Review of Framed in Death (In Death, #61) by J.D. Robb
From the moment I cracked open J.D. Robb’s Framed in Death, I felt a thrill of anticipation. The In Death series has become a cherished part of my reading repertoire; the blend of futuristic intrigue and gritty crime has always captured my imagination. In this 61st installment, we follow Detective Eve Dallas as she confronts a twisted killer with an artistic flair—an angle that not only piqued my interest but also promised the usual blend of suspense and character nuance I’ve come to love from Robb.
Set in the vibrant and chaotic New York City of 2061, the book opens with a chilling premise: a hunger for artistic recognition morphs into a sinister murder spree. The tale revolves around a failed portrait painter driven to madness, reimagining famous works with macabre twists. Robb masterfully intertwines the world of art with crime, keeping the stakes high and the tension palpable. I found myself racing through the pages, caught between admiration for the fine art references and horror at the lengths the murderer would go to achieve "greatness." The murders of licensed companions, staged to mirror masterpieces like Vermeer’s Girl With a Pearl Earring, are as disturbing as they are imaginative.
Eve Dallas, portrayed as ever with her steely resolve and unyielding dedication, is complemented brilliantly by her hippy-dippy partner, Sergeant Delia Peabody. Their dynamic adds not just comic relief but also depth, reminding us that even in the darkest situations, human connection prevails. Robb’s character development here is stellar; watching Eve balance her detective work with her life alongside her billionaire husband, Roarke, is always a pleasure. His suave charm—exemplified in scenes where he uses his connections to help solve the case—remains an engaging counterpoint to Eve’s tough exterior.
While the plot was engaging, I must admit it lagged at times. The book’s pacing felt a bit uneven, with some interviews and investigative phone calls stretching longer than necessary, which made certain sections feel repetitive. Yet, the lighthearted moments—like Eve pondering a laxative in response to a candy bar thief and the hilarious interactions with art snobs—helped balance out the darker themes of the narrative. These snippets of humor were a reminder of Robb’s talent for creating relatable, multifaceted characters who face absurdities even amidst horror.
The audiobook experience was noteworthy, as Susan Ericksen’s narration added an extra layer of charm, especially with Roarke’s Irish accent, which made listening a delight. Her ability to convey the emotional weight of various encounters, especially during the investigation’s tension, enhanced my overall connection to Eve and Peabody.
I recommend Framed in Death to anyone who has already fallen under the spell of Eve Dallas and her world. Newcomers to the series might find it a bit disorienting due to its numerous references to past events and characters, but fans will revel in the familiar camaraderie and clever resolutions. Overall, this book reaffirmed my love for the series, serving as a reminder that while the art of storytelling can sometimes feel like a puzzle, finding the beauty in the chaos is always worth the journey.
If you enjoy a mix of crime fiction with a futuristic flair and richly drawn characters, Framed in Death is a captivating addition to your reading list. I know I’ll be thinking about Eve and her adventures long after closing the cover.
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