Tender is hardly the word that should spring to mind from a novel called Passions in Death, but it did, nonetheless. There was death, certainly—a nasty, cruel, and vindictive murder—but there was most definitely an abundance of tenderness, both amongst the victim’s loved ones and most particularly, between Eve and Roarke. These two have been together for years now (depending on how you calculate, their relationship began both in 1995 and also less than five years ago), but in this volume especially, I saw tenderness. Roarke is busy, as always, being a gazillionaire and focusing on real estate development, but when a sticky personnel matter arises, a walk in the twilight hand-in-hand with Eve and a delicious peach from their garden help him put it all in perspective. And Eve is finally comfortable and secure in her place in Roarke's world, allowing her to turn all her energy into ferreting out the passions that led to murder. Passions in Death checks all the boxes: an atmospheric immersion into a world millions have come to adore, a damn fine mystery, and a reminder that true love is real and abiding.

I always look forward to a new J D Robb, and Passions in Death does not disappoint. Susan Ericksen does her usual fine narration, with the characters's voices, the pacing and emotion of the story. The futuristic aspect of this police procedural really adds to its enjoyment, as does the continuation of the growth of the relationships between the recurring characters. It is a good combination of mystery, romance and science fiction, with some humor thrown in. Recommend, with encouragement to get the earlier books in the series if you haven’t already.

Not many series last for so many books and still demand the reader's interest. Usually after fifteen or twenty books, the plots are recycled and the quality is erratic. When Nora Roberts decided to switch genres and write a futuristic thriller, she used a pen name. But the author is so adept at creating fascinating characters with relationships that ring true, snappy dialogue, well thought out plots that the J.D.Robb "In Death" series took off. Eve Dallas is a tough murder cop who stands for the dead. Her husband Roarke, who looks like an Irish God, is a "gazillionaire" who often helps out when he isn't "buying the universe". Eve's partner, Peabody, is a free-ager (hippie) who's soft edges allow her to play good cop to accent Eve's persona. The procedural thrillers are packed with several other recurring characters, each with their own unique personality and reading one of the books is like visiting with family.

The title of this novel is a bit of a misnomer. Most of the books in the series have lots of action and at least a few spicy scenes with a different type of action. This latest book omits both and centers on the inner workings of Eve's mind as she tracks down the killer and figures out how to pin down the culprit with very little evidence. Although the murderer was no great surprise, the motive was unexpected. It made an interesting change of pace. Readers can always look forward to Eve's unique musings as she ponders the literal meanings of phrases as opposed to the accepted meaning. That and the quick comebacks between Eve and those closest to her are always a lot of fun.

This is the first "In Death" audiobook that I had listened to. Susan Ericksen has narrated over 200 audiobooks including this series. She is an accomplished actress and manages to capture each character with ease. Often in an audiobook, it is hard to identify what character is speaking. But despite the very large number of characters, they are differentiated and there is no confusion at all. Roarke's sexy Irish lilt and Bella's little girl voice were particularly fun. I will certainly keep an eye out for other books that this woman narrates.

Because this is a must read series, I was thrilled to get access to advance copies from the publisher of both the text and the audiobook editions. I alternated between the two formats and enjoyed the book immensely. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. If you are new to the series, you would miss out on the ongoing character development, but the plots are episodic and the book includes enough background to allow the reader to enjoy the book as a standalone. Long time readers will love this latest novel.

My first read of this detective series about Lt Eve Dallas. I am flabbergasted to hear that this is the 59th book in the series… so if you are wondering if you need to read the first 58 in order to enjoy this, you have your answer.

A murder at a pre-wedding bachelorette party, lots of circumstantial evidence, motives galore, and several people close to the victim who had the opportunity. This is a police procedural mystery, and Eve is a nuanced and interesting character. Her method to investigating this case was creative and intellectual. Going in, I know this is a murder mystery, but it is pretty dark. The plot was pretty slow for me, i think this could have been about 100 pages shorter. The suspects seemed one dimensional, although the detective and her husband Rourke are well developed and wise.

Audiobook is well acted and easy to follow.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Book to be published Sept 3, 2024.

Dallas and Peabody are called to the scene of a murder at the Down and Dirty club where a crazy in love young couple is celebrating their upcoming wedding with their best friends. Except everything is not as it seems and someone at the club is not happy with this union. I adored Erin and Shauna, their circle of friends, and the precise way the world crumbled as the detectives became ever closer to finding the murderer. With tried and true police work, an understanding of the human psyche, and a determination to find justice for the dead, the detectives work tirelessly to solve a murder that is precise, calculated, and passion filled. With a complex, fast-paced plot, strong friendships and relationships, characters that you can’t help but relate to and like, and a plot that will keep you turning pages, “Passions in Death” is a fantastic police procedural detective story! I am thoroughly hooked on the series and really want to know the back story on all of my favourite characters (this is book 59 in the “In Death” series).

If I were writing a cover blurb for #PassionsInDeath, I would say “Appearances can be deceiving, and trusting the wrong person will be deadly. If detectives Dallas and Peabody are unable to stop the killer odds are they will kill again to exercise their new found power.”

I loved narrator Susan Ericksen and how she brings all of the characters to life, especially Rourke with his Irish accent and Chi-Chi with her attitude. And while I switched between the ebook and audiobook, I have to say once I settled into the audio, I actually preferred this format.

#PassionsInDeath is published on September 3, 2024. Thank you NetGalley Macmillan Audio and St. Martin's Press for the #drc and #audiobook of this title. I am a big fan of JD Robb



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"In Death" returns with yet another fantastic installment! I was very eager to read this book because I have been a longtime reader of J. D. Robb and an avid fan of this series since I read the first one!

I love how the author connects certain aspects of Eve's present life to those of her previous existence. She is an intriguing detective, and I loved that this book showed off a little more of her tender side as she considers how much she enjoys being Roarke's wife. The way she looks into each crime in this series never ceases to intrigue me. And the case itself was intriguing and one that took some time for me to figure out.

The audiobook versions are excellently executed. The narration in the In Death series is masterfully done by Susan Ericksen. I can instantly recognize a character based on how she presented their voice.

Because J.D. Robb done a fantastic job of providing details from earlier novels that are important to the current plot, I believe you could pick up the series right here and understand what is happening. But I really suggest starting at the beginning of the series if you want to really connect with every character.

I plan to continue reading this series for a long time, and I'm looking forward to the next book!

Another blockbuster addition to the Eve and Roarke story! The audiobook is outstanding as the narrator does a phenomenal job of bringing the characters unique personalities to life with unique voices and actions. The mystery as always was well thought out and kept you on your toes guessing who did it! If you pay attention, you can figure it out or at least narrow it down. The humor as always was on point and had my husband and I giggling multiple times throughout the book. This series is one that we love to listen to when we go on vacation together as it helps the miles fly by as we drive and keeps us thoroughly entertained. The only negative is that it will often keep us on the road longer than we had planned so we have to alter our plans along the way. So worth it, every time! I absolutely love this series and it is a must listen series for me every time a new book in the series drops! This is the 59th book in the series so if you haven't started it, it will keep you entertained for days on end! If you are looking for an audiobook to entertain you then this series is the right pick, because the narrator is outstanding. The mysteries are detailed and the life stories entertaining so I look forward to many more books in this series to come!

This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I went in blind. I didn’t realize that it was a futuristic police procedural plot line. At first I was a bit confused by this. Overall I thought the story line was decent and I was invested in finding out who did it. It seemed a bit long and drawn out and towards the end I was getting bored and was ready for it to be over. It was entertaining enough but not my favorite. 3 stars from me.

I want to start off by saying I LOVE this author.

But I didn’t love this book. I absolutely despised the narrator and it just ALL didn’t do it for me. I hate the emphasis on sex and sexual things in a thriller.

I have just finished listening to this great adventure with the crew of the futuristic
NYPSD, Lt Eve Dallas and Det. Delia .Peabody, McNab and Peabody are nearly
ready to move into their new digs, and Mavis and Leonardo are eagerly awaiting
the birth of Baby Girl No. 2.
The main story revolves around a club not featured recently. It’s about to bring
back vivid nightmares for Eve, and become a horrible nightmare for someone
else.
Eve and Peabody are investigating so much more than just the brutal murder
of a bride~to~be as the number of suspects is everyone and no one. Who
who would murder a bride to be?
I did have a pretty good idea of the suspect based solely on a single
sentence spoken. So, not a hard clue. No one really fit ~ until the
time was right.
This audio program is minutes shy of 13 hours, lots of enjoyment
in a single book. I believe series readers will enjoy it for all of the
hard work Dallas and Peabody put in to their interrogations.
While this is Book 59, it would be just as entertaining as a standalone.
My thanks to MacMillan audio & St Martin’s press for the download
Of this book for review purposes.

This was definitely a fun and enjoyable read. It was a little predictable in some parts but I still highly enjoyed the story even if I did not read previous books by this author I was still okay to understand the characters and the storyline of this book.

The “In Death” series yearly new releases are the highlights of my reading experience each and every year. The combination of J.D. Robb’s amazing storytelling prose and Susan Erickson’s uncanny skill in delivering audio portrayals of the series multiple characters makes this series a must read each and every-time.

My anticipation for each new installment in the series leads me to annually immersing myself into the world of Eve Dallas by re-listening to each book in the series. This year my journey has reach fruition with the experience of listening to the audiobook of the newest release “Passion in Death” courtesy of NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.

In classic fashion that many of the series’ readers are accustomed to, the book paints a vivid tale of murder forged in the fires of passion fueled by petty and cruel reasonings. Similar to other novels in the series, “Passion in Death”, takes the classic “who done it” approach in its revealing of the killer and the killer’s underlying reasonings for the crime of murder. Its use of witness interviews, in-depth analysis of witness backgrounds and personality traits are at the heart of Eve’s investigation; ultimately leading to the killer’s identity and confession.

Yet, “Passion in Death” is about more than solving a case. In the midst of the investigation, the book also showcases the ongoing growth and evolution of its characters by touching on the human elements of the world of Eve Dallas. It presents numerous scenarios in which Eve and company have grown and developed while still maintaining each character’s core defining traits. At the heart of “Passion and Death”, is the sense of family. Once Eve was a family of one, now she is a part of a family of many.

I absolutely enjoyed “Passion in Death” and look forward to re-listening to it again through out the years to come.

Robb's latest Eve Dallas thriller doesn't disappoint. A bride's murder during her bachelorette party hits Eve hard, stirring up old wounds. The mix of personal history and professional determination drives the narrative, keeping me hooked. Ericksen's narration is spot-on as always, bringing our favorite characters to life. While the formula is familiar, Robb still manages to throw in surprises that kept me guessing. It's a solid 4-star read that has me itching for the next installment. If you're a series fan, you'll eat this up. Newcomers? You're in for a treat, but maybe start from the beginning to get the full effect.

Thanks to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin's Press for the early listen. Hits shelves September 3!

Book 59! It is so hard to jump into a series at book 59, but that's what I did without knowing. I was missing a lot of backstory about the relationship with the billionaire, but it seems like a cozy and comfortable one, very sweet.
I enjoyed the book, probably even more so if I had followed all of them but that's not what happened. Still, as a standalone it was very interesting. There was good pacing, characters I liked and identified with (the owner of the D&D, my heart broke for him!), and the story was compelling. I was already a J.D. Robb fan, so I will have to read more of these.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my advance copy of this

I enjoyed this audiobook. The mystery, the sleuthing, and everything else just came together and worked for me. For the most part, I enjoyed the narrator. A few accent choices were not my favorite, but the majority were well done. I give it 4/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review Passions in Death by J.D.Robb. All opinions are my own.

I was excited to receive a complimentary copy of the audiobook for Passions in Death by J.D. Robb from NetGalley. It was narrated by Susan Erickson. Opinions in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed this book. I liked that you see a bit more of Eve's softer side as she reflects on how much she loves being married to Roarke, as she is helping to find out how murdered Erin at her bachelorette party. I love this series; I've been a fan since the beginning and have read every one of the 59 books in the series, and still enjoy each new one. I love appearances by Mavis and Bella, Crack, and Dr. and Mr. Mira, although I always like when we see a bit more of them. This story was a little slower paced due to it being about one murder instead of trying to catch the killer before they murdered again, but there were still surprises as Eve went about solving the case and looking into the couple's circle of friends.

Again, I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator, although I did enjoy it more this time. I found that I would fall asleep while listening sometimes and then have to go back and play them again. I still was not a fan of the voices she used for Peabody and Roarke especially; they are just not how I would imagine those characters talking. I am starting to appreciate an audiobook more, but I think reading the actual text is still my preferred method of reading.

The novel follows Lt. Eve Dallas as she investigates a murder at a bachelorette party held in a sketch club, where a lesbian couple's future together is tragically cut short. The plot thickens with a myriad of potential suspects, drawing the reader into a tangled web of motives and secrets.

Initially, I was uncertain about how the story would resolve. While the narrative was engaging enough to hold my interest, it didn’t particularly excite me about future installments. However, I did appreciate the dynamic between Eve Dallas and her partner, which added depth to the storyline. I remain open to exploring more books in this series, hoping the next one might elevate my enthusiasm.

This one left a little to be desired. I love the J.D. Robb series and characters, but this one just fell flat and predictable. I know the books are obviously a bit formulaic but still I guessed the ending fairly quickly and all in all it was just a sad story. I can't wait to see where she takes our main characters though!

Thanks NetGalley, for this advanced audiobook, the narrator crushed it with all the accents!

3 stars. 4 for the story and 2 stars for the narrator. The suspense novel set in the future is great, but the narrator basically uses the same voice for all the characters, regardless of gender or background. Attempts at accents failed, and the narrator's voice is not pleasant. It was hard to listen to.

It has been a minute since I have read an In Death novel and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed the story, it was great to listen to the story. I had not done an audio for an In Death novel, and you can hear the personality of Eve which was great. All my favorite characters were in the book. You do not need to read/listen to previous book to follow the main story.