Status
Available
Series
Collection
Publication
Berkley (2003), 354 pages
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Romance. Suspense. HTML:In this novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling In Death series, Lieutenant Eve Dallas faces a serial killer who offers his victims eternal youth by taking their lifeâ?¦ After a tip from a reporter, Eve Dallas finds the body of a young woman in a Delancey street dumpster. Just hours before, the news station had mysteriously received a portfolio of professional portraits of the woman. The photos seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary for any pretty young woman starting a modeling career. Except that she wasn't a model. And that these photos were taken after she had been murdered. Now Dallas is on the trail of a killer who's a perfectionist and an artist. He carefully observes and records his victim's every move. And he has a mission: to own every beautiful young woman's innocence, to capture her youth and vitalityâ??in one fateful s… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
o a degree this is one for the fans. The interaction between the characters is more important than the murder. There is a lot of information about some of the back history of the characters.
A photographer is killing people.
A photographer is killing people.
LibraryThing member rocalisa
I loved this one. I flew through it when I've been struggling a bit with other books, so that was great too.
Like most of the books in this series, while it has a good solid crime (more of one that some of the last few), it's really about Eve and Roarke's continued learning curve about love and
This time it's Roarke's past that comes up to bite them, and boy is it a biggie, as pretty much everything he thought he knew about himself gets turned upside down. He doesn't handle it well, shutting Eve out instead of leaning on her strength. They sort it out in time, as they always do, and I look forward to seeing more of the new characters introduced in this book. (Anything more would be a spoiler.)
Summerset and Eve continue to bicker, especially since he manages to fall and break a leg just as he was about to go on vaction, giving Eve three weeks of Summerset-freedom. The accident, coupled with Roarke's problems futher demonstrate the depth of the relationships between Roarke, Summerset and Eve.
Tangled in with this is a neat and tidy murder mystery where all the pieces point in the right direction, but it is only at the end that everything finally falls into place. Clearly, working with Eve is a dangerous occupation, as another of her team is injured, although fortunately all is well at the end.
I thought it was particularly telling that it is only when Eve and Roarke get their balance back and start working as a team again that the investigation begins to come together.
An excellent addition to the series.
Like most of the books in this series, while it has a good solid crime (more of one that some of the last few), it's really about Eve and Roarke's continued learning curve about love and
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marriage.This time it's Roarke's past that comes up to bite them, and boy is it a biggie, as pretty much everything he thought he knew about himself gets turned upside down. He doesn't handle it well, shutting Eve out instead of leaning on her strength. They sort it out in time, as they always do, and I look forward to seeing more of the new characters introduced in this book. (Anything more would be a spoiler.)
Summerset and Eve continue to bicker, especially since he manages to fall and break a leg just as he was about to go on vaction, giving Eve three weeks of Summerset-freedom. The accident, coupled with Roarke's problems futher demonstrate the depth of the relationships between Roarke, Summerset and Eve.
Tangled in with this is a neat and tidy murder mystery where all the pieces point in the right direction, but it is only at the end that everything finally falls into place. Clearly, working with Eve is a dangerous occupation, as another of her team is injured, although fortunately all is well at the end.
I thought it was particularly telling that it is only when Eve and Roarke get their balance back and start working as a team again that the investigation begins to come together.
An excellent addition to the series.
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LibraryThing member eljabo
I heart Peabody! This book is filled with priceless Peabody moments of hilarity. It's fascinating to watch how her character develops along with Eve's!
LibraryThing member Darla
I nearly didn't re-read this one. I'd started it a couple of weeks ago, then stopped when I realized I hadn't re-read Purity in Death yet. I wasn't looking forward to picking this one up again because all I remembered of it was that I didn't think the killer's plan made sense.
But I picked it up and
I'd forgotten all the good stuff in this book. I didn't forget that it happened--I just forgot that it was in this book. The big thing is, of course, that Roarke finds out that his mother wasn't the cruel, heartless Meg Roarke who abandoned him, but rather a sweet and loving young woman who was killed by his father when she tried to leave. Roarke does not handle the information well, and locks himself in his home office (violating his edict of no locked doors from Judgment in Death), refusing to talk to either Eve or Summerset.
Before that, however, Summerset was supposed to be going on vacation, but he falls down the stairs, tripped by the cat, and breaks his leg. It's almost as rough on Roarke as it is on Summerset, because Summerset is his surrogate father. So when Roarke's emotions get in the way, it's up to Eve to smooth things over with the nurse Roarke hired so Summerset can recuperate at home. Roarke and Summerset's feelings for each other are the clearest we've seen them, even more so than in Vengeance. It's especially clear in the private conversations between Eve and Summerset.
The mystery plot starts with a young woman's body being discovered in a dumpster, and a statement sent to reporter Nadine Furst saying that he's captured her "light," with accompanying photographs. The whole gang gets called in on this one, even including Baxter and his new trainee, Trueheart. Some of the clues lead Eve to temperamental photographer Hastings, who's the source of much of the comic relief. I hope we see him again eventually.
The mystery itself was better than I'd remembered, but my attention was mostly on Roarke's revelation and its effect on him and on his relationships. His reactions were very realistic, and fit well with the character we've gotten to know over the past 18 books. This is something he can't fix, he can't buy or steal, and he can't go back in time and change anything. It made him much more human than previous books did.
The personal crisis not only changes Roarke's understanding of his past, it also prompts growth in their marriage. The realistic portrayal of marriage as a work in progress rather than as a static state or an end result is one of my favorite things about this series, and this book excels at it.
The conclusion of the mystery was tense and emotional. My only complaint was that part of the killer's motivation wasn't explained. Seems like a little thing, but it left me with an unsatisfied feeling that was the only thing I'd remembered specifically from this book, so it's worth mentioning.
But I picked it up and
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resumed reading anyway.I'd forgotten all the good stuff in this book. I didn't forget that it happened--I just forgot that it was in this book. The big thing is, of course, that Roarke finds out that his mother wasn't the cruel, heartless Meg Roarke who abandoned him, but rather a sweet and loving young woman who was killed by his father when she tried to leave. Roarke does not handle the information well, and locks himself in his home office (violating his edict of no locked doors from Judgment in Death), refusing to talk to either Eve or Summerset.
Before that, however, Summerset was supposed to be going on vacation, but he falls down the stairs, tripped by the cat, and breaks his leg. It's almost as rough on Roarke as it is on Summerset, because Summerset is his surrogate father. So when Roarke's emotions get in the way, it's up to Eve to smooth things over with the nurse Roarke hired so Summerset can recuperate at home. Roarke and Summerset's feelings for each other are the clearest we've seen them, even more so than in Vengeance. It's especially clear in the private conversations between Eve and Summerset.
The mystery plot starts with a young woman's body being discovered in a dumpster, and a statement sent to reporter Nadine Furst saying that he's captured her "light," with accompanying photographs. The whole gang gets called in on this one, even including Baxter and his new trainee, Trueheart. Some of the clues lead Eve to temperamental photographer Hastings, who's the source of much of the comic relief. I hope we see him again eventually.
The mystery itself was better than I'd remembered, but my attention was mostly on Roarke's revelation and its effect on him and on his relationships. His reactions were very realistic, and fit well with the character we've gotten to know over the past 18 books. This is something he can't fix, he can't buy or steal, and he can't go back in time and change anything. It made him much more human than previous books did.
The personal crisis not only changes Roarke's understanding of his past, it also prompts growth in their marriage. The realistic portrayal of marriage as a work in progress rather than as a static state or an end result is one of my favorite things about this series, and this book excels at it.
The conclusion of the mystery was tense and emotional. My only complaint was that part of the killer's motivation wasn't explained. Seems like a little thing, but it left me with an unsatisfied feeling that was the only thing I'd remembered specifically from this book, so it's worth mentioning.
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LibraryThing member samantha.1020
Portrait In Death is another Eve/Roarke installment that had me engrossed from the beginning. This time Eve is chasing after a killer who has been murdering young people and then taking their picture afterwards. She has bigger problems to deal with though as Roarke is forced to deal with some
All in all with this series, I'm loving it more and more the further I get into it. I really enjoy the way the author has made the characters grow and develop throughout this series. If I bought books these would be on my must buy list so I definitely recommend them.
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family issues that he long thought were dead. This is another whirlwind of a murder case that had me engrossed from the beginning. What I really enjoyed about this book though was seeing a softer side of Roarke. I just love the way he and Eve work together as well as the way they depend on one another. It is so sweet! All in all with this series, I'm loving it more and more the further I get into it. I really enjoy the way the author has made the characters grow and develop throughout this series. If I bought books these would be on my must buy list so I definitely recommend them.
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LibraryThing member katiefeldmom
Another great Eve/Roarke book. This one has Eve tracking down a killer who is taking pictures of people as they die. The killer thinks he's doing the victim a favor by capturing their light as they leave. Roarke also has to deal with some family issues. He learns new information about his mother
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and in the process gains a whole new insight into where he came from. Show Less
LibraryThing member wbentrim
Portrait in Death by J. D. Robb
The not too distant future is the setting for Lt. Eve Dallas and her adventures. The entire series I have read so far is focused on homicide and the mystery that surrounds each murder. The image portrayal of each victim leads Dallas on a nasty chase through the August
Nora Roberts’ work as J.D. Robb is always entertaining. There is no mental stretching or need for personal change or improvement. She provides entertainment, enjoyable and disturbing simultaneously. I enjoy Eve Dallas’ relationships. Her relationship with Roarke is believable. I also like her hard ass attitude. This author deals well with emotions and successfully elicits an emotional reaction to her writing.
I recommend the book and the series.
The not too distant future is the setting for Lt. Eve Dallas and her adventures. The entire series I have read so far is focused on homicide and the mystery that surrounds each murder. The image portrayal of each victim leads Dallas on a nasty chase through the August
Show More
heat of NY. Her husband Roarke, discovers some answers to a mystery he didn’t realize existed. Nora Roberts’ work as J.D. Robb is always entertaining. There is no mental stretching or need for personal change or improvement. She provides entertainment, enjoyable and disturbing simultaneously. I enjoy Eve Dallas’ relationships. Her relationship with Roarke is believable. I also like her hard ass attitude. This author deals well with emotions and successfully elicits an emotional reaction to her writing.
I recommend the book and the series.
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LibraryThing member pauliharman
Another enjoyable page-turning installment in the life of Eve Dallas, the future NYPSD homicide cop married to the gazillionaire businessman Roarke. In this episode we learn of Roarke's backstory which is pretty much the A plot to the murder-mystery B plot. JD Robb delivers as expected - comfort
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reads may be guilty pleasures, but when they are this enjoyable I don't really care that I'm not being challenged by something new. Sometimes it's fun to cuddle up with an old friend. Show Less
LibraryThing member wisdomlore
The plot centers on a serial killer who is capturing his victim's light in photographs as they die. He kills them cleanly and neatly; poses them carefully and sends his portraits to Nadine. There are other major plot happenings: Roarke finds out his mother is not Meg and was murdered by his father,
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Patrick. He seeks out and is welcomed by his Irish family. Dallas' nominates Peabody for the detective's exam. Trueheart is almost killed by the killing photographer who wants his light as well. Show Less
LibraryThing member artikaur
Nice enough book. Reads like an episode of CSI. Good for a quick, if somewhat mediocre, read.
LibraryThing member Kaetrin
This book has some of my favourite scenes - Roarke melting down, Eve worried he doesn't love her anymore, make up smex. The crime part took a bit of a backseat to me and I felt it didn't hold up as well on a re-read/listen as other crime plots, but the Eve/Roarke aspects make this one a winner for
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me. Show Less
LibraryThing member miyurose
This is a series that I’m rarely disappointed in. It’s great for when I want a quick, satisfying read. Eve and Roarke actually don’t spend a lot of time together in this one, as Roarke is struggling with some new information he’s discovered about his mother. But the rest of our favorites
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are nearby — Peabody, Mavis, and even Summerset. The mystery was interesting, and keeps you guessing about whodunnit. Show Less
LibraryThing member Barb_H
Great audiobook. Love this series! I had read this one on in the past, years ago, but I wanted to re-read it in the proper series order.
LibraryThing member veracite
Eve Dallas is so hard-bitten my teeth hurt. And her husband is a bit too perfect. And I'm...
Actually, I don't care enough to add more words.
Actually, I don't care enough to add more words.
LibraryThing member cranberrytarts
This is one of my favorite In Death books. Lori recently read and reviewed it (her first time!) and it made me want to re-read it. I'm so glad I did..I loved revisiting an earlier novel and seeing Eve and Roarke still battling to figure things out in their marriage.
I especially like this one
I especially like this one
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because it's Roarke who's off balance here. That just doesn't happen often enough, IMO. I also loved that Eve and Summerset had to work together to figure out what was wrong with Roarke. Show Less
LibraryThing member eswaim
My Review:
Love it!! Eve and her merry band of misfits otherwise known as her team have to track down a serial killer who photographs his victims. This after Somerset has an incident that dampens Eve cheerful mood straight off. This is the 16th book in the series and I'm trying my best to work my
Book Blurb:
After a tip from a reporter, Eve Dallas finds the body of a young woman in a Delancey street dumpster. Just hours before, the news station had mysteriously received a portfolio of professional portraits of the woman. The photos seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary for any pretty young woman starting a modeling career. Except that she wasn't a model. And that these photos were taken after she had been murdered. Now Dallas is on the trail of a killer who's a perfectionist and an artist. He carefully observes and records his victim's every move. And he has a mission: to own every beautiful young woman's innocence, to capture her youth and vitality—in one fateful shot...
Love it!! Eve and her merry band of misfits otherwise known as her team have to track down a serial killer who photographs his victims. This after Somerset has an incident that dampens Eve cheerful mood straight off. This is the 16th book in the series and I'm trying my best to work my
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way through them only on audio. Book Blurb:
After a tip from a reporter, Eve Dallas finds the body of a young woman in a Delancey street dumpster. Just hours before, the news station had mysteriously received a portfolio of professional portraits of the woman. The photos seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary for any pretty young woman starting a modeling career. Except that she wasn't a model. And that these photos were taken after she had been murdered. Now Dallas is on the trail of a killer who's a perfectionist and an artist. He carefully observes and records his victim's every move. And he has a mission: to own every beautiful young woman's innocence, to capture her youth and vitality—in one fateful shot...
Show Less
LibraryThing member msralways
Ok, another one for my list of all time favorite books! This was beyond amazing. It had everything we love about the In Death books but we were able to see a lot more about the lives of our favorite characters. Seeing Roarke finding out more about his past and see how Eve dealt with it. The case
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was a little creepy but also exciting. Amazing! Show Less
LibraryThing member Sheila1957
Young people are being murdered then posed after death. Eve has to find the murderer. What I liked most though is that Eve has to figure out marriage and how to keep Roarke from shutting her out when he is dealing with what he considers his problem. I enjoyed watching Eve question herself, Roarke,
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and others on how to figure out what to do to help Roarke when he discovers his real mother. It was funny watching Eve and Sommerset work together. Show Less
LibraryThing member Marcella1717
Good plot. Enjoyable read.
LibraryThing member Carol420
After a tip from a reporter, Lt. Eve Dallas finds the body of a young woman in a dumpster on Delancey Street. Just hours before the news station had mysteriously received a portfolio of professional portraits of the woman. The photos seemed to be nothing after the ordinary for any young woman
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starting a modelling career - except she wasn't a model and the photos were taken after she was murdered. Eve's own life is troubles as her husband Roarke receives some disturbing information about his mother who had abandoned him years ago. Show Less
LibraryThing member Olivermagnus
Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas is getting ready to enjoy three Summerset free weeks when she gets a call from Channel 75's Nadine Furst, who needs to see her immediately. On her way to the meeting she gets a call from Dispatch about a dead woman who has been found in a recycling container. It turns
One of the best things about this series is the relationship between Dallas and her handsome, billionaire husband, Roarke. In this novel, we get to know a little more about Roarke's past and we see Eve stepping outside her comfort zone to try to take care of Roarke for a change. The personal crisis not only changes Roarke's understanding of his past, it also prompts growth in their marriage.
The author has once again spun a fast-paced story using many of our favorite characters. The realistic portrayal of marriage as a work in progress is one of my favorite things about this series. This is the sixteenth book in the series and, while it could be read as a standalone, is much better if you have a basic understanding of the characters and their past. I look forward to reading future books in this well conceived series set in 2059 New York.
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out that is what Nadine needed to see her about. Someone sent her a letter, along with a portrait of the dead girl. Eve and her team need to solve that murder, as well as a series of others that appear to be done by a serial killer obsessed with capturing the light of his victims with his camera lens.One of the best things about this series is the relationship between Dallas and her handsome, billionaire husband, Roarke. In this novel, we get to know a little more about Roarke's past and we see Eve stepping outside her comfort zone to try to take care of Roarke for a change. The personal crisis not only changes Roarke's understanding of his past, it also prompts growth in their marriage.
The author has once again spun a fast-paced story using many of our favorite characters. The realistic portrayal of marriage as a work in progress is one of my favorite things about this series. This is the sixteenth book in the series and, while it could be read as a standalone, is much better if you have a basic understanding of the characters and their past. I look forward to reading future books in this well conceived series set in 2059 New York.
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LibraryThing member wndy2011
Mothers are usually a person you depend on for the first part of your life. Unfortunately for some, either the die early, they are taken away from you by unforeseen circumstances and then sometimes, well they weren't really mother material at all. Eve Dallas is working a new case that the murderer
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is taking very seriously by leaving behind beautiful pictures of his victims. Somewhere deep in the killer's psyche is another reason why mother's are so important. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lauren2013
Portrait in Death
3.5 Stars
Following a tip, Eve Dallas discovers the body of a young woman in a dumpster and begins investigating a series of murders in which the victims are all students whose bodies have been staged and photographed. At the same time, Eve must deal with an injured Summerset as
The murder investigation is one of the weakest in the series. It progresses slowly and there it too much rehashing of evidence. It is also relatively easy to identify the killer by process of elimination. Nevertheless, the race toward the climax and resolution is very exciting and there are a couple of edge-of-your-seat moments.
In contrast, the character development is excellent, especially for Roarke as he struggles to reconcile his feelings after discovering some disturbing information about his past. Roarke has always seemed to be the perfect man, so it was intriguing to see him so lost and … well… human, which only enhances his appeal.
As always, the interactions between Eve and Summerset are a highlight and it is particularly gratifying to see how much they have in common both in terms of the lengths they will go to for Roarke, but also in their reactions to hospitals and Trina's torture sessions.
In sum, not the best mystery, but worth it for more of Roarke's backstory and insight into his character.
3.5 Stars
Following a tip, Eve Dallas discovers the body of a young woman in a dumpster and begins investigating a series of murders in which the victims are all students whose bodies have been staged and photographed. At the same time, Eve must deal with an injured Summerset as
Show More
well as Roarke, who has become troubled and distant. The murder investigation is one of the weakest in the series. It progresses slowly and there it too much rehashing of evidence. It is also relatively easy to identify the killer by process of elimination. Nevertheless, the race toward the climax and resolution is very exciting and there are a couple of edge-of-your-seat moments.
In contrast, the character development is excellent, especially for Roarke as he struggles to reconcile his feelings after discovering some disturbing information about his past. Roarke has always seemed to be the perfect man, so it was intriguing to see him so lost and … well… human, which only enhances his appeal.
As always, the interactions between Eve and Summerset are a highlight and it is particularly gratifying to see how much they have in common both in terms of the lengths they will go to for Roarke, but also in their reactions to hospitals and Trina's torture sessions.
In sum, not the best mystery, but worth it for more of Roarke's backstory and insight into his character.
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LibraryThing member mitabird
If it weren't for the average mystery of this novel, Portrait in Death would have received a 5/5. I loved how I got to learn more about Roarke. I really empathized with everything he was going through. The personal relationships are great as well. This is one of the few series that I care about
4.5 stars
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what happens to every single character.4.5 stars
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LibraryThing member jfe16
NYPSD homicide detective Lieutenant Eve Dallas is on the hunt for a serial killer targeting young men and women, creating pretty portraits of them after their untimely deaths.
Sixteenth in the “In Death” series, this narrative offers readers several story lines, all converging in the telling of
Here readers will find everything they have come to expect in an “In Death” narrative: a strong sense of place, character development, an intriguing mystery, and unexpected revelations that speak to the strong background and continuing development of the characters and their stories. The expected characters put in an appearance, the banter between Eve and Peabody continues, the candy thief is outwitted [this time], and the edge-of-the-seat moments are truly heart-rending.
Personal stories are front and center in this outing; readers will find it impossible to set this one aside before turning the final page.
Highly recommended.
Sixteenth in the “In Death” series, this narrative offers readers several story lines, all converging in the telling of
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this tale. Summerset, due to take his three-week vacation, breaks his leg . . . and remains at home. Roarke faces stunning news about his family [reader warning: have a large box of tissues within reach], and Eve, of course, has a killer to track down. Here readers will find everything they have come to expect in an “In Death” narrative: a strong sense of place, character development, an intriguing mystery, and unexpected revelations that speak to the strong background and continuing development of the characters and their stories. The expected characters put in an appearance, the banter between Eve and Peabody continues, the candy thief is outwitted [this time], and the edge-of-the-seat moments are truly heart-rending.
Personal stories are front and center in this outing; readers will find it impossible to set this one aside before turning the final page.
Highly recommended.
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Subjects
Awards
Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award (Winner — 2003)
AAR Annual Reader Poll (2004)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2003-02-25
Physical description
354 p.; 4.19 inches
ISBN
0425189031 / 9780425189030