Others say...

"not quite what i expect but still a good read"
This book was not qutie what I have come to expect of an In Death book, however it was not the greatest disappointment in a new book in a series I've read this year. I think this one was probably so mellow because of what probably happens in the next book. You know we have the big bacholorette/wedding shower, the wedding of charles and louise. I don't doubt that some time down the road we will see roarke and eve having a child--coolest if they actually have to deal with the pregnancy but some how I see them taking in an innocent from one of the cases.

"Phoned In - In Death Novel "
Normally I read Robb's novels in a day or so because I *have* to know what happens to the characters and then I'll go back, reread, and savor those little details and plot points that make the "In Death series" pop. Not this time.

It took me more than a week to finish this book and the only way I got through it was to treat it like a required reading assignment for school.

As others have mentioned, there is no character development in this book and the mystery is subpar. The supporting characters, who normally add such richness to these novels, are simply shadows of themselves and have had their personalities removed. Not a good thing for a personality driven series.

I gave the book three stars because it was nice to see Robb break from the "somehow everything's connected to Roarke's past and businesses" but other than that there isn't much here for the true fan.



"Did I miss the party?"
I enjoyed this book, but not to the same degree I've enjoyed others in the series. The crime solving aspects were good, but not as compelling or suspenseful as others have been. And, while there were some nice romantic scenes between Eve and Roarke, there was no romantic tension or anticipation amongst any of the characters. I was a bit disappointed that the other characters (except Roarke and Peabody) weren't present/participating to the same degree as usual and I missed them.

My title for this review - (*minor spoiler ahead?) there were a few scenes addressing the planning of a bachelorette party that sounded like it would be a good opportunity for great character interaction - but it didn't occur in this book! (unless my audio version skipped a chapter??)

Overall - this one lacked suspense and it would have benefitted from greater participation from the rest of the gang. Regardless, it's an enjoyable read that will hold your attention. I wouldn't miss it if your a fan of the series!

"Almost 5 Stars"
Salvation in Death is the latest in the long-line of J. D. Robb bestsellers about Eve Dallas and Rourke - it is also one of the better ones. The book follows the usual "in death" format - a crime is committed (in this case a priest & a preacher is off'd) and Eve spends the rest of the book solving the case with the help of a huge and flavorful supporting cast of characters. Of course, in the midst of the crime is usually a secondary story involving one or more of Eve's friends and a problem they are facing. This particular book looked at old ghosts of both Eve and Rourke in a way that seemed to pull them even closer in their marriage. The book was really excellent, as Eve uncovers more and more layers to a supposedly simply crime and digs through 45 years of past histories and incidents in order to finally discover "who did it". The reason I did not give it 5 stars was because at times the plot seemed to linger on unnecessary details that had little to do with the solution to the crime. But hey, a minor complaint at best. The book held my interest, didn't give away the ending, and added another rich layer to the Eve/Rourke relationship. Considering the fact that the series is still going strong after 25+ books, Robb really is to be congratulated and envied at the abundance of talent and imagination God has graced her with. Good going, Ms. Robb (aka Nora Roberts)

"Not in her usual style"
I do not see J.D. Robb's usual style in this book. The reading of it did not flow, there was not a lot of character development. It almost felt like a synopsis. Her use of discriptives varied from previous books, words she has used almost exclusively in past books were changed.
During the reading of the book I had envisioned a different and more satisfying reason for the main murder. One that would have reflected how the man had changed. I also missed the usual cast of characters, their use in this book seemed almost an afterthought.
I hope the next book will return the her usual great style.