Tuesday 23 September 2014

Review: Naked in Death by J.D. Robb

Naked in Death (In Death #1) by J.D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Eriksen
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Length: 10 Hours 19 Minutes
Audiobook Publication date: May 20th 2008
My rating: 4.5 stars 


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/91378.Speak_No_Evil

Eve Dallas is a New York police lieutenant hunting for a ruthless killer. In over ten years on the force, she's seen it all — and knows that her survival depends on her instincts. And she's going against every warning telling her not to get involved with Roarke, an Irish billionaire — and suspect in Eve's murder investigation. But passion and seduction have rules of their own, and it's up to Eve to take a chance in the arms of a man she knows nothing about — except the addictive hunger of needing his touch.


My Thoughts:
Naked in Death was a thrilling mystery with excellent pacing, exciting twists and turns, and a sizzling romance!

Eve Dallas is a Lieutenant in a futuristic New York City Police Department and has just caught the murder case of high-priced paid companion, Sharon DeBlass. The murder is brutal and bloody, and “one of six” so unless the police can stop this lunatic, more women will die. Eve has been handpicked as the lead investigator by her Commander for her impeccable detecting skills. The victim is high profile, coming from a family of wealth and prominence.  Sharon’s choice of profession was not out of need but out of preference, and the source of embarrassment to her family.

There’s a long list of suspects and topping that list is the charismatic, wealthy, and famous businessman, Roarke.  Right away there is a fierce hum of attraction vibrating between Eve and Roarke.  Roarke would never purposefully be attracted to a cop, but he can’t help it with her.   

“It stunned him how much he could want her still, baffled him that she could be blind to how helpless he was under the clawing need for her. It infuriated him that she could, simply by existing, be his weakness.”

He’s taken with Eve and her intense, focused, complicated personality. Roarke sees the darkness floating just under the surface with Eve and it draws him in even more. Eve knows allowing anything to happen with Roarke could be career suicide, but he’s a force to be reckoned with.

This is my first experience reading J.D. Robb, aka Nora Roberts, and I have to say I’m impressed! I love mysteries and if they have some romance so much the better.  Both the mystery and the romance were just to my liking! I had suspicions about the murderer, and it ended up being what I thought, but that’s not to say that Ms. Robb didn’t make me doubt and question my suspicions, and I loved being caught off guard! The investigation had a steady stream of revelations, and a suspenseful ending that kept me riveted to the pages!

A BIG part of the appeal to the story was the romance (of course!) between Eve and Roarke. I’ve heard plenty of swooning over Roarke, and I’m now one of the legions of fans swooning and drooling!  But Eve was just as magnetic in her personality and I was just as enamored with her.  She was intelligent, strong, capable, and yet far from perfect.  And yet those flaws made her relatable and sympathetic.  Eve’s sad history is revealed and it made me sick, so it was easy to understand why she’s hesitant to let Roarke close. I’m happy, though, that Eve wasn’t completely ruled by her past, and did let Roarke burrow in. With Roarke Eve experiences pleasure she’s never had or allowed before, and it’s hot and lusty!  But it was more than just the physical Eve found appealing with him.  Having someone to rely on, confide in, and bounce ideas off is a comfort she’s never had.

Naked in Death is mystery and romance at its finest!  I’ve already started the next in the series, Glory in Death, and I just know I’ll be burning through the books quickly, it’s that addictive! I switched off between the audio version and an e-Copy because the story sucked me in so, but I’d definitely recommend the audio version. Susan Ericksen as narrator brings Roarke and Eve’s big personalities to life.  Roarke’s Irish accent is subtle and perfect, enhancing the overall experience.

I must give a shout out of thanks to Livvy @The Absent Historian for the recommend! 




13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I didn't know Nora Roberts wrote mystery books. It sounds like you had a lot of fun with this book, Rachel and I definitely love the combination of romance and mystery.
Great review! :)

brandileigh2003 said...

The pacing and great twists and turns sounds great

Jenny said...

Ahhhhh! YAY RACHEL!!!! I'm so glad you're getting into this series! It's an intimidating one for sure with 30+ installments, but Roarke. ROARKE RACHEL!!! I love him and Eve so much, and the mystery element is always so well done. I got to about #15 before I slowed down and got distracted, I need to get back in there now!

Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...

I've been meaning to read these for ages, but there are so many! On the other hand, I know Flannery is a huge fan, and so are many of my other friends, and now that it has your seal of approval, Rachel, I feel myself caving under peer pressure. :)

Jae said...

Glad you enjoyed it!! I'm slowly working my way through the series one hehe. I think my detective skills are improving though, I couldn't guess the first one at all :D I love the futuristic aspect of their world. I want to live at Roarke's place, like common! I agree, Eve is such a strong heroine. I loved seeing Roarke slip past her emotional walls. Lovely review! :)

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

This is an author I keep seeing around and I have been curious. I had not idea Robb was actually Roberts. Who knew? How does she manage to keep up with it all? I will have to try one of her audio books from my library.

Karen said...

I read this last year and really liked it. I've been meaning to continue with the series but haven't gotten to it. It's kind of intimidating with how many books there are. lol

Karen @ For What It's Worth

Mary @ BookSwarm said...

I've read a couple of the J.D. Robb stories and always found them to be interesting and well done. Of course, I've read them out of order...without ever reading the first.

Unknown said...

I didn't realize JD Robb is Nora Roberts. Very cool! I haven't read either, and Suddey her work as Roberts would likely be more my speed, but should give this a try. Thanks for the great review, Rachel!

Joy said...

Woman! You have got to stop doing this. Acckkkk. I can't keep up with the awesome reads that you've been recommending as of late. Adding this to my ever growing pile. sigh.

Shane @ItchingforBooks said...

Great review. This is new to me but I love the mixture of mystery and romance. Gonna try and get to this one.

Lola said...

I like mysteries, but don't read that many of them. A blogger friend of mine keeps recommending this series to me and I have it on my to-read list, but haven't bought it yet. I liked how you say that both the mystery and romance where done well. Great Review!

Henrietta @ Leisure Reads said...

The romance sounds sizzling, and I think I'll like the mystery. Thanks for sharing!

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