Imitation in Death

Rating:
Summary: Not the Best of Death
Review: I'm a diehard fan of the Death series, which is why even though I agree with another reviewer that Imitation in Death was a bit lackluster, I don't regret having bought it (in hardback) and will not hesitate to buy Remember When or to be released in '04, Divided in Death.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but not one of the best in series.
Review: I am a huge fan of the In Death series, but this one is a bit lackluster. It had some cute moments (i.e. Roarke and the grill and Peabody's detective exam); but "cute" is not all we have come to expect from these books. I still look forward to the next installment.

Rating:
Summary: A page turner as always
Review: I'm a big fan of the "in Death" series and this one doesn't disappoint. They might want to change the picture on the cover .. it kind of gives it away.

Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: As with all her death series, this one is wonderful. Each book can stand and be read on its own, but it's better to start with book one and keep on reading. The characters are wonderful and to watch them change is wonderful. Especially the character of Eve. She went from a basic loner to having a whole adopted family, and that confuses and fustrates her to no end. It adds a element of humor not really expected, but very much enjoyed.

Rating:
Summary: Solid story, but not the best installment of the series
Review: I greatly enjoyed "Imitation in Death." The mystery was solid, as was the background on Lt. Eve Dallas' police work and the growth of her character.

The main drawback of this installment of the series is the lack of interaction with the secondary characters. Even Roarke seemed a little cookie cutter this go-round. However, having said that, I believe there is a legitimate reason for it that goes deeper than lack of inspiration.

Essentially, the character of Eve was feeling cut off from her loved ones in this story. She was dealing with inner demons quite a bit -- not as dramatically as in some previous books, but nonetheless she was definitely withdrawn to some degree while she dealt with new information about her past. Also, several of the secondary characters, such as Peabody, were dealing with life changes and were not their "usual selves."

I think that the story functioned as a mirror of Eve's own innerlooking attitude, life changes of several characters, and finally and perhaps most importantly as a bridge to the next phase of the series. I won't say what that phase is -- you will know as soon as you finish the book -- because I don't want to spoil the story.

But believe me, while the story itself may not satisfy the reader as much as Roberts' earlier installments, I think that it serves its purpose perfectly and sets up a lot of new things that will keep the series as a whole fresh for years to come.

Rating:
Summary: Dallas is back!
Review: J.D. Robb has done it again! This the 17th book, I believe, centering around the heroine Lt. Eve Dallas and it is another hit by J.D. Robb! Our favorite Lieutenant is up against intelligent killer who has studied and made serial killers of the past his heros. Peabody takes the detective exam so be sure and read the book and find out whats going to happen with that! This is a great book! Definately worth the reading time even if your don't regularly read J.D. Robb.

The reader is presented with the normal cast of returning characters. What makes this book interesting to me beyond the great story is this is the second book since the author changed her tone of writing. It is my belief that the first 15 books with the much gritier and grimmer writing style gives the reader a glimps into the soul of Lt. Eve Dallas as it where. In latest 2 books the writing style as lighted considerably. Not to say Dallas is any less of a great cop or that her personality has been changed by the author. No its more as if some of the deep mental wounds have been healed to an extent that while Dallas is still a hardass she's enjoying living more.

Another great Lt. Eve Dallas mystery, definately worth the read!

Rating:
Summary: good personal relationships; bad crimesolving
Review: 2 scenes stand out: Roarke and the grill, and the ending. It's clear that JD Robb is really getting to know her characters, but it's unfortunate that the focus on all the relationships is harming the crimesolving portion of the story. Eve just isn't kicking butt like she used to, and it makes the book unwieldy and almost painful to read. Much as I love the In Death series, I can't say it's getting better as the list of titles grow.

Rating:
Summary: Imitation in Death Review
Review: Another great read in the Death series. This one definately concentrates more on Eve, Roarke and Peabody. It is always fascinating to see Eve match wits with a serial killer and come out on top with out getting too beat up and injured. The characters of our main protagonists did not develop much beyond where they were in the last book, but as always the read was easy, fun and riveting. Can't wait for the next in the series!

Rating:
Summary: Where are my friends?
Review: I do think J.D.Robb broke away somewhat from many of her characters, almost all of them in fact. I kept wondering where Feeney was and McNabb was talked about but that's about it. Perhaps she's trying to show that Eve is becoming more independant than ever, that she's learning to lean on others more yet at the same time herself.
We did get to spend time with Mira though! That's always nice ^^

Rating:
Summary: Where have all the "delicious characters "gone?
Review: Having read all the "in death" books, I waited patiently for this one. I am somewhat disappointed. It's the same old, same old, with Eve and Roarke. She confides, he helps, they argue, they make love. Peabody and McNab are well under way, thank goodness. But, where are all the other wonderful, colorful characters I have come to know from all previous books? Don't misunderstand, I LOVE Eve and Roarke, but it is time for a new twist or two in their relationship.
I will say that I am in awe of N.Roberts. The talent and scope of her ability to write such an unusual series is amazing.