Isn't it incredible that Eve Dallas has been around for 58 books and is still going strong? Part of the secret to the longevity of the series would have to be the ingenious plots. This time there is seemingly a serial killer who is randomly targeting young women at social events like concerts or movie premieres. And if the victims truly are random, how will the police find the killer? The means of death and the painstaking arms of the investigation are detailed enough to satisfy those who enjoy some police procedure mixed in with the storyline.
But another reason we as readers keep coming back for more Dallas is the continuing growth of the characters. We see Eve open up her life to allow in friends and even love. Roarke sets aside his criminal ways (although not his skills), to be a part of her life. Peabody matures from a uniformed officer with a smart mouth to Eve's detective partner, etc. This time we see more of Eve with her friends at the house Mavis, Peabody, and significant others are renovating. Back in that first book, could we ever have imagined Eve taking time for a backyard barbecue and watching a preschooler play on a swing set?
The way in which Eve's growing network of friends weaves in and out of the stories gives readers as much emotional support as they provide Dallas. Charles and Louise, Jake and Nadine, Peabody and McNabb, Mavis and Leonardo, even Jamie and Quilla help with investigations and insights, but also ground Eve in the other side of her life away from the job. As Dr. Mira often points out, opening up her life has made Dallas a better police officer - but that emotional depth also makes a better reading experience for us.
Due out on January 23. If you haven't already preordered it or put your name on the notification list at the library, do it now. Another successful case for J.D. Robb and fans.
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