Series: In Death #10
Format Read: large print paperback
Source: my local library
Release Date: August 14, 2000
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Blurb from goodreads:
It is 2059, and New York City homicide lieutenant Eve Dallas's husband, Roarke, is producing a revival of Agatha Christie's thriller Witness for the Prosecution. On opening night, when the villainous character Leonard Vole gets his just deserts, someone substitutes a kitchen knife for the prop knife, and the actor, Richard Draco, is stabbed through the heart. Trouble is, in time-tested British mystery fashion, everyone in the cast had good reason to despise Richard, a misogynist who seduced and discarded beautiful young women, including one whom he knew to be his daughter. It's up to Eve to solve the case, an emotionally difficult task as she is no stranger to incest herself: she was beaten and raped by her father before she managed to escape him. As Eve fights to keep her head above water, she tries to bond at a deeper level with Roarke, so that her future will heal the pain of her past.
Bea's Thoughts:
I've bounced around all over the place, reading the books in this series all out of order. I've been trying to catch up and read the ones I missed, more or less in order, so I got this one from the library. As I was reading it, parts seemed familiar so possibly I read it years ago. Since I've read out of order I was spoiled for certain events but I didn't mind. Still, at times it was weird seeing things and people from so early in the series, it was disconcerting. I enjoy these stories so much, it's like hanging out with friends. Though I'm not sure Eve and I would be friends, we're so different, but oh, I'd like to be.
The story is intertwined with a play, "Witness for the Prosecution", based on a book by Agatha Christie. It's also a movie. After reading this book, I'm curious about Christie's book and will need to borrow it from my library. There are parallels between the events that happen in Robb's story and Christie's story adding layers that we don't always see in the In Death books. Robb's characterization was in sharp form, both with the regulars and the new characters. I loved seeing the early stages of Peabody and McNab, the sharp dialogue between Eve and Summerset and the small ways they take care of each other, Eve and Mira's relationship, of course Eve and Roarke and their complicated, evolving relationship, and the mystery itself. Pretty much I loved everything about this book. Robb was in top form; placing, plotting, details, dialogue, everything was tight, smart, and enthralling.
So this is like a well written fan fiction? Nothing wrong with that but I think it's a great way to pay homage to your idol/inspiration. I love Nora Roberts, I thought she only writes bubble gum romance but after trying a few of her books, she writes fantastic romantic suspense too!
ReplyDeleteFan fiction? Hmm, I hadn't thought of it like that. But no, more inspired by. Robb uses her own characters and world but the murders are patterned after the play and there are parallels between the play and the story.
DeleteI love reading the 'In Death' series. Frequently I will go back and start from the very beginning, re-reading all of them. They are THAT good. It's also a good thing that she is so prolific as well but I still find myself waiting impatiently for new releases from her.
ReplyDeleteI used to prefer her Roberts titles but now I prefer the Robb books. I read her regardless and I am happy she is so prolific. :)
DeleteIt's been a long time since I read this series. I think I read the first 4. I do like them, I just haven't had time to catch up and there are so many of them.
ReplyDeleteThere are indeed. When I first started reading, I think I read one in the teens or maybe the twenties and I've been jumping around ever since. They can be read out of order though in order is best.
DeleteSome day I'll have to try this series - though Eve's issues are a little on the dark side for me. I find that's often the case with Nora Roberts; I love some of her books while others have elements that make me uncomfortable. (I'm not a fan of serial-killer villains, for instance.)
ReplyDeleteIn this case, the use of and parallels with Witness for the Prosecution are intriguing. (I'm a big Christie fan.) And the death of an actor during a play also reminds me of two Ngaio Marsh mysteries in which an actor is murdered on stage during the production: Enter a Murderer and Light Thickens.
Yep, things can definitely get dark. I like that Robb/Roberts isn't afraid to tackle them but there are times I'd like the stories to be a little lighter.
DeleteI'm not familiar with those Marsh stories. I may have to check them out.
I never thought about listening to these books out of order, but after reading that you have, maybe I could give them a shot. I tried the first book but it didn't work for me, this was a long time ago, maybe I could try again, after reading your review I'm really tempted to try.
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
Ahh yeah so like visiting old friends and I'm with you I'd LOVE to be friends with Eve. With all of them really.
ReplyDeleteI've only read the first book but I'm totally intimidated by the # of books in this series.
ReplyDeleteI hear it gets better with each book.
Karen @ For What It's Worth