Rating:  Summary: Loved the new Robb! Review: Lt. Eve Dallas is back in another action packed who dun it. Citizens of New York are under assault from a group who calls themselves The Purity Seekers. Granted the only ones targeted are the bad guys; drug dealers, pedophiles, and flesh procurers. The method of assault is a computer virus that can be transmitted through the computer into the human brain. Eve, along with the yummy Roarke and a few other recurring cast members, sets out to solve the crime before any innocent bystanders get caught in the crossfire. As if that weren't enough on Eve's plate, she gets lessons in the much dreaded game of politics and public relations.With Ms. Robb's usual flair, she presents a story full of ...-kicking action and a pretty nifty plot line. Dialogue is at times witty and others heart wrenching. We see the return of several delightful characters that have been missing for the past few books. Namely Jamie, Baxter, Webster, Trueheart, and Mavis (who makes a brief but important appearance). Purity in Death ranks fairly low on the gore scale ' its no worse than any other thriller or mystery. Foul language is medium on the sailor scale ' about like NYPD Blue. 'Adult Content and Nudity/Sex Scenes' - well, it is pretty steamy and if this offends you just skip the pages. They don't happen that often. J As far as how this book ranks along with the rest of the series' It's okay. There have been others in the series with more excitement. I would think of this one as a 'secondary' character book; meaning that Ms. Robb seems to be focusing more on the development of secondary characters than with Eve and Roarke. It was a very enjoyable read.
Rating:  Summary: A good read, though not the best in the series Review: A word to those who have not read any other books in this series: this is a series best read in order. Character development is as important as plot, and if you don't know where the characters are coming from, some of their reactions in this book will not make sense to you. That said, let's assume that you go back, order all of them from the beginning, catch up on your reading, and are now ready for this one: Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her trusty sidekick Peabody are the main protagonists in this series, set around 2059 and subsequent years. This book, the latest in the series (September 2002) brings us back to a familiar theme: computers can spread more than just information, and our growing reliance on computers can have serious downsides. The editorial reviews provide the outline of the plot, so I won't repeat all of it here. Instead, I'll mention some specific themes that you may want to watch for. For example, one aspect of the computer "virus" that spreads to humans (believe me, this is not a spoiler; it's obvious after the first few pages) is that it appears to cause humans to want to cocoon - withdraw into their apartments and communicate less with other people than ever before. Is this a natural extension of some of the tendancies toward withdrawal that we see in computer users today? Is there really such a tendency normally? Another theme is Peabody's boyfriend who works in the EDD (Electronics Detection...) - the actions in this volume force Peabody to clarify her feelings for him. There is less interaction between Eve and Roarke in this one, it felt to me, and more between Eve and her fellow cops, than in previous volumes. Of course there are still a few doses of steamy sex between the two, which don't add a thing to the plot but do seem to attract a few more readers. We do get more of Summerfield the butler, who winds up caring for the injured - somewhat differently than a hospital might do it. For the crossover readers from science fiction, things to watch for: far more virtual reality than we have now; better voice activation of computers; occasional space travel; urban vehicles that aren't cars; the activities of the Electronic Detection Division. Other volumes in the series do have more about space travel than this one, which only mentions it in passing. For the crossover readers from romance: less sex in this volume than in many of the previous ones, but the increased realization of the seriousness of Peabody's relationship with McNab is satisfying. Overall, the plot's pretty easy to guess in this one, although there are a few twists right at the end - don't think you've got it all before then! But the interaction between the characters is more important than the plot. If you haven't read any of the others, then you may find yourself disappointed in this book, because the plot is skimpy; however, if you have read the others, then you absolutely must read this one! In between? Read a couple of them but not all? I *DO* recommend reading the whole series! You won't regret it!
Rating:  Summary: Future cop Review: This is the first time that I've read a futuristic crime novel and, although I probably won't make a habit of it, I found it to be be very pacy and well written. Detective Eve Dallas, a gutsy, attractive 30 year old, married to a gorgeous hunk of a billionaire, becomes very involved in a sinister scheme to zap the brains of child porn monsters via their computers.The story is set some 60 years into the future and is full of techno talk like voice driven computers which can do almost anything. After an initial reluctance, I was soon drawn in and read it in 2 sittings.
Rating:  Summary: Fantastic read, great premise, gripping emotional story Review: This is the 15th novel in the Nora Roberts (writing as J. D. Robb) suspense/mystery/crime thriller series about a NYC Homicide Lieutenant, Eve Dallas. Supporting our leading lady is a cast of characters we have come to enjoy, including her billionaire husband, Roarke; her aide, (Ms.) Peabody; a young policeman named Trueheart (honest!); and electronic/computer cop specialists McNab and Feeney. A contemporary premise, that a PC virus could cause a human brain virus, starts things off in a hurry with Trueheart killing a civilian who seemingly has gore berserk and murdered one of his neighbors while raving and ranting about how his head hurts. Eve Dallas takes this call, and soon other deaths in like fashion occur, including one in which a fellow cop is killed from working on an infected PC. Autopsies reveal significant brain swelling from unknown causes. A screen message "Absolute Purity has Been Achieved" leads to the supposition that a vigilante group is behind the killings, as at first their targets are dope dealers and pedophiles, etc. The story follows police efforts to identify and catch the criminals -- but along the way we get doses of differing philosophy about the group and its cause; emotional scenes surrounding the death of the policeman and McNab's disability; glimpses into the politics of modern police departments, and as much suspense as we can handle til the real culprits surface after several mis-directions near the end. As always, the scene is set ahead in time 50 years, so that video cellphones, personal air vehicles and a few other sci-fi touches enliven the stories without dominating the basic police procedurals. Still, Robb's writing seems at the top her form in this story; we wept several times during various sad and gripping scenes surrounding the deaths and funerals involved with the innocent. We feel this one of the most exceptional stories we have read in several months and have decided to put in on our ten-best in our lifetime list. That says an awful lot for someone who reads a couple of thousand books each decade. Get it; read it; weep, smile, and enjoy immensely !!
Rating:  Summary: Liked it !!! Review: I believe that this book was a worthy addition to the wonderful "In Death" series, by J. D. Robb. It can stand on its own, but I'd recommend reading it after reading the ones previously published (starting with "Naked in death"). In that way, you'll know quite a lot more about the series, and your enjoyment will be even greater. In "Purity in Death" (number 15th in the series)our heroine, Lieutenant Eve Dallas has to find the solution for a new case in which a deadly computer virus is unleashed on child abusers. Yes, the world is better without them... But is it up to vigilants to decide that and kill them?. And what about those inocents that get killed as some kind of "collateral damage"? . Now, Eve, her husband Roarke,her aide Peabody, and Captain Feeny must discover the origins of the virus, and capture those who created it. After killing its target, the virus puts on the screen a phrase: "Absolute purity achieved". Is absolute purity the aim of this group? And if so, what standars define it? Their own? Here appears the problems of justice, but also the problem of whether those who are the worst kind of criminals deserve some kind of protection. Here again Eve, an Homicide detective, seeks to "stand for the dead" and achieve justice. In this very good book, she does just that... Recommended to all of those who like a good plot, mixed with spicy romance!!!
Rating:  Summary: A futuristic kind of terrorism... Review: J.D. Robb incorporates the threat of terrorism, this time through a computer virus designed to spread from machine to man, into the latest installment of her Eve Dallas series. People are dying, and it takes awhile for the detectives, with the inevitable help of Roarke, Eve's husband, to figure out what is causing it and who is behind the plot. Without giving the plot away, those close to Dallas are in danger, and are injured, compelling her to work at an exhausting pace to resolve the mystery and put "criminals in high places" behind bars. Dallas is true to form both in action, and in squirming over the politics of being on the police force and being married to Roarke. All the colorful supporting characters are back, although there is rather less of the butler, Summerset, than I would prefer. His love-hate relationship with Dallas is always colorful. Something about this installment dragged for me, although I couldn't put my finger on it, and I kept putting the book down and picking it up again...as a result, it took me longer to read than usual. Don't think that I'm tired of the series, I just believe that it wasn't quite up to Robb's usual standards. I'm still looking forward to the next "In Death" book in March!
Rating:  Summary: The Mother of All Computer Viruses Review: A computer virus from hell is infecting more than machines in New York City circa 2059. Launched by a self-righteous terrorist organization (aren't they all?), this baby seeps into the brains of its victims, causing paranoia, extreme violence, unbearable pain, and unspeakable death. The victims are not stellar human beings--most are drug dealers and/or child molesters--but in the throes of the virus, each has murdered an innocent victim, including a cop. Besides, thinks Eve Dallas, who is primary on the case, vigilante justice is never warranted. The story of the terrorist organization, Absolute Purity, and Eve's desperate fight to bring it down, is one of the best JD Robb/Nora Roberts has written in this series. It's fast, it's furious, it's interesting, and not entirely predictable. The deep introspection that has so plagued the last few books in the series is gone, as is the endless back-and-forth battle Eve wages to accept that she is loved. MacNab and Peabody are back, and their relationship has, just in the nick of time (for the reader, anyway), deepened. Roarke is his usual inhumanly gorgeous and brilliant self, Feeney is aboard with his omnipresent bag of candied almonds, and Eve's "rad" friend Mavis has a surprise that far surpasses her purple hair. All in all, this is one fun read. Unlike the last few in the series, it left me wanting more, and I'm looking forward to the next In-Death release.
Rating:  Summary: Gripping! Another Winner for Robb! Review: "Purity in Death" is the latest instalment in J.D. Robb's addictive In Death series and it is fantastic. All of our favourite characters are back in full force in this utterly riveting read that kept me turning pages into the wee hours of the morning. Robb's prose flows like water throughout the entire book, and her innovative and exciting plot is sure to keep readers totally engrossed. Tough-as-nails Lieutenant Eve Dallas is one of the top cops in the NYPSD. In the hot and sweaty days of July 2059, tempers are flaring all over the city, and keeping the police busy. Louie Cogburn has spent three days holed up in his apartment, and when a neighbour knocks at his door, he picks up his baseball bat and starts swinging. The first cop on scene kills Louie with a simple stun that shouldn't have caused termination, and Eve knows that something isn't right. The only clue is a strange message left on Louie's computer screen "ABSOLUTE PURITY ACHIEVED". And when a second man dies under very similar circumstances it leads Eve to a vigilante terrorist group and the terrifying conclusion that she is dealing with a virus capable of spreading from computer to man! Along with Robb's intriguing mystery is the ever-evolving relationship between Eve and her sexy billionaire husband Roarke. These two are one of my favourite couples of all time, and in this book Robb does a brilliant job of reminding me why I love them so much. The dynamics of Eve and Roarke's relationship are always interesting and it amazes me that after 15 books I still find them so fresh and intriguing. Eve and Roarke's romance is very real, filled with red-hot passion that will steam up your windows and poignant tenderness that will touch your heart. In "Purity in Death", Robb brings in a number of characters from previous books, and for me, a dedicated fan of the series, this was a real bonus. First time readers may find it a bit tough to follow all of the characters without knowing the history that goes along with them, though Robb does provide all the essential background information. Even if you haven't met any of the characters before, I guarantee it won't take long to get to know them and love them. Indeed, I believe that long-time fans and first time readers alike will be thrilled with Robb's latest effort. "Purity in Death" is yet another winner that Robb can add to her list. I was completely captivated from start to finish by the story and by the characters I have come to know and love. Robb has a true gift for making the characters she creates come alive for her readers and it's hard to believe that Eve, Roarke, Peabody, Feeney, McNab and all the others aren't real people. "Purity in Death" is a first rate mystery filled with romance, suspense, and all the fascinating futuristic gadgets from 2059. You do not want to miss out on Robb's latest triumph so buy this book today and enjoy!
Rating:  Summary: Another Dallas Hit! Review: I typically read every book in a detective series, starting with the first one and rarely have I enjoyed all the books in any one series the way I enjoy the Eve Dallas books. Their characters have grown since the first book. J.D. Robb has kept Eve and Roarke focused while unfolding tantalizing bits of their backgrounds in each successive book. Robb has also kept a firm hold on her settings and best of all, you don't know who did it until the very end! Eve battles her personal demons in Purity in Death as well as the criminals and the endings are never sugar coated. I will keep on reading them as long as Robb keeps on writing them!
Rating:  Summary: Very Bad Review: This is a truly bad book without a single original moment in it. Don't waste your time and money.
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