Calculated in Death

Calculated in Death                        
by J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts is another exciting addition to her 'In Death' futuristic series.  Lieutenant Eve Dallas is about to be featured in the movie that was made from the book written about the Icove case and she is dreading the premiere and the preparation that goes with it (including a visit by the force of nature known as Trina).  The murder of an accountant starts an investigation that gradually expands to encompass many of the regular consultants who are all greatly anticipating the glamorous movie premiere but not at the expense of their regular duties.  Eve is singleminded as usual in her pursuit of justice although she is comfortable enough to admit her dependency on Roarke as well as her trusty sidekick, the reliable Peabody.  The violence escalates until Eve may have a valid reason to skip the furor of the premiere, if she can withstand the wrath of reporter Nadine Furst.

I am always entertained by the interaction between Eve and the people around her, especially since most of them realize that her bark is much worse than her bite (unless you're a criminal).  It is great to see that she is finally coming to terms with some of the horrific occurrences in her past and naturally, the mesmerizing Roarke is always a wonderful bonus to these stories.  After all...who can resist a description like this, "And there he was, filling her dash screen, those staggering blue eyes alert in a face created on a day God had felt particularly generous".  Yum.  And what a relationship..."He knew what to give, what to take.  He always knew.  With him, she could love, without fear, without doubts and know she was loved the same way.  She reached for him, reached for that love, for the welcome, and once more looked into the wild, wild blue of his eyes". Sigh.

It's amazing to me that each of these books is a testament to this author's ability to create an enthralling story that is a meld of creativity as it explores some of the inventions and developments of the future yet provides a very keen study of human nature and the struggle between good and evil.  There is a fair amount of violence but it is leavened by the constant byplay and witticisms which demonstrate much of Eve's philosophy in her pithy comments.  I spend a fair amount of time giggling at the turn of events (including Eve's instructions to Peabody on the stealthy way to convince grandma to send soup) even as I cheer on the good guys as they seek to bring justice to those who have been wronged.  And yes, I always enjoy the opportunity to drool over Roarke...who wouldn't?  Another great read in a series that continues to evolve and entertain.

And, Happy Anniversary to my own version of Roarke who strives to spoil me just as much as Roarke does Eve!