The Book Was Better

Frankenstein meets The Terminator in this newest In Death installment. What if our humanity could be merged with technology? A body that won’t age, limitless strength and endurance, a database mind. Would it be worth the sacrifice? That’s the science that Eve is up against, just over 24 hours from where we last left her. When bodies and parts are discovered littered around NY, it’s up to Eve and her team to stop the mad doctor.  This one hit different. Previous editions have featured some pretty messed up mentalities, but this one might take the cake. It was everything I love about an In Death installment— the minutia of everyday cop banter, friends who are like family, plenty of delicious sarcasm, and of course, Roarke. The dramatic irony took away the element of mystery, but knowing who the bad guy was and wondering how Eve and Peabody would get there was just as fun.  Because I was blessed with an advanced copy from NetGalley, the creepy vibe was perfect for Halloween. Cons...

How do you stop a killer when his victims are guilty? Eve is up against a physically dominating opponent, but also her own conscience in this 63rd edition. A single assailant, shattered bodies, and tight security. How is he getting in? How is he causing all this destruction, and why? As Dallas, Peabody, and the team dive into each victim, they uncover an ugly truth about a corporate behemoth and the undeniable motive in this killing spree. But who is the bigger monster here?  This might be a new series favorite of mine. It had all of the ingredients of a great "In Death" tale -- family, connection, moral grayness, loyalty...and Roarke. We got authoritative Peabody, softer Somerset, and a butt that even Eve couldn't kick. I felt a few knocks at my suspension of disbelief, but they were quickly answered. The ending was satisfying in more ways than one and the forged bonds (old and new) sang a song of found family.  Fury in Death: ★★★★★

  It's hard to believe that this is JD's (and my) 62nd edition of Dallas and Roarke. I've been following this journey since the beginning and I love the character arch that spans the whole series. Formulaic? Yes. But this one added in a few unexpected surprises.  Dallas, with her expert civilian consultant, is called away from a charity gala to the home of another wealthy family, where there appears to be a burglary gone wrong. Eve and Peabody's investigation reveals a dead body and a host of secrets, including a hidden vault filled with more questions than answers.  The callbacks and personal connections were a treat for a series that had gone a little stale in recent editions. Whodunits are my jam and even I gave a little gasp at the culprit. This book feels fresh and new, with the friendships and soulmates we've all come to adore. Only request: More Peabody. She's smarter than anyone gives her credit.  Stolen in Death: ★★★★3/4

What I liked about this book:  Ryland's self-deprecating humor  The "science for dummies"  The flashback structure  The relatable narration  Ryland and Rocky's relationship  What I didn't love about this book:  Ryland and Rocky's relationship  Relatable-ness to the point of absurdity  Over-science  Full disclosure: I am not a sci-fi person. I thought that this book would be more "realistic sci-fi" in feel, similar to The Martian . The same light-heartedness-around-a-heavy-topic was there, but sorry...you lost me at aliens.  Yes, Ryland and Rocky's relationship is on both lists. I enjoyed their "bromance" and their deep desire to understand each other. But seriously? Let me just send a sample of my ship to this unknown vessel and then let the alien board me? I get that Ryland is a pretty chill dude, but c'mon. In fact, I felt the mental eye roll about most of Ryland's reactions, including waking up from a coma (wow, I'm rippe...