Review - From New York to Dallas by J.D. Robb

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The number-one New York Times-bestselling author J. D. Robb presents an intense and terrifying new case for New York homicide cop Eve Dallas, one that will take her all the way to the city that gave her her name-and plunge her into the nightmares of her childhood.
When a monster named Isaac McQueen-taken down by Eve back in her uniform days-escapes from Rikers, he has two things in mind. One is to pick up where he left off, abducting young victims and leaving them scarred in both mind and body. The other is to get revenge on the woman who stopped him all those years ago. (Amazon)

Yes!  The thirty-third full length novel in the In Death series is a stellar one!  I actually enjoyed reading about the process that Eve went through in solving this crime, lately I have found that I tend to skim these sections of the books, but I was fully absorbed in this book and stayed up longer that I should have to read just one more chapter each night.  It seemed a little weird at first without Eve's cast of characters surrounding her and helping.  But after a while everything was fine.  I also appreciated a story without any major bumps in the relationship between Eve and Roarke.  I know that J.D. Robb wants to make their relationship seem realistic, but it is nice to see them together without some internal and/or external friction causing tension.

I do have one little nitpick.  At times Eve uses short form when talking (Robb probably does this to make her sound more authentic I'm sure), but one short form always, always made me stop and giggle.  Using the context of what Eve was saying or asking, I'm pretty sure the word was analysis, but the short form used in the book was anal, and yes my (apparently 12 year old boy's) mind went there each and every time it was used.  I honestly can't remember if this as been used in previous books, but one would think that I would remember seeing how often I would stop, giggle, read the sentence over again and giggle again.  Even so, this book is a perfect example as to why I enjoy reading a J.D. Robb book.  Even though we knew who the killer was, you are kept at the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next.

New York to Dallas Synopsis - J.D. Robb

I decided this morning to see if I could find a synopsis for the next in Death book coming out this September.  And I did, the title is New York to Dallas, apparently a one time name change.   This mystery leads Eve back to Dallas:


Twelve years ago, Eve Dallas was just a rookie NY cop when her instincts led her to the apartment of Isaac McQueen, a man she discovered to be a sick murderer and paedophile, who was keeping young girls in cages. Now a homicide Lieutenant, Eve is one of the most distinguished officers in the city - and then she learns that McQueen has escaped from jail. Bent on revenge against Eve and with a need to punish more 'bad girls' McQueen heads to Dallas, Texas - the place where Eve was found as a child, the place where she killed her own abusive monster when she was only eight years old. With Eve and Roarke in pursuit of McQueen, everything is on the line and secrets from Eve's past are about to be shockingly revealed.

Review - Treachery in Death by J.D. Robb

Treachery in Death is J.D. Robb's 33rd full-length novel featuring Eve Dallas and her husband Roarke.  After working out in the old gym, Detective Peabody overhears two cops arguing about their illegal activities and a subsequent murder for cover up.  What follows  is an internal investigation with the usual team lead by Dallas.

 Since the reader is aware early on who the bad guy is, there is little mystery.  Instead, the book focuses more on the suspense of leading the dirty cops to their demise.  I enjoyed this book, although I might need a cheat sheet with a list of who's who soon.  It took me a little while to remember who Webster is.  He also gets a love interest in this novel, I'm assuming she is a character introduced in one of the novellas (which I haven't read) because I do not remember her at all.  There were some sweet scenes between Eve and Roarke, which I prefer.  I get a little tired of each book having the two struggle with their relationship and how they interact with each other. 

All in all this was a good addition to the series, the storyline was tight and suspenseful, and 33 books later I am still interested in the characters and their lives.

Books I Want to Read

Every once in a while I start to think about my favourite authors and with the help of the internet look up information on their new books.  Here are just some of the books I am looking forward to in the next year.

Lara Adrian 

The Midnight Breed series is about vampires and their mates.  The ninth novel, Deeper Than Midnight, is Hunter's story.  I have an idea as to who his heroine is, but it would be a spoiler for people who have not read Taken By Midnight.  The book is scheduled to be released June 28th, 2011.  I did not know until today that Adrian also writes under the name of Tina St. John - I need to read these books too.

Jean M. Auel

I had absolutely no idea until today that the sixth book of the Earth's Children series is coming out soon!  The Land of the Painted Caves continues the story of Ayla, Jondalar, and their daughter Jonayla.  The final book will be released on March 29, 2011. 

Rachel Gibson

 Gibson's newest book is another hockey story.  This time it's about wedding planner, Autumn Haver, and hockey star, Sam Leclaire.  The two spend a wild weekend together in Las Vegas and end up married.  Two years later they meet up again when Autumn is in charge of organizing an event for Sam's hockey team.  It sounds reminiscent of Rachel Gibson's early book, Simply Irresistible, which is one of my all-time favourite books. 

Kristan Higgins

Available on March 29th, Harper James runs into her ex-husband at her stepsister's wedding.  Somehow the two are forced to travel across country together.  If this book is like Higgins' previous ones, there will be a crazy cast of secondary characters working through their own issues.

Lisa Kleypas
Rainshadow Road is the second book in the Friday Harbor series.  It is due out in December 2011.  So far I have not been able to find the cover or synopsis for this book.

Johanna Lindsey

 This book takes us to the kingdom of Lubinia where the captain of the palace guards, Christoph Becker believes that Alana Stindal is not the missing princess but a pretender.  This book will be out June 14, 2011.

 

 

 

Monica McCarty
Monica McCarty is my new go to author for Scottish historical romance.  The next book in her Highland Guard series is The Viper.  This one tells the story of Viper or Lachlan MacRuairi.  It will come out October 25th, 2011.

J.D. Robb

Robb's 33rd novel brings back Eve Dallas, Roarke et al for another mystery.  This time the suspense involves dirty cops.  The book was released on February 22, 2011.

 

Nora Roberts

The Queen of romance's newest book will be available April 12, 2011.  This time Roberts' focuses on firefighting with her characters Rowan Tripp and Gulliver Curry.