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In Death #28
Promises in Death
Amarylis Coltraine may have recently transferred to the New York City police force from Atlanta, but she's been a cop long enough to know how to defend herself against an assailant. When she's taken down just steps away from her apartment, killed with her own weapon, for Eve the victim isn't just 'one of us.'
Dallas's friend Chief Medical Examiner Morris and Coltraine had started a serious relationship, and from all accounts the two were headed for a happy future together. But someone has put an end to all that. After breaking the news to Morris, Eve starts questioning everyone from Coltraine's squad, informants, and neighbors, while Eve's husband, Roarke, digs into computer data on Coltraine's life back in Atlanta. To their shock, they discover a connection between this case and their own painful, shadowy pasts.
The truth will need to be uncovered one layer at a time, starting with the box that arrives at Cop Central addressed to Eve containing Coltraine's guns, badge, and a note from her killer: 'You can have them back. Maybe someday soon, I'll be sending yours to somebody else.'
But Eve Dallas doesn't take too kindly to personal threats, and she is going to break this case, whatever it takes. And that's a promise.
Dallas's friend Chief Medical Examiner Morris and Coltraine had started a serious relationship, and from all accounts the two were headed for a happy future together. But someone has put an end to all that. After breaking the news to Morris, Eve starts questioning everyone from Coltraine's squad, informants, and neighbors, while Eve's husband, Roarke, digs into computer data on Coltraine's life back in Atlanta. To their shock, they discover a connection between this case and their own painful, shadowy pasts.
The truth will need to be uncovered one layer at a time, starting with the box that arrives at Cop Central addressed to Eve containing Coltraine's guns, badge, and a note from her killer: 'You can have them back. Maybe someday soon, I'll be sending yours to somebody else.'
But Eve Dallas doesn't take too kindly to personal threats, and she is going to break this case, whatever it takes. And that's a promise.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 24, 2009
1172 people are currently reading
9237 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Robb
201 books34.8k followersJ.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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,169 reviews
December 13, 2018
Suspense 5 stars / Romance 4.5 stars
This book made me cry 😭😭😭
A cop was killed, a young lovely woman, who just found her love. Amarylis.
Damn, life’s so unfair. Damn! My heart broke for Morris. One of my favorite side characters.
We knew, who the puppet master was, but we didn’t get the killer’s identity till the very end. Brilliant.
Romance. Bachelor party for Louise and Charles. LOL.
But if my man travelled to Vegas with guys, I would at least order some male strippers for the girls' party ;-) So we were even *lol*
Eve, love of my life. I can’t describe how much I love this incredible and strong woman!
This book made me cry 😭😭😭
A cop was killed, a young lovely woman, who just found her love. Amarylis.
Damn, life’s so unfair. Damn! My heart broke for Morris. One of my favorite side characters.
We knew, who the puppet master was, but we didn’t get the killer’s identity till the very end. Brilliant.
Romance. Bachelor party for Louise and Charles. LOL.
But if my man travelled to Vegas with guys, I would at least order some male strippers for the girls' party ;-) So we were even *lol*
Eve, love of my life. I can’t describe how much I love this incredible and strong woman!
“I am a ranking officer. If you call me a bitch, you’d better damn well put Lieutenant in front of it.”
September 1, 2016
Not my favorite when it comes to the killings/mystery because it wasn't nearly bloody, violent, and sinister enough. But, the good part of this book was that there was plenty of attention paid to all of the side-characters of the series that we have grown to know and love.
So, cop-killer pursuit - meh. a little boring. Plus, I figured out who the first bad-guy was as soon as we met, and the second bad-guy as soon as we knew there was another. Come on, man! Give me a challenge!!
Dead cop's boyfriend story - touching and sad. He is a character that I have always liked. I know, let's kill the love of his life! Sinister authors with their emotional manipulation. Humph!
Eve & Roarke - amazing and cute. Eve was actually not a bitch in this book and even treated her husband well enough for me to almost approve. (I would treat him better. Just sayin')
Eve hosting a bridal shower/bachelorette party - only funny because she was so awkward and hated it. Of course, Peabody was the best part. I like drunk Peabody! Actually I like everyone when I'm drunk.
Roarke taking a giant group of guys to Vegas - money. Why, oh why, did we have to stay at the chick party instead of getting to go to Vegas with them?
"I'm taking a shuttle full of men to Las Vegas late this afternoon. There will be ribaldry, and a possible need to post bond. I've made arrangements. I'll bring back this same shuttle full of men - hopefully - tomorrow afternoon."
"Let me come with you."
"Let me see your penis."
"Oh, God! Can't I just use yours?"
"At any other time."
Oh, and just in case you are as ignorant as I am:
rib·ald
ˈribəld,ˈrīˌbôld
adjective
referring to sexual matters in an amusingly rude or irreverent way.
"a ribald comment"
That makes it funnier, huh? Huh?
Yeah, I totally want to go to Vegas and have ribaldy fun with my girl-tribe.
So, cop-killer pursuit - meh. a little boring. Plus, I figured out who the first bad-guy was as soon as we met, and the second bad-guy as soon as we knew there was another. Come on, man! Give me a challenge!!
Dead cop's boyfriend story - touching and sad. He is a character that I have always liked. I know, let's kill the love of his life! Sinister authors with their emotional manipulation. Humph!
Eve & Roarke - amazing and cute. Eve was actually not a bitch in this book and even treated her husband well enough for me to almost approve. (I would treat him better. Just sayin')
Eve hosting a bridal shower/bachelorette party - only funny because she was so awkward and hated it. Of course, Peabody was the best part. I like drunk Peabody! Actually I like everyone when I'm drunk.
Roarke taking a giant group of guys to Vegas - money. Why, oh why, did we have to stay at the chick party instead of getting to go to Vegas with them?
"I'm taking a shuttle full of men to Las Vegas late this afternoon. There will be ribaldry, and a possible need to post bond. I've made arrangements. I'll bring back this same shuttle full of men - hopefully - tomorrow afternoon."
"Let me come with you."
"Let me see your penis."
"Oh, God! Can't I just use yours?"
"At any other time."
Oh, and just in case you are as ignorant as I am:
rib·ald
ˈribəld,ˈrīˌbôld
adjective
referring to sexual matters in an amusingly rude or irreverent way.
"a ribald comment"
That makes it funnier, huh? Huh?
Yeah, I totally want to go to Vegas and have ribaldy fun with my girl-tribe.
October 5, 2018
In Death book number 28 in which one of their own dies a very unpleasant death and all the stops are pulled out to find the murderer and bring them to justice.
Some very emotional moments between Morris and Eve who finds herself in the position of supporting a friend in his moment of need. I love the way Eve and Roarke are progressing in their relationship with much more open communication and understanding. Mavis and Bella provide some of the light entertainment as do Galahad and even Summerset.
That's the thing about this series - the characters are like family and friends by this stage and whatever happens in the book it is just nice to get together and enjoy the company. This one is probably not one of the best in the series but I am still giving it five stars for the pleasure I get from reading it.
Some very emotional moments between Morris and Eve who finds herself in the position of supporting a friend in his moment of need. I love the way Eve and Roarke are progressing in their relationship with much more open communication and understanding. Mavis and Bella provide some of the light entertainment as do Galahad and even Summerset.
That's the thing about this series - the characters are like family and friends by this stage and whatever happens in the book it is just nice to get together and enjoy the company. This one is probably not one of the best in the series but I am still giving it five stars for the pleasure I get from reading it.
June 30, 2017
Here we are again with another 5 star review. I. LOVED. IT. I know I am repeating myself but quite honestly after 28 books I am running out of things to say.
I LOVE Roarke and Eve.
I LOVE the development of all the secondary characters and their relationships. In this one Morris was front and center.
I LOVE the funny moments that get weaved in. Just image Eve, Peabody, Louise, Mavis, Nadine, Dr. Mira and the rest of the girls having fun at a wedding shower which involved Bellini's, mag food and swimming naked. LOL
I LOVE that even with an inkling of knowing the 'whodunit' factor, J.D. allows the story to unfold in a way that it doesn't matter one bit.
In my humble opinion J.D. Robb is...
June 13, 2017
"sound like a broken record"to say the same thing over and over again. (Fig. on a scratch in a phonograph record causing the needle [or stylus] to stay in the same groove and play it over and over.)
I can find no fault with these books. Great characters, good suspense, kept me guessing. Of course Eve will figure the mystery out eventually, with the help of her beloved Roarke and her side-kicks. She had shopping (shudder) and a bridal shower (more shudders - from Eve) - she hates all the girly stuff.
This was a tough one for Morris.
I can find no fault with these books. Great characters, good suspense, kept me guessing. Of course Eve will figure the mystery out eventually, with the help of her beloved Roarke and her side-kicks. She had shopping (shudder) and a bridal shower (more shudders - from Eve) - she hates all the girly stuff.
She had more important things to do than wrangle with Summerset.
"Lieutenant", he said, as she turned away. "It will likely be a very long while before I ever repeat this, if that day should ever come. But I'll say now, at this precise moment, I'm proud of you."
“How can I love you and not be afraid? You’re my life, Eve, my heart. You’re asking, you’re wondering if I ever worry, if I ever fear, that one day Peabody or Feeney, your commander—a cop who’s become a friend—will knock on my door? Of course I do.”
“Cops are good at keeping secrets.”
“I married a cop.”
“I told you not to.”
Now he laughed, and kissed her again where her brow had furrowed. “And would I listen? I’m damn good at being married to a cop.”
This was a tough one for Morris.
November 30, 2018
Oh Morris, I'm so sorry for you honey. 💔💔💔 😢😢😢
March 13, 2023
When Lieutenant Eve Dallas attends the murder scene of a fellow detective, Amarylis Coltraine, she becomes angry and determined to find her killer. No one is going to get away kill a cop on Eve’s watch! Furthermore, Amarylis was seeing Eve’s friend, Medical Examiner Li Morris and the two seemed very much in love, which makes Eve even more furious and seeking vengeance.
This is a slower burn than some of the books in this series, as Eve works hard to uncover a monstrous plot years in the making. Although this murder was very personal for Eve, it was good to see her empathy for Morris and her care and consideration for him. A sad book but lightened by Eve’s relationship with Roarke and humour in her required involvement in Louise’s hens party.
This is a slower burn than some of the books in this series, as Eve works hard to uncover a monstrous plot years in the making. Although this murder was very personal for Eve, it was good to see her empathy for Morris and her care and consideration for him. A sad book but lightened by Eve’s relationship with Roarke and humour in her required involvement in Louise’s hens party.
June 11, 2022
Police Lt. Eve Dallas is called out to investigate the murder of one of their own. Officer Amaryllis Coltraine was killed with her own weapon. Her body was left in the basement of her apartment building. This death hits Eve hard. Coltraine is the girlfriend of Medical Examiner Li Morris, a colleague and a friend. Eve must notify Morris of his lover's death while vowing to catch the person who killed Coltraine.
After 28 books, this series is still going strong. Friends of Morris rally around to support him in his hour of need. With the approval of Commander Whitney, Eve puts together a team to search for a killer. There were several viable suspects in this story, along with a few twists and turns. I highly recommend. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
After 28 books, this series is still going strong. Friends of Morris rally around to support him in his hour of need. With the approval of Commander Whitney, Eve puts together a team to search for a killer. There were several viable suspects in this story, along with a few twists and turns. I highly recommend. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
February 25, 2009
I don't know how J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts does it, but she consistently writes novels with just the right mix of emotion, sexual tension, wry humor, and mystery to keep me riveted every darn time! "Promises in Death" had me flipping the pages as fast as I could read to try and figure out 'who done it' and feed my Roarke fix.
This time the death is personal...not because the vic is a cop, but because she's the cop that Li Morris (coroner extraordinaire) was seriously involved with, and Li's pain is difficult for Eve to face because he's one of 'hers'. When the clues reveal ties to an old enemy of both Eve and Roarke, it seems too good to be true...and it may well be.
The mystery was intricate and well-plotted and I didn't figure out the bad guy til the author led me to it. There were twists that I didn't expect, and they all linked together in a tightly woven plot. Eve and Roarke were 'mag' as were the rest of the supporting cast which seemed to include all of Eve and Roarke's friends from earlier books. The scenes regarding the bachelor party and bridal shower had me laughing out loud and wishing I were there to watch.
I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that this is my favorite 'in Death' so far...at least until the next release!
This time the death is personal...not because the vic is a cop, but because she's the cop that Li Morris (coroner extraordinaire) was seriously involved with, and Li's pain is difficult for Eve to face because he's one of 'hers'. When the clues reveal ties to an old enemy of both Eve and Roarke, it seems too good to be true...and it may well be.
The mystery was intricate and well-plotted and I didn't figure out the bad guy til the author led me to it. There were twists that I didn't expect, and they all linked together in a tightly woven plot. Eve and Roarke were 'mag' as were the rest of the supporting cast which seemed to include all of Eve and Roarke's friends from earlier books. The scenes regarding the bachelor party and bridal shower had me laughing out loud and wishing I were there to watch.
I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that this is my favorite 'in Death' so far...at least until the next release!
August 30, 2017
Oh, I hate when this happen... :(
I like Morris and was so happy for him... and now... :(
Still the story was good (even if sad...)
I like Morris and was so happy for him... and now... :(
Still the story was good (even if sad...)
October 10, 2018
Rereading (yet again!) for group buddy read - Oct. 2018 Promises is one of my favorites!
Once again blown away by the character relationship development in this series!
Promises is special as relationships grow and expand, offering a safe harbor and a place for healing after tragedy strikes. The issue of nature vs. nurture is explored again. I love the balance of suspense, romance, snarky humor, and police procedural in this series. A Must Read!
Once again blown away by the character relationship development in this series!
Promises is special as relationships grow and expand, offering a safe harbor and a place for healing after tragedy strikes. The issue of nature vs. nurture is explored again. I love the balance of suspense, romance, snarky humor, and police procedural in this series. A Must Read!
July 28, 2022
2nd read 24 May - 25 June 2016
1st read from September 26 to 30, 2013
1st read from September 26 to 30, 2013
Read
July 18, 2018"I can help. We're the smart girls. Let's solve some crime!"
This is not a book that can be appreciated if randomly picked off a shelf. The joy in reading it comes from knowing the series' characters, knowing the tropes, and watching them intersect, interact, and sometimes implode. This is a payoff book, not a setup book.
The tensest scene is not Eve facing off against the prime suspect, but instead, an emotionally and physically intense deception pulled off by the victim's boyfriend (recurring character, the typically cool-as-a-cucumber Chief Medical Examiner Li Morris) in an attempt to get evidence from the prime suspect. I held my breath reading that scene. Afterward, with said evidence secured, Eve's takedown of the network of conspirators and the prime suspect is far less tense, but it's wonderfully choreographed to show off her strengths and to get the reader to experience the emotional justice wrought by all the hard work put in by so many characters.
My favorite bit was how, the morning following a bridal shower (oh yes, Eve reluctantly and confusedly hosted Louise's bridal shower, and as predictable as her reaction was, I still found it amusing), the main female characters gathered for a pajama-clad "smart girl" confab/murder briefing, much to Eve's consternation. It kind of makes me grin to have a series full of confident, professional, smart (in different ways) women, and that they've created a network, a support system, a group of friends for Eve. (Meanwhile, he menfolk of the series were off in Vegas for Charles's bachelor party. Hijinks ensued. Upon hearing the stories, Eve might never look at Dennis Mira the same way again.)
This is not a book that can be appreciated if randomly picked off a shelf. The joy in reading it comes from knowing the series' characters, knowing the tropes, and watching them intersect, interact, and sometimes implode. This is a payoff book, not a setup book.
The tensest scene is not Eve facing off against the prime suspect, but instead, an emotionally and physically intense deception pulled off by the victim's boyfriend (recurring character, the typically cool-as-a-cucumber Chief Medical Examiner Li Morris) in an attempt to get evidence from the prime suspect. I held my breath reading that scene. Afterward, with said evidence secured, Eve's takedown of the network of conspirators and the prime suspect is far less tense, but it's wonderfully choreographed to show off her strengths and to get the reader to experience the emotional justice wrought by all the hard work put in by so many characters.
My favorite bit was how, the morning following a bridal shower (oh yes, Eve reluctantly and confusedly hosted Louise's bridal shower, and as predictable as her reaction was, I still found it amusing), the main female characters gathered for a pajama-clad "smart girl" confab/murder briefing, much to Eve's consternation. It kind of makes me grin to have a series full of confident, professional, smart (in different ways) women, and that they've created a network, a support system, a group of friends for Eve. (Meanwhile, he menfolk of the series were off in Vegas for Charles's bachelor party. Hijinks ensued. Upon hearing the stories, Eve might never look at Dennis Mira the same way again.)
August 3, 2017
One of my favorite characters suffered a loss in this one. Considering my feelings towards said character, I was hurt and sad while reading this installment. He cared deeply for that woman and she was also a good person/cop. And I am proud of Eve for being there for him.
The preparation for Charles-Louise wedding continues. The bridal shower was fun but it was horror for Eve. But it was Roarke and the boys who enjoyed their party in Vegas with Mr. Mira.
And of course moments with Roarke and Eve who are one of the best couples in the book world. Ever.
"How can I love you and not be afraid? You're my life, Eve, my heart. You're asking, you're wondering if I ever worry, if I ever fear, that one day Peabody or Feeney will knock on my door? Of course I do."
The preparation for Charles-Louise wedding continues. The bridal shower was fun but it was horror for Eve. But it was Roarke and the boys who enjoyed their party in Vegas with Mr. Mira.
And of course moments with Roarke and Eve who are one of the best couples in the book world. Ever.
"How can I love you and not be afraid? You're my life, Eve, my heart. You're asking, you're wondering if I ever worry, if I ever fear, that one day Peabody or Feeney will knock on my door? Of course I do."
January 21, 2023
another great addition to the series
not my favorite, but still good lots of inner circle relationships because of the death of a cop
again audiobook serves 10 out of 10
not my favorite, but still good lots of inner circle relationships because of the death of a cop
again audiobook serves 10 out of 10
December 20, 2024
Eve Dallas has her work cut out for her in this one. She catches the murder of a cop, which has everyone raging and it's Morris's lady which makes it personal to Eve. Leads lead to dead ends and rabbit holes and to throw fire on an already incendiary situation the victim was previously involved with the son of a real nasty Eve and Roake put away. When the body of her main suspect drops, Eve is sure she is looking for a cop with a personal motive.
March 13, 2024
Ah Morris, hüzünlü kekim 😭
Kalbimi kıran, zor bir okuma oldu benim için.
Konuyla alakalı uzun sürdü okumam.
Olmadı be Nora, bunu yapmayacaktın bize 🥺
"Ona aşık oluyordum. Bunun gerçekleştiğini hissettim - o uzun, yavaş düşüşü. Ağırdan almak, tadını çıkarmak istiyorduk. Hâlâ birbirimizi keşfediyorduk. Hâlâ o odaya girdiğinde ya da sesini duyduğumda, tenini kokladığımda içimdeki her şeyin şarkı söylediği aşamadaydım."
Kalbimi kıran, zor bir okuma oldu benim için.
Konuyla alakalı uzun sürdü okumam.
Olmadı be Nora, bunu yapmayacaktın bize 🥺
"Ona aşık oluyordum. Bunun gerçekleştiğini hissettim - o uzun, yavaş düşüşü. Ağırdan almak, tadını çıkarmak istiyorduk. Hâlâ birbirimizi keşfediyorduk. Hâlâ o odaya girdiğinde ya da sesini duyduğumda, tenini kokladığımda içimdeki her şeyin şarkı söylediği aşamadaydım."
October 4, 2017
4-4.5 stars - Romantic Suspense/Futuristic/Mystery/Crime/Thriller
March 25, 2018
Promises in Death by J.D.Robb is book 28 in the In Death series. Policewoman and Chief Medical Examiners Morris girlfriend, Amaryllis Coltrane is found dead, killed with her own weapon and Eve investigates, finding links to a previous case of hers. The books just keep getting better and better. I love that Eve has become more comfortable in her relationship even to the point of accepting a specially made car for her from Roarke. This book explores the difficulties that police spouses face when their partners are constantly being put in danger and the constant fear for them. Another excellent book with Eve hosting Louise's wedding shower in the process.
May 16, 2024
this one was a good one...
highlights were definitely the bridal shower and Eve's almost frantic way of wanting to get out of it. I had to re-read some parts because they were just so good.
And it's amazing how she and Roarke stay so true to their characters even after 28 books.
They are something special.
Also, Eve finally got her shiny new car - it was time after all the wrecks in the past.
highlights were definitely the bridal shower and Eve's almost frantic way of wanting to get out of it. I had to re-read some parts because they were just so good.
And it's amazing how she and Roarke stay so true to their characters even after 28 books.
They are something special.
Also, Eve finally got her shiny new car - it was time after all the wrecks in the past.
May 4, 2016
In book twenty-eight of the In Death series, things take a dark turn when a cop killer is on the loose. Amarylis Coltraine is the latest victim to be attacked. As a newly transferred police officer who has come to New York, she is highly trained and should be able to defend herself but she dies just steps from her own apartment, sparking a whole slew of questions from Eve Dallas. Worse of all, Amarylis was involved with the chief Medical Examiner Morris and now Eve is tasked with telling her friend of his girlfriend’s death.
Once again, Eve is determined to find out who the killer is and stop him or her before another cop ends up dead. When she and Roarke dig deeper into the case, they discover something shocking that may connect this case with something from the past. Now they must work quickly to find this killer before he comes for Eve.
This one is more of an emotional journey for the characters because it hits a little too close for comfort. When one of their own goes down, it rattles Eve a little bit and that’s not really something we see from a pro like Eve. Emotions are at an all-time high and it was a nice opportunity to see what their characters are really made of when something they care about is taken away from them. I think readers may be pretty surprised with who the murderer actually is in this one.
In addition to the great mystery, Robb always explores more of Eve’s personal life. She has come so far already and with her friendships with other people, we are seeing a whole different side to the tough cop act we are used to. Louise and Charles show advancements in their relationship and it’s a hilarious scene when you have Eve present at a wedding shower/bachelor party. As emotional and heartbreaking some of the scenes were in this story, these fun scenes really created a wonderful balance to even it out.
I love the way that Robb was able to connect this story with JUDGMENT IN DEATH. But don’t worry if you haven’t read that particular book because Robb provides plenty of details to fill you in. It’s great for a refresher as well for you loyal fans.
To cap off this review, I just wanted to share this little quote. I think it aptly sums up the dynamic of Eve and Roarke’s relationship so well.
Favourite Quote:
Eve: “I have to go shopping!”
Roarke: “Excuse me, I think I must have had a small stroke. What did you say?”
July 12, 2019
Really like this book - lots of emotion in this one. A bad cop - which I detest period, and poor Morris - who I really like and feel so sorry for.
The story line was excellent, bringing Max Ricker back into play - what a shiester, who should get father of the year award!!
Peabody is fitting right into the role of Detective quite nicely - getting her rhythm! And the wedding shower for Louise finishing up the next morning with "the smart girls"!
From the blurb: Amaryllis Coltraine may have recently transferred to the New York City police force from Atlanta, but she's been a cop long enough to know how to defend herself against an assailant. When she's taken down just steps away from her apartment, killed with her own weapon, for Eve the victim isn't just 'one of us.'
Dallas's friend Chief Medical Examiner Morris had started a serious relationship with Coltraine, and from all accounts the two were headed for a happy future together. But someone has put an end to all that. After breaking the news to Morris, Eve starts questioning everyone, including Coltraine's squad, informants, and neighbors, while Eve's husband, Roarke, digs into computer data on the dead woman's life back in Atlanta. To their shock, they discover a connection between this case and their own painful, shadowy pasts.
The truth will need to be uncovered one layer at a time, starting with the box that arrives at Cop Central addressed to Eve, containing Coltraine's guns, badge, and a note from her killer: 'You can have them back. Maybe someday soon, I'll be sending yours to somebody else.' But Eve Dallas doesn't take too kindly to personal threats, and she is going to break this case, whatever it takes. And that's a promise.
Two thumbs up and 5 stars!
The story line was excellent, bringing Max Ricker back into play - what a shiester, who should get father of the year award!!
Peabody is fitting right into the role of Detective quite nicely - getting her rhythm! And the wedding shower for Louise finishing up the next morning with "the smart girls"!
From the blurb: Amaryllis Coltraine may have recently transferred to the New York City police force from Atlanta, but she's been a cop long enough to know how to defend herself against an assailant. When she's taken down just steps away from her apartment, killed with her own weapon, for Eve the victim isn't just 'one of us.'
Dallas's friend Chief Medical Examiner Morris had started a serious relationship with Coltraine, and from all accounts the two were headed for a happy future together. But someone has put an end to all that. After breaking the news to Morris, Eve starts questioning everyone, including Coltraine's squad, informants, and neighbors, while Eve's husband, Roarke, digs into computer data on the dead woman's life back in Atlanta. To their shock, they discover a connection between this case and their own painful, shadowy pasts.
The truth will need to be uncovered one layer at a time, starting with the box that arrives at Cop Central addressed to Eve, containing Coltraine's guns, badge, and a note from her killer: 'You can have them back. Maybe someday soon, I'll be sending yours to somebody else.' But Eve Dallas doesn't take too kindly to personal threats, and she is going to break this case, whatever it takes. And that's a promise.
Two thumbs up and 5 stars!
June 18, 2024
Decent but Drawn Out
4 Stars.
Dark Erotica BR Special series cont. June 2024
/topic/show/...
This one was pretty good for the most part.
I really felt for Morris and Alex. On different levels of course.
A little twisty.
But definitely DRAWN OUT. It really didn't need to be 400+ pages. Those areas that stretched out the story lost my attention.
All & All I liked it and it was well written.
4 Stars.
Dark Erotica BR Special series cont. June 2024
/topic/show/...
This one was pretty good for the most part.
I really felt for Morris and Alex. On different levels of course.
A little twisty.
But definitely DRAWN OUT. It really didn't need to be 400+ pages. Those areas that stretched out the story lost my attention.
All & All I liked it and it was well written.
December 8, 2023
Um yeah, okay! Promises is my first foray back into this prolific series as I try to catch up on some that I never got around to before. It was exactly what I expected from an In Death novel, but with one notable differentiator.
Getting right to the point, Detective Amaryllis Coltraine is killed in the Prologue - a friend and colleague of Dallas'. She's also the love interest of Medical Examiner Li Morris, one of the series regulars. Thankfully, J.D. Robb doesn't often off someone close to the Scooby gang, much less right at the get-go, so it definitely made this novel stand out.
There's also a Bigbad from the deep past. Roarke's main nemesis, Max Ricker, comes up during the investigation via the fact that his son, Alex, dated Coltraine back when she was a cop in Atlanta. Max is incarcerated in the Omega Penal Colony offworld, but Alex moves freely around the unsuspecting Earthly citizenry. The wrinkle in suspecting Alex is that, by all appearances, Alex and Coltraine seemed to have had a serious, very real relationship - would he, could he, have really killed her years later? If so, why?
The thing about Nora Roberts, aka J.D. Robb, is that she's a darn good mystery author who can also write a smokin' hot sex scene. Virtually everybody else is only good at writing one or the other, but when it comes to doing both, Roberts is at the top of the heap and stands alone. Nobody else comes close.
Next up in this effort is #32, Treachery in Death.
Getting right to the point, Detective Amaryllis Coltraine is killed in the Prologue - a friend and colleague of Dallas'. She's also the love interest of Medical Examiner Li Morris, one of the series regulars. Thankfully, J.D. Robb doesn't often off someone close to the Scooby gang, much less right at the get-go, so it definitely made this novel stand out.
There's also a Bigbad from the deep past. Roarke's main nemesis, Max Ricker, comes up during the investigation via the fact that his son, Alex, dated Coltraine back when she was a cop in Atlanta. Max is incarcerated in the Omega Penal Colony offworld, but Alex moves freely around the unsuspecting Earthly citizenry. The wrinkle in suspecting Alex is that, by all appearances, Alex and Coltraine seemed to have had a serious, very real relationship - would he, could he, have really killed her years later? If so, why?
The thing about Nora Roberts, aka J.D. Robb, is that she's a darn good mystery author who can also write a smokin' hot sex scene. Virtually everybody else is only good at writing one or the other, but when it comes to doing both, Roberts is at the top of the heap and stands alone. Nobody else comes close.
Next up in this effort is #32, Treachery in Death.
July 30, 2020
It was almost a perfect reading. The personal life stuffs and the case balanced each other quite nicely. But... but... I didn't feel the suspense, the sense of sickness from the killer. I needed that sense of perverse and fucked-upends, which is not the book's fault at all, this is my fault. The book is amazing as usual, even when they suck, they don't suck that bad. Never ever did I hated an In Death book yet.
January 1, 2021
::4-1/2 stars::
A strong entry in the In Death series, and an example of doing a story right. Over the course of several prior books we'd gotten to know, a little, Chief Medical Examiner Morris's new girlfriend, the Southern Blonde Det. Amaryllis Coltrane, who'd transferred from the Atlanta PSD and worked largely as a robbery cop - and we'd gotten to know Eve's mild sense of distain for her as well. (Unlike Our Lt. Dallas, Det. Coltrane is no One-Woman War on Crime, but a capable enough cop who could leave the job at the office every night.) Combined with Dallas's deep sense of camaraderie with Morris, and unacknowledged sense of betrayal that he'd gone and found another girl to play with (not that she'd ever in any universe leave Roarke for him, but I always wondered a bit if Roarke hadn't come into her life if something might have happened between the two of them), poor Ammy Coltrane just wasn't ever going to be her favorite person. Then Coltrane gets killed in the stairwell of her apartment building and left there like garbage, with her badge and stunner taken off her body - and Eve and Peabody catch the case.
One of the things I really like about this book, and the books following, is that Dr. Li Morris doesn't get over Amaryllis's death easily - a dozen books later, he's only started to go out with women socially again (another woman Eve doesn't like much, Forensic Anthropologist Dr.Temperance Brennan Garnet DeWinter - But They're Not Dating!).
Nope - Not a Bit of It!
As Lt. Dallas gets more into Coltrane's death, she begins to about her (a gift Eve has developed over the course of the series, where she can interact with the murder victims and build a gestalt of the case with their assistance), and finally realizes that had Amaryllis lived they might have come to like each other, because the two women have more in common than Eve originally believed. One of those things, besides loving Morris (Eve in a more sisterly way, naturally - she's a married woman who adores her husband!), is that both fell for men with shady backgrounds - in Ammy's case,smuggler Completely Legitimate Antiques Dealer Alex Riker...son of Max Riker, the man she and Roarke put away back in Judgment in Death!
Remember Max Now?
Because Alex is such an obvious suspect, naturally he's the prime suspect for Coltrane's killer - and also naturally. Roarke establishes much of this by gleefully jumping over a bunch of legal and technology fences to arrange and record an "off-the-record" meeting with Alex Riker
Which Eve Takes About as Well As You'd Expect!
The solution of the case proves that Amaryllis Coltrane was a gambit - Eve solves the case while (reluctantly) putting on a Bridal Shower for her doctor friend, Louise Dimatto - several of the guests of which, including Eve's BFF Mavis, help crack the case over breakfast! ("The Smart Girls" - a great scene, and one which I'd love to see repeated.)
A strong entry in the In Death series, and an example of doing a story right. Over the course of several prior books we'd gotten to know, a little, Chief Medical Examiner Morris's new girlfriend, the Southern Blonde Det. Amaryllis Coltrane, who'd transferred from the Atlanta PSD and worked largely as a robbery cop - and we'd gotten to know Eve's mild sense of distain for her as well. (Unlike Our Lt. Dallas, Det. Coltrane is no One-Woman War on Crime, but a capable enough cop who could leave the job at the office every night.) Combined with Dallas's deep sense of camaraderie with Morris, and unacknowledged sense of betrayal that he'd gone and found another girl to play with (not that she'd ever in any universe leave Roarke for him, but I always wondered a bit if Roarke hadn't come into her life if something might have happened between the two of them), poor Ammy Coltrane just wasn't ever going to be her favorite person. Then Coltrane gets killed in the stairwell of her apartment building and left there like garbage, with her badge and stunner taken off her body - and Eve and Peabody catch the case.
One of the things I really like about this book, and the books following, is that Dr. Li Morris doesn't get over Amaryllis's death easily - a dozen books later, he's only started to go out with women socially again (another woman Eve doesn't like much, Forensic Anthropologist Dr.
Nope - Not a Bit of It!
As Lt. Dallas gets more into Coltrane's death, she begins to about her (a gift Eve has developed over the course of the series, where she can interact with the murder victims and build a gestalt of the case with their assistance), and finally realizes that had Amaryllis lived they might have come to like each other, because the two women have more in common than Eve originally believed. One of those things, besides loving Morris (Eve in a more sisterly way, naturally - she's a married woman who adores her husband!), is that both fell for men with shady backgrounds - in Ammy's case,
Remember Max Now?
Because Alex is such an obvious suspect, naturally he's the prime suspect for Coltrane's killer - and also naturally. Roarke establishes much of this by gleefully jumping over a bunch of legal and technology fences to arrange and record an "off-the-record" meeting with Alex Riker
Which Eve Takes About as Well As You'd Expect!
The solution of the case proves that Amaryllis Coltrane was a gambit - Eve solves the case while (reluctantly) putting on a Bridal Shower for her doctor friend, Louise Dimatto - several of the guests of which, including Eve's BFF Mavis, help crack the case over breakfast! ("The Smart Girls" - a great scene, and one which I'd love to see repeated.)
August 25, 2018
Hüzünlüydü. Morris’e bu yapılır mıydı ya? Polisiye kısmı iyiydi, şahane değildi belki ama bu kitapta hzünlendiğim kadar da kahkaha attım. En çok Peabody Eve’i taşırken güldüm heralde. Bir de Eve’in dehşetle ev sahipliği yaptığı bridal shower vardı, orası da ayrı güldürüyor. Seriyi hala çok seviyorum, sıkılmadım hiç.
“Oh shit, oh shit, stupid shower present!”
Now she did pull her hair as she made the dash to her office.
Roarke sat in her visitor’s chair, comfortably involved with his PPC. He glanced up, let loose a regretful sigh. “You changed. And I didn’t have any time to ogle you in uniform.”
“I have to go shopping!”
Staring at her, Roarke pressed his fingertips to his temple. “I’m sorry, I believe I must have had a small stroke. What did you say?”
“This isn’t funny.” She bent down, gripped him by the lapels. “I forgot to get a thing for the thing, and I don’t even know what the thing is supposed to be. Now I have to go out and hunt something down. Except—” Her eyes went from slightly mad to speculative. “We have all kinds of things around the house. Couldn’t I just wrap something up and—”
“No.”
“Crap!”
“How can I love you and not be afraid? You’re my life, Eve, my heart. You’re asking, you’re wondering if I ever worry, if I ever fear, that one day Peabody or Feeney, your commander—a cop who’s become a friend—will knock on my door? Of course I do.”
“Oh shit, oh shit, stupid shower present!”
Now she did pull her hair as she made the dash to her office.
Roarke sat in her visitor’s chair, comfortably involved with his PPC. He glanced up, let loose a regretful sigh. “You changed. And I didn’t have any time to ogle you in uniform.”
“I have to go shopping!”
Staring at her, Roarke pressed his fingertips to his temple. “I’m sorry, I believe I must have had a small stroke. What did you say?”
“This isn’t funny.” She bent down, gripped him by the lapels. “I forgot to get a thing for the thing, and I don’t even know what the thing is supposed to be. Now I have to go out and hunt something down. Except—” Her eyes went from slightly mad to speculative. “We have all kinds of things around the house. Couldn’t I just wrap something up and—”
“No.”
“Crap!”
“How can I love you and not be afraid? You’re my life, Eve, my heart. You’re asking, you’re wondering if I ever worry, if I ever fear, that one day Peabody or Feeney, your commander—a cop who’s become a friend—will knock on my door? Of course I do.”
March 15, 2022
You can really see how Eve is growing as a person as these books progress. She fights it kicking and screaming all the way and it is hysterical. These stories/murders are intense. This one was really sad with Morris' ladylove. I have always liked his character and the banter between he and Eve. But, Eve takes care of him (her growth) and nails the killer to the wall. I always say "WOW" when I read these books. And, they are "WOW" worthy. This one was no exception.
February 24, 2025
"It matters. It all matters. What we leave behind with the people we brush up against."
March 15, 2019
Another ace addition to the series.
A cop is killed, one who was dating Chief Medical Examiner Morris so this there’s plenty of emotion in this and some heart-warming and sad scenes with Morris, Eve and Roarke. Promise in Death explores and highlights the difficulties and fears that the spouses/partners of police officers face when their spouses/partners are constantly being put in danger.
As Eve and Roarke dig to find the killer, they discover something shocking and surprising that might connect the case to something from their past.
I did realise who the killers were fairly quick, but still an enjoyable read.
There are some light-hearted scenes, such as when Eve is at a wedding shower/bachelor party for Louise and Charles.
…. Now on to the next in the series.
A cop is killed, one who was dating Chief Medical Examiner Morris so this there’s plenty of emotion in this and some heart-warming and sad scenes with Morris, Eve and Roarke. Promise in Death explores and highlights the difficulties and fears that the spouses/partners of police officers face when their spouses/partners are constantly being put in danger.
As Eve and Roarke dig to find the killer, they discover something shocking and surprising that might connect the case to something from their past.
I did realise who the killers were fairly quick, but still an enjoyable read.
There are some light-hearted scenes, such as when Eve is at a wedding shower/bachelor party for Louise and Charles.
…. Now on to the next in the series.
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