I’ve tried one of these near-future murder mysteries written by the very successful Nora Roberts under her pen name J.D. Robb, but it didn’t really do it for me. I decided to give the series another go and this time asked Himself for one of the best books – and he recommended this one…
The only thing that kept young Nixie Swisher from suffering the same fate as her parents, brother, housekeeper, and young sleepover companion was the impulsive nine-year-old’s desire for an illicit orange fizzy at 2 a.m. Taking the bereft girl under her wing, Eve is determined to make sure the killers don’t get the chance to finish their lethal job. From the first, however, the investigation is baffling. The Swishers were a nice family, living on the Upper West Side in a house with an excellent security system. Ordinary almost to a fault, they seemed unlikely victims for this carefully planned and executed crime. Valuables at the scene were left untouched, there was no sign of vandalism — just the corpses of five people murdered in their sleep.
Firstly, don’t worry about crashing midway into this series. I didn’t need to break a sweat to figure out who was doing what to whom – and Robb provides plenty of information about Eve Dallas and her backstory, given this particular crime also resonates unpleasantly with her. I really liked Eve, who is a typical, gritty cop wedded to restoring some kind of order onto the street of 2059 New York. I also liked the fact that she is very happily married to bad-boy-turned-good Roarke – do be warned that this isn’t one to leave around for the younger teens to read as there are a couple of steamy sex scenes and the language is somewhat salty at times.
That said, while the home invasion is horrible, Robb is careful not to tip into gratuitous violence – or sentimentality. I was impressed that the little girl’s plight is also depicted with restraint and some understanding of how children cope with trauma.
There had to be some suspension of belief over the fact that Eve scoops the little mite up and takes her home – but Robb manages to just about bring it off, I think. In amongst the investigation to discover who perpetrated this terrible crime and why, there is a steady stream of cop humour which I found very welcome. This book had me hooked right to the end, also believing that Nixie would eventually find happiness again – which mattered. And I now understand why this series is a firm favourite with so many folks, Himself included…
9/10
Wonderful that you are still enjoying these this far in, Sarah. Now and then I love a super long series too.
To my shame – I have to confess that I haven’t read any others as yet – but I am now inspired to read more books in this series, Laura:)
I’ve been meaning to read this series for ever but the length of it always kind of scared me off. I’m glad to know I can just jump in and this one sounds like a great one to start with. Even though the futuristic element is a little outside my usual genre I enjoy Nora Roberts’ writing and this sounds like one I’d like.
Oh I think you would, Katherine! To be honest, I don’t think you’ll find the futuristic element too daunting – it isn’t a major issue in the series.
I love this series, I’ve read every one and am glad there are usually 2-3 new ones each year. The characters have sucked me in and it’s like being with best friends.
I’m now really keen to read more of these – given that Himself is such a fan, we do possess all the books:))
I’ve never been tempted by this series before but your review has made me want to pick this book up, it sounds like a gripping read. I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I really did enjoy this one – she certainly has a real knack for producing page-turners and I found myself totally engrossed in the story:)
Haven’t read this one yet, I am somewhere in the teens.
Ah:)). I’m certainly encouraged to read more of this series.
My sister is a big fan of the J.D. Robb books. She keeps telling me I would like them but up until now I’ve ignored her, lol. Now your review has me thinking I should probably listen to her and try one.
Yes – I think you might enjoy this series if you give it a go. And it never hurts to please a sister:))
Book 20 – wow, just wow. High five to that.
Lynn 😀
Yes… if only I’d read the previous 19!!
I am like you Sarah, I tried one quite awhile ago and it didn’t do much for me. I have not given it another try. My DIL absolutely loves this serie and has read them all. Your review does make this one sound like something I would like though. Maybe i should try again.
Himself didn’t exactly demand that I have another go – but we do have very similar tastes so it seemed to make sense to do so. I’m glad I did – this was a thoroughly engrossing read:)
Happy to hear that. I might start with that one as well then.