This is a comfort read.

While I didn't find the plot totally original, I did enjoy the heck out of it with zero reservations. The book was pure fun.

Our villain ended up being quite different and I loved hating them.

As for our main cast of characters? Perfect as always.

I was shocked to realize that this was book 61!!! The series is still going strong and still a read guaranteed to entertain.

* ARC via Publisher

first off a big thank you to the publisher for the invite , I can' t believe my eyes when I saw the email , but I'm so happy I got the invite and as soon as I got I couldn't wait to read it so much so that I had to read it right away and I'n so glad I did , Because once I started I got lost in the story like I always do , I loved how the killer was using famous paintings as his inspiration that set give the story a some what creepy vibe . I also liked how there was some parts where I was smiling or laughing because of Galahad , and lets not forget the rest of the characters themselves ,with this said there no way I'll ever want to stop reading series .

I was so excited to receive this ARC especially because I really love this series. The character’s development grows with each book, the cases are well thought out and plenty of action to keep you wanting to read the series. To really give you an understanding of the characters, you should read the series from book one. Lieutenant Eve Dallas receives a call to report to a scene where the body is dressed and posed to look like a famous painting. Dallas and her team are on the case before more killings can happen. What makes these books so special are the interactions between the characters, especially with Eve and Roarke. I found that once I started reading, I didn’t want to put it down. I highly recommend this book and the series. Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in Exchange for an honest review.

One would think that writing the 61st book in a series, said book would be repetitive and staid. On the contrary, this book is a fresh as book one in the series. My heart was racing during some of the scenes. The book is invigorating and so intense. I read those pages with bated breath. The writing is impeccable. The storyline is gripping. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

This book is a great addition to the Eve Dallas series. The story moves at a good pace. The interaction between the characters is interesting, layered and provides some interesting dialogue. This book is part of a series but the story’s never get stale. A good police procedural that has you rooting for the good guys. I received an advanced readers copy for an honest review.

I anxiously wait for February and September to roll around for the newest In Death release, and this was no exception. While some may feel like this series is repetitive, I find the repetitive elements to be so comforting. I love knowing the cast of characters and having the continued storylines between each book. And realistically, the fact that there's always a tidy conclusion feels so nice. JD Robb (Nora Roberts) is one of my auto-buy authors, and I love that there's no end in sight with this series!

As for this actual story – I enjoyed it! The concept of killing to bring life to his art was a great setup and aligned with the spoiled, rich characterization of the killer. I really liked the way that he required use of the exact materials and went to great lengths to duplicate the original artworks but wasn't good enough to create his own work.

For the 61st book in this series, the path was a little different. Obviously, having read each and every one of the previous 60 books in this series....I AM a huge fan.

It is always a joy to drop back in and spend a while with Eve and Roarke and the gang. For whatever reason, this book felt....a bit more superficial than we have come to expect from the series. The actual case in this one was not so much a "whodunit" but more of a "wait for the crazy man to get caught" kind of book. There is a so-called artist who believes his art will be much improved by targeting and killing the people he gets to model for him.

Where I had a problem was with the pace of the murders and the ease of all of the aspects that usually go into such killings. No spoilers, so let's just say it was WAY too easy.

Where things kind of felt like they got back on the track was in the last 20% of the book. There is actually a new and different scenario that occurs and THAT was actually where I finally felt the tension build.

All in all, it wasn't my favorite book of the series, but as I said before......any opportunity to jump back into this world is always a joy.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on September 2, 2025.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read Framed in Death by J.D. Robb. The series continues to rock, continues to be smart and sexy. 61 bezillion Gold Stars

Ohhh, how I love this series and all of the characters in it!! I literally jumped for joy when I was gifted this ARC for review. Every case is well planned, and the amazing work of Eve and the detectives and officers in her squad is just magic. There are a lot of books in this series, but if you haven't started, I'd say you would definitely not regret it.

Thank you to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I’ve been reading this series since it first came out many moons ago, and I’m always excited to read another. This latest has Eve on the run for an artist who thinks his works are masterful, and that they get more masterful when he kills. From the beginning, we know that Eve and Peabody aren’t going to be interviewing people to find the killer, like in some of the author’s books, which makes the first part good, but not great. Then, as they narrow down and find the killer, the book gets so captivating you can’t take your eyes of the page. While this latest installment isn’t the best of the series, it definitely isn’t the worst either, and it’s well worth a read. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

Framed in Death by J.D. Robb is the 61st installment in the long-running and much-beloved In Death series—and somehow, this series still refuses to lose its edge. I want to start by sincerely thanking St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC. As someone who has followed Lieutenant Eve Dallas from her first case to now, I couldn’t wait to tear into this book. And once again, J.D. Robb delivers.

The premise this time is bold and chilling. A body is discovered posed like Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, left on the steps of a Manhattan art gallery. It’s eerie, dramatic, and undeniably staged. Eve quickly realizes this isn’t just a murder—it’s a performance. A statement. And as the murders continue, each victim recreated as a classic work of art, it becomes clear that this killer sees himself not as a criminal, but as an artist. A visionary. A god of his own dark gallery.

One of the things that’s most compelling about this book is that the reader knows who the killer is from early on. This isn’t a whodunit—it’s a cat-and-mouse chase, a psychological duel between a narcissistic predator and a relentless cop who sees through every excuse, every performance. It’s about how Eve and her team will bring him down, when, and what it will cost them to do it.

The investigation is gripping in classic Robb fashion—snappy dialogue, tight pacing, sharp procedural detail. Eve’s brain is a weapon, and watching her work through this twisted case, piece by piece, is satisfying as hell. She’s got her team at her back, and they’re used to working with tight timelines—but this case adds pressure. The killer is taking a new life almost nightly. There’s a race-against-time urgency that pulses through the entire story, making it impossible to put down.

But what always elevates this series is its heart, and Framed in Death doesn’t hold back. One of the strongest elements in this book—and in the series overall—is the steady development of relationships. Eve and Roarke continue to be one of the most complex, authentic romantic pairs in fiction. Their dynamic is grounded in deep understanding, mutual respect, and a shared stubborn streak that somehow works instead of clashes. In this book, we get glimpses of their routines, their in-jokes, and even their arguments—all of which are rooted in love and an ongoing commitment to grow together.

I loved the moments that reminded us just how far Eve has come emotionally. She’s not just the hardened homicide cop anymore—though she’s definitely still that. She’s become a partner in every sense of the word. The quiet strength she draws from Roarke isn’t weakness—it’s part of her power. Whether it’s the way they coordinate their evenings around their cases, the rituals they share, or their running battle with Galahad the cat stealing food off the breakfast table, it’s clear their marriage is still evolving and deepening.

The supporting cast continues to shine. Peabody remains the perfect balance to Eve—smart, empathetic, loyal, and occasionally hilarious. McNab, Jenkinson, Reineke, even Harvo—every member of the NYPSD squad brings personality and presence. They’re not just tools to move the plot; they’re fully formed characters who matter. One of my favorite throughlines in this book was the completion of Jenkinson’s dream house project. After following that thread through several books, it was genuinely satisfying to see Eve and Roarke attend the celebratory dinner, fully part of the world they’ve built.

Another standout is how Robb continues to play with moral complexity. The killer in Framed in Death isn’t sympathetic, but he’s not cartoonish either. He’s arrogant and dangerous, yes, but his worldview—twisted as it is—is chillingly coherent. He believes he’s improving the world through death. The way Robb contrasts this with Eve’s black-and-white view of justice, while still acknowledging the grey areas that money and power create, adds a layer of sophistication to the narrative. We see again how the wealthy and well-connected can manipulate the system—and how Eve, no matter how difficult the path, finds a way to bring them down.

Robb’s writing is still sharp. The dialogue crackles. The transitions between investigative scenes and personal moments feel seamless. The pacing is tight, and even when we’re in the killer’s POV, there’s a clear purpose. She never lingers too long on gore for the sake of it. Every detail serves the story.

If I had to point out one minor drawback, it would be that longtime readers may start to recognize familiar beats. We’ve had artist-themed killers before. We’ve had egomaniacs. But Framed in Death still feels fresh because of the strength of its execution. The art angle is visually striking and thematically rich. The stakes feel personal because of how involved the team becomes. And even though the structure of the series is well established, the emotional stakes keep rising.

In short, this is a polished, compelling addition to a series that has never stopped evolving. J.D. Robb somehow continues to push these characters forward, building on their history while still telling stories that grip, entertain, and surprise. Framed in Death is chilling, satisfying, and full of those moments that make the In Death series stand apart: humor in the face of horror, loyalty under pressure, and justice served with bite.

I give this one 4.5 stars out of 5. If you’ve followed Eve Dallas from book one, you’ll appreciate how much depth she’s gained without losing her edge. If you’re new to the series, this isn’t a bad place to jump in—you’ll miss some backstory, sure, but Robb always gives enough context to stand on its own.

Highly recommended for fans of gritty murder mysteries, smart procedurals, and strong women who don’t back down.

This is another installment in Robb's series featuring Lt. Eve Dallas and her husband Roarke.

Robb is a master at procedural detailing, along with sharp dialogue, and this book is no exception. Characters are well-crafted. The case shows that nothing is as simple as it may first appear.

This book is a nice blend of mystery, procedure, and technology. While this could be read as a stand alone, you will have a greater appreciation for the characters if you read them in order, or if you have at least read other books in the series.

This is book 61 in the In Death series. It is amazing that the author comes up with two horrible murders year after year.
The description covers the crimes, so I thought I might mention one thing that longtime readers might be wondering about (I know that I am).
…… Who is the Candy Thief! I have had several guesses, but wonder if the identity will ever be revealed🤔
So back to the story. An under appreciated artist decides to create a series of paintings using live models… Who he or she then kills. Nice right. As the case progresses, you realize that Eve is looking for someone who is extremely wealthy. As usual, Eve works tirelessly to find the killer. The ending was a little bit different than usual, but considering how much money was behind this person, I understood why.
That is one of the things I most appreciate about this series. Even though certain things stay the same, the characters continue to grow, and the murders are always unique.

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. This review is my opinion.

Framed in Death is the 61st book in the Eve Dallas Thriller series by JD Robb. This futuristic thriller is a police procedural thriller and has some romantic parts between Eve and her billionaire husband, Roarke. The characters in this book are all well loved in this series. Eve Dallas is a New York City cop intent on putting murderers behind bars. Each case is finding the clues and putting together the case to nabbing the killer. Dallas has a way of being a detective and being in tune to her emotions about the killer in a calm and poised sort of way.

In this book, Dallas is after an artist who is posing people like famous paintings. The artist is killing them to stage them and placing them at galleries. There are two POV’s in this book, the killer and Dallas. You get a sense of what’s going on with both worlds. JD Robb has a way of writing that pulls you into the story and keeps you engaged throughout the entire book.

I’ve been reading this series for a long time. Every time I pick up another book in this series, I get totally immersed in it. The characters are all fantastic. My favorite side characters being Peabody and McNab. Peabody is Dallas’s partner.

I would recommend you start at the first book in this series to follow Eve from the beginning. Keep in mind that there are 60 books out!! This book releases September 2, 2025.

To everyone who knows me, I follow the In Death series by J.D. Robb religiously….This is book 61!

Review
Framed in Death by JD Robb
4.5 stars

Framed in Death brings forth a pretentious killer who kills for the name sparking passion in their art. In this book, we get POVs from the killer's end where the readers know who the killer is. This also makes it an interesting read because the killer would prop his victims up to represent famous classic paintings such as “The Lady with the Pearl Earring” and it is a race against time with the killer going for one victim every night before Eve and her team caught him.

| “With rank, comes bullshit” Even to Jenkinson, her second in command on the bs of paperwork |

As always, the book prioritizes the interpersonal relationships that Eve has such as one with her partner where their house of dreams is completed and Eve and Roarke were invited for dinner. It’s great to finally see a project over the course of several books completed. The relationships that Eve has with her crew of cops is great to see especially how they leaned to her case due to time constraints.

|”I do enjoy your bullpen, Lieutenant. I enjoyed it very much. It’s never dull” Roarke to Eve during his visit to her work place|

My favourite moments are always Eve’s interactions with Roake. The understanding and love they have for each other just grows - such as the marriage rules note with Eve always giving a heads up to Roarke if she is late, the money lending where Eve will always pay Roarke back to the formidable outfits Roarke always picks out for her. And their moments with Galahad, their cat where he sneaks up during breakfast time to get himself some and to a point that Roarke would banish him out of the bedroom and bring the used dishes to the closet to lock them in.

It is always fascinating to see Eve’s mind works and in this case, there were a lot of chipping aways and circumstantial moments before finally apprehending the killer. We also get to see how sometimes the law can make things more lenient when money can buy anything and how Eve and her team outsmarts the killer here.

It was a fun and riveting read for me. I would always recommend this series, as it features a strong female lead, police investigative elements thrown in, touchpoints of love, friendships, found family, and murder mystery elements.

J.D. Robb delivers another fast-paced, tightly plotted entry in her In Death series with Framed in Death. Once again, we find Lieutenant Eve Dallas pulling at a thread that unravels into something much larger and more dangerous than it first appears. What starts as a simple case — a murder staged to look like a natural death — quickly twists into a deeper conspiracy, and Eve’s relentless pursuit of justice keeps the pages turning.

Robb’s signature blend of gritty procedural detail, sharp dialogue, and layered character development is on full display. Eve’s relationship with Roarke continues to add emotional depth without ever slowing the action, and familiar faces from the NYPSD team — Peabody, McNab, and others — provide humor and heart along the way.

Framed in Death is a satisfying mix of mystery, character-driven storytelling, and just enough future tech to make it feel fresh without overshadowing the very human motivations behind the crimes. Longtime fans will appreciate how Robb manages to keep the series feeling alive and energized, even this deep into the lineup, while newcomers could easily jump in without feeling lost.

If you love smart mysteries with strong heroines, dynamic supporting characters, and a splash of romance, Framed in Death

"Framed in Death" is another great installment in the long-running series about Lieutenant Eve Dallas, her billionaire husband Roarke, and the various friends who have become their found family. Here, Eve is trying to track down a killer who believes he is breathing new life into classic paintings through murder. It is not a who done it, but a how does she catch him and even better, how does she outsmart him. Like other more recent books in the series, we get a good mix of Eve's professional and personal spheres and Eve and Roarke's banter continues to entertain. I am already looking forward to the next installment.

4 stars. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

5/5 stars! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. I finished it in two sittings. Framed in Death is book 61 in the In Death series. I have read numerous books in the series and have enjoyed them all and this one did not disappoint. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Framed in Death is releasing September 2, 2025. Thank you to J.D. Robb and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.