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In Death #60

Bonded in Death

Not yet published
Expected 4 Feb 25
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The #1 New York Times bestselling author spins an epic tale of loyalty, treachery, murder, and the long shadow of war…

His passport read Giovanni Rossi. But decades ago, during the Urban Wars, he was part of a small, secret organization called The Twelve. Responding to an urgent summons from an old compatriot, he landed in New York and eased into the waiting car. And died within minutes…

Lieutenant Eve Dallas finds the Rossi case frustrating. She’s got an elderly victim who’d just arrived from Rome; a widow who knows nothing about why he’d left; an as-yet unidentifiable weapon; and zero results on facial recognition. But when she finds a connection to the Urban Wars of the 2020s, she thinks Summerset―fiercely loyal, if somewhat grouchy, major-domo and the man who’d rescued her husband from the Dublin streets―may know something from his stint as a medic in Europe back then.

When Summerset learns of the crime, his shock and grief are clear―because, as he eventually reveals, he himself was one of The Twelve. It’s not a part of his past he likes to revisit. But now he must―not only to assist Eve’s investigation, but because a cryptic message from the killer has boasted that others of The Twelve have also died. Summerset is one of those who remain―and the murderous mission is yet to be fully accomplished…

368 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 4, 2025

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About the author

J.D. Robb

216 books34.4k followers
J.D. Robb is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling In Death series and the pseudonym for #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts. The futuristic suspense series stars Eve Dallas, a New York City police lieutenant with a dark past. Initially conceived as a trilogy, readers clamored for more of Eve and the mysterious Roarke. Forgotten in Death (St. Martin's Press, September 2021) is the 53rd entry in the series.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
Profile Image for PamG.
1,134 reviews797 followers
December 31, 2024
What a fantastic addition to the series! Bonded in Death, the sixtieth book in J. D. Robb’s well-written futuristic police procedural set in New York City, is one of the best in the series. This series features homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas, her husband, Roarke, and her partner, Detective Delia Peabody, along with an assortment of regular secondary characters. This time we get more of Summerset’s background and history along with a fascinating murder. Summerset is the man who became a father to Roarke when he was a young boy on the Dublin streets.

Giovanni Rossi arrives in New York, but he was a part of a small, secret organization consisting of twelve individuals during the 2020’s. He arrives in response to an old colleague and dies soon after being picked up at the airport. Lieutenant Eve Dallas finds the case frustrating. Rossi had just arrived from Rome. His widow doesn’t know why he left, and the police still don’t know what killed him or why. When Summerset, learns of the crime, he’s shocked and reveals how he knows the victim.

Time spent with Dallas, Roarke, Peabody, and their colleagues and friends is always entertaining. Eve is smart, tenacious, determined, focused, brave, and believes in what she does. However, her way doesn’t usually include the social niceties. It’s compelling to see how Eve’s mind works as she gets a better picture of the killer. As always, the interactions between Dallas and Roarke as well as with their friends and her homicide team are enjoyable and bring different facets of her personality to light. While this book didn’t include a lot of interactions with their friends, it included several people important to Summerset.

Murder, suspense, and drama immediately pull readers into the storyline. The author continues to use prose to elicit a strong emotional response from readers. While this one included some flashback scenes, Robb made the transitions smooth and the content riveting. While the killer is known early in the book, the story is about the investigation and search for him or her as well as the relationships people have formed.

Skilled in using humor to bring out character personalities as well as to offset some of the more serious aspects of the story, I didn’t want to put the book down. Strong characters, excellent pacing, and delightful relationships are a constant in this series. Woven through the novel are threads of friendship, standing for victims, found family, betrayal, greed, love, connections, bonds, hate, jealousy, justice, trust, anger, and much more.

Robb is an excellent storyteller who combines clever plots, intense scenes, lots of solid police investigation, and engaging characters with depth. The narrative has the right balance of mystery, police investigation, romance, and creative twists.

Overall, this novel was an emotional and twisty tale with great characterization that kept me engaged throughout the story. If you enjoy intriguing near-future police procedurals with a strong female lead, then I recommend this series. I can’t wait to read the next book.

St. Martin’s Press and J.D. Robb provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 04, 2025.
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My 4.84 rounded to 5 stars review will be posted in early January 2025.
Profile Image for Mallory.
1,735 reviews254 followers
January 5, 2025
It’s hard to believe this is book 60 in this series and while I haven’t read them all (I just discovered them in the last year or so after all), but I think the story is still going well with interesting characters and continuing to create good plot lines. I hope there are more to come. I liked that this one contained more of the history in this world which helps to flesh so much out in the world building. I also loved that we go to see more of Summerset and his backstory which helps me to like him more. A killer has come to New York and lured their victim there. His biggest mistake though is making sure Lieutenant Eve Dallas is on the case. Dallas quickly realizes this case has ties to the Urban Wars of the 2020’s (yeah, that was a bit scary given the state of the world). This book is full of satisfying mystery, spies, and a good and healthy relationship that continues to develop through the series which I love. The narrator did a good job, I’ve enjoyed them through the last couple of books and definitely would listen to more of them.
Profile Image for Natalie.
2,015 reviews
May 25, 2024
Received an ARC courtesy of the publisher via Edelweiss.

Usually I will quit book series well before they reach book 60. I still find enjoyment in J.D. Robb's books featuring Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her gazillionaire husband. In this book, we get more background on Summerset and what he did during the Urban Wars. (I do admit it was a little odd reading flashbacks to events in the 2020s. I just consider these books as an alternate history/future).

I would read a spin-off series about the former group of spies, and I liked seeing older characters aid in the mystery. This is one of the types when we pretty much know the culprit early on, and it is more about their capture.
Profile Image for Sandra Hoover.
1,371 reviews229 followers
January 19, 2025
BONDED IN DEATH is the sixtieth book in Author J.D. Robb's futuristic police procedural series set in New York City during the 21st century. Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas, billionaire husband and entrepreneur Roarke and an eclectic assortment of friends and colleagues unite to fight crime and bring justice to victims and their families. As always, Robb excels at rendering a tautly plotted murder mystery featuring strong, vibrant characterizations and settings with a sprinkling of humor to lighten darker storylines.

A man in Rome receives an urgent phone call causing him to drop everything and travel to New York City with no explanation to his family. He gets in a waiting limo at the airport and soon thereafter, he's found dead in the backseat with no immediate cause of death indicated. Called to the scene, Lt. Dallas quickly becomes irritated at the lack of clues, especially when facial recognition fails to identify the limo driver and presumed killer. As Eve and her team dig deeper, facts emerge indicating the victim had a connection to the historic Urban Wars that occurred during a period of unrest in Europe over four decades earlier. Dallas turns to the only person she knows who lived through those Wars - Roarke's major domo, Summerset, who resides in the mansion and takes immense pleasure in irritating Eve with daily exchanges of banter. The shock and pain on Summerset's face upon hearing of Rossi's death tells Eve that he holds the key to solving the murder if she can convince him to share his secretive past. When it becomes clear someone is targeting old comrades, Summerset reluctantly tells a dark tale about an organization he swore allegiance to known as "The Twelve” - a group of confidants who secretly fought behind the scenes during the Urban Wars. With Summerset at the top of a "kill list", Eve and Roarke offer safe harbor in the mansion to the remaining members of The Twelve while Eve, Peabody and the rest of the police team search for an elusive killer. Can they unmask a mastermind of disguise before he kills again?

BONDED IN DEATH is THE In Death book I've been waiting for as I suspect is true of other fans of the series. The Urban Wars are mentioned in previous books with little to no information being revealed. It's been alluded to that Summerset's dark past is buried somewhere in the ashes of the Urban Wars, and readers are finally receiving the full story. Bringing the tale home to New York with safe shelter taking place in Roarke's mansion is brilliant on the part of the author as it brings people who knew, loved and worked with Summerset in his youth together in one place, allowing readers inside Eve’s at-home interview room as each remaining member relays their story. Flashbacks carry readers straight into the war zone enabling them to watch the horror of the ultimate betrayal play out firsthand. Robb expertly maneuvers characters and readers through connecting plot lines as intensity and urgency grow with frustrations at being unable to put a face to a suspected killer.

Author J.D. Robb is a brilliant storyteller who knows how to weave a fascinating, multi-faceted tale with characters readers love like family. I never tire of watching the cases play out through Eve's eyes as her mind is a fascinating place to be whether she's working a case or navigating the murky waters of wife and/or friendship rules. Character relationship development is always huge in these books, remaining the number one reason I recommend experiencing this series from the beginning - although each book stands alone with an intriguing murder case being investigated. I always look forward to the quirky banter between characters, especially Eve and Peabody, as well as the hilarious prose describing the vibrant dress and larger-than-life personalities of some characters. Pacing moves forward steadily with each revelation keeping characters and readers engaged.

Author J.D. Robb has rendered another excellent, immersive police procedural with strong, engaging characters and complex plot lines bearing the perfect blend of mystery, intrigue, romance and humor. I predict BONDED IN DEATH will be a favorite among long-time fans of the series. I also highly recommend it to those readers who enjoy a beautifully written and delivered murder mystery.
Many thanks to St. Martins Press for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed are entirely my own. This title is scheduled for release on Feb. 4, 2025. My review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is now available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,597 reviews422 followers
December 2, 2024
Four decades ago, the Urban Wars marked a period of significant historical upheaval. Detective Eve Dallas’s most recent murder investigation leads her to examine the conflict in Europe in 2026. Summerset, Roarke’s majordomo, is poised to play a pivotal role in Eve’s new case. The murder victim, Giovanni Rossi, is revealed to have been a member of a clandestine group known as The Twelve. Surprisingly, Summerset is also a member of this group, albeit for reasons that remain enigmatic. The group comprises only a select few individuals, and the discovery of a kill list underscores the urgency for Summerset and the remaining members to seek protection under Eve and Roarke’s watchful eyes.

Upon discovering Rossi’s peculiar demise, Eve’s pursuit of his perpetrator intensifies, concurrently with her responsibility to safeguard Summerset and the others. For newcomers to the series, this revelation is undoubtedly shocking. Roarke, Eve’s affluent billionaire husband, possesses expertise in various fields. For several years, Summerset has been employed by Roarke, and Eve, following their marriage. He has played a significant yet discreet role in their lives. This is particularly noteworthy given that Summerset is the individual who ultimately gave Roarke his life and saved him during his youth.

The In Death series, set in the mid-21st century, several decades after the end of the Urban Wars, surprisingly shocks Summerset with Rossi’s demise, yet not entirely in disbelief. The shock he experiences is palpable. In this latest captivating and addictive installment, a substantial portion of the narrative focuses on Summerset, offering readers a glimpse into his early life.

Eve is in a very good place in her life. Loving Roarke and living a life with him is more than she ever imagined for herself. However, Eve has always felt a certain way towards Summerset, even avoiding him whenever possible. Now, Eve finds herself responsible for his life. Her carefully orchestrated life is controlled by rules, or boundaries, that she sets for herself - marriage rules, work rules, friend rules.

My review would be incomplete without acknowledging the exceptional narration provided by Susan Erickson throughout the entire series. Her remarkable ability to capture voices and convey the distinct personalities of each character is unparalleled. With Erickson’s voice acting, it becomes effortlessly apparent that Eve’s witty and sharp remarks, Peabody’s humorous demeanor, Summerset’s reserved nature, and Roarke’s protective instincts are all vividly portrayed. I really sunk into this audiobook, making me utterly crazy about this book, just as I was with every book in this series. Now, to wait for book 61 …

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
2,881 reviews763 followers
December 10, 2024
Eve and Roark will never get old. Their relationship is fascinating and one of my favorite couples. I also like that we got to know more about Summerset finally. Another great installment in the In Death series.
Profile Image for Tonya.
578 reviews129 followers
January 5, 2025
Bonded in Death by JD Robb is number 60 in the “In Death” near future homicide detective series featuring Eve Dallas- a really tough kick butt lead character. Eve Dallas is one of my favorite authors, and I have been reading the In Death series since she first published Naked In Death in 1995. Now, book 60 of the series is out and I had to dive right into it.

Eve Dallas is in charge of homicide for the New York City police department in 2061 when she receives her newest case: Giovanni Rossi, who was killed by some unknown chemical shortly after flying into NY City. There is a strong connection to the Urban Wars ( a fictionally war set in 2024-2026) and potentially even Summerset had been part of an elite organization of 12 people.. I like meeting Summerset’s friends and how Eve and her team work on the case - someone closely associated with Summerset’s past.

Highly recommend Bonded in Death by JD Robb- great storyline, character development and the setting, of course is perfect! Ass the storyline develops and as the title reflects, the bonds between the original group and what they are willing to do to protect each other. The continued beloved characters that are a main focal point of the In Death series. I enjoy that it could be read as a stand alone (although I always recommend start with the first book, Naked in Death). I also liked the geeky stuff with technology and how the crime is analyzed.
Profile Image for Lisa Yee Swope.
357 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2024
I knew from the very first page the direction of this story even though it wasn't revealed for fully a quarter of the book. And because I was waiting on tenterhooks for the reveal, there was so much more anticipation in this one, and it was executed divinely, making this my favorite that JD Robb has put out in years.
Profile Image for Celeste.
1,070 reviews2,475 followers
January 11, 2025
I received an early digital copy of this book from the publisher, St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating: 4.5 stars.

It’s hard to believe that Bonded in Death is the 60th book in the In Death series. I know of no other series currently being written that is so enduring, and that is still going on so strong. One would think these characters would be worn thin by now, but they’re just as vibrant as they were in their earliest days, if not even more so. Some installments are better than others, of course. But even the weakest book in this series is still worth reading for those who have been with it since the beginning. Happily, this 60th novel is a strong one, and a worthy story for such a momentous anniversary.

Bonded in Death digs into the life of Summerset during the Urban Wars, as well as his team, The Twelve, who were covert operatives at the tail end of the war. Nearly forty years later, one of the team has turned traitor and is seeking to kill off the rest of the team. When one of the team falls, the others band together under Eve and Roarke’s roof, as Eve seeks to find this Judas before he can make himself the last man standing.

I loved learning more about Summerset, and seeing him in a different light. The Twelve was a fascinating team, comprised of wildly different people. Their lives and skillsets mixed with their ages brought to mind the movie Red and its sequel. The case itself was tense and compelling and layered, as all the best cases in this series tend to be.

After having read and reviewed so many books in the series, there’s very little I can say about it that I haven’t already said in an earlier review. As always, it’s a joy to catch up with characters who feel like friends, and whose lives seem to real to me after 60 books. Nora’s writing is always incredibly easy to sink into, and her storytelling is always propulsive. I love this series, and will keep reading any new installment she puts out into the world.
Profile Image for NrsKelley.
384 reviews9 followers
November 19, 2024
Book 60…….it is an awe inspiring number of books in a series. And for me, personally, I have read every single one in this series. And own a copy of them all as well.
This book gives us a little deeper dive into Summersets past. While we know who Eve is chasing from early on I feel like it doesn’t take anything from the story.
I received an ALC of this title, all opinions are my own!
Profile Image for Stacee.
2,914 reviews749 followers
November 13, 2024
This one was a bit slower for me to get into, but once it gets going, it doesn't let go. I especially loved getting some insight to Summerset's past and of course how the bullpen rallies around Eve.
Profile Image for Dianne.
1,745 reviews145 followers
December 17, 2024
If you have been following this series since its start, you may have wondered, like I did, just what happened during the Urban Wars and who exactly fought in them. Well, this book might answer most of your questions. Maybe not all, but most.

This was a powerful book, especially considering the world as it is today. I can somehow imagine things like this happening now. It has very strong characters, some of whom don't like each other much but worked very well together. It is a great side story learning about The Twelve, who are Summersets' friends and colleagues from back in the day. And they still work well together.

Action-packed both mentally and physically, with Rourke using all of his skills, The twelve kicking in with some of their own, and the ending was just spectacular. To see the four prominent women in these books (Eve, Peabody, Reo, and Mira) completely mess with The Shark was the icing on the cake for me.

I HIGHLY recommend this book, and I feel that you can read this as a stand-alone...but if you do, be aware that it may hook you in to read all of the other 59 books.

I can't wait for the next in this series.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher The St. Martin's Publishing Group / Macmillan Publishers, the author, and NetGalley.
Profile Image for Deborah Almada.
1,107 reviews31 followers
December 11, 2024
Another compelling mystery in the In Death series. This is book 60 in the series and will really ring all the bells for long-time fans of the series. Part of what I love about the series besides Eve's burning desire for justice is the character development and interaction of people we have come to know and love. In this installment, we learn a lot about another group of heroes who sought justice and sacrificed during the Urban wars to bring justice and protect the innocent. One of our favorite reoccurring characters, Summerset plays a large role in this book, and the team Eve has built in the Homicide Department also gets a chance to shine. This was an enormously satisfying read. Many thanks to #Netgally, #StMartinsPress, and the author for an opportunity to read. #BondedInDeath #InDeathMysteries #NoraRoberts #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
Profile Image for Mikey ಠ◡ಠ.
280 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2024
I feel like a hater but I just don't enjoy this series anymore, I find the main character Eve completely grating and her character made this story an overall 3 star for me. I did enjoy the mystery and I like that each story finishes with a nice little bow on top but the villain was one note for me and sort of diminished the overarching story.

I listened to this on audio tho and this four star rating is for the narrator. She narrated her ass off with all the different accents and voices for every character, of which there were many, and made this experience an enjoyable one for me.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this eAudioARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Corinne’s Chapter Chatter.
417 reviews13 followers
November 22, 2024
Back in the day I used to binge all the popular writers of the 1990’s. But I was never a fan of Nora Roberts. It wasn’t that she wasn’t talented, it just wasn’t for me.

Well I had no idea that JD Robb was her until I came to write this review and boy does that connection make sense! I said to my husband that the book was well written, fast paced and exciting but something just didn’t mesh for me personally. Sort of like not liking Barbara Streisand. Under talented but not enjoyable… to ME!

But the rating should not reflect my personal experience. It really is a 4⭐️ book. It hits all the points of a thriller, great characters, page turner and more. Easily figured out early but that’s ok.

That being said, I received an audio ALC from NetGalley and MacMillian Audio for free which I am grateful and able to write an early review. But unlike the audio I finished earlier today, this was hard to listen to because of the narration. She sounded robotic and painfully slow. Thankfully you can manipulate the rate to make it listenable. Susan Erickson is going on my No No list.

If you’re a JD Robb/ Nora Roberts fan wrote this in your calendar for February 4,2025
Profile Image for Sharyn.
2,869 reviews17 followers
January 2, 2025
I accidentally, yet happily downloaded an audio book rather than the usual EARC and will pay attention in the future to do the same again.
Book #60 and just as wonderful as the previous 59. I don't know how Robert's does it.
The book begins in 2026 during the urban wars, with a group of Twelve rebels fighting in the Urban wars which we have heard about only in the background of the series.
Now we are back to possibly 2060 or so and Eve is called to a murder victim who is holding a facsimile of her card.
As always in this series we see the investigation, but also see the killer.
It turns out Summerset, Roark's foster father and now Butler, was one of the Twelve. It was fascinating finding out his background and as he brings in the others still alive they help Eve solve the murder.
The narrator, Susan Erickson is fabulous, and the humor, love and also horror really comes through. Thanks to St. Martin's press, McMillan Audio and Netgalley for the advanced audio. This is my honest opinion.
17 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2024
I received an ARC in audio form.

Having no prior experience with this series beforehand, I was apprehensive since it was book 60. However, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was able to follow along absolutely 100%.

The narrator of the book was great. Her accents were on point and she kept my attention.

I want to go back and get familiar with the other 59 books now!
Profile Image for Elisabeth.
Author 1 book14 followers
November 22, 2024
This isn’t my favourite in the series. Yet, I did like the takedown scene of the villain. I did like the cast of characters they introduced from the urban wars.

But it was the most background we’ve ever gotten in the urban wars for new readers. The urban wars are wars that take place in the early 2020s in the timeline of the books, which start in 2058. What stops this from being a five on five for me is that I didn’t find it had enough tension. Also, I missed Mavis and more of the secondary characters. Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for this advanced readers copy.
Profile Image for Ashley.
716 reviews16 followers
November 30, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

I was pretty excited to once again receive an email for an early copy of this. It's wild to me this is book SIXTY of this series!! It is probably my favorite out of the recent ones. The pacing was good and it was hard to put down. It was interesting to actually get to learn about the Urbans and have them be more than just reference.
Profile Image for Renata.
254 reviews1 follower
Want to read
November 21, 2024
who do i have to speak to
to get an ALC?

a greater woman wouldn’t beg
but i looked to the sky and said, “Please”

🛐🛐🛐

no, but seriously, february is too far away😭🤧

Profile Image for Ashley Christensen.
488 reviews21 followers
November 24, 2024
***ARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY & ST. MARTIN'S PRESS***

I love how in this book, all pretenses are out the window. Don't know the characters? Here is a very limited description. Don't know what Thin Shield is? Too bad.

This is book #60 of this series. If you are starting from square one reading this book, things will be lost on you but that's okay. IT'S BOOK 60.

Personally I really enjoyed this book. More Summerset is always good for me. I enjoyed the story and The Twelve and the continuation of the long story that J.D. Robb is telling me about these characters.


I still am waiting for the house to be finished, though!
1,670 reviews43 followers
December 15, 2024

Initially I had trouble getting into this one as I didn't realize it was part of a really long series so i had no prior knowledge about any of the characters. It begins with the Twelve gathered in a church as we realize they each have code names and a special talent; none of the talents will be used for good! Enter Lieutenant Eve Dallas and Roarke who are a great team at getting to the bottom of an insidious plot!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
January 9, 2025
This was my 1st book in the series i was very lost…..it took me a long time to get into it. I won this book trought giveaways.
Profile Image for Jenn.
4,696 reviews79 followers
October 14, 2024
Robb's newest deals with events that happened back during the Urban Wars and it's going to hit VERY close to home for Eve. Giovanni Rossi is found dead in the back of a limo on the side of the road, but he has Eve's business card in his hand with a message. Now it's up to her to figure out why Rossi was targeted as well as herself. But the root of the cause is going to go back 35 years to 2024 and the Urban Wars to a small organization called The Twelve. Eve needs to find out the culprit's identity and location before he can take out any more members.

Goodness, this is number 60 in this series! The last one was disappointing, but this one was back to form. It was nice to finally get a little look back to the Urban Wars.
Profile Image for Deb.
15 reviews
November 2, 2024
Thank you #Goodreads #Giveaway #JDRobbAuthor for the advanced reader copy of Bonded in Death - Eve Dallas #60. I had just finished #59 a couple of weeks ago, so this was an exciting win as this series is one of my favorites! This story was excellent...delving into Summerset's Urban War years and learning more of his past...and the capture of another serious psychopath.
Profile Image for Shannon.
6,647 reviews371 followers
December 16, 2024
Hard to believe the In Death series has been going strong for 60 full length books now!! I've read the Eve and Roarke adventures from the start and been a loyal, die-hard fan. If this is the final book I think it was a satisfactory send off. I especially liked that this instalment goes back to the Urban Wars of the 2020s and features Sommerset's backstory. Great as always on audio narrated by Susan Ericksen and filled with found family, action, suspense and some romance. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Edie.
924 reviews21 followers
January 7, 2025
Number 60 of the In Death series and we get the Summerset backstory we have been waiting for. It does not disappoint! I am not a fan of police procedurals in general, but when I am in the mood for one, this is the series I read. It is set in the near future giving it just enough scifi flavor to make it attractive to my science fiction reading brain. However, it is so grounded in the world we live in today, it will not alienate non-science fiction readers. The only weirdness I encountered was with the narration. I did not enjoy the audio version. I double-checked, and yes, this is the same narrator I have been listening to since the first book in the series. Perhaps it is because Bonded in Death starts with a bunch of new characters with interesting accents and the narrator had trouble coming up with new voices after 59 previous books. Or maybe she had a cold. Or there was new recording equipment. I call it weirdness because it seems odd I would suddenly be bothered by a narrator after all this time. So I am going to call it a one-off problem and will not hesitate to pick up #61 with the same narrator. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the audioARC.
Profile Image for Micky Cox.
2,218 reviews33 followers
November 23, 2024
Wow! Book 60 in the series and still dropping great plots, exciting action, witty banter and superior character development! This series is an audiobook must for me as the narrator helps bring the great characters more fully to life with unique voices and bringing their emotions more fully to life. This book in particular is definitely going on a favorites list in the series as we get an in depth look into Summerset's history. I love how the author helps us get insight into the characters by weaving their story throughout the current case or mystery that has to be solved at the time. This book was particularly exciting with a fast-paced plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I may be guilty of driving 30 miles out of my way to get to the grocery store in order to listen to more of the story as I wasn't ready to stop listening. I highly recommend that you listen to the books in order as they really layer the backstories and depth of characters in each book building more complex characters and backstories. It is a load of entertainment just waiting for you to find if you haven't started reading or listening yet, but if you have started the series then get ready for this book as you won't want to miss it!
Profile Image for Kaijsa.
Author 2 books16 followers
November 19, 2024
I've read a couple of books by this author--not for many years--but remembered liking them so thought I'd try something from this series. First, I realize I am jumping in at book 60(!), so have no context for the characters or previous plotlines. Second, I didn't read closely enough to know the story is set in the future! That said, I really liked the story and generally enjoyed the characters, but wish I'd read instead of listened to it. I did not care for the narration at all, and feel like the narrator's choices made me like Eve Dallas less than I would have in text form. She gave her a really abrasive tone and decided Eve was always shouting at everybody. A couple of the secondary characters had super goofy voices, especially Peabody (who was always pronounced as Pee-buddy, to my annoyance). With the narrator's voice for her, she sounded like a total doofus rather than a competent cop.

However, I was very into the plot, which referred back to events in our near future (global wars, which seem depressingly likely right now) when a group of operatives were betrayed by a double agent who is now seeking revenge for his downfall. In the current timeline of the novel (2060s), Eve and her colleagues are trying to stop an assassination attempt. It's a fairly standard crime/procedural novel, but the future setting added some interest and whimsy--but not too much. I liked how things worked mostly similarly to the way they do now, with some nice little upgrades in tech: searching online or in databases seems like sophisticated AI queries, there is a food and beverage generator thing instead of a microwave, and there are robots to do the dishes and other cleaning. Who wouldn't like a robot cleaner? I'll probably go back and read more of this series, but will bypass the audiobooks.
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2,983 reviews39 followers
November 4, 2024
I don't want to sound like a broken record but it is well known that I am a HUGE fan of Ms. Roberts/Robb - and I especially love this series. Seriously - this is the 60th book in the series and I've read every one - so that should be a hint. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to read and review the latest ARC and I was so excited that I dropped everything else and jumped right in.

Recently, in the last couple of reviews I mentioned that it has felt like we were bringing back some of the greatness that we fell in love with in the very beginning of the series. That is not to say that the series as a whole is not fantastic, but after so many books and so many plot lines....well, it would be only natural to see some possible downward progression. Anyway, about 5 or so books ago, the minute I finished the book I thought, "Oh my gosh! This was GREAT!"

I felt the way I remembered feeling in the beginning - only it was better because now we had a completely established world and amazingly developed (and loved) characters. This continued to be the case for the next several books. This book however, while not being awful, seemed to fall into the other category. Without going into spoilers, let's just say that we get a departure from the norm in terms of the case that Eve is in the middle of. There are POV's from two different time periods - one of them being almost 40 years prior - during the Urban Wars.

The only thing that I will say about this is that first of all - the entire case - it was just too easy. The Unsub (who was supposed to be brilliant, cunning, smart...you get the hint, right?) Well, he really wasn't. There were several instances that just felt "off" to me and only succeeded in pulling me out of the story. I did enjoy that this case seemed to bring EVERYONE that we have come to know and love, together in one form or another and I always love it when that happens. But, in that same vein....why? Not everybody really needed to be involved so that in itself was unusual.

Sommerset's past comes up in this book. Quite a bit of it, and that is interesting because I thought I already knew a lot about his past. I didn’t.
That is a definite positive. BUT....when all is said and done, the entire case, the bad guy, his motivations, his planning.....it didn't really make sense. It was like trying to fit a puzzle piece into a hole where three sides fit, but that last side just wasn't right. And it was just TOO EASY. I know I mentioned that already, but....come on. This was a case of a truly dumb criminal and that just felt insulting.

So, why the 4 stars? Well, duh! Because I LOVE this series. I am thrilled every single time that I get to jump back into this world and get to visit with all of the characters that we have come to know, and watch grow. It takes talent to be able to build a world so brilliantly and so completely that stepping back in feels like pulling on a warm sweater and cuddling in front of a warm fire. THAT is the feeling I get every time I get to visit with Dallas, Roarke, Peabody and the gang and that brilliance deserves at least 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and to St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on February 4, 2025.
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