Calculated in Death by J.D. Robb

I’ll say right up front that I’m a huge fan of the Eve Dallas series by author J.D. Robb.

I remain a fan of this series because with each new installment the author continues to surprise me, keeps updating her characters, and engages me as a reader/listener. Calculated in Death, the 36th installment, is no exception.

The talented narrator Susan Ericksen brings the characters to life once again. Her unique vocalization gives distinct voices to each character. She expresses the raw emotions felt throughout the story, as well as highlights the feeling of friendship among the characters. Her interruptions lead you to believe there’s more than one reading the story.

In this installment, a young female accountant is found dead at the bottom of a brownstone’s basement steps. It appears at first glance to be a mugging gone bad, but Lieutenant Eve Dallas sees more. Marta Dickenson was a beloved wife and mother who doesn’t appear to have any enemies.

As Dallas and her partner, Peabody, dig deeper into the case they learn Marta was just assigned three new audits. Suspecting fraudulent dealings, Dallas enlists the help of her billionaire husband, Roarke, to make sense of all the figures. When the killer’s violent streak escalates, Dallas and Peabody become the bait to draw them out.

Calculated in Death has the usual highs and lows of a police procedure with a number of twists along the way. The story moves at a steady pace with a good blend of personal ‘down time’ woven in.

Robb continues to develop and expand the character of Dallas. She gives glimpses of a softer side of Dallas, yet keeps the hard edge cop fans love. The ever present love of Roarke is included, as is the zany antics of Peabody, McNab and the other members of the group.

New readers/listeners to the series can enjoy Calculated in Death as a stand alone story. There are numerous references to prior cases (stories), but not having the background won’t spoil this story. However, returning fans will appreciate how the story continues with the prior tie-ins.

Once again Robb takes a seemingly simple case, spices it up and takes fans of Eve Dallas on roller coaster ride. 

Calculated in Death by J.D. Robb, An Eve Dallas Novel, Performed by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2013, ISBN: 978-1455818396, Unabridged, 11 Discs, Listening Time: 13 Hours

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
Thanks everyone for stopping by. Have you read or listened to any of the Eve Dallas series? If so, do you have a favorite character?