Member Reviews

J.D. Robb never disappoints. I live for books where Dallas helps Sommerset. Their relationship has evolved so much since the first book.

Dallas is investigating the death of one of Sommerset's old colleagues. In this latest installment they must team up to find the killer. We get the normal twists and turns as we navigate the intricacies of this case.

The audio book as usual is paced well and the characters come through the narrator. She does a great job with all of the accents in this book in particular.

Hearing how Dallas and Roarke take care of and ensure that Sommerset is safe and taken care of is always a nice change from the bickering. Of course, there was still some bickering and a sweet moment between Sommerset and Dallas at the end. I also enjoyed getting a peek into Sommerset's life that we have never seen before. I loved the title for this one. Sommerset's team had a bond and in the end it was the bond of these amazing women working the case that won in the end.

All in all, as usual this was a great book and a great addition to the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this recording. This is my very honest review.

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Eve and Roark will never get old. Their relationship is fascinating and one of my favorite couples. I also like that we got to know more about Summerset finally. Another great installment in the In Death series.

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I jumped into this series at book 60. I am glad I did! International intrigue in the future. When a member of the 12, a clandestine group created in the Urban Wars, is murdered in New York, Detective Eve Dallas sets out to bring the killer to justice. She rounds up the remaining living members of the 12 to assist in the investigation.  The love the code names for the group members Wasp, Magpie, Fawn. This is a very fast paced book. I love the  "getting the gang back together to help" aspect.

4.5 stars

The narrator was outstanding and the production quality was phenomenal.

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The listening experience is enhanced by the narrator who has been consistent in JD Robb books.
The voices are recognizable and characters enhanced by their characteristics..
Eve investigates a murder because the victim has her card in his hand.
Roarke as always supports Eve in her quest for justice.
Their major domo Summerset is somehow involved with the murder victim.
The investigation becomes complicated with lots of action and true Eve persistence and dedication to justice.
Loved listening to this story.

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So many books, so little time. I’m just referring to the 60 “….in Death” novels written by J.D. Robb (pseudonym for Nora Roberts) featuring New York City Detective Eve Dallas. Dallas and the usual cast of characters, including her husband and sidekick Roarke, Captain Ryan Feeney, partner Detective Delia Peabody, Detective Ian McNab and psychiatrist Dr. Charlotte Mira, are back in the 60th book in the series. The story takes place once again in mid-21st century New York and succeeds as always as a murder thriller mystery. This particular tale explores issues of loyalty, long time friendship and bravery.
An elderly man named Rossi is gassed to death in a limousine driven by a driver taking him from the airport after his arrival from Rome. His widow has no idea why her husband traveled to New York stating that the only explanation he gave was that he had been summoned and needed to go as he had taken an oath. A note addressed to Eve is found on Rossi’s body threatening the remaining members of the “Twelve.” Dallas discovers a link between Rossi and the Urban Wars of the 2020’s. Knowing that Summerset, butler to herself and Roarke and the man who rescued Roarke from the streets as a young boy, served as a medic in the war in Europe, she asks for his help in learning about the Twelve. Summerset does not want to discuss the past but ultimately must as he was part of the secret organization.
The plot was unique and without overwhelming the reader with futuristic details, sets the storyline in the future as it pertains to events leading up to the timeline. The likable characters are always true to themselves and they form a well-knit and caring team, including Roarke, who show as much loyalty to each other as the members of the Twelve do for their own. There is action, intrigue and suspense. The dialogue is witty, realistic and engaging.
After reading or listening to many of the books in the death series, I was taken aback by one aspect of this latest tale that involves the endangerment of a young boy. The boy is not germane to the history of the Twelve or to any of the Twelve themselves. He is just an innocent young boy, taken at random, used as a pawn by the killer and I felt, by the writing itself. I feel that it was unnecessary and know that I would not have had the same gut reaction if one of the Twelve, including Somerset, or even Eve or one of her fellow cops, had been put in danger. I stayed with the book but I was disappointed and felt betrayed. I do not read books in which I know from the description that children are involved. I choose murder mysteries for adults that involve only adults. There was no trigger warning for the storyline. I am hoping that going forward with the series I do not encounter a repeat strategem in any storyline. It is the only reason that I am giving Bonded in Death 4 stars.
I would like to thank Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an advance audio copy of Bonded in Death. Susan Erickson is a superb narrator. This review is my honest opinion of the book.

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I enjoyed the spy theme in this book. While Iike J.D. Robb's more straightforward murders better, this was a nice pallet cleanser. The action was very well done and I enjoyed the look into the history of this world. My only complaint is that it did feel that there was some filler dialog that didn't move the plot along as quickly as I liked. I have always been a fan of the narrator of this series. The voices of the narrator fit the series well. I give this book 3.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to review Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb.

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Another winner. Loved the growth of the characters and the added twists with this release. Getting to know more about Somerset was awesome and a really gave him a. lot of depth.

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Excellent addition to my favorite series. It’s so easy to identify speakers by the way the narrator changes her voice to meet each character.. Story weaves in more information about the Urban Wars and the actions taken then by characters we have known and those we just met.

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The latest Eve Dallas crime investigation does not disappoint. This time the likely targets are Somerset and his friends from the Urban Wars. A killer, bent on revenge is fighting his own war of retribution and will stop at nothing to kill the group. Dallas, Rourke and her police crew are in a race of time before more are killed. I love the Dallas and Rourke stories. This is another one with high marks.

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Loved this book!!!! Bonded in Death, by JD Robb (aka Nora Roberts), is book #60(!!!) in the In Death series and I can only hope for 60 more!! All of Nora Robert’s books are an auto-buy for me and her In Death series is at the top of my list!

The murder mystery in this book starts with the death of Giovanni Rossi, a retired technology analyst from Italy. His body is found in a luxury limo with Eve Dallas’ business card in his hand. Thus the adventure begins - dating back to the Urban Wars, 4 decades earlier- where Giovanni was a member of a secret agent team known as the Twelve. As Eve discovers more about the Twelve and a traitor found among them, she uncovers connections to the group that hit close to home. The story gets even more interesting from there, involving spies and vintage weapons- culminating with Eve leading a police op to catch the killer. I loved this book, especially the spy/secret agent angle and as always, the group of cops and colleagues joining Eve to catch a killer. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy.

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I challenge anyone to get to book 60 in a series and love it even more with each book. Another home run for Eve and the gang. I loved that this one introduced us to the urban wars OG with Somerset and his comrades in arms. What a great race from start to finish. As ever, Susan Ericksen does the series proud!
*Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the advance copy

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This was an especially fun read/listen. The case brought Somerset’s past in the urban wars to the forefront. We got to hear a great deal of background. It was also an interesting case.

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**Book Review: *Bonded in Death* by J.D. Robb**

J.D. Robb’s *Bonded in Death* is the latest installment in the *In Death* series, which follows the sharp-witted and determined Lieutenant Eve Dallas as she solves crimes in a futuristic, tech-filled New York City. In this book, Robb delivers a gripping narrative that blends mystery, suspense, and the series' signature emotional depth.

**Synopsis:**
The novel opens with the discovery of a brutal murder that seems to have no clear motive, but the victim’s ties to a shadowy figure in the criminal underworld soon come to light. As Eve Dallas and her husband, Roarke, investigate, they uncover a tangled web of betrayal, obsession, and secrets. At the heart of the mystery is a bond between the victim and a suspect that is as dangerous as it is personal. The investigation pulls Eve into a race against time to prevent further killings while navigating a complex emotional landscape, especially as she works through the implications of this case on her own relationships and past.

**Strong Storytelling:**
Robb’s storytelling is as tight and engaging as ever. She excels at balancing intense, fast-paced action with the more introspective moments that allow readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Eve’s personal growth continues to be a strong theme, and the way Robb integrates her evolving relationship with Roarke alongside the tense investigation adds a rich layer of complexity to the narrative. The author’s signature blend of procedural investigation, psychological insight, and emotional stakes keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.

The supporting characters, particularly Eve’s team at the NYPSD, continue to shine, each bringing their own unique flavor to the dynamics of the series. The dialogue is sharp, the stakes high, and the pacing near perfect.

**Overall: 4.5/5 Stars**
*Bonded in Death* is a strong addition to the *In Death* series. While it may not be the most groundbreaking entry, it delivers everything fans of the series have come to expect—an intriguing mystery, relatable characters, and a compelling emotional journey. If you're a fan of Robb’s writing and the *In Death* universe, this book won’t disappoint. It’s a must-read for those who enjoy a good blend of crime, drama, and character development.

**Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

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J.D. Robb continues to write stories that are impossible to put down, and after 60 books I still can't get enough of Dallas & co. I was able to get an early audio edition of this one and Susan Ericksen does an excellent job (as always) narrating the cast of wild characters.

The plot delves into Summerset's past during the Urban Wars and while the killer is revealed early on, it doesn't diminish how action-packed Bonded in Death turned out to be. In fact, I usually end up liking that way of writing more than the standard who-dun-it.

After investing so much time in this series over the years, I am still just as engrossed now as I was at the beginning, and I can honestly say I can't wait for book 61!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing an early edition of this one!

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It honestly doesn’t seem possible for the In Death series to have reached 60 books. No, not only reached 60 books but to still have remained as entertaining as this series has. I honestly don’t understand had J.D. Robb (aka Eleanor Marie Robertson) manages to put out so many quality books (especially when you factor in her other pseudonym, Nora Roberts.) The talent and drive she displays leaves me in utter awe. Okay enough gushing…let’s get to the review, which I will keep brief. If you’re new to the series…well you have a lot of catching up to do. That being said, I kind of feel like most of the books can be read as stand alones if you want to and still be fairly well enjoyed with minimal confusion. I have a friend who has read a few at random and has never had any issues. Though personally I of course think you get more out of them if you’ve been reading all along since the beginning. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is back in action, of course, and this time the case has connections leading back to the Urban Wars of 2020’s and Summerset. (Oh did I forget to mention this is a futuristic police series?) As always, it’s a thoroughly engaging story and I enjoyed getting some more backstory on Summerset and Urban Wars. Now another thing I find amazing about this being the 60th book in the series is that once again Susan Ericksen returns to do the audio narration. And if I’m not mistaken she has narrated every one of the books to date. I love when a series sticks to a narrator, especially when it’s an especially talented one like Susan Ericksen. Whether this is your first or your sixtieth time investigating with Eve Dallas, I’m sure it’s an adventure you’ll enjoy. I’d like to thank Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review an advanced audio copy of J.D. Robb’s Bonded in Death.

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Bonded in Death is the 60th entry in J. D. Robb’s (Norah Roberts) Eve Dallas series. We’re now past mid-21st-century and 11 of the dozen of spy/heroes of the Urban Wars of the mid-2020’s, who had a close friendship and a strong bond of loyalty to each other, are being threatened and killed. The gist of the story is not a new one, but one that is elevated for readers of the series by the long arc of character development and familiarity with Eve’s husband, a super-wealthy and super-smart Irishman. The story is enhanced greatly by Susan Ericksen‘s narration, who is distinguished by her ability to voice each character in a distinguishable way. Fans of the series will be very happy.

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Four decades ago, the Urban Wars marked a period of significant historical upheaval. Detective Eve Dallas’s most recent murder investigation leads her to examine the conflict in Europe in 2026. Summerset, Roarke’s majordomo, is poised to play a pivotal role in Eve’s new case. The murder victim, Giovanni Rossi, is revealed to have been a member of a clandestine group known as The Twelve. Surprisingly, Summerset is also a member of this group, albeit for reasons that remain enigmatic. The group comprises only a select few individuals, and the discovery of a kill list underscores the urgency for Summerset and the remaining members to seek protection under Eve and Roarke’s watchful eyes.

Upon discovering Rossi’s peculiar demise, Eve’s pursuit of his perpetrator intensifies, concurrently with her responsibility to safeguard Summerset and the others. For newcomers to the series, this revelation is undoubtedly shocking. Roarke, Eve’s affluent billionaire husband, possesses expertise in various fields. For several years, Summerset has been employed by Roarke, and Eve, following their marriage. He has played a significant yet discreet role in their lives. This is particularly noteworthy given that Summerset is the individual who ultimately gave Roarke his life and saved him during his youth.

The In Death series, set in the mid-21st century, several decades after the end of the Urban Wars, surprisingly shocks Summerset with Rossi’s demise, yet not entirely in disbelief. The shock he experiences is palpable. In this latest captivating and addictive installment, a substantial portion of the narrative focuses on Summerset, offering readers a glimpse into his early life.

Eve is in a very good place in her life. Loving Roarke and living a life with him is more than she ever imagined for herself. However, Eve has always felt a certain way towards Summerset, even avoiding him whenever possible. Now, Eve finds herself responsible for his life. Her carefully orchestrated life is controlled by rules, or boundaries, that she sets for herself - marriage rules, work rules, friend rules.

My review would be incomplete without acknowledging the exceptional narration provided by Susan Erickson throughout the entire series. Her remarkable ability to capture voices and convey the distinct personalities of each character is unparalleled. With Erickson’s voice acting, it becomes effortlessly apparent that Eve’s witty and sharp remarks, Peabody’s humorous demeanor, Summerset’s reserved nature, and Roarke’s protective instincts are all vividly portrayed. I really sunk into this audiobook, making me utterly crazy about this book, just as I was with every book in this series. Now, to wait for book 61 …

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

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Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

J. D. Robb’s Bonded in Death is the latest installment in the beloved In Death series, and it does not disappoint. This gripping tale of loyalty, treachery, and murder is brought to life by the exceptional narration of Susan Ericksen, making it a must-listen for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

The story begins with the mysterious death of Giovanni Rossi, an elderly man who arrives in New York only to be killed minutes after landing. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is called to investigate and quickly finds herself entangled in a complex web of secrets dating back to the Urban Wars of the 2020s. Rossi was part of a covert group known as The Twelve, and his murder is just the beginning. As Eve delves deeper, she discovers that other members of The Twelve are being targeted, including Summerset, her husband Roarke’s loyal major-domo. 

Susan Ericksen’s narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. Her ability to capture the essence of each character, from Eve’s determined grit to Summerset’s stoic loyalty, adds depth and dimension to the story. Ericksen’s pacing and delivery keep the tension high, making it difficult to pause the audiobook. 

Robb’s writing is as sharp and engaging as ever. She masterfully weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and character development, creating a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. The dialogue is crisp and realistic, reflecting the complexities of the characters and their relationships. 

Bonded in Death explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the long shadows cast by past actions. It delves into the impact of war and the bonds formed in its aftermath, as well as the lengths to which individuals will go to protect those they care about.

Bonded in Death is a compelling and expertly crafted addition to the In Death series. J. D. Robb’s storytelling, combined with Susan Ericksen’s outstanding narration, makes this audiobook a must-listen for fans of crime fiction and suspense. The intricate plot, well-developed characters, and emotional depth ensure that it will leave a lasting impression.

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J.D. Robb's In Death series reaches a milestone - book number 60! And, like usual, this is another quality entry in this series. I'm actually only up to number 18, but I've been listening to a couple ARC audiobooks. And while these are a series, I think you can pretty much read/listen to these as standalone books. The characters are wonderful and full of life. And if you're worried about these being science fiction, they really aren't. There's just some fun technology used throughout the book, but the story doesn't get bogged down on futuristic details. And since I listened to the audiobook, I have to mention the wonderful narrator for the series, Susan Ericksen. She's been a constant throughout the whole series and that's a huge plus!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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This is my first JD Robb book and will not be my last
When Eve Dallas lands a case of poison of an elderly man, it’s more than meets the eye. Espionage, oath sworn at the end of the Urban Wars and a traitor back for revenge.
I loved the audio version, but I am not sure about the narrators voice for Eve. Maybe if I listen to the whole series, I’d fell differently.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this audio ARC.

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