Strangers in Death (In Death, Book 26)

by J. D. Robb

2008

Status

Available

Publication

Berkley (2008), Edition: Reprint, 380 pages

Description

Fiction. Mystery. Romance. Suspense. HTML:Lieutenant Eve Dallas explores the hidden connections among friends and lovers, enemies and strangers in this thriller in the #1 New York Times bestselling In Death series.   In 2060 New York, some murders still get more attention than others, especially those in which the victim is a prominent businessman, found in his Park Avenue apartment, tied to the bedâ??and strangledâ??with cords of black velvet. Fortunately, homicide cop Lt. Eve Dallasâ??s billionaire husband Roarke happens to own the prime real estate where Thomas Andersâ??s sporting-goods firm was headquartered, giving her some help with access. Before long, sheâ??s knocking on doorsâ??or barging through themâ??to look for the answers she needs.   But some things donâ??t add upâ??and everyoneâ??s alibi checks out, from the wife who was off in the tropics to the nephew who stood to inherit millions. Was this a crime of passionâ??or a carefully planned execution? Itâ??s up to Dallas to solve a sensational case in which those who seem to be intimates sometimes guard secrets from each otherâ??and strangers may be conne… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member dkthain
After (I think I counted right) 33 In Death books now, counting the short stories, I love this last one just as much as I did the first one. While this one didn't have any new revelations in either Eve or Roarke's past, nor did it have any angsting on Eve's part or the horrible nightmares, it was
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still a very enjoyable read. For those looking for something new in the relationship between either our main couple or Peabody and McNab - they may be in for a bit of a disappointment. There was however further developments in another relationship that has developed over the course of the books.
Rather this one focused more on the mystery than the romance. But that was just fine with me. Unlike others in the In Death books, we see fairly soon who the culprit is and the book focuses on how Eve can prove it.
Strangers in Death wasn't as gruesome as some of her other books and after reading the following book - I was just as glad.
There were some very sweet and tender moments between Eve and Roarke as they examined the deep and passionate love and need they have for each other.
Eve continues to push Peabody along, this time making Peabody appear on Nadine's show.
We get to see Eve interact with another bosses wife this time - and that's a hoot.
There are books in this series that I've loved more than others but there's no question I've loved them all to one degree or another. This one I did as well.
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LibraryThing member hailelib
I finally gave in and bought my own copy rather than wait (we each bought ourselves a treat in honor of our anniversary!) for it to be available at the library. While OK, this is not going to end up one of my favorites in the series. I had the impression that the writing and production were a
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little hurried and that maybe Robb's heart wasn't in this story. Also it has less of the ensemble cast that I have come to enjoy. The ongoing regulars tended to have cameos rather than real roles in this particular story.
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LibraryThing member Kathy89
Another Eve Dallas solves the murders with the help of Rourke, Feeney, Meara, Peabody, McNab and the gang. This time the suspects murder each others' husbands as Rourke points out to his wife that it's like the plot of the old movie "Strangers on a Train."
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
When an rich old philantrophist dies the first suspect is his wife, but she was miles away on holidays. Eve has a fairly good idea who did it but the how is the issue. It's an interesting story and it did draw me in. Like many of the latest Rourke and Eve stories it's more about the people and the
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characters than the actual mystery. This one is a bit stronger than some of the others in this recently. There is tension here and I was kept reading to see why and how the murder as accomplished.
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LibraryThing member TheBooknerd
Strangers in Death is the latest in a long line of Eve Dallas books. I was fanatically devoted to this series until a few years ago; as a matter of fact, even when I lost all enthusiasm for Nora Roberts' formulaic trilogies and re-issued oldies, I still had the In Death books on my autobuy list.
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Then Roberts aka Robb dropped the ball entirely and staleness crept in. Instead of "autobuy" it became "when I can't find anything else to read." I mean, really, after 26 full-length novels and a handful of novellas something's gotta give . . . especially considering the series has only covered, what? Two or three years? Worst of all, this series really shouldn't have declined. Roberts is an extremely talented writer (cookie-cutter trilogies, about Irish sisters who've been separated at birth but reunited in their adulthood by their latent magical powers, aside) and Eve and Roarke are exceptional characters. These books should be golden, each and every one. So what went wrong?

In my opinion, Roberts got lazy and complacent. Eve continued to do her thing, Roarke popped in every other chapter. Meanwhile, all other characters -- like Peabody, Feeney, and the rest -- went largely neglected, developing dull coatings of blah. I.e. I got bored. Therefore, I'm happy to report that, of late, Roberts/Robb has refocused her game and started paying more attention to the development of those other than Eve or Roarke: Peabody becomes a detective, Nadine gets her own show, Mavis and Leonardo have a baby, Charles and Louis get some significant airtime, Feeney and Mira have homelives, Baxter and Trueheart have actual roles in the plot. Thank mighty Odin, right? I mean, why create all these characters if she's not going to use 'em?

Strangers was a good read, bringing new interest and freshness to the series. For the first time in years, I'm looking forward to the next book. I'm no longer willing to pay full-price for the hardcovers, nor will I return to Roberts' other books, but I'll continue to keep my eye on Eve.
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LibraryThing member jshillingford
I didn't like the title for this installment of "In death" because it practically gave away the plot. This is one of Robb's most predictable mysteries, at least for anyone who is familiar with the Hitchcock film that inspired it. Thankfully, the real fun is in watching Eve zero in on the killer and
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figure out how the crime was committed despite flawless alibis. Plus, Robb makes sure to mention the movie directly in the book, almost like a wink to the reader! The story reminded me of one of those infrequent episodes of "Law and Order" where they show the villain commit the crime at the beginning. Viewers know who it is, but the police still have to work it out. It's not quite as satisfying as figuring it out along with them, but good none-the-less. Eve's still the cop I wish every city had protecting it.

Robb's mysteries can be fantastic and intricate, or fairly simple. Sometimes readers can figure them out in a few chapters (as I did here), or be held until the very end. But, her real gift is characterization. She creates wonderful characters readers like and can identify with. Even after twentysome installments, I'm still in love with Roarke, Eve, Peabody and the rest of the crew. They all have real depth-- their dialog and interaction make them come alive. I couldn't put this book down, and I'm sure fans of the series will not be disappointed. There is a lot of humor (where appropriate) to temper the murder mystery, but justice remains the focus. All the major characters make an appearance, if only briefly, but the major action is centered on Eve and Roarke. I've noticed in the last few books, Roarke has taken a more direct role in the investigation and we see more of him and Eve talking through the case. Peabody was pushed a little more into the background. This is fine for a few books, but I hope that she isn't relegated to minor character status like Feeney. Her repartee with Eve is just too good.

Overall, this isn't the best of the series but it's still a solid, very enjoyable mystery. The satisfaction of Eve getting the bad guy has not lessened one bit through all these novels, and I can't wait for more.
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LibraryThing member MelindaLibrary
Robb is continuing in a disturbing trend in this series by having Eve (the main character) despise women. In this story, Eve's misogyny is not at the forefront until we meet a childhood survivor of abuse and domestic violence survivor. Eve *revels* in her disdain and hatred for the survivor. Yes,
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the woman committed a reprehensible crime, but Eve hated her for being a *survivor* of violence, NOT for being a murderer. In addition, anything women do together is seen as a horror and a stupid waste of time. Why does Robb continue to feel so comfortable to have her main character show such vitriolic hatred at/of women, who happen to be the majority of her readers?
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LibraryThing member hafowler
Reading an In Death book is like lying in bed on a rainy afternoon, cuddled up with a cat or two, munching on chocolates... and reading a good book. I don't do mysteries as a rule, but because I love the background and characters so much, these mysteries are fun. As usual, I adore Eve and Roarke,
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and all their friends. More Mavis next time! Can't wait to read the next one -- I'm saving it for a while. ;)
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LibraryThing member samantha.1020
Summary from Goodreads:

"Technology may be different in 2060 New York, yet the city is still a place of many cultures and great divides. But as ever, some murders receive more attention than others-especially those in which the victim is a prominent businessman, found in his Park Avenue apartment,
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tied to the bed-and strangled- with cords of black velvet.

It doesn't surprise Lieutenant Eve Dallas that Thomas Anders's scandalous death is a source of titillation and speculation to the public-and of humiliation to his family. But while people in the city are talking about it, those close to Anders aren't so anxious to do the same. With some help from her billionaire husband, Roarke, Eve's soon knocking on doors-or barging through them-to find answers."

My Thoughts:

After so many books in this series, a reader might think that the books would start to get repetitive or the mysteries might become a little bit....dare I say substandard?? Thank goodness that isn't the case with this series though because with each book I get further and further drawn into this series. It is almost like visiting old friends when I read these books and I'm seriously considering going back to the beginning and rereading all of them (if I ever catch up with the series that is). What I liked about this book is that the entire time I was reading it I had a suspect in mind but I couldn't figure out how he or she had committed the crime. It kept me guessing the entire time that I was reading which always makes for a fast read. Robb has a talent for taking a classic mystery idea and spinning it on its' head while fitting it into her futuristic world. I also liked that we got to see a big change for two of the secondary characters..I was super excited about it (without being too spoilery) The growth in all of the characters is another thing that I adore about this series :)

Overall this was another great addition to one of my favorite series! Every book is fresh and filled with suspense which is exactly what I have to come to expect from this author. I'm looking forward to reading the next book and hopefully going back to reread them all! This is a series that I will keep recommending over and over again! Highly recommended!
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LibraryThing member ctfrench
Lt. Eve Dallas of the New York Police and Security Department is called to the scene of a murder where it appears philanthropist Thomas Anders died during a kinky sexual encounter. Evidence suggests the victim was sedated at the time of his demise and a lapse in the security system’s recordings
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signifies this was not an accidental death. Eve quickly hones in on a suspect but can find nothing to connect the killer to Anders at the time he died. But this doesn’t stop the lieutenant, who uses everyone at her disposal, including husband billionaire Roarke, as she meticulously unravels the mystery being Anders’s death.

This series attracts many fans, and for a good reason. Robb’s writing is tight, flows well, and she offers characters her fans have grown to love. The mystery is a good one, with plenty of twists and turns, and, as always, Eve Dallas’s intense personality and mindset pull the reader along with her as she seeks to resolve a mystery she takes personally.
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LibraryThing member macjest
As far as Robb's later books go, this is one of the better ones. I was beginning to worry that she had run out of ideas and was having to recycle.

I really enjoyed young Tiko in this book. Robb always creates such interesting characters!

Hope this isn't too much of a spoiler, but I was glad to see
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Charles and Louise move on to a new level in their relationship.
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LibraryThing member kulikuli
Not my favorite of the in Death series but good. A retelling of the novel "Strangers on a Train" by Patricia Highsmith (made into a movie by Alfred Hitchcock) set in Robb's futuristic New York City. There was nothing new brought to the story. The 2060 setting beefed up the technology and methods
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and as always Eve, Roarke, and friends are entertaing but the story stays the same.
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LibraryThing member Kace
These newer books in the series really aren't disappointing me. Roberts has reigned in what was for me, the really annoying dialogue and it flows much better.The mystery I solved in the first couple chapters, but the story was still good.
LibraryThing member pauliharman
Another well written episode in the Dallas/Roarke saga. Not a huge amount to say in the review really, because I don't want to precis the text and I don't really have anything insightful to say. I just like these books :-)
LibraryThing member SunnySD
When a successful, well-liked, and to all outward appearances straight as a ruler business man turns up dead amidst trappings of adultery and kink, Eve smells a rat. The widow is devastated, the housekeeper's stoic, and family and friends are shocked and outraged - who's lying, and why? As the
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trail gets colder, Eve does what she does best: follows her instincts to track down a killer.

The formula's not new, but hanging out with the characters as they banter and slap at one another somehow never gets old.
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LibraryThing member paeonia
I don't know why this mystery was set in the future. It didn't seem to have any bearing on the plot.
LibraryThing member gerleliz
Always a quick read and enjoyable
LibraryThing member lizpearl75
Good JD Robb book in her series with Eve and Roake. Evil younger wife kills rich hubbie but she is alibied. Not the best in the series, I like ones that deal more with Eve's past. Not as grusome (CSI tv show) as her other books.
LibraryThing member shadiphoenix
Even after 27 books, this series is still fresh and exciting. This time round there was a lot more humor and Eve wasn't working herself to the bone. And the cat and mouse game between Eve and the murderer was invigorating. In short, J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) shows she still knows how to make a
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novel and keep us entertained.
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LibraryThing member MugsyNoir
J.D. Robb continues to roll out books at an amazing rate, but she manages to put together some good stories wrapped around outstanding repeating characters. Yes, some of her villains can be somewhat superficial and stereotypical, but I can overlook that. Her creations are just fun.

This audio
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publication of Strangers in Death, read by Susan Erickson is a delight. Erickson has been doing the ...in Death books for some time now and seems so comfortable adapting these characters, they could have been her creations alone.

There isn't any deep meaning in these books, and Strangers in Death doesn't reach very deep either. But fans of the series, will find this an outstanding entry.

A wealthy CEO of a sports equipment company is found murdered in a sexually-compromising position in his bedroom. The home security system is turned on and few people have the codes to unlock it. One, the wife, was on a trip to the Caribbean and no other suspects seem likely.

Eve Dallas and her team, including Roarke and Mira, use all of their means at hand to solve the case and provide entertainment for the reader. What's not to like about that.
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LibraryThing member phyllis2779
Good installment in the long-running in death series. This one had a pretty straightforward murder mystery and less gore and kinky sex than some of the books do. So I liked it better. Also fewer psychological issues for Roarke and Dallas. The problem with Roarke though is that he is too perfect. Is
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there a male equivalent of a Mary Sue?
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LibraryThing member Barb_H
Another great addition to this series. I am usually bored to death of a series long by now, but my love for these characters is still going strong and the books are still engaging and solid.
LibraryThing member StefanieGeeks
Another great addition to the series. I really enjoy getting to know these characters!
LibraryThing member trishaj
This was a good In Death, not as good as Creation was, but good nonetheless. I didn't think there was enough Peabody/McNabb interactions and I also missed Feeny as well.
LibraryThing member Kimberly_P
I hope this is just a temporary glitch. I feel like she really phoned this one in. I'm sure it's very hard to maintain a quality level over a series this large but they're becoming very formulaic.

Eve needs to work more with Mira to get past what happened in her childhood. Not forget it, but move
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past it.
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Original publication date

2008-02-19

Barcode

1601163
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