Veena’s review of Celebrity in Death (In Death Series, Book 34) by J.D. Robb
Futuristic Romance published by Putnam Adult 21 Feb 12
J.D. Robb is the nom de plume under which Nora Roberts writes her futuristic mystery thrillers. Celebrity in Death is the 34th book in a series that started in 2005 with two books being published every year. In this book the author delves into the dark underbelly of jealousy and insecurity that lurks behind Hollywood’s glamorous facade. J.D. Robb manages to keep murder fresh by introducing new and creative ways of death and the persons who deliver it in her series.
In 2006, Lt. Eve Dallas solved the Icove Murders in Origin in Death. The bestselling novel of this case has now been adapted for the big screen, and there is a celebrity bash to celebrate, with all the actors and key members of Eve’s team invited. While everyone watches a screening of all the funny moments on set and during filming, K.T. Harrison, the actress who plays Delia Peabody, Eve’s right-hand person, is found drowned in a lap pool on the rooftop of the glamorous mansion. As Eve, assisted by Roarke, McNab, Peabody and Dr. Mira, transforms into her cop persona, she finds it no surprise that potentially any and all attendees at the dinner could have a motive to kill.
As Eve works the case, the police commissioner sends his PR person to help Eve and Peabody prepare for the media and handling the press conferences. While you get to have a quick visit (almost a shout-out) with all the usual members of Eve’s team and friends from previous books, there is not the same level of interaction and teamwork as some of those other novels.
The key focus is on Eve and Roarke’s relationship. As their relationship strengthens and grows, so does Eve’s comfort with the world of Roarke and being able to leverage the benefits of money and privilege without guilt. There is a low body count, there is no sudden excitement and edge-of-the-seat suspense. It’s good old-fashioned police work and reading between the lines and crossing the Ts and dotting the Is that solves the case. It’s a great link in the ongoing world of Eve and Roarke, but perhaps not so much as an exciting mystery thriller.
Grade: A
Summary:
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is no party girl, but she’s managing to have a reasonably good time at the celebrity-packed bash celebrating The Icove Agenda, a film based on one of her famous cases. It’s a little spooky seeing the actress playing her, who looks almost like her long-lost twin. Not as unsettling, though, as seeing the actress who plays Peabody drowned in the lap pool on the roof of the director’s luxury building. Now she’s at the center of a crime scene-and Eve is more than ready to get out of her high heels and strap on her holster and step into the role she was born to play: cop.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
