Apprentice in Death and Without Mercy

◊ APPRENTICE IN DEATH by J.D. Robb

◊ Series: In Death, Book #43

◊ Narrator: Susan Ericksen

◊ MP3 CD

◊ Listening Length: 13 hours and 6 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Brilliance Audio

◊ Audible.com Release Date: September 6, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN- 10: 1511367458

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1511367455

SYNOPSIS:

Lieutenant Eve Dallas returns in a fast-paced new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author J. D. Robb.

Nature versus nurture...

The shots came quickly, silently, and with deadly accuracy. Within seconds, three people were dead at Central Park's ice skating rink. The victims: a talented young skater, a doctor, and a teacher. As random as random can be.

Eve Dallas has seen a lot of killers during her time with the NYPSD, but never one like this. After reviewing security videos, it becomes clear that the victims were killed by a sniper firing a tactical laser rifle, who could have been miles away when the trigger was pulled. And though the locations where the shooter could have set up seem endless, the list of people with that particular skill set is finite: police, military, professional killer.

Eve's husband, Roarke, has unlimited resources - and genius - at his disposal. And when his computer program leads Eve to the location of the sniper, she learns a shocking fact: There were two - one older, one younger. Someone is being trained by an expert in the science of killing, and they have an agenda. Central Park was just a warm-up. And as another sniper attack shakes the city to its core, Eve realizes that though we're all shaped by the people around us, there are those who are just born evil....

I don’t know how she manages to create such tension and suspenseful storylines time after time but author J.D. Robb continues to sizzle with her 43^rd installment in her In Death Series.

Narrator Susan Ericksen gives a stirring performance as she brings these characters to life. Her accents and mannerisms enhance the spine-tingling thriller. Ericksen’s timing and tone are spot on especially as the tense increases adding depth to the story.

The author has a flare for making the future seem like the present. Through her rich descriptions and vivid details, the setting comes to life.

The characters are well-developed and likable. Returning fans will see the growth the protagonist has made in her own life. The secondary cast of characters continue to strength making the story flow smoothly. Intense and adrenaline-fueled, the story takes twists and turns keeping you on the edge of your seat.

Robb continues to show the lengths people will go to for what they believe. APPRENTICE IN DEATH is a gripping story that deals with revenge and hate while highlighting friendship and love of family.

Apprentice in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death series (Book #43), Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1511367455, Unabridged, MP3 CD, Run Time: 13 Hours and 6 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

◊ WITHOUT MERCY: A Body Farm Novel by Jefferson Bass

◊ Series: A Body Farm Novel, Book #10

◊ Narrator: Tom Stechschulte

◊ Audible Audio Edition

◊ Listening Length: 10 hours and 13 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: HarperAudio

◊ Audible.com Release Date: October 4, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1IIGTI96

SYNOPSIS:

In the most suspenseful installment of the New York Times best-selling Body Farm series to date, forensic anthropologist Dr. Bill Brockton investigates a bizarre murder - and confronts a deadly enemy he thought he'd put behind bars for good.

Forensic anthropologist Bill Brockton has spent 25 years solving brutal murders - but none so horrific and merciless as his latest case: A ravaged set of skeletal remains is found scattered in the woods of nearby Cook County. They are all that is left of a victim who had been chained, hand and foot, to a tree on a remote mountainside. The bones tell Brockton and his longtime graduate assistant, Miranda, that the victim was a young male under the age of thirty. As they dig deeper to establish his identity, they uncover warning signs that long-simmering hatred is about to explode into violence, engulfing the region in chaos.

But the shocking case is only the beginning of Brockton's trials. In the middle of the troubling investigation, the unthinkable happens. The most frightening and deadliest criminal Brockton has ever foiled - the sadistic serial killer Nick Satterfield - escapes from prison, bent on wreaking vengeance. And he's had nearly 20 years to plan.

Simply killing Brockton isn't enough. Satterfield wants to make his nemesis suffer first, by destroying everything Brockton holds dear: his son, his daughter-in-law, and his grandsons and even Miranda, who's now on the verge of completing her PhD and launching a forensic career of her own.

Barraged by dangers striking from all directions, haunted by the ghosts of old cases, and desperate to save those he loves, Brockton finds himself slipping closer to the abyss. Pushed to the edge, he is forced to question the two pillars that have guided his life and his entire career - the justice system and the quality of mercy. Can the two truly coexist?

If he cannot reconcile these principles, which will Brockton choose in his ultimate moment of truth?

A harrowing, thoughtful, and provocative tale that explores what happens when one honorable, rational man is tested beyond all measure, Without Mercy is a powerful exploration that raises uneasy questions about justice and revenge, compassion and principle, the desire to kill and the will to survive.

This is a story that blends science and police procedures into an intriguing and suspenseful tale.

Narrator Tom Stechschulte does an excellent job giving distinct voices to these characters. His mannerism is spot on enhancing this enthralling story.

The story is a good mix of suspense and details of anthropology without bogging you down in precious details. Moving at a good pace, the story has twists and turns that will hold your attention from beginning to end. While some facts are disturbing and dark, the story includes bits of humor and friendship for a good balance.

The characters are likable and well-developed. The setting moves around a bit but is easy to follow. Full descriptions make you feel you’re in the setting.

WITHOUT MERCY is a gripping story that deals with revenge, captivity and the evil that sometimes overtakes man.

Without Mercy by Jefferson Bass, A Body Farm Novel (Book #10), Narrated by Tom Stechschulte, HarperAudio, @2016, ASIN: BO1IIGTI96, Unabridged, Audible Audio Edition, Run Time: 10 Hours and 13 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out one or both of these fascinating audios. If you’re not into listening to stories, both books come in print and eBook formats also. Are you a fan of either series? Have you ever heard of the real Body Farm in Tennessee?

Brotherhood in Death by J.D. Robb

Author J.D. Robb makes the base plot in BROTHERHOOD IN DEATH riveting even though it’s a formula that has been used by writers in various ways over the years.

The narration by Susan Ericksen will have listeners engrossed in the story from beginning to end. Her vocals give such unique voices to the characters it’s hard to believe she does them all by herself. Her articulation of the enthralling story is spot on filled with emotions and reactions.

When Dennis Mira goes to confront his cousin Edward about trying to see their late grandfather’s brownstone, he’s knocked out. Just before being knocked out, Dennis saw a badly beaten Edward in a chair. When he comes to, Edward is gone.

Dennis has his wife Charlotte, the NYPSD’s top profiler, contact their good friend, Lieutenant Eve Dallas. As Dallas begins to look into the matter she discovers as a former lawyer, judge and senator, Edward has made a lot of enemies over the years. But it’s the dark secrets Edward and a few close buddies are hiding that has Eve scrambling to save victims and criminals alike.

This long running series continues to be jammed pack with suspense, romance, humor and surprises. The story moves fast with a gamut of emotions.

The characters are realistic and well-developed. The protagonist – Eve Dallas – and core case of characters continue to evolve with each new installment. Still a hard-drive, tough-as-nails cop, the author allows Dallas to become a little more refined with each new story. The relationship between Dallas and her sexy husband, Roarke, is explored a bit, as well as her friendship with her partner Peabody and the other fellow cops of her squad.

BROTHERHOOD IN DEATH, book number 42, is a standalone story. However, readers/listeners will have a much greater appreciation for the story and especially the characters if the series is enjoyed in order.

This gripping tale will tug at your heart as the line between victim and villain is stained.

Brotherhood in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death Series (Book #42), Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1480593244, Unabridged, MP3 Audio, 1 Disc, Run Time: 13 Hours and 38 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today, I do so appreciate it. Are you a fan of the In Death series? Do you have a favorite long-running series?

Devoted in Death…..Wonderment in Death

*This post contains affiliate links

DEVOTED IN DEATH by J.D. Robb

When it comes to sadistic killers and suspenseful plots, author J.D. Robb continues to entertain readers of her Eve Dallas ‘In Death’ series.

Narrator Susan Ericksen does a superb job bringing the various characters in Robb’s story to life. Ericksen gives a unique voice to each characters in such a way it seems there are several narrators at work. She conveys the emotions of the moment with great flare enhancing the story.

In DEVOTED IN DEATH Robb introduces readers to a twisted couple who express their love for each other through torture and murder. She explores the lengths some will go to prove their emotions in brutal ways.

At the same time, Robb flips the coin and shares the true meaning of deep love between couples, as well as the love of friends. She highlights the wonderful and truly terrible ways love can be expressed through various characters.

This time around a couple are making their way to New York by leaving a trail of bodies in their wake. The couple kidnaps, tortures and then kills the victims to fulfill their own twisted sexual desires.

When the latest victim is discovered in New York, Lt. Eve Dallas and her team begin searching for the killer. Before long Eve sees a pattern and when two more people go missing under similar circumstances, Eve pulls out all the stops to find them before they are killed.

The story moves at a fast pace as readers are drawn into the future of New York City. The setting has aspects of the future but is easy to believe. The characters are well-developed, realistic and most especially likable (except the killers, of course).

DEVOTED IN DEATH can be read/listened to on its own even though it is the 41st installment in the series. Returning fans will be delighted to catch up with their favorite characters. New readers/listeners won’t be left in the dark, but might find they want to know backstories on the main core of characters.

This riveting thriller will hold you captive from beginning to the dramatic ending.

Devoted in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death Book #41, Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2015, ISBN: 978-1480593107, Unabridged, 10 Discs, Run Time: 12 Hours, 21 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

WONDERMENT IN DEATH by J.D. Robb

Alice in Wonderland takes on a twisted new meaning in author J.D. Robb’s novella, WONDERMENT IN DEATH.

Narrator Susan Ericksen performs her usual magic bringing the various characters to life. Her mannerisms and cadence enhances the emotional ups and downs for listeners.

What appears to be a typical murder/suicide turns out to be a twisted tale of deceit. Lt. Eve Dallas is assured the killer would never harm her brother so she begins to dig deeper.

As the investigation continues, the clues begin to resemble Alice in Wonderland. Time is running out for the Mad Hatter’s next victim as Eve and her team search for the killer’s hidden place.

Robb has taken her core cast of characters into a fairy tale-like setting in this novella. The plot moves smoothly and at a steady pace holding your attention until the very end. The twists and turns puts a new spin on Alice and the tea party of childhood tales.

WONDERMENT IN DEATH is an intriguing tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Wonderment in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death Novella, Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2015, ISBN: 978-1501223730, Unabridged, 3 Discs, Run Time: 3 Hours, 34 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Are you a fan of the In Death series? Do you enjoy audio books?

Obsession in Death by J.D. Robb

When a series reaches its 40th installment, you have to wonder if the spark is still going to be there.

Author J.D. Robb demonstrates that the 40th book can still keep you on the edge of your seat while it keeps you guessing about the villain. OBSESSION IN DEATH is Robb’s latest (and 40th) installment in her In Death series featuring Lt. Eve Dallas.

Narrator Susan Ericksen continues to do a superb job bringing the various characters to life. Her inflection and pace gives each character their own unique voice. Her mannerisms heightens the emotions of the story adding depth to an already suspenseful thriller.

When Lt. Eve Dallas of the NYPSD finds out she has an obsessed fan who is willing to kill for her, she is determined to put a stop to it. With each killing, the murderer leaves Eve a message from her ‘true and loyal friend’ stating they are helping Eve fight justice when the system lets her down.

Eve has to play a delicate and psychological dance with the killer because she knows in the end, the killer will turn on her as she’s not grateful for her ‘true and loyal friend’s’ gifts.

Robb once again blends the hard-boiled cop of the lieutenant with the slowly softening side of Eve. Combining with the usual mix of characters, Robb adds humor, friendship and romance for a well-balanced story.

OBSESSION IN DEATH is suspenseful and moves at a steady pace keeping your attention focused on trying to figure out the killer. With twists and turns, the ending comes with a surprising conclusion. This long-running series continues to surprise and entertain.

Obsession in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death Book #40, Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2015, ISBN: 978-1480593053, Unabridged, 11 Discs, Run Time: 13 Hours and 27 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out this fascinating series. How’s the weather in your area of the world? What book are you reading or looking forward to reading this week?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Rapture…Ceremony…Vengeance in Death

I’m continuing to explore the early cases of Lt. Eve Dallas in author J.D. Robb’s In Death series.

It’s been fun learning how some of the secondary characters came into Eve’s life and the cases she has dealt with. Today I’d like to feature the fourth (RAPTURE IN DEATH), the fifth (CEREMONY IN DEATH) and the sixth (VENGEANCE IN DEATH) installments in this fascinating series.

RAPTURE IN DEATH

Narrator Susan Ericksen does an excellent job bringing the characters to life. Her distinct dialect gives each character their own unique voice. Her vocals enhances the tantalizing tale.

Three apparent suicides have seemingly no connection to one another, but Lt. Eve Dallas has a feeling there’s more to these deaths. Each one had given no indication they were upset or depressed prior to their deaths.

Autopsies on the victims reveals small burns on each of their brains. Eve begins to dig into the world of virtual reality to see what could have led to these people dying with a smile on their faces.

Author J.D. Robb makes futuristic New York City come to life through her vivid details and descriptions.

Blending the virtual reality deaths with the musical world of Eve’s closes friend, Mavis, Robb shows Eve’s determined side to protect her friend. Robb also combines the tough cop side of Eve with the newly married side to show her as a bit vulnerable when dealing with her handsome husband, Roarke.

Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death Book #4, Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2010, ISBN: 978-1441856951, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Run Time: 9 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

CEREMONY IN DEATH

The various characters come alive through the magic of Susan Ericksen’s narration. Her mannerisms and tone add depth to this intriguing story.

This time around Lt. Eve Dallas finds herself in a tight spot when she is called upon to investigate the actions of a fellow police officer following his sudden death. Before she has a chance to begin her investigation, the officer’s daughter approaches her in fear for her own life. When the daughter is killed a short time later, Eve has her hands full trying to put the pieces together.

The more she digs, the stranger the situation becomes. Then another body is left at Eve’s home making it appear Eve’s life is in danger as she ventures into the world of witches.

The story flows quickly with a number of twists along the way. Author J.D. Robb develops conflict within Eve when she must do her duty while hurting her mentor in the process.

Robb skillfully blends the brutality of murder with hints of humor and romance for a well-balanced story. The characters are likable and continue to evolve with each installment.

Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death Book #5, Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1469233697, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Run Time: 10 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

VENGEANCE IN DEATH

Narrator Susan Ericksen does a superb job giving distinct voices to all the characters. Her varied tones and accents enhances the story and adds depth to each character.

A mad man kills and then sends a cryptic riddle to Lt. Eve Dallas to figure out. Eve solves the riddle, but is too late to save the man. When a second victim is found murdered in one of Roarke’s vacant luxury apartments. Eve discovers her husband has ties to the dead men and possible the killer.

In a race against the killer’s time table, Eve and Roarke scramble to keep old allies safe and a dark secret buried.

Author J.D. Robb explores a bit of Roarke and Somerset’s past in this installment. Listeners/readers are given a glimpse at who and what Roarke had been in Ireland. In addition, a new character is introduced – technician Ian McNab – that will eventually become a part of Eve’s inner circle.

The story blends past and present and takes Eve to where Roarke grew up. The action is fast paced and the suspense mounts.

Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death Book #6, Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1469233949, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Run Time: 10 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Listeners/readers can enjoy these books in order or as stand-alone. Each is an intriguing adventure on their own.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out these early releases in Robb’s In Death series. BTW, we got about 6.5 inches of snow by the time it was over. That's not suppose to happen in the South people. :)

*This post contains affiliate links.

Happy New Year … Going Back in Time

As 2014 comes to a close today, I just want to wish each and every one of you a safe, joyous and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I have enjoyed spending this past year with you. Despite its ups and downs, tears and sorrows, there were many happy times too. Knowing all of you has made my life fuller and more entertaining. While I haven’t been a good blog buddy lately, I hope y’all know how very special you are to me. I am most grateful for your friendship and your support of Thoughts in Progress. 

As we close out the year, I thought it was a good time to talk about going back to beginnings. With that in mind I have three audio books I want to tell you about.
If you visit here from time to time, then you know I’m a huge fan of the In Death (Eve Dallas) series by author J.D. Robb. I especially enjoy the audio format with Susan Ericksen as narrator. However, I began listening to the series somewhere around two-thirds of the way in. Since each book can stand on its own, I wasn’t really lost starting so far into the series. But I have often wondered about the case that brought Lt. Eve Dallas and Roarke together.

Well, thanks to the delightful Kailyn and the great folks at Brilliance Audio, I had the opportunity to listen to the very first three installments of the series. It’s fun listening to the beginning of a series even if you’ve just recently listened to the 39th book in the set.

Here are my thoughts on the first three books in order.

NAKED IN DEATH

When the granddaughter of a politician is found murdered, Lt. Eve Dallas is determined to find her killer. The high ranking senator doesn’t want his granddaughter’s murder linked to a second and third murder even though all three of the young ladies were licensed paid companions.

As Eve sorts through the list of suspects, she continues to encounter the wealthy Irish businessman, Roarke. Eve finds herself drawn to the Irishman as she closes in on a killer and a tangled web of betrayal and greed.

Narrator Susan Ericksen does a wonderful job giving individual voices to the characters. Her mannerisms and accents will have you believing there’s more than one narrator. Her vocalizations enhances the story. 

Author J.D. Robb creates electrifying characters in Eve and Roarke. The secondary characters add depth to the story. Readers/listeners learn how Eve and Roarke met, as well as Eve’s first encounter with Charles Monroe.

The futuristic setting in NAKED IN DEATH will draw you in as Robb crafts the first installment in an intriguing series.

Naked in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death Book #1, Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1469265421, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Run Time: 9 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GLORY IN DEATH

The murder of two highly successful women has Lt. Eve Dallas ready to set a trap with herself as bait.

Susan Ericksen does a superb job as narrator giving distinct voices to all the characters. Her vocals of the emotions throughout the story adds depth.

Investigating the lives of the successful and glamorous women, Eve once again has to include Roarke in the list of suspects. While she has no doubt of his innocence, she must follow the rules. When the killer goes after the wrong bait, Eve has to use every resource she can to catch the killer and save a friend.

In this second installment in the series, author J.D. Robb expands Eve’s development with a friendship between her and Nadine First, a television reporter. In addition, Officer Delia Peabody is briefly introduced and Eve’s relationship with Roarke advances.

The setting, the characters and the conversational dialogue in GLORY IN DEATH makes for an intriguing story.

Glory in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death Book #2, Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1455897810, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Run Time: 9 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

IMMORTAL IN DEATH

As Eve prepares to marry Roarke, her best friend Mavis Freestone introduces her to an up and coming fashion designer, Leonardo, to make her wedding gown. During the first meeting, Leonardo’s ex-girlfriend storms in attacking Eve and then Mavis before threatening to destroy Leonardo’s career. A short time later the ex is found murdered and Mavis is the prime suspect with no memory of what happened.

Susan Ericksen does an excellent job narrating as she brings the characters to life. Her vocals and mannerisms enhances the story bringing out the highs and lows of the characters’ emotions.

Eve is determined to clear her friend’s name even if she has to tread through the glitz and glamour world of high fashion.

Readers/listeners learn more about Officer Delia Peabody as she returns to assist Eve with the case and becomes her aide. In addition, the character of Trina plays a role in understanding the glitz and glamour, as well as Eve’s wedding.

Author J.D. Robb’s continues to evolve the characters and pull you in with amazing twists and turns in IMMORTAL IN DEATH.

Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death Book #3, Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1455897889, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Run Time: 10 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

It was fun learning how the characters I enjoy came to be together. The author continues to evolve and develop these characters, while still retaining the spark and drive that made them so special to begin with. I eagerly look forward to not only new installments in the series, but also learning more about the stories I’ve missed. It is fun to start over again.

Thanks so much for spending some time here today. Saying goodbye to 2014, I hope to see y’all in 2015. Have you ever gone back and read the first installments in a series that you’d missed?

To those who are under the weather or have family (two-legged and/or four-legged) that are sick, my greatest wish is that good health is restored. Wishing each of you a joyous, safe, healthy, prosperous and HAPPY NEW YEAR my friends!!!

*This post contains affiliate links.

Festive in Death … The Marco Effect

FESTIVE IN DEATH by J.D. Robb

There’s something oddly comforting in listening to one of author J.D. Robb’s In Death novels read by Susan Ericksen.

It’s a combination of the narrator’s mesmerizing voice and the author’s fascinating characters and riveting storyline. The audio format of the 39th installment in the series, FESTIVE IN DEATH, is a fine example of these two pairings.

Ericksen does an excellent job bringing the characters to life. Her variations in the accents and vocals makes it appear there are more than one narrator. Ericksen’s mannerisms and tones, especially when portraying Roarke, adds depth to the characters and enhances the rich storyline.

FESTIVE IN DEATH finds Eve and her partner, Det. Peabody, investigating the murder of a personal trainer just days before Christmas. They soon discover the list of suspects is quite long as the victim was a jerk. They learn the victim apparently used people, was a blackmailer and had used illegals to drug women into sleeping with him. As they work to narrow down the list of suspects, they also encounter a series of other issues such as spouses cheating and embezzling.

Meanwhile, Eve also has to deal with her own major problems – Christmas shopping and hosting a huge Christmas party with her wealthy husband, Roarke.

The author once again blends homicide, humor, and a touch of steamy romance for a well-balanced story. The characters are likeable and well-developed. The story flows at a good pace with action and suspense.

This latest installment in the Eve Dallas/In Death series can be read/listened to on its own. However, fans of the series will enjoy how the characters continue to evolve with each new adventure.

Robb and Ericksen manage to pull off a Merry Christmas theme as New York’s finest track down a cold blooded killer.

Festive in Death by J.D. Robb, In Death Book #39, Narrated by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1480511651, 11 Discs, Run Time: 13 Hours and 17 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

THE MARCO EFFECT by Jussi Adler-Olsen

I found the latest Department Q installment by author Jussi Adler-Olsen to be a bit different than his previous books. It wasn’t a bad difference, just different.

I think it was different because THE MARCO EFFECT seems to deal more with the actual case (which was both a cold case and current case) than in the way Detective Carl Mørck deals with it.

Narrator Graeme Malcolm brings the characters to life with his distinct vocals for each. His vocals are excellent for the various accents, ages and genders throughout the story.

This story revolves around a young boy, 15-year-old Marco Jameson, who has been taught all his life to be a pick pocket and thief. Rebelling against the cruel treatment of his uncle Zola, the leader of the gypsy clan, Marco flees. Hiding from the other clan members, Marco winds up in a shallow grave with a man’s body and overhears his uncle and father talking about the man’s murder.

Constantly on the run from the clan, Marco tries to better him and wants to help the dead man’s stepdaughter when he discovers a missing person’s flyer. Fearing the law, Marco devises a plan to turn his uncle in and save himself at the same time.

Meanwhile, Mørck and his assistants, Assad and Rose, are looking into the missing person report. As they begin digging, they learn the missing man may have had his own secrets.

While dealing with the case, Mørck is also dealing with his old boss retiring, his feelings for Monda and the changes in his former partner Hardy’s physical condition. While still a hard nose cop with an attitude toward authority, Mørck also shows a softer side and that he too is a bit vulnerable. 

Adler-Olsen creates a character in Marco that readers/listeners will be drawn to. While not innocent, Marco is a victim himself.

THE MARCO EFFECT can be read/listened to on its own. However, a better understanding of the three main characters – Carl, Assad and Rose – will be achieved by following the series in order.

The author places the reader/listener in the middle of the action. The detail descriptions will transport readers/listeners to Denmark as the area comes to life around them. Action packed, this story flows smoothly and quickly keeping you guessing until the very end how it will all play out.

The Marco Effect by Jussi Adler-Olsen, Department Q Book #5, Narrated by Graeme Malcolm, Penguin Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1611762648, 12 Discs, Run Time: 15 Hours and 25 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.


Thanks so much for stopping by today, I do so appreciate it. These are two of my favorite series. They are each fascinating in their own way. I love the idea of visiting New York in the future with Det. Eve Dallas or traveling around Denmark with Detective Carl Mørck. Have you read either of these books? Do you follow either or both series?

*This post contains affiliate links.

NEW YORK TO DALLAS by J.D. Robb

Some time back a friend gave me a book. I put it aside. I wasn’t into reading futuristic stories. Later I came across a library audio book from the same series as the book and decided to give it a listen since I couldn’t find what I was looking for.

That audio (and my friend) introduced me to the intriguing, adrenaline-fueled world of Detective Eve Dallas of the NYPSD and I’ve been hooked ever since. The futuristic world of 2060 still has murder and mayhem, but with Eve Dallas on the case there’s never a dull moment as she puts fear into the hearts of criminals.

NEW YORK TO DALLAS is the 33rd full-length novel in the ‘In Death’ series by award-winning author J.D. Robb (the pseudonym of Nora Roberts). As with all the books in this series, this is a stand alone read.

A serial killer with a taste for the innocence of young girls has escaped prison. Isaac McQueen was Eve’s first major arrest when she was a rookie cop 12 years earlier. McQueen is making it personal this time around.

The search for McQueen takes Eve back to Dallas, Texas, where she evolved from. Eve had a devastating childhood of abuse at the hands of her father. She must now face those emotions while searching for McQueen and his two hostages. With the help of her wealthy and savvy husband, Roarke, Eve will face her own demons and fight to put McQueen back where he belongs. She will also come face-to-face with something she never expected.

Each chapter of Eve’s life just gets better and better. Author J.D. Robb’s vivid descriptions of life in the future puts the reader there. The action will keep you on the edge of your seat while breaking your heart as Eve relives her childhood traumas. There is romance with the exchange between Eve and Roarke, the love of family felt with the victims, and the loyalty of friends. In addition, Robb has sprinkled bits of humor throughout to lighten the mood at times in this intense and terrifying thriller.

The narration by Susan Ericken adds an extra layer of excitement to this energetic plot. She gives spark to Roarke’s Irish accent and flavor to the other characters. Her marvelous ability to give each character their own distinct voice makes the story come alive.

NEW YORK TO DALLAS is another pulse-pounding, catch-your-breath case for homicide detective Eve Dallas.

Author J.D. Robb’s website is www.jdrobb.com

New York To Dallas by J.D. Robb, An In Death Novel, Read by Susan Ericken, Brilliance Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1441836311, Unabridged, 12 Discs, Listening Time: 13 Hours 55 Minutes

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.