Crime

Judgment in Death by J. D. Robb is the eleventh book in the In Death, and boy does it leave a lot to unpack. The biggest topic to discuss is the theme of police corruption. When you think that Ms. Robb released this novel in 2000, it speaks volumes that police corruption remains a hot-button issue twenty-three years later. I love that Eve is such a hardliner, not afraid to expose the rot in her beloved police department because it gives a bad name to a career she cherishes.

Judgment in Death contains one of the goriest scenes in the series and probably one of the worst scenes I've read. Again, it is a stark reminder that when Nora Roberts dons her J. D. Robb writer's hat, she is not afraid to take her characters to places few will travel and expose them to scenes authors typically don't like to show.

One of the things I loved about Judgment in Death is that we learn more about Roarke's past. More importantly, we get a glimpse of the behavior that gave him such a lasting reputation. We learn more about who Roarke used to be and can finally understand why he has no desire to revisit those days.

Judgment in Death provides a much-needed step forward for Eve and Roarke's marriage. I always love when they butt heads over her work, but this was the first time where I didn't find it amusing at all. Roarke is so good for Eve, but I am not certain he was right this time. Their disharmony is unsettling as much for the readers as it is for them.

As always, Susan Erickson's performance is stellar. At this point, I can't picture any actor as these characters because I know their voices will not match any as performed by Ms. Erickson. I look forward to her narration as much as I do to the story itself. ( )

Judgement in Death
4 Stars

Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas faces one of her most challenging cases when an off duty police officer is killed in a deliberate and vicious attack. As Eve unravels the clues, she is forced to confront the harsh realities of corruption within the force as well as cope with her husband's protective instincts.

The storyline revolving around the murders of several apparently corrupt police officers and their connection to a career criminal and former associate of Roarke's is very compelling. While the details of the case initially come across as rather convoluted, everything ultimately comes together smoothly, and the culprit, although not immediately obvious, is easily pinpointed by process of elimination.

Roarke and Eve's developing dynamic is particularly gripping in this installment as he struggles to reconcile his ego and need to protect Eve with the knowledge that she too is trying to protect him. Their power plays lead to some intense cavemen like tactics on his part, but also to some funny and sweet moments between the couple.

The secondary cast is as appealing as ever and my favorite scene has to be Eve's conversation with Dr. Mira about Roarke, which gets the prim and proper psychologist very hot and bothered, lol!

IAB Lieutenant Don Webster also puts in a more significant appearance and his character really shines through. One cannot help but sympathize with his situation and appreciate his honesty and candor.

In sum, this is certainly one of the best books in the series and kudos to Robb for being able to keep her stories and characters lively and fresh for so long. ( )

Man I love these books. ( )

In Death 11