cannot wait to read this one. Winning my own copy would be awesome!
I have read, re-read, and re-re-read this series. It’s one of the few series that stays fresh and never fails to surprise me. I’m looking forward to reading this latest addition.
I just got the Dark In Death today and can’t wait to begin it tonight! I am always sad when I read it so quickly, glad there are so many books in the series so I can go back and re-read them. I’ve Missed my fictional friends, Eve, Roarke, Peabody, and the rest. And our cat Sugar, is just like Galahad!
There never has been a Robb that wasn’t a winner!
I can’t wait to read this! I’m actually a couple books behind, no idea how I let that happen! Need to catch up!
Another great book!!!!
Great review. I want to read this book. I read the first four in the series and slacked off. But now I want to read this book.
I absolutely Love JD Robb. I can’t wait for each book to come out. She has been my favorite for years. Just something about her writing.
In death series is my one of my favorite. I read the book then have to wait another 6 months or so get my next Eve and Rourke fix
I have loved this series from the start. Can’t wait for this one, and would love to win. Thanks.
It’s HIGH time that I win and this would be a very good one to start with!
I love the entire Death series by JD Robb. Eve & Roarke are the greatest couple
I’ve been waiting for this book since I first saw it on NetGalley. I’m so excited it’s out!
Looks like a good one – would love to win!
I am so excited to see J.D. Robb has another book out. I read them all as soon as I can. Would love to win this book.
Who doesn’t love J.D. Robb?
Not that I need one more author to follow, but I haven’t read any of this author’s books and would love to try.
J.D. Robb is my favorite author of all time! I love every single one of the In Death books! I’m so excited to read this one and would love to win a copy!
I love JD Robb/ Nora Roberts. she has not disapointed in either penname. I have all of her JD Robb books, my hubby says I can’t buy anymore authors but he insists that JD Robb and Nora are, sigh. I guess e-books will have to do with Nora
Count me in, please!
Count me in, please!
I read the excerpt online as soon as I was able to. And then I then I ran to the library to get my reserved copy of Secrets In Death from the library (I always reserve a copy for my first reading). I read the excerpt again to get myself ready. JD Robb is awesome!
I love the In Death series! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of Dark in Death.
My wife would certainly enjoy this one…
My wife would certainly enjoy this one…
What a great giveaway!!
Can’t wait .
I too love this series …. and can’t wait each time for the next one to come out! Definitely put my name in for this one!!
I love all her books have not found one that I have not liked.
I’m so excited to get this book and read it! I’ll start it on a Friday after work and if I don’t have it finished by lunch time Saturday, I’ll eat it with red sauce!
I cannot get enough of the “In Death” series. I do not grow tired of the characters. I actually feel like they are family and close friends. There are other authors series that I’ve become bored with, but not J.D. Robb’s. I’ll read Nora’s other books, but they don’t capture me the same way!
I look forward to reading this. I’ve enjoyed all of J.D. Robb’s books.
Always looking for a new series
i would love to win this for my mom-she loves you so much, and cant wait for each next book to come out
Can’t wait to read it. I love the In Death series.
Sounds like a great read; thanks for the opportunity!
I have read the entire series twice now and would love a copy of this book.
Thank you for the contest. Her books are always fantastic
Always look forward to a new Robb book.
Always look forward to a new Robb book.
46th is the charm!
I am a huge fan of the In Death series and totally agree…how can this level of great writing/plots have been sustained over a mind-boggling 46 books?! Don’t know, but so glad it has been!
I am a huge fan of the In Death series and totally agree…how can this level of great writing/plots have been sustained over a mind-boggling 46 books?! Don’t know, but so glad it has been!
Can’t wait
It’s difficult not to gush when talking about J.D. Robb’s captivating IN DEATH books. Each one is its own special treat in a series that never grows old and never fails to be intriguing. Eve’s fans, I’m sure, are legion. Thanks for a great review, Allison, and thanks to J.D. Robb for such an amazing series.
I started reading alot by 5th grade, went through my mother’s collection of mysteries in junior high. I really enjoy Nora/JD books. I also like Castle.
I don’t know this series, but would like to read it.
This is a great series. Cant wait for the newest installment!
I have a couple of the books in this series, but I haven’t yet gotten around to reading them. Soon, maybe.
Love this series.
Love this series, have read all of them!
I love this series and am always anxiously awaiting the next book!
Love this series, have read them all!
[s]I[/s] was a late-comer to this series because crime in the future just didnt sound like my thing. Then for some reason the back snippet on one of the books caught my attention so I started reading. That was it; I was HOOKED!!!! No choice but to then get the first in the series and go from there. I am in love and can’t wait to catchup and be able to read this one.
I love this series and have read all of JD Robb’s books. The characters are intriguing and become one of the family. I would be so happy to receive a copy of Dark in Death. Thanks!
I always wait impatiently for JD Robb’s books and have never been disappointed. She really is the best.
I always wait impatiently for JD Robb’s books and have never been disappointed. She really is the best.
One of my all time favorite series.
Count me in, please!
Count me in, please!
Wow, Allison Brennan, your bringing up Trixie Belden Books was a blast from the way distant pass. If you loved J.D. Robb’s new book I have a feeling that I will too.
A must have! Yes!
I’ve been reading J.D. Robb books from the very beginning and wait with bated breath for the next one. Thank you for the review. You’re right, there is no decline in her writing.
I can’t wait to read it. The wait has been too long.
I can’t wait to read it. The wait has been too long.
Cannot wait to read, have read everyone. Love the characters.
I first found the “In Death” series by accident. I was in the emergency room, waiting, when I found a tattered copy of one of the early books (I forget which one….like maybe the 3rd or 4th book….). Picked it up and read it, been hooked ever since.Always kind of thought the book series would have made a nice television show.
If this latest book in the series holds true to the others, it should be great….cannot waiut to read it.
I first found the “In Death” series by accident. I was in the emergency room, waiting, when I found a tattered copy of one of the early books (I forget which one….like maybe the 3rd or 4th book….). Picked it up and read it, been hooked ever since.Always kind of thought the book series would have made a nice television show.
If this latest book in the series holds true to the others, it should be great….cannot wait to read it.
This sounds like another good read in a great series. Can hardly wait to get a copy!
LOVE this series. It hits all the right notes for me
I love the “In Death” series. I’m in the process of re-reading the whole series!!
I love the “In Death” series. I’m in the process of re-reading the whole series!!
I have loved Eve and Roarke from the very first book. In my mind I can hear that lovely Irish accent. These characters have become family and I look forward to see what happens in the next book. Thanks JD Robb!
I started reading this series back in 2004, I think. Aside from the old harlequin stuff, I think I’ve read every single book she has written, both as Nora Roberts and JD Robb. A few months ago, I started re-reading the In Death series and I’m on book 11. I would love to win a copy of this newest book!
I love both these ladies books and try not to miss any of them!!
sounds interesting-would love to win!
sounds interesting-would love to win!
I have started the new book and love it, can’t wait to finish today, then will re-read it next week to catch the small things I missed. Just Love this series. Would love to win this bood
always eager to read a new JDRobb
I’ve been waiting for months for Dark in Death to be released. Love Eve and Roarke.
Another winner!
I love mysteries so would love to read this book.
What a cool series!
read the excerpt-book sounds good
Sounds like a book that I would enjoy reading!
I have all the In Death book and so look for to Dark in Death. These are my go to books when I have nothing to read I can always start over In Death or just pick one. Thansk for the great reading!!
I have to agree with a love for good series. I haven’t read any of the “In Death” books yet, but they are definitely on my to read list. Thanks for the post!
Great to see a new J.D. Robb book! I’d love to win a copy of Dark in Death, thanks for the chance.
cant wait to read this
I have EVERY “In Death” Some I have 2. I’m first in line and it is understood that any book I’m reading will have to wait for me to finish In Death.
I have EVERY “In Death” Some I have 2. I’m first in line and it is understood that any book I’m reading will have to wait for me to finish In Death.
Can’t wait to read the latest. I read them too fast, so try to slow down and enjoy. A late comer to this series, so I had fun searching for all the early ones and piecing together all the information prior to the one I started with (who everyone is how they met, etc. ) More fun to come!!
Thanks
Can’t wait to read this. I’ve got it on hold through the library.
Sounds really good. Can’t wait to get it.
I seriously can’t wait for this book to come out. I can never put them down. I absolutely love Eve!
I love the In Death series and this one is no different. I love the anticipation and the excitement she uses in her writing and hope to one-day own all of the series.
I love J.D. Robb. I have all of the in Death books. I can’t wait to read this next book
I’ve been reading Nora Roberts since I got a free copy in a book club subscription. I found J.D. Robb at a book store by accident, bought 3 of the in death series and was hooked for life, now I compare other writers, she’s my favorite over all.
I love J.D. Robb. I have all of her Death books i cant wait to read this new one.
Looking forward to reading this entry in the In Death series. Some of the books are more compelling than others, but the series is certainly still going strong
The review really sells the book
I absolutely love all the In Death books by J.D. Robb! Can’t wait to read this one. Thank you for the chance
I am a fan of J. D. Robb’s Eve Dallas, and I want to be just like her when I grow up. Of course I will have to grow up first, something I’ve managed to postpone for at least forty or fifty years. Each book reveals a new facet of the very polished series. I am getting my audiobook now!
Getting ready to read Dark in Death. This is my favorite series. Love the characters and the stories.
Doing a re-read now of the series. Can’t wait for new books.
Currently re-reading the In Death series. Can’t wait to read Dark In Death.
I have not had the chance to read books by J.D.Robb so I’m anxious to start.
I have read and re-read all the the In Death books. Just finished Dark In Death and I must say it did not disappoint! Loved the murder investigation and of course the Eve and Roarke scenes. Waiting impatiently for the next book in September!
Planning on starting this book as soon as I finish the book I’m reading now.
Fantastic which is what I expect from JD Robb. I thought I knew who the killer was but as usual I was wrong……. love
Enjoy this series and cannot wait to read it. My book is on the truck. Love all of her books!
Love all her books. Can’t wait to read this one!!
Love this series. I’m also one of those people checking to see when next one coming out!
Read it straight through and enjoyed my guilty pleasure time. J D Robb books are never a disappointment.
I love this series! I keep the books & am working on re-reading from the beginning.
J.D. Robb has never let me down. How she continues to put out such awesome stories is beyond me. She is so amazing, can’t wait to start reading Dark in Death! Just got it today! Hubby is eating sandwiches for supper! LoL
J D Robb and Nora Roberts’ books are my top favorites. I am so very grateful that she shares her talented gift for writing. Once I discovered her books, I went back and read each one in order, as it was published, and in doing so I have had the privilege of enjoying her stories as she has grown and evolved in her talent as an author. I agree with Allison this book is one of my top favorites in the series.
J.D. Robb is a perpetual favorite at my library!
Count me in!
The In Death series is my all-time favorite! For those of you who listen to audio books, In Death is amazing. Susan Erickson brings the characters to life, and she is the only way I read Eve’s stories.
Just recieved my copy in the mail! Eve and Roarke are amazing together and Peabody is the perfect partner for the Lt. Looks like its time to curl up in my favorite chair and read!
I have read all of the Eve Dallas books. In fact, I enjoy this series so much, i have purchased most of them and are recycling back through the start of the series. I can’t get enough and the writing is so good, so entertaining. Why haven’t they made a movie yet?
I have read all of the Eve Dallas books. In fact, I enjoy this series so much, i have purchased most of them and are recycling back through the start of the series. I can’t get enough and the writing is so good, so entertaining. Why haven’t they made a movie yet?
Can’t wait for payday so I can get this. Love J. D. Robb and the In Death series!
I would love to read this book. Thank you for the chance! 🙂
I can not wait to get my hands on this book. I love all of JD Robb’s books.
Would love to win this book! Thank you!
would love the chance to read this.
Count me in! 🙂
Still waiting for my book in the mail darn it!
Love all Nora’s books. I have her whole collection except some of her really early on novels. I do have all the In Death books.
I love the In Death series. Can’t wait to read the newest installment.
I’ve read all of the In Death books, and at least most of the short stories. I got my husband hooked on them as well, and we love listening to the audiobooks. I’d love to win a copy of this one!
I love the In Death series by J.D.Robb! I haven’t missed one yet and can’t wait to read Death in Dark!
Sounds like another winner. Love this author.
I just love Eve Dallas!
I love the JD Robb series….. Cant wait until each new book comes out.
As always this looks like another one in this series you don’t want to miss.
Please choose me!
I enjoy JD Robb’s Dallas Series. Am just finishing up one now. Looking forward to reading this one.
Can’t wait to read this one!
Just placed a HOLD on this item in my public library. I can’t wait to start to read it. LOVE J.D. Robb!!! This book in her series sounds like it will put the reader in “real-time” since it seems that it will have some great WHO DUNNIT novels included.
Thanks.
So happy to see another In Death from J. D. Robb. I can’t wait to read it.
sounds interesting
I love the In Death series and I agree that it continues to be one great read after another.
J. D. Robb is my absolute favorite author!
I loved this book. I borrowed it from the library and would love to have my own copy. This series just keeps getting better and better!!
J.D. Robb is my favorite author! Have not been able to purchace any books for a few years so winning one would be amazing.
Sounds like I may have found a new author to love. Thanks for the awesome review and the chance to start my journey with a free book
This is my absolute favorite author, and I can’t wait to read this one!
I have always enjoyed reading JD Robb’s books. Its been a while since I have read one of her books. I will have to get this one.
This sounds wonderful! Need to check this author out!
I enjoy a good thriller that keeps me guessing and pulls me along in the story.
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your current book “Death In Dark”.
Wonder if the author whose murders are being staged is her friend?
I’ve only read one Robb book, but enjoyed it a lot.
I for one am so ready for Eve on the big screen or on TV. Could you see an Eve Dallas series? I know I could!
I am starting this book at lunch today. I love Eve, Roarke and the In Death Series…I have read them all!
Read what you said. Omg I feel like you do Allison! I was hooked first book & own the whole set except 2, well 3 now. Lol looking forward to hardback with poster!
She is right there has not been any bad “In Death” stories. Some have been 4* but most have been 5* in ratings. The only complaint I have is that the time spent with friends is not in the books much anymore. The baby Bella is over 1 year now. Have an all girls day include Trinnie and .Bella.
Thanks for reading my opinion,
Bethann Hoy FighKat
I absolutely ADORE and OBSESS on the “In Death” books!!! Each one gets better & better and I am sure this one will be no different!! Cannot wait for this one!!!!!!!!
This thriller sounds like a must read! Thanks for the chance to win a copy! I would love to win this one!!