Reunion in Death

It is so hard not to have ALL of the books at the top of the "favorite" list since each story is just as good, if not better, than the last. "Reunion" brings back a case Eve had closed more than 10 years ago, however, the system failed and allowed this cold killer, Julianna Dunne, to be released from prison. Julianna attacks her victims with cyanide and is a champ at disguise. She is cold and callus and out to get her revenge on Eve (for being the cop who locked her up the first time) in the worst possible way - by killing Roarke. The story is written very well (the scene in Dallas in heart wrenching) and I particularly enjoyed the comic relief with Eve putting up a big fight about medical care and an even bigger one when Roarke infringes on her territory at Cop Central. That situation was very well played out (I had read some negative reviews on the way Nora handled this, however, I do believe Roarke saw the error of his ways and more than made up for it by the end of the story). This book also celebrates Eve and Roarke's first wedding anniversary in a way that brought tears to my eyes. Any story that can touch you that deeply, is definitely well written. Also, I couldn't conclude my review without acknowledging the supporting characters as well. They always add to the excitement, suspense and romance and the series would be nothing without them.

There is one thing that is true about J. D. Robb... she has a very special ability to engage the reader's attention. In this case, the novel starts with a bang, when we find out that Walter Pettibone has only a few hours left to live; after that we are hooked. Walter has a perfect life: he is celebrating his sixtieth birthday, is in good shape, and has a young wife, a great family and a successful business. He knows his wife is planning a surprise party, but he is not aware that he will be poisoned when making the toast.

Eve Dallas is back in town after a "forced" two-week holiday involving Mexico and a private island. She was taking some time off after a tough and personally draining case. She is ready for some action, but things are very quiet upon her return. That is of course until she becomes the primary in the murder of Walter Pettibone. Before this happens Eve and her aide Peabody start investigating a cold case concerning the murder of a woman who was believed to be killed by her mysterious lover. Eve is ready to push Peabody in her career, so she decides to put her in charge of the cold case. Peabody is one of the most fascinating characters in this series, and in this installment she is very close to center stage, since not only she has to deal with her first case, but also with her evolving relationship with McNabb and with a surprise visit by her parents.

One of the high points of this series is how the author keeps developing the personal stories of the main characters. Eve soon finds out that the killer is an antagonist from her past, Julianna Dunne, who Eve put in jail eight years ago. Julianna was a black widow and now she is coming after Eve and her husband Roarke. The investigation will take the Lieutenant to Dallas where we will witness some shocking scenes related to Eve's past when she visits the hotel in which she ended her relationship with her abusive father.

I cannot praise this series high enough, so I just have to say that you should read it and judge for yourself. One word of advice: even though each book stands on its own, the fact that the personal stories play such an important role in the attractiveness of the series, leads me to recommend you to read the books in order.

There's a nasty lady out there, recently released from prison and ready to resume her wicked ways. The first time police officer Eve Dallas put the husband murdering Julianna Dunne away it was with a great sense of satisfaction. The lovely Ms Dunne promised to make it all even between herself and the only female member of the investigative team. She's had plenty of time in prison to plan it all meticulously. A number of poisoning deaths brings the attention that she wants - and the chase between the now Lieutenant Dallas and the killer begins.

After speaking to Dunne's fellow inmates, Eve is sure she knows Dunne's next target. Eve's husband is a man more than capable of taking care of himself but that is no reassurance to a wife who has seen the efficient kills that Dunne can perform without feeling. Looking into Dunne's past involves a return to Dallas, where Eve Dallas began and the abused child of her past was left behind. Just one more hurdle to face as she hunts a killer down in order to protect what belongs solely to her. Her husband of one year, Roarke.

Roarke and Eve partner up so many times in this series it's about time they gave the man a badge of his own. "Reunion in Death" (re) introduces us once again to future living, New York style, and it's done as always extremely well. If you've made it this far into the series you would already be an established fan of Robb's strong characterization and extremely quotable dialogue. If you're a newbie this one might throw you as Robb doesn't always bother with the explanations. This novel doesn't require a lot of head scratching to figure it all out but it's all written with the aim of one entertaining read in mind. Very successfully, at that.

"Reunion in Death" is entry number fourteen to Robb's (or if you like, Nora Robert's) hugely popular "in Death" series.

One of Eve's past case comes back to haunt her. Julianna Dunne has been relaesed early for good behavior. Now she's out for revenge. She killed one man to get Eves attention. She kills two more to keep it.Eve figures out she'll go after Roarke. He's not Julianna's mo, but he is Eves after all. Can Eve catch her before she can get Roarke? Or will Julianna get her revenge? Check it out. Eve Dallas is wonderful. Also does Peabody solve her first cold case?

I can always count on JD Robb to suck me into a story and this book was no exception. It seems that her villains are becoming more focused on revenge against Eve as this series develops. In this story, the villain is someone who Eve caught years ago and wants to get even on a personal level - by going after Roarke. It definitely kept the suspense up!

More of Eve's childhood came out in this book as well, so that was an interesting twist.

This is definitely JD Robb formula writing, but still a pleasant way to waste a day.