Status
Available
Series
Collection
Publication
Berkley (1997), Edition: Reissue, 336 pages
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Romance. Suspense. HTML:#1 New York Times bestselling author J. D. Robb presents the fifth thrilling novel in her futuristic In Death series�??where even in an age of cutting-edge technology, old beliefs die hard. Conducting a top secret investigation into the death of a fellow police officer has Lieutenant Eve Dallas treading on dangerous ground. She must put professional ethics before personal loyalties. But when a dead body is placed outside her home, Eve takes the warnning personally. With her husband, Roarke, watching her every move, Eve is drawn into the most dangerous case of her career. Every step she takes makes her question her own beliefs of right and wrong�??and brings her closer to a confrontation with humanity's most seductive form of e… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Lauren2013
Ceremony in Death
4 Stars
Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas is forced to put aside her personal loyalties when she investigates the suspicious death of a fellow officer. When several other victims die in horrific circumstances, Eve finds herself embroiled in a conflict between opposing forces of good
The best installment so far both in terms of the investigation and the character development.
The dichotomy between Good and Evil, and the symbolism of Wicca and Satanism, inherent in the case makes this one of the most intense and gripping mysteries in the series. The villains are truly diabolical and the mundane motive behind the crimes only compounds their depravity.
The characterization continues to be a highlight of these books. Roarke demonstrates once again the depth of his love for Eve and the lengths he will go to to protect her. There are also some compelling insights into both Peabody and Feeney’s characters as they learn more about themselves and Eve as well. Eve’s behavior, on the other hand, is problematic as she allows her personal experiences to color her judgement and tends to accept things at face value rather than looking beneath the surface to underlying motivations.
In sum, the suspense, intrigue and humor of this series make it very enjoyable and I look forward to reading the next one soon.
4 Stars
Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas is forced to put aside her personal loyalties when she investigates the suspicious death of a fellow officer. When several other victims die in horrific circumstances, Eve finds herself embroiled in a conflict between opposing forces of good
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and evil that eventually leads her to a confrontation that may force her to play the ultimate price…The best installment so far both in terms of the investigation and the character development.
The dichotomy between Good and Evil, and the symbolism of Wicca and Satanism, inherent in the case makes this one of the most intense and gripping mysteries in the series. The villains are truly diabolical and the mundane motive behind the crimes only compounds their depravity.
The characterization continues to be a highlight of these books. Roarke demonstrates once again the depth of his love for Eve and the lengths he will go to to protect her. There are also some compelling insights into both Peabody and Feeney’s characters as they learn more about themselves and Eve as well. Eve’s behavior, on the other hand, is problematic as she allows her personal experiences to color her judgement and tends to accept things at face value rather than looking beneath the surface to underlying motivations.
In sum, the suspense, intrigue and humor of this series make it very enjoyable and I look forward to reading the next one soon.
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LibraryThing member bookwormteri
An excellent series, highly entertaining. These books can be read alone or as a series, I recommend the series just because you get to know the characters and how they are introduced, but love this series.
LibraryThing member wscaster
I love the In Death series, there is something in each of the stories for everyone. A little romance, a little crime and and brilliant detective who is socially awkward.
LibraryThing member tooimpurenangel
Eve Dallas is at a colleagues funeral when his grand-daughter approches her, absolutely terrified.
Roberts actually did the cult thing in her book "Divine Evil" and it is very interesting how she works the idea of such an ancient evil in to her futuristic New York City.
Many deaths follow as Eve and
This is one of my favorite books in the "In Death" series and I'd recommend it to anyone=)
Roberts actually did the cult thing in her book "Divine Evil" and it is very interesting how she works the idea of such an ancient evil in to her futuristic New York City.
Many deaths follow as Eve and
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her posse unravel the mystery of the insidious Selina Cross.This is one of my favorite books in the "In Death" series and I'd recommend it to anyone=)
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LibraryThing member Darla
Yes. Yes, I am fickle. For years, I've complained and complained about this installment in the In Death series. But this time through, I decided to try to pretend I didn't know that I was going to hate it. And it worked.
There's a lot more intensity to this book than I'd remembered. Eve and Roarke
The mystery was quite easily solved--the problem was proving whodunit. My main complaint has always been that this book changes the rules of the world established in the previous four books in the series, by making magic real. On closer (or less cynical) inspection, only one minor point violates the world-building: a faith healer treats scratches on Eve's neck, and poof! they're gone without a trace. I'd buy a faith healer making it heal faster, but not making it disappear. The rest makes sense. To me, at least.
There's a lot more intensity to this book than I'd remembered. Eve and Roarke
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are coasting along just fine, and there aren't any dramatic revelations from Eve's past. This time the emotional push comes with the development of Eve's relationship with her aide, Peabody, and with Eve's identification with one of the suspects, making her doubt her own judgment.The mystery was quite easily solved--the problem was proving whodunit. My main complaint has always been that this book changes the rules of the world established in the previous four books in the series, by making magic real. On closer (or less cynical) inspection, only one minor point violates the world-building: a faith healer treats scratches on Eve's neck, and poof! they're gone without a trace. I'd buy a faith healer making it heal faster, but not making it disappear. The rest makes sense. To me, at least.
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LibraryThing member miyurose
Still love these books. I really get sucked into them and read them quickly. Plus, Roarke is super-sexy.
LibraryThing member hailelib
While not one of my favorite '..in Death' books it's still pretty good and we meet Jamie Lingstrom for the first time. Robb also throws in a few bits of backstory for some of the continuing characters. The book begins at a viewing for a respected cop who died of apparently natural causes. Of
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course, it turns out that there are some questions about this death and the cop's recent activities... Show Less
LibraryThing member krissa
This one is not a mystery. Robb tells us who the bad guy is from the beginning. Did this take any of the enjoyment away for me? Not at all. In fact, it was kind of interesting to see it from the other side, and see how she works through it to catch the right bad guy. And there was enough of the
I like the futuristic setting. It amuses me when we come across things like hover cars, food that cooks itself, or robotic animals. Maybe I haven’t read enough/ come across enough of this genre, but I think it mixes well.
I think I’ve said before I like a strong, independent, SENSIBLE character like Dallas, Lieutenant Eve (That is how she always identifies herself, so that is how I have come to think of her). I like that she is so opposite of Roarke, and yet they seem to make it work, and work well. I was really leery when they married them so early in the series, but it seems to work well, from what I have read so far. Only time will tell if Robb can keep the relationship from going stale. And then there is Roarke. Can we ever get too much of him? And he sure had his share of exposure in this one. My one complaint about these books, is some of the lesser characters can become… well, more like something you would expect to see in a comic book, or in a cartoon. Maybe even a cheesy old superhero movie. But I think even that can add something to the setting.
All, in all, I like them, and I will be continuing the series, at least until something changes dramatically. =D
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suspense that I didn’t miss it as much as I thought I might.I like the futuristic setting. It amuses me when we come across things like hover cars, food that cooks itself, or robotic animals. Maybe I haven’t read enough/ come across enough of this genre, but I think it mixes well.
I think I’ve said before I like a strong, independent, SENSIBLE character like Dallas, Lieutenant Eve (That is how she always identifies herself, so that is how I have come to think of her). I like that she is so opposite of Roarke, and yet they seem to make it work, and work well. I was really leery when they married them so early in the series, but it seems to work well, from what I have read so far. Only time will tell if Robb can keep the relationship from going stale. And then there is Roarke. Can we ever get too much of him? And he sure had his share of exposure in this one. My one complaint about these books, is some of the lesser characters can become… well, more like something you would expect to see in a comic book, or in a cartoon. Maybe even a cheesy old superhero movie. But I think even that can add something to the setting.
All, in all, I like them, and I will be continuing the series, at least until something changes dramatically. =D
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LibraryThing member Karahelen
I really enjoy this series because I find it comfortable even as more of the characters' histories are revealed. When you start one of the books in the series you know what to expect. They are predictable but satisfying. I admit that I was intrigued by the murder mystery portion of this installment
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and found it "deeper" than others. I highly recommend this book and all others in the series if you are looking for something to capture your attention for a couple of hours. I would not call it ground-breaking or superb, but it is well-written and the characters are wonderful. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jyl22075
I thought the storyline of this book was very interesting, although darker than I'm accustomed to. I enjoyed the different dynamics that the situations that took place created between Eve and some of the people she is close to, such as Feeney and Peabody. Roarke was a dream, as usual.
I guess my
Despite my issues with how Eve handled this case, I still enjoyed the book and look forward to continuing the series.
I guess my
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main complaint about this one was the fact that for the first time in the series I found Eve downright unlikable in places. I do hope that the events in this book help her grow, because I've always liked her before. I think I mentioned in my thoughts about the previous book that I think she gets tunnel vision when it comes to her cases and I still believe that. Despite my issues with how Eve handled this case, I still enjoyed the book and look forward to continuing the series.
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LibraryThing member StefanieGeeks
Although I did not like this case at all (the cult theme was a bit much for me) I still enjoyed the character development and excellent dialogue.
LibraryThing member dlinglis
I like this but not as much as the previous books. It took me a little longer to get into it. Once I did however I was hooked as usual in Eve Dallas's world.
LibraryThing member tivonut
Just OK. The book up until the end was good but it seems that Robb wants to make Eve look like an idiot. It is always at the very end and you see it coming like a slow train. This was the second set up that is right in front of her, which is obvious, that she doesn't see. The only reason she makes This time it was the kid that bugs her car. She gets caught by a set up, which for a cop that is questioning, should not happen. She shouldn't be putting herself in that position. This just makes the end frustrating. I wanted Eve to actually "figure it out".
What I liked- The relationship between Roarke and Eve. If it wasn't for the relationship and the background stories going on. The relationship between Feeny and Eve is expanded here and you get to see what they mean to one another.
What I didn't like- Eve doesn't follow her gut at all and doesn't question the big picture. It makes her look stupid and like a bad cop. When things are too good to be true, and too perfectly set up, they probably are. When Peabody questions Eve's technique, Eve blasts into her. This was really uncalled for and not at all objective. And then Peabody has to grovel to get back into Eve's good graces. I really didn't like it and it made it hard to like Eve at all from that point on. Peabody was right and the whole thing was wrong, yet Eve didn't even consider her.
Well I guess I'll see what the next books brings. I hope my regard for Eve goes back up because I don't know if I can continue reading just for the relationship issues. I really want a good background homicide mystery to go along with learning more about the characters.
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it through is coincidentally. What I liked- The relationship between Roarke and Eve. If it wasn't for the relationship and the background stories going on. The relationship between Feeny and Eve is expanded here and you get to see what they mean to one another.
What I didn't like- Eve doesn't follow her gut at all and doesn't question the big picture. It makes her look stupid and like a bad cop. When things are too good to be true, and too perfectly set up, they probably are. When Peabody questions Eve's technique, Eve blasts into her. This was really uncalled for and not at all objective. And then Peabody has to grovel to get back into Eve's good graces. I really didn't like it and it made it hard to like Eve at all from that point on. Peabody was right and the whole thing was wrong, yet Eve didn't even consider her.
Well I guess I'll see what the next books brings. I hope my regard for Eve goes back up because I don't know if I can continue reading just for the relationship issues. I really want a good background homicide mystery to go along with learning more about the characters.
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LibraryThing member mariag_1984
Another great book in this series by J.D. Robb! I was glad to see that this book was a little different. Why? Because although the story was in a futuristic world, it was about satanic cults, wiccans and the world of the occult. And I love this elements in a story!
The plot was better than the
I liked Eve a lot since the beginning of the series! She’s a vulnerable person, despite the fact she’s a badass. Why I am saying this? Because she hurts when a person she cares about talks badly to her but most of all because her first thought is that this person has a right to speak to her like that! I also adore the fact her love for Roarke has change her. She doesn’t know it but she’s a better person now because she shows her feelings.
Roarke is still a huge mystery. Sometimes I have the feeling that there are too many things he really knows and he chooses not to say anything. His love for Eve is larger than life. He could do anything for her and I love him because he isn’t trying to stop her when she’s doing something dangerous. He’s with her all the way, helping her. Yes, I like him also because he’s smart and sexy!
The plot was great, the characters amazing as always, so this book was brilliant! I love the fact that series has so many books!!
The plot was better than the
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previous because now Eve is in a whole new territory for her. She has a logical mind and it’s hard for her to believe in things like magic or Satanism. So, when she’s trying to solve a murder’s case she finds herself a step closer to evil. Now, she has to open her mind and to understand the difference between good and evil. Of course, with her is her beloved husband who is more mysterious than ever!I liked Eve a lot since the beginning of the series! She’s a vulnerable person, despite the fact she’s a badass. Why I am saying this? Because she hurts when a person she cares about talks badly to her but most of all because her first thought is that this person has a right to speak to her like that! I also adore the fact her love for Roarke has change her. She doesn’t know it but she’s a better person now because she shows her feelings.
Roarke is still a huge mystery. Sometimes I have the feeling that there are too many things he really knows and he chooses not to say anything. His love for Eve is larger than life. He could do anything for her and I love him because he isn’t trying to stop her when she’s doing something dangerous. He’s with her all the way, helping her. Yes, I like him also because he’s smart and sexy!
The plot was great, the characters amazing as always, so this book was brilliant! I love the fact that series has so many books!!
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LibraryThing member Sheila1957
As Eve and Roarke continue married life, murder comes close to their home. There seems to be religious persecution happening with Wiccans and Satanists. Eve has to continue a secret investigation using Roarke's help and causing problems with Feeney. She also has to solve four deaths. She knows they
Once again Eve's hands are full of murder. She does not give credence to the warnings being given to her. Even Roarke is spooked by the warnings. Enough that he is sticking close to her. I liked how Eve meets everything head-on. Her love shows as she protects those she loves. I love how Roarke stands by and up for her. It gets dicey but Eve stands for the dead, no matter what.
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are connected but where and how does she find the connection. Once again Eve's hands are full of murder. She does not give credence to the warnings being given to her. Even Roarke is spooked by the warnings. Enough that he is sticking close to her. I liked how Eve meets everything head-on. Her love shows as she protects those she loves. I love how Roarke stands by and up for her. It gets dicey but Eve stands for the dead, no matter what.
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LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
A cop is dead and there are occult forces at work. Eve finds out about the difference between Wicca and Satanism.
LibraryThing member jkgrage
Although I'm not big into paranormal this was still a great 'in Death' read. As always.
LibraryThing member Olivermagnus
Ceremony in Death is the fifth installment in J.D. Robb's very popular futuristic mystery-romance series “In Death”. In this one Eve is forced by Commander Whitney to investigate the death of a fellow officer. This officer was observed buying illegals and the drugs were found in his system
The attraction of this series is the mix of suspense and romance combined with a great murder mystery. There are many surprises and I really enjoy the dialogue, the depth of the characters, and the continuing characters throughout the series. All the characters are interesting, and stories are well written. As for the mystery part, often it's not too hard to guess who did it and why the person did it in the first place. Nevertheless, these books continue to keep a reader intrigued with the twists and turns of the plots and the ever developing relationship between Eve and Roarke.
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after his death. Whitney wants this investigation off the record and done without any other officers involved. Making it especially difficult for Eve is that Feeney, Eve's training officer and father figure, has has been personal friends with the victim for many years, and is godfather to his granddaughter. Before too long her investigation leads her to satanic cults, Wiccan religious groups, and more murders. The Wiccan element brings more development to Peabody's character since she knows a little about the Wiccan practices. And, of course, Roarke gets involved in the investigation as well. It seems that everyone Eve questions ends up getting killed and soon Eve herself is the target. The attraction of this series is the mix of suspense and romance combined with a great murder mystery. There are many surprises and I really enjoy the dialogue, the depth of the characters, and the continuing characters throughout the series. All the characters are interesting, and stories are well written. As for the mystery part, often it's not too hard to guess who did it and why the person did it in the first place. Nevertheless, these books continue to keep a reader intrigued with the twists and turns of the plots and the ever developing relationship between Eve and Roarke.
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LibraryThing member wndy2011
Eve Dallas is at it again. This time the supernatural has taken over her career. Ritual deaths are piling up, even on her own door step. She must learn who the killer or killers are before someone close to her ends up in the afterlife.
LibraryThing member Headinherbooks_27
Here shows Roarke a lot more attentive and worrisome towards Eve- a side of him that seems to have developed stronger.
LibraryThing member EmScape
I actually think I like the fact that the reader knows who the "bad guy" is all along in this one instead of finding out when Eve does, because the last couple were getting pretty easy to predict and the climax felt like a let-down.
Still loving Mavis and Peabody. Eve's hard-ass line and resistance
Anyway, I'm going to put this series down for a bit. May revisit in the future.
Still loving Mavis and Peabody. Eve's hard-ass line and resistance
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to Roarke's love, protection and affection is eroding but not fast enough for my taste. She comes off as petulant and bull-headed more often than not. She's surly about a ridiculous expensive spa visit and seems to take limo rides as an offense. It's irritating because most people would kill for that kind of treatment. Like, be a little grateful and enjoy yourself for a minute. Anyway, I'm going to put this series down for a bit. May revisit in the future.
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LibraryThing member Swibells
I borrowed this one from my best friend months ago, and only got to reading it now. And I'm glad I did.
I stayed up late last night to finish it, because I just couldn't sleep without knowing the end. So yeah, it's one of those books.
I loved Every Dallas and I'm so excited to know that her story
The story itself was perfect, full of murders, suspense and with a tinge of romance that only Nora Roberts can do so well.
All in all, Ceremony In Death was an exciting, and totally unputdownable book!
I stayed up late last night to finish it, because I just couldn't sleep without knowing the end. So yeah, it's one of those books.
I loved Every Dallas and I'm so excited to know that her story
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continues on in all the books of the In Death series. I'm eager to read more about her. And her husband Roarke too. This book didn't give me much on him, but I guess that's because it's the fifth one in the series. I'll have to hunt for the others!The story itself was perfect, full of murders, suspense and with a tinge of romance that only Nora Roberts can do so well.
All in all, Ceremony In Death was an exciting, and totally unputdownable book!
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LibraryThing member phyllis2779
Good installment in the In Death series. Read it a long time ago but I remember it somewhat and it was very good.
LibraryThing member jfe16
Homicide detective Lieutenant Eve Dallas, probing the death of a fellow NYPSD police officer, finds herself entrenched in a difficult investigation, especially when someone leaves a dead body outside the fence surrounding her home. With Wiccans and Satanists on Eve’s suspect list, will she find
In this, the fifth book in the “In Death” series, Eve is a bit problematic in that she allows her personal experiences to cloud her judgment; furthermore, at times she is uncharacteristically overbearing and unnecessarily harsh. It’s a side of the lieutenant readers haven’t seen before, and while it adds to the complexity of the character, readers may find it a bit off-putting. The sometimes-grim, intricate plot keeps the suspense building and, as with previous stories, the relationship between Eve and Roarke continues to provide readers with new insights.
Highly recommended.
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the culprit before evil strikes again?In this, the fifth book in the “In Death” series, Eve is a bit problematic in that she allows her personal experiences to cloud her judgment; furthermore, at times she is uncharacteristically overbearing and unnecessarily harsh. It’s a side of the lieutenant readers haven’t seen before, and while it adds to the complexity of the character, readers may find it a bit off-putting. The sometimes-grim, intricate plot keeps the suspense building and, as with previous stories, the relationship between Eve and Roarke continues to provide readers with new insights.
Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member Olivermagnus
Ceremony in Death is the fifth installment in J.D. Robb's very popular futuristic mystery-romance series “In Death”. In this one Eve is forced by Commander Whitney to investigate the death of a fellow officer. This officer was observed buying illegals and the drugs were found in his system
The attraction of this series is the mix of suspense and romance combined with a great murder mystery. There are many surprises and I really enjoy the dialogue, the depth of the characters, and the continuing characters throughout the series. All the characters are interesting, and stories are well written. As for the mystery part, often it's not too hard to guess who did it and why the person did it in the first place. Nevertheless, these books continue to keep a reader intrigued with the twists and turns of the plots and the ever developing relationship between Eve and Roarke.
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after his death. Whitney wants this investigation off the record and done without any other officers involved. Making it especially difficult for Eve is that Feeney, Eve's training officer and father figure, has has been personal friends with the victim for many years, and is godfather to his granddaughter. Before too long her investigation leads her to satanic cults, Wiccan religious groups, and more murders. The Wiccan element brings more development to Peabody's character since she knows a little about the Wiccan practices. And, of course, Roarke gets involved in the investigation as well. It seems that everyone Eve questions ends up getting killed and soon Eve herself is the target. The attraction of this series is the mix of suspense and romance combined with a great murder mystery. There are many surprises and I really enjoy the dialogue, the depth of the characters, and the continuing characters throughout the series. All the characters are interesting, and stories are well written. As for the mystery part, often it's not too hard to guess who did it and why the person did it in the first place. Nevertheless, these books continue to keep a reader intrigued with the twists and turns of the plots and the ever developing relationship between Eve and Roarke.
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Awards
AAR Top 100 Romances (83 — Most Recent Rank [23-way tie] 1998)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1997-05-01
Physical description
336 p.; 4.14 inches
ISBN
0425157628 / 9780425157626