Payback in Death by J.D. Robb – Book Review

Payback in Death Book Review

Payback in Death by J.D. Robb is the latest instalment in the gripping and wide-spanning In Death Eve Dallas series. The series started in 1995 with Naked in Death, and is a police procedural, set in the near future in New York City in the year 2061, following the NY police lieutenant Eve Dallas.   

The latest novel opens with Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her husband Roarke returning from a much-needed vacation. However, their plans for a quiet evening are shattered when they are called to investigate the suspicious death of retired internal affairs police captain, Martin Greenleaf. As Eve delves into the investigation, she must determine whether it was a case of foul play or suicide. With twists and turns at every corner, the plot keeps you on your toes, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth.

Eve Dallas, the central protagonist, is an honourable and dedicated detective with a strong sense of justice. Her interactions with her husband Roarke provide insight into a different side of her personality, while her partnership with Delia Peabody adds depth and camaraderie to the story. The supporting characters, such as Detective Jenkinson and Peabody’s significant other, McNab, also have their moments to shine and contribute to the overall narrative.

J.D. Robb’s writing is engaging and fluid, allowing you to easily immerse yourself in the story. The author balances the mystery, police investigation, and romance, with creative twists, ensuring that there is never a dull moment in the plot. The author also manages to inject touches of levity to offset the darker aspects of the story.

As a skilled storyteller, J.D. Robb effortlessly crafts suspenseful scenes and maintains an air of mystery throughout the novel. Robb presents you with numerous suspects to investigate, keeping them guessing until the final revelation. Additionally, the book features a steamy scene that adds an extra layer of intensity to the story.

Payback in Death embodies the signature elements of these types of mysteries that fans will love, strong characterization, engrossing plots, and excellent pacing. The best thing about this book is since it builds on previous entries in the series, it can be read as a standalone or as part of the series. So, you can go back and read the books to learn more about the characters and the other cases.

If you are a fan of In the Blink of an Eye and want more futuristic police procedural stories with great characters, then Payback In Death is worth checking out.

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