JD Robb - Naked in Death

review by Ro Bennett live on bookshfow 10th Jan 2013
 (JD Robb is also Nora Roberts)

There are 35 books in this series. Kerensa (my daughter) has enjoyed reading them as they are light, easy escapism - perfect for when you have a stressful job or are on holiday, so I decided to try one. The book cover is very attractive with a lovely blue butterfly on the cover. I wouldn’t say it is relevant to the content of the book, but it’s eye catching. 

This is the official synopsis:

Crime and punishment is Lieutenant Eve Dallas's business. Murder her speciality. Named by the social worker who found her when she was a mere child roaming that city's streets, Eve Dallas is a New York police detective who lives for her job. In over ten years on the force, she's seen it all - and knows her survival depends on her instincts. But she's going against every warning telling her not to get involved with Roarke, a charismatic Irish billionaire - and a suspect in Eve's latest 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. 

From international bestselling author NORA ROBERTS, writing as J.D. Robb, comes a novel set in a richly imagined futuristic world. But for New York cop Eve Dallas one irresistible impulse still rules the heart: passion. 

Well reading the last bit almost made me dry heave and I thought it would be soppy, sentimental slush and I would hate the book, so I was agreeably surprised. There is romance and it does have some pretty racy moments but that is balanced by the mystery and suspense and the fact that the story is set in  2058 CE so there are imaginative descriptions of the lifestyle, transport and medical advances etc which makes it an unusual and interesting read. 

The plot revolves around the brutal death of a licensed companion (a legalized prostitute) who is the granddaughter of a prominent US Senator. In this era there is a total ban on guns, (the police use lasers), but the victim has been ruthlessly murdered with an antique handgun from the 20th century. The murderer has left a message making it clear that there are five deaths to follow. There were intricate twists and turns in the complex  investigation which I found gripping and I was on tenterhooks at times.

I like the characters Eve and Roarke even if they were a bit clichéd. Eve is typically tough, feisty, independent, rather prickly. Roarke is rather maverick, filthy rich, unbelievably handsome, a perfect lover, understanding, protective and nurturing - the man of the future?? Lets hope...

The only problem for me was how it was  formatted for the kindle. It contains an unacceptable amount of typos, missing letters, and wrong words The production quality is really poor.  

I think it’s probably worth reading the books in order as there seems to a chronological sequence in them, and reading out of sequence could reveal an earlier storyline. 

Excellent book if you’re looking for something quick, light and easy to read for pure escapism.