Portrait in Death
by J. D. Robb
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Book Reviews of Portrait in Death
Book Review: Eve and Roarke at their best
Summary: 5 Stars
Another fantastic addition to a marvellous series. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is investigating the death of students, those who seem to almost glow with an extra quality of 'light' - innocence, happiness, intelligence, and such ephemeral qualities. The killer carefully poses each at death and takes photographs that seem to highlight this quality in their natures, exhibiting his own skill at the lens (and hence the title of the book). Eve is a little off her stride, because Roarke is bothered by the discovery of something about his past, something he feels is fundamental to his own circumstances and nature. Something he's not ready to share, not even with Eve. And Eve has to deal with the fact that, as his wife and life partner, she really wants him to share. She's now truly part of a couple, and doesn't want to be shut out. Now it is Eve standing outside Roarke's internal doors, asking to be let in, and he that seems to have difficulty admitting her.I am pleased that in this book Roarke and Eve are the central focus, even more than the mystery of who is the serial killer. Eve is becoming more and more comfortable with the various connections she makes, openly admitting to being Nadine Furst's friend without any prompting! And we meet all of our old friends, some taking more pages than others (McNab, Dr Mira, Baxter & Trueheart are definitely backstage here, but still able to carry off significant roles in the action, especially the latter two).
Regular readers of the series I'm sure will enjoy the book as much as I do. Eve is developing, as is her relationships with Roarke in particular, but also with her widening circle of friends and acquaintances. Roarke grows here too, which is a different element to bring into the book. As usual the writing is superb and the vision of the not so distant future is intriguing. I find with Robb/erts that it is these little, deft touches, sprinkling world-building context into the tale with such as skilful hand that highlights what a talented writer she is.
Book Review: Super fast fun.
Summary: 4 Stars
New York in the year 2059 has its fair share of creative killers. The latest deviant that homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas must chase down appears to be getting more out of his work than the thrill of the kill or perverse sexual satisfaction. What is it that is making him pose the bodies post mortem for stylish, almost beautiful portrait shots? Eve can see that her quarry is meticulous, careful and quite the sociopath. What is driving his need to record his taking of a life?
On the home front Eve faces another challenge in that final frontier of personal, unknown territories - her marriage. Never on firm ground in her only adult relationship to date (and this, is also questionable) Eve is flummoxed when her normally affectionate and sexually charged husband is blowing her off without reason, doing his own thing and not including her in his life. Roarke has found out that his mother did not, in fact, dump him when he was a very young child. The harridan that was there for the early years was not, in fact, his mother at all.
Performing up to expectation, author Nora Roberts a.k.a. J.D. Robb delivers a screechingly fast read starring her two dynamos of the future, the super snarly Eve and the ravishing Roarke. Not at all shabby at populating her novels with an array of eccentric, interesting characters, Robb particularly excels in this department with "Portrait in Death", the 16th entry in her bestselling "in Death" series. A little realism finally creeps in, and it's a timely inclusion. Roarke is not perfect all the time and even super cop Eve can have insecurities out of the workplace. The hunt is well depicted and leaves the reader satisfied on all counts. Yes, you get your love scenes as always. If you're not already on the "in Death" wagon, "Portrait in Death" is an excellent example of just how much fun you are missing out on.
Book Review: Good in development, paces nicely
Summary: 4 Stars
What attracted me most about this book, the 16th by the highly talented J.D Robb (Nora Roberts), was not the plot: a sadistic murderer kills innocent and young people in their twenties and takes photographs of them in posed shots after their deaths. In this area, Robb does a great job as usual in following Eve through the steps in her investigation. Her attention to details is still there, along with Eve's witty and amusing quips and twitchy eye. if you are a regular In Death reader, you will know, as I did, who the murderer is before Eve does. (Makes you feel all triumphant and gleeful inside.) What attracted me was the character development and the relationship between our favourite couple, Eve and Roarke. In this book, Roarke's real history is uncovered and we learn that his real mother was not the abuser he thought her to be but a young, innocent girl murdered by Roarke's father.
Their roles are now reversed. Roarke is the vulnerable one, lashing out at Eve and feeling his world is turned upside down while Eve is the protector, the caring wife (or life-partner, as Eve would insist) becoming the rock in his life. There is a lovely scene where Roarke is in Ireland, wishing for Eve while rubbing the button from her suit that he carries around, knowing that she is the stable one in his life and that he needs her.
Their married life is still as spicy as ever and with the introduction of Roarke's new family, there is now another interesting angle to explore in upcoming books, along with the McNab/Peabody angle, Charles/Louise angle, Jamie angle and Mavis being pregnant/Leonardo angle. Do not forget Eve's past that has not been fully explored yet. Guaranteed to fill up pages effortlessly.
Here's to Imitation in Death coming soon!
Book Review: Author seems to be getting better with each new Eve Dallas!
Summary: 5 Stars
If our count is correct, this is the 16th Homicide Lt. Eve Dallas murder mystery by the prolific Nora Roberts writing as J.D. Robb. While it sticks pretty close to the form of the other entries in the series -- including the futuristic setting in the year 2059; fellow cop associates Peabody, McNab, Feeney, Trueheart; and husband and billionaire Roarke -- the writing just seems to be reaching new levels, if our reader reaction (and a few tears along the way) is any indication. In addition to the serial killer Eve is hot to track down, in a side story, Roarke learns the true identity and story behind his real mother back in Ireland and the horrible fate she met at a young age. The scenes in which he re-visited Eire were moving and poignant, creating a welcome contrast to the young people being offed in Gotham City by apparently a photographer (i.e., "imager", maybe already a better title!?") who, while not brutal, is probably mad.No need to reveal more of the fine story -- the plot is entertaining til the end even though we have the insider's view and knowledge as we admire Eve's steady but slick dissection of clues. That we can conjure up some of the same sympathy Eve does toward the killer once he's caught says something about both our leading lady and the human condition. As usual, Robb's stories are satisfying, but we feel the writing skills gain more edge and emotion as we proceed. Not bad for some 16 books into a series, many others of which have long since gone stale. We were lucky to unearth a hardback copy of "Portrait" and hope that the future novels in the set will follow suit -- enjoy!
Book Review: Very good, but not excellent ...
Summary: 4 Stars
"Portrait in death" is the 18th book in J.D. Robb's futuristic "In death" series. If you haven't read the previous books in the series, please start by the first one, "Naked in death", and continue reading them in order. If you do that, I promise you that you will enjoy the series much more.
Now, and regarding this book, did I like it? The answer is simple, yes. Do I think I did the right thing purchasing it? Again, yes, because it is entertaining and certainly a keeper. The plot was good, and Eve and Roarke are, as always, a wonderful couple. There is a good whoddunnit, and we discover a mystery that has to do with Roarke's family, a secret that shakes Roarke so much that he closes up to Eve and puts their relationship in danger.
Despite all that, I do not think that this book was outstanding when compared to the other books in the series. Anyway, for those who are fans of J.D.Robb , "Portrait in death" will be a welcome addition to your library. It brings quite a strange role reversal: in this opportunity is Eve who takes care of Roarke while he tries to come to terms with some revelations regarding his past (more specifically his mother). There is also a good crime story, about a killer who chooses his victims due to their beauty, follows them and murders them, never forgetting to photograph them just after he slays them, believing that by doing that he will own their beauty and innocence forever.
So, if you have already read some of J.D. Robb's books I recommend you to buy "Portrait in death" too, because you are highly likely to enjoy it. I know I did :)
Belen Alcat