The Bookworm: Strangers in Death - J. D. Robb

• Title: Strangers in Death
  
• Author: J. D. Robb
• Format: Paperback 368 pages
• Publisher: Piatkus Books
• Published: 07 February 2008
• Genre: Crime
• ISBN 13: 9780749908706
• ISBN 10: 074990870X
• Source: Bought it myself

In an apple core (The Bookworm’s version of a nutshell)

If you haven’t read this book, what have you been doing!? A kinky read in every way, and a great one to start the day. Crime mystery at its best. And you know when a book is good when you can't stop thinking about it even after more than a month and a dozen other books.

Summary

Technology may be different in 2060 New York, yet the city is still a place of many cultures and great divides. But as ever, some murders receive more attention than others - especially those in which the victim is a prominent businessman, found in his Park Avenue apartment, tied to the bed - and strangled - with cords of black velvet.It doesn't surprise Lieutenant Eve Dallas that Thomas Anders' scandalous death is a source of titillation and speculation to the public - and of humiliation to his family. But while all those in the city are talking about it, people close to Anders aren't so anxious to do the same. With some help from her billionaire husband, Roarke, Eve is soon knocking on doors - or barging through them - to find answers. But the facts don't add up. Physical evidence suggests that the victim didn't struggle. The security breach in the apartment indicates that the killer was someone connected to the family, but everyone's alibi checks out. Was this a kinky sex game that turned into a crime of passion - or a meticulously planned execution? It's up to Dallas to solve a case in which strangers may be connected in unexpected, and deadly, ways.

My Thoughts

This is my first J.D. Robb book. And of course, being my silly self, I didn't know this was part of a series, and a long and very popular one at that! I’ll admit, shamefully, that I’ve never been quite taken with Nora Roberts’ books. I’ve never even picked one up before! But when I picked up this book and saw that it is written by J. D. Robb aka Nora Roberts, I thought, why not give it a try! The summary sounded good enough. I guess the name Nora Roberts to me spelled “old-fashioned”? But boy was I WRONG!

This book is like a futuristic version of a Castle case. But spunkier and naughtier, and definitely more matured. The technological factor makes everything so much faster and more fun. And the summary really captured my attention. When you take a wealthy man plus kinky sex gone wrong, I don't know about you, but to me, that makes for a good read! The whole book is a mind-game from start to finish and full of surprises. It's even worth it just to see how Eve outwits the culprit.

Eve's men have a somewhat standstill case of their own. And it is up to her to help them out with theirs while she works tirelessly on her own high-profile case. A few returning characters come in to help out, only to end up having minor problems of their own. All will be revealed close to the end of the book.

And oh my my, Roarke ooh la la.... What can I say. I finally get it! After months of seeing people comment about a guy named Roarke, I can finally put a face, or an as-far-as-my imagination-will-take-me face, to the man. And what a man he is! Through Robb's words, his voice purrs like smooth whisky (must be that Irish accent), he's all-intelligent when it comes to IT and *ahem* hacking, a good and extremely useful tool that Eve manipulates to perfection. Oh, did I mention he is GORGEOUS too?

Eve's character is really well-built too. Did you notice I mentioned her name only after Roarke's? She's the foundation that seals the book's success, and rightly so. She's spunky, foul-mouthed (no filter can stop her), and doesn't give a rat's a** what she does to get the job done. But that's why I love this character! She's like a rose, with lots of layers that slowly unfold to reveal a totally new secret. I also found her quite adventurous in the sack. Like they say, "when you work hard, you play hard." I really liked Eve's constant debate with Roarke yet almost always succumbing to his wiles.

Even the villains are something to talk about. I will be a good blogger and not divulge any spoilers. Unfortunately this means I can't reveal quite a lot of the storyline. The plot twists and turns like a rollercoaster ride Revenge (the TV series) style.

But I must say that villains were very meticulously created and one main baddie would probably win the Sneakiest Villain in Book History Award! Shameless I tell you! But you'll have to read it to find out how deeply conceited Robb's villains can be.

I even like that Robb gives her main characters the CUTEST pet names for each other. Roarke's is The Civilian (very cool) and Eve is logically called Lieutenant or Eve darling (to Roarke). Also another plus point of this book is the humour within the entire squad. Especially love the way the coppers talked about "real food"! Trust me, you'll love that bit when you read it!

The bad thing about this book, is that you have to have read the series from the beginning to be able to understand the complexities behind the relationships. In this book, Eve and Roarke are already married and very settled down. Some of the minor characters get their own romances this time around which makes for even more fun. And as for character descriptions, I feel this book is a little lacking too. I know fans of the series won't encounter this problem since they have been with the characters from the beginning but I'd have loved more details in character building.

All in all, a very fast-paced book that will keep you on your feet till the end with strong characters. I loved the twists and turns this book took and the depth the case went into. All I can say is, Give Me More! 

WARNING: There is sex and some bad language in this book so please note that this should only be read by those 18+.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience. 


Get The Book