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In Death #9

Loyalty in Death

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#1 New York Times bestselling author J. D. Robb's phenomenal series has captivated readers with it tantalizing blend of romance, suspense, and futuristic police procedural. Now, New York cop Eve Dallas returns to face her most ingenious foe -- a "secret admirer" who taunts her with letters...and kills without mercy.

LOYALTY IN DEATH

An unknown bomber is stalking New York City. He is sending Eve Dallas taunting letters promising to wreak mass terror and destruction among the "corrupt masses." And when his cruel web of deceit and destruction threatens those she cares for most, Eve fights back. It's her city...it's her job...and it's hitting too close to home. Now, in a race against a ticking clock, Eve must make the pieces fit before the city falls.

373 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1999

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About the author

J.D. Robb

206 books34.1k 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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5 stars
17,778 (49%)
4 stars
13,004 (36%)
3 stars
4,541 (12%)
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142 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,245 reviews
Profile Image for Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️.
1,965 reviews33.8k followers
March 26, 2019
4 Stars

God, I love this series.

Let's count the ways...

1) Eve and Roarke (duh)

Eve and Roarke are just one of my favorite couples ever.

I love them, both independently and as a couple.

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2) Robb/Robert's writing.

It's direct and concise, and it skips superfluous shit you don't need...

"Anne rose, moved to the the board. The next thirty minutes were technical: electronics, triggers, timers, remotes, materials. Rates of detonation, scope of impact."

But is also filled with eloquent, writer-y descriptions...

"His voice carried the faintest whisper of France, like a sprinkle of thyme over broth."

^What does that even mean?

I don't know.

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But who cares?
Because it sounds awesome.

3) The Witty Banter

Holy, shit, I love the banter.

"'When you finish being sixteen, Officer, map out the damn route.'

"You never stop being sixteen,' Peabody murmured...'Oh man, I want one of these.' Peabody grinned as the scenery blurred and flew by. 'How much do you think this honey goes for?'

This model retails for one hundred sixty-two thousand dollars, excluding tax, fees, and licenses.

'Holy shit.'

'Still feeling sixteen, Peabody?'"


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Oh geez.
It never stops.
I love it.

4) She-body and McNab

Oh man, these two were FUN in this book.

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But my favorite thing about this series?

Is that I am only on book nine and there are, like, still a bajillion left.

Lucky. ME.
Profile Image for Hulya Kara Yuksel.
1,023 reviews1,255 followers
November 13, 2019
Another fantastic book from J.D.Robb and I highly recommend this series to you! <3

And let me tell you this (again and again), OMG I'll never, ever get tired of reading this series because I love Roarke & Eve so freaking much. :)

Ps. Oh let's not forget Peabody & McNab too! I cannot wait to read how their relationship will go grow... :D

----------------

I love everything about between Roarke & Eve but I love him more when he does this kind of things.... Ah I better just shut up, pls do me a favor and read this part ok? ;)

“Stop that." Mortified, she reached out to slam the door shut. "Somebody could come in." "Then stop squirming," he suggested, and gently peeled back the bandage. He nodded in approval. "You did a decent job." Even as she hissed at him, he lowered his head and touched his lips to the cut.
"All better," he said with a grin just as the door opened. Peabody gaped, flushed, then stammered out, "Excuse me."
"Just leaving," Roarke said, patting the bandage back in place while Eve ground her teeth.
"How did you come through this morning's excitement, Peabody?"
"Okay, it was... well, actually." She cleared her throat and shot him a hopeful glance. "I got this little nick right here." She rubbed her finger at her jawline, heart fluttering pleasantly when he smiled at her.
"So you do." He stepped to her, angled his head, and touched his lips to the tiny cut. "Take care of yourself."
"Man, man, oh man," was the best she could manage when he'd left.
"He's got such a great mouth. How do you stop yourself from just biting it?"
"Wipe the drool off your chin, for Christ's sake. And sit down. We've got a report to write for the commander."
"I almost got blown up and got kissed by Roarke all in the same morning. I'm writing it on my calendar."
"Settle down."
"Yes, sir." She took out her log and got to work. But with a smile on her face.


ROARKE <3
Profile Image for Mo.
1,390 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2016
Another good read. Honestly, the mystery/suspense kinda went over my head in this one. I wanted more of Eve and Roarke but I don't think that is going to happen in this series... she has her job and the criminal activities are to the fore of the books. Eve and Roarke are in there, to whet our appetites.


Out of the dark, out of the delicate mist, the lady rose up.



"What's this?"
"I think it's a very sick, mutant rose. I bought it for you."
It was so rare to see Roarke taken by surprise, she nearly laughed. His gaze met hers and she thought - hoped - it might have been baffled pleasure she saw there before he looked down at the rose again.
"You brought me a flower."
"I think it's sort of traditional. Fight, flowers, make up."
"Darling Eve."




Peabody and McNab. Laughed me arse off.

I love Eve.

Profile Image for Phrynne.
3,659 reviews2,485 followers
October 9, 2016
Number nine in my reread of this series and I had seriously forgotten how good these earlier books were. I was amazed in this one at how involved Roarke was in Eve's work having thought this was something which developed later in the series. Loved the relationship between Roarke and Eve ( reach for the tissues!) and laughed out loud at all the Eve/Roarke and Eve/Peabody interactions. An easy five stars:)
Profile Image for Jilly.
1,838 reviews6,478 followers
July 14, 2016
I liked the personal story with the side characters better than the actual storyline of the bomber. I don't know why the bombing thing didn't do it for me as well as the past murderers, but I think it is because the serial killer books felt less impersonal. The bombings were just giant catastrophes that felt sad, but not personal at all. Plus, the Twin Towers were mentioned as still being there. And, it was a story about bombing monuments and such. Kind of depressing.

On a less depressing note: my favorite ship has sailed. The S.S. McPeabody!! Yay!!



McNab is flamboyant, funny, with long hair and a crazy fashion sense. Peabody is uptight, rules-oriented, with a short bob and pressed uniform. It's a match made in heaven!

When they have illegal elevator sex?

Peabody: "In here? in here! Do you know how many city ordinances you're breaking?"

McNab: "We'll arrest each other after..."



Yes! Nothing like a little elevator sex to start a ship sailing.



Okay, going to listen to some Aerosmith now.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,349 reviews256 followers
August 21, 2019
5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
So HAPPY to finally get back on track with this exciting and engaging series, this book has to be a new favorite of mine. Loved the storyline. ❤

Eve and Roarke's devotion to each other are always a thrill for me but I was really caught up here with Eve and Peabody's growing working relationship and their mutual respect for each other. 👍
The bonus for me here was getting to meet Peabody's brother Zeke and witnessing the fruition of the escalating sexual attraction and tension that has been developing for quite some time now between her and McNab.

Crazy to think that this futuristic novel was originally published in 1999 before 9/11 occurred especially since the Twin Towers is highlighted as a possible target of attack in this book.
I also find it extremely hard to believe that J.D. Robb has been writing this excellent series for more than 20 years now. Bravo and kudos.👏
Profile Image for Cyndi.
2,403 reviews106 followers
July 5, 2018
I adore these books, but this one isn't my favorite in the series. Maybe I reread it too close to 9/11 and it just made me too sad, or maybe it was just too much wanton destruction. But it was hard to connect to any of the characters except, of course,
McNab and Peabody. "If I don't have sex with you, I think I'm going to die." "If you'd die, I wouldn't have this problem." Ah, young love. *sigh*

Reread July 2018 — My feelings on this book have improved with time. Although the wanton destruction in NYC still makes my heart hurt, I can appreciate the story more. The true evil of the bad guys in this cannot be measured. I cried buckets at the damage to characters and chewed off fingernails at the thrilling conclusion. But, the beginning of the romance between Peabody and McNab makes me so happy!
Profile Image for Irene.
856 reviews110 followers
September 11, 2017
4,5 stars!

What a great story! For the first time I didn't want so much of Eve and Roarke as I was starving for Peabody and McNab. Could you believe these two? Their chemistry is explosive (bad choice of adjective as the villain was a bomber and the explosions were really nusty, but still...).
I loved the addition of Zeke, Peabody's brother, to the story and how J.D. Robb implicated him in the plot. I loved Mavis soft side and how she handled the situation with Zeke after the revelations. But I have one question and I really don't know if there is an answer: Would Eve be such a succesful cop in solving the mysteries, as fast and efficient as she does, if she weren't married to Roarke? Half the time he seems to be doing all the work for her... (We still love them though).
Profile Image for Jo ★The Book Sloth★.
485 reviews442 followers
May 2, 2015
I loved this book... I really did! I loved the intriguing story, the unbelievable plot twists and all that "cop work".

But I hated both Roarke and Eve in some parts of the book. They both have a problem with boundaries....as in, they have none! Eve had no business trying to run Peabody's and McNab's personal life(something she also did with Peabody and Charles). The girl needs to learn that some things she needs to get her nose out of!

And Roarke should have more respect for Eve's job and only interfere after she asks for help. I don't enjoy the fact that he thinks he has a right to stick his nose in her cases.
Profile Image for Kat.
Author 12 books556 followers
April 25, 2022
I love all the books in the IN DEATH series, but this was a special favorite. Detective Eve Dallas is on the hunt for a group of fanatics responsible for serial bombings throughout New York City. She and Rourke tease and have steamy passion. I loved the subplot involving , a ship I was hoping would eventually happen! There is a family connection in this book, and a really good mystery with several interesting twists! A great mix of police procedural and good character stories.
Profile Image for Katerina.
496 reviews68 followers
February 6, 2023
Book 9 in the In Death series, and what can I say that I've not already written in a previous review?

Let me start by praising J.D. Robb because she proves that when it's well written, an established relationship from the get-go can keep the reader invested in the couple more than the mostly used pattern of a will they/won't they plotline from the majority of authors nowadays!

I love Eve and Roarke! Their stubbornness, their playfulness, their romance, and passion! I love their personalities and how they work together, but also when they operate on their own!
The relationships they maintain and handle with those closest to their hearts are heartwarming
How they navigate their present despite their past misfortunes when they were children and how they build a strong relationship between them!

In Loyalty In Death, Eve is set against an organisation that claims wants to destroy the current corrupt system and build a just one that will benefit the people and not only a select few but soon Eve discovers that something more sinister is hidden behind those messages!
The crimes become more personal when said organisation focuses their attacks on marks that belong to Roarke!

Amongst the crisis, Eve has to face a relationship between two persons belonging to her team and, in the process, has an argument with Roarke about their own relationship that unbalances her!

In this instalment, we get to know Peabody's brother Zeke, who comes to visit and whom I liked very much, and his presence complicates matters more!
I like Peabody, but I was not OK with something she did in this book and has to do with her personal life!

Friends and co-workers from previous books make their appearance and make the story more enjoyable!

Fast-paced, intriguing, action-packed, and well written characters Loyalty In Death was a delight to read!
Profile Image for ♥Sharon♥.
984 reviews141 followers
February 7, 2017

Still disorganized with no time for a proper review.

LOVED IT. LOVED IT. LOVED IT. LOVED IT. LOVED IT. LOVED IT.

You get the point.

❤ Roarke & Eve.....everything about them.

and

❤ Peabody & McNab.....these two make me laugh.

Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,669 reviews3,277 followers
January 2, 2020
4.5 Nothing Can Break Them Stars
* * * *1/2 Spoiler Free
This entry was a little different yet the same chemistry and addiction for Eve and Roarke. The story line had a lot of layers to follow and the added bonus of the Peabody and McNab relationship developing.

I didn't do five full stars, although there were wonderful moments, because I figured out very early on the who/what/where and how of the tale. I still enjoyed it and my affection for these two main characters just grows and grows.

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
What Better Way than to spend New Year's Eve with Eve and Roarke!

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Profile Image for Catherine.
522 reviews568 followers
February 19, 2012
First off, I have to thank the author for finally bringing all that sexual tension in between Peabody and McNab to a boil. And in such a dramatic way! The fact that Feeney witnessed it (and was disturbed by it) was simply icing on the cake for me. Such a hilarious scene. I simply loved them in this book. :D

We get introduced to a new character here. Zeke, Peabody's brother comes to town. I loved that we got a deeper look at Peabody and her family, but he was a little too childlike for me. I didn't mind it at first, but it eventually got on my nerves. Still, I'm all for more depth for the side characters. I've come to love the whole cast.

I really love that each plot in this series (so far) is so distinctly different. Here we have a terrorist organization that wants to make a difference and overthrow the current government system. They consider Eve a worthy opponent and gift her with all their transmissions. They're blowing up symbols of the rich elite, so naturally Roarke is a target. :)

I liked watching Eve deal with a different division of the police while trying to solve the mystery. It took us away from our usual stomping grounds and forced Eve to rely on some new people. I also liked how things wound around and connected Eve's cases together.

Eve and Roarke had a few marital disagreements in this book, which I liked. They're usually pretty perfect together, so it's nice when we see them struggle to work things out. Also, the drama of the end, combined with the way they connected in that moment, was wonderful.

On to the next!
Profile Image for Antonella.
3,794 reviews528 followers
March 27, 2021
I was so happy for Dalia and Ian better knows as Peabody and McNab!!
Well, we saw it coming so there is that..
Another excellent addition to the series..

4,5 ⭐
Profile Image for Laura.
727 reviews54 followers
June 2, 2017
I have to admit that part way through this book I was deciding if this was a series I would give up. Facing the crisis that she did in the last book, I thought Eve would grow as a person, but nope, she was back to her old bullying ways. She continues her rudeness and everyone in her life just accepts it. Why? I just wasn't sure that I could read 30 +more books with a lead character that I dislike so much.
Well a funny thing happened about halfway through. Eve actually went too far and Roarke actually got mad at Eve. This was only the second time through nine books he didn't take what she dished out and I loved it. Finally, Roarke with a backbone and a repentant Eve. Ok, I decided I'm back on board with this series. My favorite part of this book was finally seeing McNabb and Peabody together and it was everything I hoped it would be. I'm so looking forward to more of these two, unless Eve butts in of course. Despite my early on feelings about Eve I'm giving this a surprising 5 stars as she had some revelations at the end to make me want to continue. The writing was brilliant. (I also can't get enough of Peabody and McNabb)

Profile Image for Shawna.
3,656 reviews4,711 followers
August 3, 2017
3.5-4 stars - Romantic Suspense/Sci-Fi/Futuristic/Thriller

Although I continue to love this series and can never possibly get enough of Roarke, this was my least favorite so far. Eve's not always an easy character to like, but she seemed particularly bitchy this time around. Normally I understand her gruff, moody personality and respect her tough, no-nonsense attitude, but she grated on me in this one. The suspense plot was a bit confusing and felt too abruptly resolved. Still, this series is brilliant, and I'll keep reading for more Roarke!
Profile Image for Jaya.
471 reviews239 followers
September 5, 2018
Reading this series mostly feels am watching my fave crime/mystery tv series. Each instalment is like an episode. Some are good, some aren't so, while the going-ons in the lives of the MCs and SCs keep it engaging and interesting.
This instalment, felt a little weak as far as the ongoing mystery was concerned . For me, the story only picked up pace in the second half of the book.
Onto the next one...
Profile Image for The Girl with the Sagittarius Tattoo.
2,586 reviews355 followers
June 18, 2022
Meh, pretty standard. This was the one about the mad bomber group calling itself Cassandra.

There was absolutely zero mystery in this one and worst of all, Dallas' powers of deduction fail her at every turn, much to my disappointment. We meet Peabody's Forrest Gump-ish brother Zeke; McNabb and Peabody finally go for it.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
2,481 reviews696 followers
December 24, 2015
Another excellent instalment in this great series. Eve and Roarke have been married 6 months now are their relationship has really started to cement however Eve still suffers from some insecurities that cause her to give Roarke a hard time and she also dislikes him getting too involved in her work. Despite all that they make a great team and Roarke's help is invaluable when time is of the essence and the obtaining of sensitive data or new fangled equipment is involved.

In this volume of the series a terrorist group called Cassandra are blowing up buildings and killing people while demanding money and criminals released from jail. Eve and her team must find out who the perpetrators are and stop them in their tracks before they cause major harm to New York. There are some excellent side stories as Peabody's younger brother arrives in town in love with an older, married woman. Peabody herself starts a new relationship and Roarke and Eve work out the kinks in their relationship.
Profile Image for Chan.
766 reviews47 followers
February 19, 2019
AUDIOBOOK

Hands down this one is my favorite so far. This book. My gosh. I almost listened to this all in one go, but I needed to do things like work, eat, shower...you know, the necessities.
On to the next!
Profile Image for Eve.
725 reviews49 followers
May 25, 2023
Loyalty in Death by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death, #9
Suspense > futuristic > romance > mystery

She'd never lived through war. Not the kind that killed in indiscriminate masses. Her dealings with death had always been more personal, more individual. Somehow intimate. The body, the blood, the motive, the humanity.
What she saw now had no intimacy. Wholesale destruction accomplished from a distance erased even that nasty bond between killer and victim.


When a terrorist organization is threatening New York City with a series of seemingly random bombings Eve Dallas and her team is pulled into a desperate race against time.

All we can do is move forward and try to stop the next.


Another good installment into In Death series.
August 9, 2024
LOYALTY IN DEATH (IN DEATH #9)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

this book was fast moving action from the start, full of manipulative and dangerous criminals and scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat. AHHHH THE PLOT TWISTS

COMPLETELY UNPUTDOWNABLE
i think i read this nonstop for hours

i feel as though this book WAS a tiny bit obvious as to who the mysterious messager organisation was but the journey is always better anyway. A FAST PACED READ. not one that stands out against some of the other books in the series but still amazing 💯

🔫EVE DALLAS🔫
badass COMPLETE BADASS
eve is one of the most empowering female book characters out there. a snappy homocide lieutenant with dark shadows in her past unwilling to back down from any challenge with fierce and undying loyalty to those she loves. every case touches her in some way and that just makes her even more badass than she always is

💸ROARKE💸
eve’s hot billionaire husband with shadows of his own, sometimes slightly dodgy dealings and magic tech skills that always come in clutch. roarke always takes care of his wife, even when she fights him on it, and is a constant asset to eve’s team. i literally love roarke so muchhhh

👮‍♀️PEABODY AND MCNAB💻
awwwwwwwww
i’ve read the books that come later in the series and it’s honestly so great to read about their budding relationship in this book. peabody’s brother being heavily involved in this case never stopped her from choosing to go the right thing. and mcnab tagging along and being not as helpful as his future self (but just as charming) is so sweet.

there are literally over 60 books in the in death series and i’ve been reading them whenever i can find them since 2021 and i’m so happy i finally found one of the “middle ones” that i haven’t read yet!!

jd robb’s books never fail to disappoint and are perfect for murder mystery fans and thriller fans alike. every book in this series is amazing! I LOVE THIS SERIES SM AND DEFINITELY RECOMMEND IT

💣🚓🩸📱🤖✈️👮‍♀️🔫💸📝👢📰🚨🔒
Profile Image for Lisa Kay.
924 reviews535 followers
March 25, 2012
“I ♥ Roarke” tee-shirt from www.jdrobb.com
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★★★★★ Okay, I can’t believe I read the paperback instead of listening to the fabulous Ms. Ericksen on audiobook, but I did. I had to have my Roarke fix, LOL! Some of you may know, I did the stupidest thing and, after listening to the first few chapters, erased my library copy of the downloadable audiobook of this one from my iPod/Touch, putting me back on the waitlist at #5. I checked the stacks – and even the hardcopies were checked out! Eep! So, I had to go to the Brick & Mortar Bookstore and purchase a copy of this one (yeah, I know, twist my arm, LOL!).

Anyway, it was worth every penny. Finally, I discovered what has only been hinted at about Peabody ! Loved seeing some of Peabody’s family. Such fun. The suspense was tangible, the plot intertwined. And Roarke, as usual, was delicious. **sigh** There’s a reason this series, started in the mid-nineties, is still going strong.

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