Ceremony in Death
by J. D. Robb

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Book Reviews of Ceremony in Death

Book Review: Vivid and entertaining but not as suspenseful
Summary: 4 Stars

The plot of "Ceremony" was not as complex as some of the other "In Death" series. We knew the villain was one of three characters, and one of those characters was obviously thrown in as a false lead. And if you've read any of Robb's series, you'd know not to assume that the obvious villain was the guilty one. In fact, I was disappointed that Dallas was thrown by the false lead. It doesn't follow her talent; she lectures Peapody in another book to not let herself form an opinion lest it cloud her judgment. Perhaps she's showing that Dallas sometimes fails to follow her own advice, but it was flimsy.

What I did like about this story was, Robb allowed us to see more of Dallas's feelings. Dallas takes a couple of potshots from close coworkers, and we get to see how deeply the comments hurt her - and we see how hard she works at keeping her emotions out of her cases. It's a good foundation for subsequent novels that keeps us from thinking Dallas is cold.

What I'm beginning to tire of are a couple of consistent details Robb throws in each book. They're getting old. Dallas's computer is always glitchy. Her car is always insulted as being a piece of junk. She always tries to keep Roarke out of her cases and he always insuniates himself in anyway. Dallas is perpetually snarly. Snarling at traffic, banging her fist on things. I get a visual picture of festering, grumpy person. There are just a few token moments of romantic and sappy feelings between Dallas and Roarke. I can't remember a single happy feeling. She begrudges every moment of leisure or personal activity - although Robb does make some of this come out humorously as insecurities on Dallas's part. She is absolutely consumed by her work and her identity as a cop. This is something that bothers me about Robb's novels as Nora Roberts. Her characters are *too* intense. I would expect a writer of Robb/Roberts's caliber to be able to make her characters different. Some should be less intense, with self doubts, etc. The last thing that is annoying - about all of Robb/Roberts's books, is the dialogue. Every character in every one of her novels has the same intense, no holds barred, balsy way of talking. Another area where she should make some variety. People don't all talk the same way.

Bottom line, an entertaining read. A different slant on crime - not so futuristic. If the little details I mentioned above don't bother you, you will enjoy reading the book. Just don't expect to be held in suspense until the last moment.

Summary of Ceremony in Death

Literature & Fiction Books

• Subjects > Literature & Fiction
• Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Mystery > Women Sleuths
• Police Procedurals
• Romance > Romantic Suspense