The In Death series is one of my favorites, and Bonded in Death is one of the author's best stories. I always enjoy the intricate plots, and the author has created a cast of characters who are interesting and entertaining. Lt. Eve Dallas is a tough, no nonsense homicide cop who always stands for the dead and solves the case. She is surrounded by her husband Rourke, a handsome reformed thief who now owns"half the world" and is very handy with technology, his father figure Summerset, and a homicide department full of colorful characters.

Thirty years ago, Nora Roberts, using the pseudonym J.D. Robb, decided to try her hand at science fiction. The police procedural was set in the future, the 2060's and part of the back story involved The Urban Wars which had taken place about forty years before hand. These books usually begin with the murder. But this novel begins during the Urban Wars as a team in the Underground plans a mission. One that does not end well. When Eve Dallas investigates the latest homicide she begins to suspect that her elderly victim had been a spy and that the crime is connected to his days in the underground. She needs to mine Summerset as a source of information, but soon finds that the crime hits close to home. The plot of this thriller was intricate and compelling and it was interesting to see Sumerset in a new light and all the new characters that Roberts created for this book. Some of them are delightful and I hope that we see them again.

There was only one problem with this novel. Nora Roberts accidentally painted herself into a corner. I have heard that science fiction writers should always place a book at least 100 years in the future. The first book in this series was written in 1995 and the series was planned as trilogy. Now thirty years and sixty books later, the calendar has caught up with the story and the science fiction has become alternate history instead. The murder weapon is from 2024 at the ends of the Urban War. The reader needs to suspend disbelief and enjoy the story anyway. It is similar to reading Orwell's 1984. The futuristic events didn't happen, but it still a fantastic book.
I recommend this book for any thriller or police procedural fan who enjoys science fiction as well.

I received advanced copies of this book from the publisher in both ebook and audiobook and alternated between the two formats. This series is narrated by Susan Ericksen, a talented actress who nails the main characters and captures each of them brilliantly. I am usually disappointed with the narration in most books, but found myself actually not switching to the text when I had the opportunity, but saving the story for my audiobook sessions. Ericksen is so fantastic , that this really is "better as an audiobook". I discovered her narration when I reviewed the previous book in this series. Nora Roberts/ J.D. Robb is one of many "must read" authors, but I now have a "must listen" narrator as well.

I accidentally, yet happily downloaded an audio book rather than the usual EARC and will pay attention in the future to do the same again.
Book #60 and just as wonderful as the previous 59. I don't know how Robert's does it.
The book begins in 2026 during the urban wars, with a group of Twelve rebels fighting in the Urban wars which we have heard about only in the background of the series.
Now we are back to possibly 2060 or so and Eve is called to a murder victim who is holding a facsimile of her card.
As always in this series we see the investigation, but also see the killer.
It turns out Summerset, Roark's foster father and now Butler, was one of the Twelve. It was fascinating finding out his background and as he brings in the others still alive they help Eve solve the murder.
The narrator, Susan Erickson is fabulous, and the humor, love and also horror really comes through. Thanks to St. Martin's press, McMillan Audio and Netgalley for the advanced audio. This is my honest opinion.

I was excited to receive a complimentary copy of the audiobook for Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb from NetGalley. It was narrated by Susan Erickson. Opinions in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed this book. I liked learning more about Summerset and his younger years. I found the history of his time during the Urban Wars fascinating. This also helped me see his relationship with Roarke and how that unfolded too. As well, it was interesting to see them host Summerset's friends at their house and get to know all of them through their memories.

Ok, I am starting to get used to the narrator and even though I do not like the voices she uses for Roarke, Peabody, and Eve, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the novel. I do find that I fall asleep while listening sometimes and then have to go back and play them again, like last time. I do like that I can listen as I'm driving.

I love this series. I have not listened to many in audio, but it was truly enjoyable to listen to this narrator.

Bonded in Death (In Death # 60) by J. D. Robb
Narrated by Susan Ericksen
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Expected Publication Date: February 4, 2025

Bonded in Death is the 60th book in the In Death series by J. D. Robb. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone mystery or as part of the series.

Bonded in Death takes place in future New York so the sights are familiar but the language and technology have evolved. Just like today, there is slang, and it took a little while to figure out what some of the words mean.

I thought this was a great story. Having it set in the future gave it an interesting dynamic. I enjoyed following the police in solving this crime. This was actually a quick read and very fast paced!

I thought the narration by Susan Ericksen was great! I loved how she brought the story to life! She gave each character their own voice.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book #60 in the ‘In Death’ series, “Bonded in Death” can be read as a standalone or with the entire series. I picked this series up on book 58 and have loved every minute getting to know Lt. Eve Dallas, her husband Roarke, Detective Peabody and the rest of the officers at the station along with their quirky personalities, and this time, learning more about Summerset’s background and character. This was my favourite book yet, I think in large part because I’m getting to know the main players even better and also because I really enjoyed the dynamic between Roarke, Summerset, and Dallas. These characters have come alive for me through Robb’s descriptions and I have to say if ever I found myself in trouble I’d really want this crew to have my back. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamics the 12 brought to the book and hope a few of these characters make appearances in future books helping out Dallas and Peabody. With laugh out loud moments, intense action, solid police work, characters you’ll fall in love with, and a world that is futuristic yet very current and contemporary, the ‘In Death’ series will be one I return to time and again for the suspenseful action, the unfailing loyalty and the respect the characters have for each other. One day very soon I will be picking up the earlier books and I already cannot wait for book 61 to be released!

As soon as I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from @stmartinspress I requested the audiobook as well on @netgalley from @macmillan.audio as I love the narration by #susanerickson who really brings the story and characters to life in each audiobook. This thriller is available February 4, 2025!

#macmillanaudio #jdrobb #indeathseries #bondedindeath #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #mystery#mysteryandthrillers #stmartinspress #netgalley #bookfluencer #youshouldreadthis

J.D. Robb’s Diamond (60th) “In Death” installment is probably her best yet! Bonded in Death features futuristic New York City detective Eve Dallas and her Irish billionaire husband Roarke. This time the murder victim is an elderly gentleman nearing 80-years-old who just arrived from Italy. The murder weapon was a quick acting gas used in the urban wars that took place over 40 years ago. At the crime scene is a note for Eve alerting her to other deaths both in the past and in the future, and informing her that he will not stop until all of The Twelve are eliminated. Eve and her team of talented detectives won’t give up until all potential victims are identified and protected, justice is obtained, and the murderer is locked behind bars.

I remember listening to the first audio recording of the series on cassette tapes back in 1995! Despite the number of books in the series, the author consistently keeps the series fresh and the murders unique. As always, narrative Susan Ericksen did an amazing job providing unique voices for all the characters and providing urgency and emotion in all the right places. I highly recommend this audiobook!

WOW, oh wow! Who would have thought I would still be reading and binging a series 60 books in! I not only read them but I then get the audio and listen to them. They are that good! This one starts with a murder, of course, but of a man whose passport is of an Italian named Giovanni Rossi. Once Eve starts to dig she finds he may not be exactly who everyone thought he was. That is not going to stop Eve and Peabody and the gang from finding out who killed him and who is next on the list since apparently he wasn't the first. Sommerset, it appears, knew him and we get an up close look at his back story. Apparently he was a spy in the Urban War along with others who he brings into their home and they are an eclectic group. This was a spirited book with flashbacks where appropriate but not too many and so many personalities congregated together I though Eve may combust but she held it together. Definitely a must read!

J.D. Robb is one of my favorite authors and her plots are so thought out. This one is close to Eve and Roarke. It involves Summerset and his involvement in the Urban Wars. We find out more about Summerset and his life before Roarke. This storyline has a whole cast of characters to help solve this mystery. Susan Ericksen does a great job narrating.

So, I have to say it’s a bit strange to be reading about the Urban Wars from 40 years ago, back in the 2020’s… but, it is what it is!

And I love returning to Detective Eve Dallas and her uber-wealthy husband, Roarke. It could be a year, or five, but it’s always a comfortable feeling… like coming home!
And, she’s a total badass! Which ALWAYS makes it interesting…

This time we open up with an older guy coming into an airport in NY, and being murdered. This is how the book opens!! 😮😮

Needless to say, that Eve promises to find the killer. And it seems the more she learns, the less she knows! Nothing seems to add up!?!

When she turns to Summerset for help in finding out some info, she is shocked again… to find out that he just might be a key player in this story!

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

#BondedInDeath by #JDRobb and narrated beautifully by #SusanEricksen.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which is due to be released in about a month on
***** 2.4.25! ***** So, look 👀 for it then!

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Already waiting for the next one. Love Eve and Roarke so much. This plotline was great and I loved how cantankerous Eve was about her space being invaddd.

I want to be truthful going into this review that I have not read the previous 59 books of this series , I somehow missed that this book was part of a very large series.

It took me a little bit to figure out what was going on but even though I haven’t read any of the previous books this was an amazing read and I cannot wait to go back and read all of the previous books

Murder, mystery, betrayal and thrilling this book kept me on the edge of my seat leaving me wanting more.

I was not a fan of Susan Eriksens narration of the book at 1x speed it’s absolutely unbearable she is speaking so slow.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the arc

"Bonded in Death" by J.D. Robb delivers a captivating storyline filled with drama and unexpected twists. The author has once again proven their talent, crafting a narrative that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. The plot is well-developed, and the characters are compelling, making it easy to get lost in the story. If you're a fan of J.D. Robb's work, this audiobook will not disappoint. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a thrilling and well-written tale.

However, the audio narration was not up to par. Similar to previous experiences, the narration did not meet expectations and detracted from the overall enjoyment of the story. It might be worth considering a different narrator for future audiobooks to enhance the listening experience.

I'm looking forward to reading the book and hopefully enjoying it even more.

Let me start by saying that I’m not a series reader, I usually want to ingest all the books at once and get antsy when I can’t. I absolutely devoured this book and have loved all 59 before it! This story gives us a lot more background and context to the character Summerset and what went on during the Urbans. I feel like he’s a character we previously haven’t done super deep on so I was glad for the opportunity too. Per usually Eve and her crew were engaging,

Hard to believe the In Death series has been going strong for 60 full length books now!! I've read the Eve and Roarke adventures from the start and been a loyal, die-hard fan. If this is the final book I think it was a satisfactory send off. I especially liked that this instalment goes back to the Urban Wars of the 2020s and features Sommerset's backstory. Great as always on audio narrated by Susan Ericksen and filled with found family, action, suspense and some romance. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

A great classic murder mystery story that kept me guessing with each suspect. Very fun to read and I enjoyed staying engaged to it’s conclusion.

This book was a little repetitive from previous books by this author. Also there were many details that took up a lot of this book that weren't needed. I like this author and have read all the previous books in this series, this was not her best work.

Dallas, Peabody, Rourke, and Summerset could ask for more. This was a little different it is more about the characters and a deeper look at Summerset (a look behind the sneer, LOL). Add in team of other characters and backstories. The chase is and the back story has all the keyes needed. Once again, this is another great Dallas book and I have read them all, just different in structure and story a bit which is great and fun to learn more about one of the characters we have read about for years.

JD Robb has created a rich world full of interesting characters in this series. The good news is that you can enjoy this book even if you aren't up to date with the series (which I'm not)! I could definitely tell that I was missing some backstories and details, but the plot itself was independent of the series. It was an intriguing story, full of twists and turns that held my interest from beginning to end.

Thanks to NetGalley for early access.

Imagine being a part of The Twelve, a secret organization and making vows to be there for any of the Twelve when needed, no questions asked. When one member gets called, he answers and sadly he pays with his own life.
Eve's calling card is found and Eve faces one of her most challenging investigations. It was such a blast and this one was such an addicting listen. I was on the end of my seat while listening. Very addicting read. I was excited to finally know more about Eve's husband, Summerset. This was such a fun cat and mouse investigation but the villain has a lot of experience. Find out if Eve catches the villain in time.
The narrator, Susan Ericksen does a wonderful job portraying Eve, Summerset, and many of the other characters in the book. The tones and inflections were spot on especially when Eve would get upset. I was hooked from the very beginning. Another fantastic read to the In Death series!