Thanks to St. Martin's for the ARC for a fair and honest review.

Bonded In Death is Robb's 60th book in her Eve Dallas series. Eve along with her usual gang of crime solvers which includes her multi millionaire husband, Roarke, investigate the murder of Giovanni Rossi who was a member of the group, The Twelve, The former members are not only summoned to help investigate the murder of their former colleague, but recall their time in 2025's Urban Wars. Eve's unexpectedly discovers that Summerset, Roarke's loyal butler, is a former member of the group. Even more unexpected is that Summerset might be able to help Dallas find Rossi's murderer. Bonded has a good story especially with Summerset becoming part of the investigation. It's always fun to read how Eve and her crew try to capture the culprit especially with the wisecracks in between. Unfortunately, Bonded, isn't as compelling as the last two books in the series 2024's Random In Death and Passions In Death. The latest Dallas moves along at nice pace, but its story didn't have me turning the pages as two previous books.

Rating: 4.5/5
I received the eARC for my honest opinion.

This book has murder, suspense, drama, spies, great characters and great plot. Even though this is book 60 in the series, and I know that I have not read them all (I do plan on fixing that one day), I still feel as though I know the series and that I haven’t missed out on anything too large. I like the fact that when you start the book you will feel as though you’re not reading a series but a standalone book. I love how J.D. Robb knows how to draw in the readers with their writing, the clever plots and great police investigation.

This book starts off with Giovanni arriving in New York after an old colleague has reached out. However, it wasn’t the old colleague that contacted him, and he died soon after being picked up from the airport. Lieutenant Eve Dallas has been summoned to the scene and finds out that the killer had placed one of her cards in Giovanni's hand. It wasn’t until Summerset learns about what happened that he tells Eve how he knew the victim and about the small secret organization of twelve individuals during the 2020’s Urban Wars.

This book has everything that I love in murder mysteries, the engaging characters and characters who are likable/easy to connect with, solid police investigations and procedures, romance, small but great twists in the plots. The pace of the book was right on point. I loved getting to see Dallas and Roarke's relationship was great to see and really shows you how great they’re for each other. I have always liked Peabody but in this book, I really loved her character. Heck, who am I kidding? I loved all the characters, their banter with each other, their personalities, and well everything lol. I can’t wait to see what the next book will bring us.

I also received the audio for this book and really like Susan Ericksen and I found that she did a great job with the characters and made the reader feel as though they were there with them. I highly recommend the book and the audio to everyone.

I want to thank NetGalley, St. Martin Press and Macmillan for the opportunity to review this book.

After being a bit disappointed by the last book I was instantly sucked into this one! It was everything I love in a J.D. Robb book. I loved learning more about Summerset and his mysterious past. I loved the secondary characters and the roles they played in the book. I loved the action and the teamwork, and of course, the predictability that comes with a mystery, a satisfying ending!

Eve's new case has her frustrated. The victim named Rossi is an older gentleman who had recently come from Rome and had hardly been in the states before his death. His widow has no clue why he was there and can't think of why anyone would want him dead. Eve soon finds a connection to the Urban Wars and looks to Summerset for help with information from that time. She soon learns that Summerset actually knew the deceased and that they were a part of a group that worked together secretly during that time. Eve with the help of Summerset and the remaining twelve begin to figure out who is behind the deaths. Follow along and see if she can nab the killer or will they disappear?

I think this may be the best In Death yet! The past and the present collide in a deadly way in this installment if the In Death series. The murder of an elderly Italian man in a manner that comes straight from the past hits close to home for Eve and Roarke. This story gives us a look at the Urban Wars that shaped the world they live in now. We also meet some of the key (secret) players of that war and learn a bit more about Summerset and his past.
The blending of the past and present and how all the elements come together in this book make it one of the best I have read. I really didn't want this one to end! There is so much heart in this one. I really loved learning more about their past and what shaped the world they live in now and really loved having Summerset's story told.
You don't want to miss this one!

Lieutenant Eve Dallas is woken from a sound sleep by a call from dispatch to report to an underpass where a limo has a dead person in the vehicle. She requests Delia Peabody be called to the same scene. Roarke, already being up for a business call, sees Eve off to solve the crime. On the way, Eve wonders why she was called as another officer was already on call./P>

Arriving at the site of the limo, the body is identified as Giovanni Rossi of Rome, Italy, age seventy-nine. The reason Dallas was called turns out to be because her business card was clutched in the victim's fist. The card wasn't actually one of hers as the card stalk was different so it most likely came from the murderer. On the back of the card was a cryptic message naming the victim as Wasp and implying that three others had already been murdered and there would be more. Further checking uncovered Rossi had arrived at the airport just a few hours earlier, was picked up by the limo, and shortly after died in the back of the car. Dallas suspects poison as there wasn't any visible injury on the victim.

It seems the victim is somehow connected to Dallas but she doesn't know him or what the other code names mean. She checks with Roarke to see if Rossi, who was in cybersecurity, or Wasp, could possibly be related to him somehow. He offers to check to see if Rossi had anything to do with his businesses in Europe or other areas.

This particular story eventually hits close to home when Summerset overhears Eve mentioning Rossi/Wasp and the other code names. He recognizes the references and suggests it may be related to the Urban Wars in Europe. I can't really say any more because this case is based on events in the past and a vendetta that has arrived in the present.

We learn more about Summerset's background. The relationships that were built among the people who fought and died during the war. The memories they want to bury and the ones they'll never be able to forget. This is a story, but the characters brought the scenes to life and raised emotions in this reader that were at times difficult to comprehend, yet seemed relevant to present-day events in various parts of the world.

Bonded in Death is a police procedural with lots of human interactions that will leave readers thinking about war, peace, and the people who took part in those events whether in the past or the present.

Bonded in Death was utterly fantastic. I always enjoy this series, but with the connections to Sommerset and his past, it really brought out the feels in me. As always Eve and Peabody are complete badasses and I love how they work together. Honestly the whole team is great. I appreciated what Eve did for Sommerset et al at the end of the book, it was what they needed. Don't want to spoil the mystery of it, but Bonded in Death is another fabulous installment!

I came to this series very late. I missed the first 55+ books. Is there another series one can say that about? Regardless, I'm glad I found it. Each of the books I have read has been a great read, Bonded in Death included. I really need to go back to when Eve and Roarke were introduced and started their relationship because I love them together now. He's about as perfect a man to her as a human can be. Always accepting her idiosyncrasies, encouraging her, loving her. And he's a great partner in her crime solving although not a cop himself. In this book we get to see a bit more about Summerset which makes me want to know about his saving Roarke. Again, the backstory seems to have been rife with stressors and yet the result is a highly accomplished man and his essential mentor/servant. The future is also so well crafted with new jargon and inventions.

Bonded in Death starts with a murder that Eve quickly realizes is related to Summerset. The murderer uses antiquated methods from the Urban wars, leaves a card that looks like Eve's on the body with a message about the dead members of a group called The Twelve and his intention to kill the other members, which includes Summerset. Eve is far cleverer than the murder expects and quickly suspects his true identity and starts following clues.

Eve's cop staff are all back, every colorful one. The members of The Twelve converge on Roarke's mansion and they're all very interesting as well. There's plenty of great interaction between Eve and Roarke. The action moves quickly as Eve gathers more clues and gets closer and closer to the killer.

This book has all the characters, action and intrigue we've come to expect from Robb. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to all.

Thanks to the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

J.D. Robb delivers yet another electrifying addition to the In Death series with Bonded in Death, a gripping mystery that weaves the shadows of the past into a high-stakes present-day investigation. Lieutenant Eve Dallas faces one of her most personal and complex cases yet, unraveling a conspiracy that stretches back to the Urban Wars of the 2020s.

The novel kicks off with a chilling assassination—Giovanni Rossi, an elderly man with a secret past, is murdered within minutes of arriving in New York. Eve’s frustration builds as the case offers more questions than answers, from an untraceable weapon to a victim whose history has been deliberately erased. But when the investigation leads to a covert group known as The Twelve, Summerset—Roarke’s enigmatic and ever-loyal major-domo—becomes an unexpected key to the mystery. Watching Summerset step into the spotlight, confronting the ghosts of his past, adds emotional weight and a deeper layer to the story.

Robb masterfully balances the pulse-pounding action with her signature character dynamics. Eve and Roarke’s banter is as sharp as ever, and seeing Summerset’s history unfold is a treat for long-time fans of the series. The tension escalates with every twist, leading to a nail-biting conclusion that proves why Robb is a master of futuristic suspense.

Fast-paced, emotional, and brilliantly plotted, Bonded in Death is an absolute must-read for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. A thrilling blend of past and present, justice and revenge, this book cements Eve Dallas as one of the most compelling detectives in modern crime fiction.

J.D. Robb continues her In Death series with Bonded in Death. Giovanni Rossi landed in New York in answer to an appeal from a member of his group of twelve from the Urban Wars and is gassed to death in his cab. Lieutenant Eve Dallas gets the case but has no leads from his employers or widow. As she digs up his past she finds the Urban Wars connection and thinks of her butler Summerset as a source of information. Turns out he was part of the same group of twelve and there was a traitor. But the traitor was supposed to be dead. Can Eve. her police colleagues. her husband and the other remaining group of twelve track down the traitor before he kills the rest of the group of twelve. I am backing Eve with her grit and determination. Another wonderful near future police procedural in this enduring series.

Bonded in Death continues the In Death series and I am not exaggerating when I say this is one of my all time favorite series. I adore the characters and the plot is always interesting. In this edition, we get extra focus on a background character: Summerset!

When a killer comes to NYC to murder an Italian, he leaves a business card for Eve Dallas. Little does she know this murder is closer to her than she thinks! I loved getting to hear all about Summerset during the war. His friends added nice supporting characters that really helped flesh out the story. The identity of the killer is figured out early on, so the suspense comes from what he is willing to do to kill The Twelve and what Eve is willing to do to prevent that. Since Eve and Summerset have always had a slightly adversarial relationship, it was really fun to see them in different roles. Because the story is focused on Summerset, we don't get as much "pop ins" by other supporting characters like Mavis and Nadine, but it was such a great story I didn't think about that until I was finished.

Nora Roberts/JD Robb's books are a masterclass is writing for sure. The plot is always interesting, there are surprises, and the characters are always dynamic. Bonded in Death was another 5 star edition in the In Death series.

Bonded in Death was a thrilling ride that kept me hooked from start to finish. J.D. Robb has once again delivered a gripping mystery, blending loyalty, suspense, and a dash of heartbreak into a story that's hard to put down.
The plot was intriguing right from the beginning. The murder of Giovanni Rossi, a man with a shadowy past tied to the Urban Wars, sets off a series of events that forces Eve Dallas into uncharted territory. The stakes are high, and the tension builds with each clue she uncovers. What stood out to me was the unexpected involvement of Summerset, who I never imagined would be so intricately tied to the case. His backstory adds depth to his character, and I empathized with him as he revealed pieces of his past.
The book's pace was perfect, with Robb's signature mix of crime-solving and character development. The story's emotional weight wasn't lost either; I could feel Summerset's pain and guilt, especially as he's forced to confront a past he'd instead leave buried. The connection to the larger narrative of The Twelve was a brilliant touch, providing a sense of looming danger and an urgency that drove the investigation forward.
There were a few moments where I thought the narrative lingered too long on specific details, but overall, I was satisfied with how everything came together. The mystery was complex, but the payoff was worth it. Robb's writing keeps me returning for more; this installment is no exception. I'm already looking forward to what's next in this series.

Wow! I can't believe this is the 60th book in this fascinating futuristic mystery/thriller series! Eve Dallas is such a strong female character and I love reading how she solves each case. Roarke and all the familiar secondary characters appear in this story to,
of course. This book gives details on the Urban Wars and the Twelve and more of Sommerset's history. Looking forward to the next case! Whether she writes as J.D. Robb or Nora Roberts, I love her writing style. The story just flows whether romance or a twisty mystery.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another diabolical and twisted mystery for Lieutenant Eve Dallas. A man arrives in New York and before he can arrive at his final destination, he is dead. Clutched in the murdered man’s fingers is a card with Eve’s name. The hunt is on for a killer who may have thought he was smarter than this New York cop, but will he be proven wrong? Eve along with her husband Roarke, her civilian consultant, will trace the crime back to the Urban Wars of the 2020’s. The investigation will draw in Summerset, Roarke’s best friend and major-domo, as the murdered man was his friend. They were once members of a group known as “The Twelve” when they fought to restore peace in Europe. There has often been a slightly contentious relationship between Eve and Summerset, but now she needs his help, as he needs hers, to find out who killed his friend. As the remaining members of “The Twelve” arrive in New York, Eve has every intention of bringing the killer to justice. The killer, who betrayed his colleagues and may have escaped from a British prison, is bent on seeking revenge. I don’t want to miss a single word when reading an Eve Dallas mystery, especially her take downs! The continuing characters help make this one of my favorite series! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

I started this book and had to double check what I was reading. I was thrown off by the talk of Urban War set in 2020. But yup I was reading the next book in the In Death Series.

As with all the In Death books, Eve is leading the way to solving a murder. This time the murder involves Summerset and his history. I enjoyed getting a look at what makes Summerset the man he is now. I liked that we were introduced to some new characters, and they also had pasts that mixed with Summerset.

There were no huge surprises in the book. After 60 books, I am not sure what JD Robb could write that would surprise me. I could follow the story easily and mostly had an idea where the story would be heading. For me, these are easy reads that do not require to me to concentrate hard on what I am reading. I know that Eve will catch the bad guy somehow.

Bonded in Death is book 60 in the In Death series by J. D. Robb.
Suspense, action, and drama immediately pull readers into BiD by J. D. Robb. This well-written police procedural twisty tale with great characterization that kept me engaged throughout the story.

60 books in and J.D. Robb still has the talent to keep the story of Eve Peabody and Rourke, entertaining and engaging. In the story, the crime committed hit close to home affecting Summerset making it that much more personal for Eve.

As in all the other stories, the story was thoroughly entertaining and had just the right amount of intrigue to keep me turning the pages. I cannot wait for the next installment and look forward to reading whatever else is author may write.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

While there are still a few in this series I haven't read (about 20), one thing always stuck in my mind. I've always wanted to know more about Summerset and this story gave me that at so much more. The mind of a truly heinous criminal has always fascinated me and I lived the deep dive into the mind of this one in particular. A misogynistic jerk (and so many other words that would probably flag this review lol) whose only goal is to win his own war, no matter the casualties. And then we have Eve and her entire crew who twist your brain as well as their own to solve the crime(s). I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation of the final takedown and it did not disappoint. (Will also say that some parts gave me the shivers given what is happening in our country today).

4.5 stars
It's hard to believe that Bonded in Death is the 60th book in J.D. Robb's "In Death" series featuring Lt. Eve Dallas. Robb does a great job of creating a future world with original styles, slang, and details about life in the future in this procedural/romantic suspense series. I've missed a few, but have read many of the books in this series and I can say this one is really good. Eve and her partner, Detective Delia Peabody, get involved in a case that is connected to the Urban Wars in London. The case also has surprising ties to the butler and mentor of Eve's charming billionaire husband, Roarke. In this book, the readers learn more about Summerset's background and the character has never been so interesting or likable. Summerset is in danger, but he and some of his old friends could be the key to solving the case. 

Eve's whole team and several other members of the NYPD and of course Roark, the "civilian consultant" who is an IT genius, help investigate. Eve and Roarke are clearly the main characters, but my favorite has always been Peabody, a more sentimental, but very smart detective. I'm always happy when she is given a chance to shine as she is in this book. I recommend this book to both returning readers and those new to the series. 

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb is an epic tale that delves into themes of loyalty, treachery, murder, and the lingering effects of war. The story is filled with thrilling moments that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The final interrogation scene is particularly satisfying, delivering a conclusion that will leave readers thoroughly captivated.