Detective Eve Dallas is called to the scene of a homicide at a setting that was supposed to be for a celebration of a marriage. Eve is hot on the trail of a killer who may have killed for passion but had the whole thing planned out meticulously. Her work with her colleagues takes them to various places throughout the city and interviewing a plethora of possible suspects. Roarke, of course, is front and center, as he helps Eve relax between the interviews and also contributes in his very unique and money-centered way. My favorite character continues to be the quirky and teasing Peabody, Eve’s partner and a perfect character for detail-minded Eve since Peabody sees the whole picture and has as much fun as she can while doing it. I enjoyed how the story evolved methodically, with clues along the way and some twists and red herrings that kept me guessing right along with Eve and her team. The pace is moderate, not too fast to lose me in the mountain of details, and not too slow to cause me to lose interest. In fact, I stayed engaged from beginning to end and was pleasantly surprised at the conclusion. Eve Dallas does what she does best in this latest in the series; she is snarky and she solves crimes that baffle all those around her.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


I love the In Death series. I am always so happy to have a new book in this series. The characters have become beloved to me, and their circle of friends with comfortable connections. The smart way the police work the cases and try to get a vision of what happened and what makes sense is always exciting. In addition to the case, I enjoy the personal growth of the characters. There's nothing realistic about the stories but the characters' emotions.
Every book in this series is a comfort read. Because I love the characters. Passions in Death is #59 and I have read every one. The combination of a police procedural with great characters and world building is a winner for me. There is a bachelorette party or "hen" party of sorts and one of the brides is murdered. It's heart breaking because the couple was SO happy. The victim was a wonderful person, an artist with talent.

I watch as Eve goes through suspects, motives and takes a stand for the victim to get justice. More than many other installments, this is a study of characters and getting at the motive. It isn't as simple and the evidence is limited. Eve tries on different suspects and checks facts to see if they work, and figures it out.

Along with the case, we have the wonder of Eve with her marriage. She notices how other couples interact like Mira and Dennis, Mavis and Leonardo, Crack and Rochelle, and reflects on how nice it is to be married. I would say the pace here is slower and the story is more people-oriented than action-packed. It's still a triumph when the law prevails.

the setup…
Erin Albright and Shauna Hunnicut are celebrating their upcoming wedding at the Down and Dirty Club. Erin steps away in the middle of the excitement and joyous partying to prepare for her secret surprise she’s arranged for Shauna. She steps into the privacy room to meet the friend who’s her co-conspirator in presenting the surprise. But the surprise is on Erin when whoever is in that room uses a garrote on her, leaving her dead and alone. Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas receives the call directly from Crack, the owner. It’s also eerily coincidental that it’s the same club and room where she was attacked during her pre-wedding celebration.

the heart of the story…
The coincidences to Eve’s assault at the club abound as she was attacked by someone she knew and thought she could trust. Erin and Shauna were surrounded by a tight-knit group of friends, all loyally devoted to one or the other or both. Eve is certain someone in that group wasn’t their friend or, at least not Erin’s and she explores their world with precision and depth. I honed in on a suspect early on, which differed from Eve’s supposition and I foolishly held onto my choice. Yeah, right.

the bottom line…
I enjoyed this latest installment in the series as it was not only a glimpse back into the past but an interesting case on its own. Erin and Shauna’s circle of friends was a strong one but one of them was wearing a mask. Eve and her team not only followed exceptional police procedurals but delved into the psychological aspects of that circle to root out the killer and betrayer. Yes, I got caught flatfooted but there’s the fun. This series just doesn’t get old.

Eve and Roarke have become comfortable characters for me. Each time I pick up an In Death book I feel like I am coming home. I know that with each story, Eve will be solving a horrific crime, Roarke will be working along side her offering her support and his brain. For me, this series is like coming home, a comfort book, and something I look forward to.

Passions in Death had everything I love in a murder mystery book. There are the suspects in the crime, the unveiling of the clues, and of course the final solving. I enjoyed it all the way through my reading. I love that this is set in the future, although that future is coming closer to the current times, and that Eve’s ways of solving are similar to the techniques of today.

There were a few times I felt like the storyline dragging, that the clues were already given and it was time to move forward but mostly I enjoyed the entire book! I could not wait to read more. Passions in Death is a great addition to the In Death Series by J.D. Robb.

What started out as a celebration, ended in the tragic and brutal death of a young woman. Eve Dallas is called to the scene of the crime at the club where the murder occurred. She finds a gruesome scene of a young life tragically cut short. This private room also brings back memories that Eve would rather forget. One thing is readily apparent, this was a violent death committed by someone who not only came prepared to kill, but had no qualms about taking a life.

The story immediately opens with the murder so you go in to the story hot. The rest of the story is the hunt for the killer, which is well-paced. This is another fantastic mystery to add to the many others in this series. I was completely immersed in story from the beginning chapter. If you enjoy a well-written mystery/police procedural, you will enjoy this one.

Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Another solid Eve Dallas story in the series. Everything you expect from J.D. Robb. If you are a fan of Eve and Roarke you will enjoy.

Book 59 in J.D. Robb's In Death series was a solid police procedural, but not a fast-paced or tightly plotted book like I generally expect from this series. The personal side was good, with a bit more of Mavis and Peabody and Roarke in their 'off' time than we often get to see, and Eve reflecting on what forms a person's "tribe" without them even quite realizing it, and how hers has grown since meeting Roarke and Peabody (or for long time readers, the beginning of the series).

This crosses over with her case, where the victim is a woman only a few days away from getting married, one who is murdered celebrating her wedding and surrounded by friends and those she trusts. It quickly becomes clear to Eve that it is one of those trusted friends who killed her. Who and why? "Passions" is more of a ground-eating police procedural where you know it is what "actual police work" looks like- covering the same people and issues over and over again. But there's a reason that isn't generally what you see on movies, TV, or books. That may be more real-life, but it isn't very compelling to watch. Or read, as the case may be. "Passions" wasn't the normal tightly written and fast-moving book I expect from this series.

Not every book in a series can be excellent, and for me this was one that fell a bit flat. The motive for the murder was (as even Eve admits) dumb, and the ending felt rushed. I was hoping for more payoff having pulled through the drawn out plot, but things sped up and just sort of ended instead. I'd still read it, since I love these characters, but this was definitely not my favorite.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This case is personal for Eve because it's similar to her own pre-wedding party at which she was nearly killed and because she's friend with the bar owner and comes to really like the victim and her betrothed. As always, Dallas is here to help whenever and however needed.

Dallas is the perfect guy. He's so supportive and just gets Eve without ever trying to change her. Eve is devoted to her job and really excels at the tough cases. This care has her working overtime trying to decide which of the suspects was capable of murder and why.

The story is so well written and just exactly as good as you would expect any book from JD Robb to be. I recommend it.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

A young woman, looking forward to her upcoming wedding is viciously murdered. The pre-wedding party rages on as Erin lies dead in a privacy room, murdered while planning a surprise for her bride. Who could have wanted her dead and why? She now belongs to Detective Eve Dallas, who will find her killer and find justice for her and her family. Eve calls on her partner, Detective Delia Peabody, her team and especially her husband and civilian, Roarke. There isn’t any information that uber wealthy Roarke is unable to find with his many contacts and computers. As Eve investigates, she has a room full of friends, who are now suspects, and one killer. One by one Eve will work to eliminate members of Erin’s friends, aka her “tribe”, until she finds the killer. Once the killer is in her sight, no one, absolutely no one, can take down a criminal whether verbally or physically like Detective Eve Dallas! My all-time favorite mystery/crime series with a touch of sarcasm and humor between Eve, Delia and Roarke. I have truly enjoyed the gradual development of characters over the many titles and years! A must-read series! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

J. D. Robb delivers another masterpiece in this story. She knows how to build tension for the reader as they turn each page and try to find who the killer is. The characters are mesmerizing and will totally hold the attention of the reader. The plot is interesting and weaves a tale of love and betrayal. This is a story not to be missed and readers will want to have their own copy.

A bride is found dead in a club during a pre=wedding party. Eve Dallas is investigating, despite having been assaulted years before in the same room. This is a well-written murder mystery with plenty of twists and turns. Recommend.

It's hard to believe this is the 59th book in this long-running series. I have read many, but not all, of the prior books. The plot about a woman killed in a nightclub shortly before her wedding is intriguing. Lt. Eve Dallas and her partner Detective Delia Peabody are able to narrow down the suspects through interviews and thorough investigation.

Peabody is my favorite character in this series and I was happy to see she does play a big role in the investigation, unlike some of the more recent books in which Roarke is the one who partners with Eve when questioning suspects. I like the way Dallas and Peabody complement each other so I was glad there were more of those scenes in this book. There were some entertaining moments in the book, but this is not one of my favorites in the series. There doesn't seem to be as much substance as others in the series, and the writing isn't up to the standard of what I expect from a J.D. Robb book. I would rate it 3.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy of this ebook. Although I received the ebook at no cost, my review is voluntary and unbiased.

Eve Dallas has her hands full trying to solve the murder in Passions in Death by J. D. Robb. She continues to depend on Peabody and Roarke in her endeavors.

Stimulating mystery, well-developed characters, and a comfortably paced read. See my complete review at www.reviewingtheevdence.com.

3.5 rounded up - I didn't realize this was a series and to come in on number 59 is rough, even with how the author handled the previous details. Very obvious redherring aside, I liked the who dunnit aspect.

I only recently started this top notch series. This is the 59th story featuring NYC Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas. She lives with her husband Roarke, who is wealthy and very caring of her. The setting is the slightly futuristic 2060s. But even with a little advanced technology this is very much a police procedural novel.

Dallas is called to a nightclub that is familiar to her from her past. The murder victim is one of two brides who were there to have a girls night out before their upcoming weekend wedding. Dallas and her partner Detective Delia Peabody along with their team investigate people in attendance as well as others with a possible motive. This includes interviews, forensics, and running down alibis. You follow Dallas as she pieces together information to find the suspect. She is always professional and caring, wanting justice.

I love that Robb (Nora Roberts) writing in her seventies is inclusive in having a victim be part of a loving lesbian couple. And her use of phrases like "friends with bennies" delighted me. I don’t think my mother knows what that means. LOL. I really appreciate that her writing continues to feel fresh and engaging. The pace is great and the story moves along with ease. I still need to catch up on so much of this series when I can find the time.

I have never read a bad book by J.D.Robb and her newest is no exception. Eve and Peabody are back at it when a young bride to be is killed while out with her fiancé and best friends. Knowing it was a crime of passion Eve and Peobody investigate the death only like they can. This story also had a lot of focus on Eves marriage to Roark and her group of friends. Reading these books feels like checking in with your favorite TV series.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this advanced copy.

Eve Dallas is a murder cop but this one hit close to home.  A bachelorette party at the Down and Dirty and murder in the same room where Eve was once assaulted at her own pre-wedding bash.  A surprise turns bloody, the wedding flowers will become funeral flowers and the long dreamed about honeymoon to Hawaii will never happen.  Is it a crime of passion or cold premediated murder? Eve and her trusty sidekick Peabody are on the job and justice will be served. 
There were no cameras and no clues as to whodunit. It will take old fashioned police work with a good helping of gut to get to the bottom of the crime and bring the killer out into the open. It's only as Eve begins to crack the case open in the end and starts looking for proof that the story picks up the pace otherwise it's a little slow and meandering. 
Since there is no flashbang or multiple murders there was time to dwell on how much Eve has grown into her rich and luxurious lifestyle and how much her relationship with her billionaire husband has settled into a comfortable fit.  Dr. Mira is of course there to provide her insights and consults and along the way if we catch a glimpse of the relationship between the Mira's and see Mr. Mira in a role as cook and plumber all the better.  We also catch a very quick glance at all the other usual suspects between the electronic division, Eve's own squad, etc. 
Slow and steady wins the race and I salute Ms. Roberts or Ms. Robb as I should refer to her here for this series for coming up for yet another motive for murder.  I missed the fast paced, curved balls, late-night dream chats with the victims, fun interactions with Eve's squad and glimpses into Roarke's largesse as he treats the team to food and drink to fuel their investigation. So, I can't wait for the next case in the Death series.

Book number 59 in the "In Death" series is here! A bachelorette party gone wrong. When one of the brides-to-be is murdered Eve Dallas, along with her faithful crew are on a mission to discover who and why. As always, we get glimpses of our favorite chubby cat and the beloved cast of characters that encompasses the "In Death" world. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of this series. Now I’m excited about book SIXTY and what that’ll bring.

Mystery perfection!
~Tanja

A propulsive procedural that sees Lt. Eve Dallas investigating a crime with echos of an attack that she herself suffered in the same location. Eve, her partner, Detective Delia Peabody, and her husband, Roarke must find the villain who attacked two brides at a hen party in a private club. There's a good list of suspects and she's got to work through them. The mystery is twisty enough but the characters are better. It's amazing that this is the 59th in the series and yet each one can still stand on its own. I've dipped in and out and each time I'm reminded of how good a storyteller Robb is- and this is no exception. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.