Tag Archives: Crime Drama

3 Treasure Boxes, Romance, Public Library, Goodreads, Crime novel, Book Review

Imitation in Death by J. D. Robb

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This entry is part [part not set] of 26 in the series In Death Series

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
In Death Series, Book 19
Publisher: Brilliance Audio, Listening Length: 12 hours and 44 minutes (320 pages), ASIN: B0019ZWM4C

Someone is imitating famous serial killers and performing copycat murders.  The same person is leaving a note at each gruesome death scene addressed to Eve.  Lieutenant Eve Dallas is a tough, smart, likable homicide detective, and she is being taunted to find the killer before she becomes the victim.

To date there are 42 books in the In Death  series, with one more expected to be released in February of 2012.  These books are crime drama, suspense and romance because they focus on the case Eve is currently working on as well as her and Roake’s personal relationship. This is a futuristic suspense that takes place in 2059 in New York City. The books are told in a third person narrative that focuses primarily on Lieutenant Eve Dallas, but at times the story is also told through some of the other characters including the murderer. They are written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym of J. D. Robb.

This was an enjoyable installment in the In Death Series. There were numerous possibilities as to who the murderer was, we knew it was one of them but not which one. Robb kept us guessing right up to the end. The side story on Peabody was intriguing; she was studying to write her detective test while helping Eve solve the case.

Imitation in Death is a standalone book with a good exciting story which developed with a good pace up to an exciting ending.  If you enjoy a good crime drama then you will enjoy this book, it is also a great addition to the In Death series.

To Purchase: “Imitation In Death” from Amazon, click here or on picture above
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Book Review, 3 Treasure Boxes, Kindle, Goodreads, Drama

The Truth About Us by Dalene Flannigan

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Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
Publisher: Dalene Flannigan (November 5, 2011), Format: Kindle Edition, File Size: 319 KB, ASIN: B00642CEB6


A horrendous, life changing event impacts three young college students. To protect themselves, they swear to keep it a secret. After graduation, they drift apart, each finding ways to escape their past. Twenty years later, one of the friends decides the truth must come out, but at what cost? This story examines each of their lives, how they have reconciled with the past and how revealing the truth will affect them.

The Truth About Us is Dalene Flannigan’s second novel, she has also written a couple of plays. This book is a drama and it is told in an alternating first person narrative by the three main protagonists. Three women who roomed together in college. The story takes place about 20 years after they graduated. Grace is now a successful, independent woman who makes documentary films about violence against women. Erica is struggling with her marriage but loves her two children and is trying to make her life work. For Jude, life has been difficult so she turned to drugs, and became an addict, but recently she has found Jesus, This has led her onto a new path and she is putting her life back together.

The story was well told and intriguing from the first page. Ms. Flannigan is a gifted story teller as she baits the reader, slowly releasing facts while drawing us in. Each of the characters are well drawn, well rounded people who we care about. I found the book hard to put down. First I was curious to find out what the secret was, and then once it was revealed I could understand why they wanted to keep it a secret. I could also see how the secret impacted each of them and lead to their current lives.

The Truth About Us is a standalone book, with a well developed plot and a great ending. If you enjoy reading a good story about women, then I recommend this book.

To Purchase: “The Truth About Us” from Amazon, click here or on picture above

Public Library, Goodreads, Crime novel, Book Review, 3 Treasure Boxes

Portrait in Death by J. D. Robb

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This entry is part [part not set] of 26 in the series In Death Series

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
In Death Series, Book 18
Publisher: Brilliance Audio, Listening Length: 11 hours and 32 minutes (320 pages), ASIN: B0019ZWM4M

Young vibrant adults are being murdered for their “light” and the murderer is reflecting it in pictures of these dead youths. Eve sorts through the clues hoping to find and stop the killer. Meanwhile, Roarke has some really touching and emotional revelations about his mother.

To date she has written 42 books in the series, with one more expected to be released in February of 2012.  These are crime drama, suspense and romance because they focus on the case Eve is currently working on as well as her and Roake’s personal relationship. This is a futuristic suspense that takes place in 2059 in New York City. The books are told in a third person narrative that focuses primarily on Lieutenant Eve Dallas, but at times the story is also told through some of the other characters including the murderer. They are written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym of J. D. Robb.

This was a fun book to read, I enjoyed the banter between Eve and Peabody. Following Eve as she solved the case was its usual interesting trip.  There is an intriguing side story surrounding Roake’s childhood, particularly details about his mother which were very touching and sweet.

Portrait in Death is a standalone story and it built up to an exciting ending. This is a must read for fans of In Death. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.

 

To Purchase: “Portrait in Death” from Amazon, click here or on picture above1 FREE Audiobook RISK-FREE from Audible

Book Review, 3 Treasure Boxes, Chick Lit, Public Library, Goodreads

Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin

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Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
Publisher: Macmillan Audio, Listening Length: 10 hours and 18 minutes (400 pages), ASIN: B003LTOIK0

The Russos have the perfect marriage, or so it seems from the outside. A young boy is badly burned. Each family is facing a crisis and how they deal with it determines their true character.

Emily Griffin has written five books and they all fall into the chick-lit genre.  Matters of the Heart is told in a first person narrative alternating between the two main protagonists.  Tessa Russo is the wife of a prominent pediatric surgeon.  Valerie Anderson is a single mother, who becomes involved with Dr. Russo after her son is badly burned.

This story has great character development, all the characters are likeable and I could understand where everyone was coming from. I was totally engaged from the first page. A story which revolves around a young boy, who is seriously burned, peaked my interest immediately and tore at my heart. I have read some of Ms. Griffin’s other novels, and I was intrigued with the connection to Something Borrowed. Tessa’s brother and sister-in-law are the same Dex and Rachel who are featured in that novel.

This is a standalone book. The story kept me guessing right up until the end.  I found the situation touching and it brought tears to my eyes several times  If you enjoy a good book in the chick-lit genre, then you should definitely read Matters of the Heart.

To Purchase: “Heart of the Matter” from Amazon, click here or on picture above


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Kindle, Goodreads, Drama, 2 Treasure Boxes

The Secret of Lies by Barbara Forte Abate

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Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing LLC (April 21, 2010), Paperback: 304 pages, ISBN-13: 978-1608444182

A horrendous event occurred in Stevie’s life when she was sixteen which continues to haunt her. The story starts when she abandons her loving husband, Ash, when she is in her late twenties. Her past won’t leave her alone. This is a tale of love, betrayal and secrets which continually tears at Stevie’s heart.

The Secret of Lies is Barbara Forte Abate’s debut novel. This drama is told to us with a first person narrative using the voice and thoughts of the main protagonist, Stevie Burke. She is a young woman and the story follows her tale as she grows from a young teenager of twelve until she is in her late twenties.

The story grabs our attention from the first page and keeps us involved right up until the last page. It starts in the present, alluding to a tragedy, and then flashes to the past.  Tension is immediately created and as the tale unfolds, I knew something bad was going to happen. I loved the beautiful word pictures that Ms. Forte Abate creates when she describes the beach house and the summers that Stevie spent there with her sister, aunt and uncle.

The book still needs a bit of polish, but overall it was well written. I liked Stevie’s character, but I did not see any reason that Ash would be so devoted to her.  She was rather selfish, self-absorbed, and not very nice to Ash. I understand why she was the way she was, but I still had a hard time believing that Ash would be interested in Stevie.

I recommend this book, it is a good read. The story will keep you entertained as the characters are developed and it is an interesting look at the dynamics of family.

To Purchase: “The Secret of Lies” from Amazon, click here or on picture above

2 Treasure Boxes, Public Library, Goodreads, Crime novel, Book Review

Purity in Death by J. D. Robb

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This entry is part [part not set] of 26 in the series In Death Series

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
In Death Series, Book 17
Publisher: Brilliance Audio, Listening Length: 11 hours and 6 minutes (320 pages), ASIN: B0019ZWM74


A computer program written by a group of terrorist vigilantes is killing people. They have decided to rid the world of the dregs of society, people who are preying on children. This program causes these evil miscreants to go crazy and die.  The only problem is they are taking innocent people down with them.  Although these people deserve to die, Eve is still determined to find the killers and stop them.

Purity in Death is the seventeenth instalment in the In Death series by J.D. Robb. To date she has written 42 books in the series, with one more expected to be released in February of 2012.  These are crime drama, suspense and romance because they focus on the case Eve is currently working on as well as her and Roake’s personal relationship. This is a futuristic suspense that takes place in 2059 in New York City. The books are told in a third person narrative that focuses primarily on Lieutenant Eve Dallas, but at times the story is also told through some of the other characters including the murderer. They are written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym of J. D. Robb.

Eve and Peabody with a little help from Roake, McNab and Feeney are hot on the trail of these cold blooded murders.  They will stop at nothing and let no one get in their way as they follow the trail of the guilty. Trueheart gets pulled into this story as a minor player in this story.  The plot unfolds in a well paced manner with a good build up to the final unveiling.

The story was interesting and kept me engaged right up until the end. It was not one of the better books written in the series, but it was still worth reading. If you enjoy reading crime drama with a strong female lead in a futuristic environment, then you will enjoy this book.

To Purchase: “Purity in Death” from Amazon, click here or on picture above

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1 Treasure Box, Romance, Public Library, Goodreads, Crime novel

Reunion in Death by J. D. Robb

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This entry is part [part not set] of 26 in the series In Death Series

Book Review: 1 Treasure Box
In Death Series, Book 16
Publisher: Brilliance Audio (November 28, 2007) 11 hours 21 minutes (320 pages), ISBN-10: 1423317483, ISBN-13: 978-1423317487

A black widow type murderer, who Eve previously tracked down and convicted, is released from the jail. But now she is killing strangers in Eve’s back yard and her ultimate goal is Roake. Eve must find and stop her before it is too late.

Reunion in Death is the sixteenth instalment in the In Death series by J.D. Robb. To date she has written 40 books in the series, with two more expected to be released in the fall of 2011.  These are crime drama, suspense and romance because they focus on the case Eve is currently working on as well as her and Roake’s personal relationship. This is a futuristic suspense that takes place in 2059 in New York City. The books are told in a third person narrative that focuses primarily on Lieutenant Eve Dallas, but at times the story is also told through some of the other characters including the murderer. They are written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym of J. D. Robb.

I felt this book recycled material from some of the previous stories.  We have already seen this storyline played out. However, the parts that examined Eve’s past were interesting and covered new material.  Eve must go to Dallas to find clues on the killer and in the process face her past.  Although, there is no sex in this book, there is a really sweet moment between Eve and Roake when they exchange their first anniversary gifts. We also get to meet Peabody’s Free-Ager parents which include some interesting moments.

For In Death fans, Reunion in Death is a necessary read since it moves Eve’s personal story forward and we learn more about Peabody’s background.  If you a just looking for a good crime drama story though, this one is pretty mediocre.

Question to Ponder: Did you think the crime drama portion of this book was recycled, or did you really enjoy the story?

To Buy: “Reunion in Death” from Amazon, click here or on picture above

Public Library, Goodreads, Crime novel

1st to Die by James Patterson

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This entry is part [part not set] of 1 in the series Women's Murder Club

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
Women’s Murder Club, Book 1
Publisher: Hachette Audio (May 8, 2001), Audible Audio Edition, Listening Length: 9 hour(s) and 1 min.(488 pages), ASIN: B00005KHDK


The women’s murder club is born after homicide inspector Lindsay Boxer, her best friend, a medical examiner Claire Washburn and newspaper reporter Cindy Thomas start working outside the law to solve a gruesome case. They really want to crack this one because newly married couples who are on their honeymoon have been murdered and debased. Soon the three women bring in District Attorney, Jill Burnhart to help them brainstorm so they can find the murderer without worrying about the usual political road blocks.

1st to Die is the first of ten books in the Women’s Murder Club series, which are crime drama.  It was the only book in the series written solely by James Patterson. All the other books were co-written with Maxine Paetro except book two, which was co-written by Andrew Gross. James Patterson has co-written numerous books and series in the thriller, young adult, science fiction, fantasy and romance genres. 1st to Die is told in an alternating first person narrative from Lindsay Boxer’s point of view as she is the main protagonist and a third person narrative from several of the character’s point of view.

We are caught, hook line and sinker right from the beginning and kept on the edge of our seats right up to the end. This is a unique crime drama, there were several twists and I was never too sure where the story was going.  I knew from the first page that Lindsay was in some kind of big trouble, but I was never too sure why she was so desperate, until the very end. Plus we learn a lot about Lindsay’s personal life.

This is pretty much a standalone book.  The case is all resolved by the end. Lindsay’s life however, is still unsettled at the close. I enjoyed this book and if you enjoy reading crime drama, this has lots of suspense.

To Purchase: “1st to Die” from Amazon, click here or on picture above

Crime novel, Book Review, 2 Treasure Boxes, Suspence, Mobipocket, Goodreads

Seduction in Death by J. D. Robb

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This entry is part [part not set] of 26 in the series In Death Series

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
In Death Series, Book 15
Publisher: Berkley (September 1, 2001), Format: Kindle Edition, File Size: 597 KB, Print Length: 368 pages, ASIN: B000OCXJOS

Eve is always dealing with the terrible abuse she experienced as a child. So when she comes face to face with a maniacal murder who is killing women by feeding them the rape drugs known as Rabbit and Whore, Eve once again needs to deal with what was done to her as a child while at the same time finding and stopping the murders.

Seduction in Death is the fifteenth instalment of the In Death series by J.D. Robb, to date she has written 40 books in the series, with two more expected to be released later in 2011.  It falls into the crime drama, suspense and romance categories as the book focuses on the case Eve is currently working on as well as Eve and Roake’s personal relationship. This is a futuristic suspense that takes place in 2059 in New York City. The books are told in a third person narrative that focuses primarily on Lieutenant Eve Dallas, but at times the story is also told through some of the other characters including the murderer. The books are written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym of J. D. Robb.

Seduction in Death grabs our attention from the first page and keeps us engaged as the story builds up to the final exciting conclusion. The personal interactions between Peabody and McNabb are fun to read and as usual there are a few hot sex scenes between Eve and Roake. It was interesting how Eve tracked down the killer and I liked the slight twist at the end of the book, when we thought the killer might get away.

I recommend this book, it is a good, fun read.  If you have enjoyed the other In Death books, then be sure to read Seduction In Death.  If you haven’t yet read any of these books, then I recommend you start from the beginning and work your way through.


To Purchase: “Seduction in Death” from Amazon, click here or on picture above

Goodreads, Crime novel, 2 Treasure Boxes, Suspence, Public Library

Interlude in Death by J. D. Robb

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This entry is part [part not set] of 26 in the series In Death Series

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
In Death Series, Book 14
Publisher: Brilliance Audio on MP3-CD; Com/MP3 edition (Feb 28 2006), ISBN-10: 1423311744

Not only is Eve required to speak at the largest police conference of the year, which she hates, but in order to do so she must travel off planet, something she hates even more. While there she comes face to face with an unknown assailant who has a personal vendetta against both Roake and herself. This is a good futuristic suspense novella featuring Lieutenant Eve Dallas.  She is a tough, smart, likeable homicide detective. In each book she solves a crime and finds the killer. The book also encompasses her entire life including her personal relationships.

Interlude in Death is the fourteenth instalment of the In Death series by J.D. Robb, to date she has written 40 books in the series, with 2 more expected to be released later in 2011.  This novella was originally released in Out of the World, a paperback published by Jove 8/1/2001. It falls into the crime drama, suspense and romance categories as the book focuses on the case Eve is currently working on as well as Eve and Roake’s personal relationship. This is a futuristic suspense that takes place in 2059 in New York City. The books are told in a third person narrative that focuses primarily on Lieutenant Eve Dallas, but at times the story is also told through some of the other characters including the murderer. The books are written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym of J. D. Robb.

I enjoyed the story, it was told well and I liked how the clues were slowly released to reveal who the murderer really was as well as what motivated him.  We learn more about Rouke’s past, which I always find fascinating.

If you enjoy the In Death series, then you will not be disappointed.  This is a standalone novella and can be quickly enjoyed.  It is available from the library as an audio book. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about strong female lead characters and enjoys a suspenseful crime drama.