Book 28), Promises in Death (In Death

This was a great "In Death" installment. I felt so many emotions while reading Promises in Death. To share the emotions would mean sharing spoilers and I don't want to spoil the story for you. Just know there is a rollercoaster ride of surprises in this book.

We see Eve Dallas at her best while wrestling conflicting emotions this murder uncovers. I loved the "smart women" briefing!

I highly recommend this book. You won't be sorry.

My 1st ever reading of an item from the Nora Roberts factory. Would give it a 3.5 to be more precise, and maybe I should not have read it out of order. Some entertaining elements of police procedural and fairly believable kick-ass lead. However, I think it could use some slimming down, and did not appreciate the decades in the future jargon. There seemed to be some discontinuities in the plot and a bit, to me, clunky writing and a tiny amount of sloppy editing. I might try others in the series, but at the moment can't help wondering if it's a triumph of quantity over quality. Thought likewise after the 12th or so Sue Grafton.

This story, as others have said, encapsulates how Eve has changed as a person since meeting Rourke. She has a family now and it is wonderful to see how baffled she becomes by this when it hits in the face. It is also nice to see how it sometimes takes Rourke by surprise when he notices how open she is to him. By the way, loved the new car!!! I think that is good to see her issues with her father become part of the background. They will never really go away because it has made her what she is but it is not on the forefront of every storyline now because she no longer is being hit all the time with flashes of when she was a kid. I think it shows a natural progression. Great job, Ms. Roberts!!!! Loved it and will continue to read!!!

Once again, Nora Roberts, writing as J.D. Robb in this 28th book of the In Death series, manages to keep the excitement going. The relationship between Eve and Rourke is still going strong, although they don't fight as much in this book, thank goodness! The mystery is well written and interesting with enough twists to keep you guessing. An old nemesis pops up, as happens a good bit in these stories. Promises in Death is another high quality read in the series.

Honestly, the JD Robb books are ones that I have to save so I can glom a bunch of them in a row. That's why I am just now getting around to reading this one, and why I like to keep a "stash" of them to read when I need my Eve/Roarke fix.

This series just keeps getting better and better, with wonderful character development, humor, and suspense. This book was sad due to the murder victim, but there was a nice balance of humor when Eve gets roped into a bachelorette party. I tend to skim the sex scenes with her and Roarke, not because they aren't well-written, but because after awhile they begin to sound the same. That's the only part of the book that is slow for me--the mysteries, the setting always fascinates, and the interaction between Eve and her guy is great.

I love these books. They are my favorite series ever, and I'm so glad they're still going strong.

I agree with the many reviewers who feel that this is one of the best "In Deaths" ever. After the last two less than thrilling books, JDR hits a home run with this one. The interactions among the characters make this book a winner. It's heartwarming to see the NYPSD coming together as a "family" to solve the murder of ME Morris' lover, and to comfort Morris. Eve's growth as a person (and a wife) also adds dimension to this terrific novel. The book brought me to tears (the music requested for the autopsy) and to laughter (Louise's bridal shower) - and both scenes rang true emotionally. The "In Death" books are my absolute favorite fictional series, and Promises in Death is a superb addition.

I've read one or two Nora Roberts books, and am familiar with her 'J.D. Robb' alia, and the Eve Dallas series, through a short story I read in an anthology a few years ago. I was looking forward to seeing an Eve dallas story in a longer format.
Unfortunately, in spote of a decent beginning, 'Promises in Death' was a chore to finish. The plot was very thin, and probably would have been better suited for a short story, or at most a novella of maybe 100 pages.
As other reviewers noted, the story really is just another 'procedural', with some 'slightly distant future' bells and whistles that really add nothing to the story, other than 'flying cars', and food-making gadgets that were probably cool when 'The Jetsons' were on the air.
The drawback of long-running series in prose fiction is that it can be difficult to get a feel for the characters when you're introduced to them in, say, book 20, rather than from the beginning of the series. A notable exception to this rule would be Cynthia Harrod-eagles' 'Bill Slider' series, in which the characters seemed like old friends even though I came to that series a few books late. As far as Roberts/Robb and the 'world of Eve Dallas' are concerned, I didn't 'connect' with anyone. I found enough info on Wikipedia to answer most of my questions about who was who, but it felt like the author(or maybe ghostwriter) was kind of going through the motions, and didn't really make the characters engaging.

Maybe I'll try to find the first book in the series someday, and try to make a fresh start. Otherwise, I can't recommend this book as a starting point for readers who are new to the series.

After a disappointing "Salvation"... J.D. is back to doing what she does best; supplying us with an ingenious thriller that keeps your interest from first page to last. Aside from the mystery plot itself, I love the little insights we get as Robb opens up the characters of both Eve and Roarke a little more with each volume. I laughed out loud at Eve's discomfort in having to deal with all the "girly" things she never had in her life, even while applauding her cautious steps into a new world. Great read!

Amaryllis Coltraine is murdered and the NYPD's ME Morris was her
boyfriend. Transferred to Eve Dallas' squad, Eve must find out what
happened to her. . .the team investigates her old squad back in Atlanta
and the guy that she dated before Morris. Was it the ex or someone
who she arrested? Or was the killer more closer to home? Can Eve
get to the truth? Must read.

Promises In Death did not disappoint! I knew when I first read the premise of this story that it would be a great read. The plot, the interaction, the relationships, the humor, the disgust, the everything was so well done.........that this is definitely one of my favorites in the series. A must read!!!! I just don't have enough words to express how happy I was with this book. I love the connection back to Judgment in Death. I do enjoy when the characters link back & I enjoy the books more when there's a good balance between the investigation and the personal relationship(s) story lines.

This is another great addition in the same style as Innocent in Death and the two following it - with a fast-paced, well-written, interesting plot. It was nice to see Eve's emotional growth in dealing with a friend's loss. Her softer side has become more apparent in the last several books - not too much at once... just right to show her growth as a character, without compromising her basic kick-ass personality. Well done!

An avid Eve and Roarke fan, this book was one of the best in the series for me. Eve was more "wifely" in this book than in some of the past books. In each book, she evolves a little more into a caring, feeling person...sometimes against her will. She fights friendship but embraces it more and more with each book. For me, it's what keeps me coming back for more. To see just how and what comes next. Rock on Nora!

But I just kept reading and things would seem familiar and then be nothing like I thought. I cannot get enough of this author. I believe when I have read all the "in death" books I will read them again and enjoy them like the first time.

As i have written for a number of years in several forums - J. D. Robb's series of books are solid sci-fi detective novels. But for some reason i cant take her as her real life author's name - Nora Roberts.

This latest book is a wee bit better than some of the latter books, but they have all really been good. Unlike a lot of other series, this one has stayed consistent in quality in terms of character and storyline. From steamy sex scenes to believable characters and great mysterys to be solved, Nora Roberts at the very least stays consistent.

I have been a fan of JD Robb ever since my friend introduced me to her works about 2 years ago. This installment in the "Death" series was an espically hard case for our favorite Detective Eve Dallas and her sexy husband Roarke since they were investigating the death of a fellow officer. The pain and misery Eve feels in having to investigate several of her co-workers really jumps out of the story. This can't be an easy process for anyone, looking over your shoulder to find dirty cops. Eve's investigaiton progresses from a simple murder investigation to a witch hunt full of danger and intrigue. I love how the relationship between the main characters (Eve and Roarke) has taken so many evolutions in the series, and I espically love just how much Eve's partner Deliah has grown. JD Robb knows how to get to the bones of story and make it fantastic without having to resort to a lot of literay fluff. I look forward to more of her books coming soon.

She gets a phone call and leaves the house almost instantly afterward with her two guns on her person. Her weapons do not help her as she is ambushed on the stairwell by someone she recognizes. She is brought to the basement where she is revived before she is killed. The year is 2060 and NYPD Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas catches the case.

Eve arrives at the crime scene and examines the body before turning it over. To her horror, she recognizes the victim as veteran Detective Amarylis Coltraine who recently joined the New York City police force from Atlanta. Ammy broke off with her boyfriend Alex Riker, the son of psychopathic killer Max, whom Eve and her husband Roarke got put away on an off planet cage Alex, who is in New York coincidently swears he never killed anyone hen Eve questions him . The killer taunts Eve by sending her Ammy's badge and guns with an attached gloating letter. Determined Eve investigates seemingly anyone who knew Ammy which include peers in the two police departments, former lovers, and even current boyfriend Chief Medical Examiner Morris, and friends. Eve concludes to hers shock that the hit was carried out by two un-subs in what is an ever widening conspiracy.

J.D. Robb writes another sublime futuristic police procedural starring the heroine who after numerous cases (books) still believes strongly in justice for the victims and will go the extra kilometers to achieve her objective. The returning characters like the ME play critical roles in Eve's investigation while Roarke plays a somewhat lesser part than usual though he as always there for his beloved. Fans will fully appreciate this fantastic entry as five decades into the future Eve methodically step by step conducts her investigation. Eve is powerful woman who lets nobody get away with murder

Harriet Klausner

This is a police procedural that takes place in New York in the late 21st century. Most of the elements of a good procedural are there plus futuristic tech equipment and some odd language changes (such as referring to women officers as 'sir'). Entertaining for those who follow this series and most procedural fans.

I am working my way through Robb's In Death series and have enjoyed everyone I have read. Characters are well rounded and detailed. Each book could stand on it's own so it doesn't matter where you come in on the series. Good entertaining read when you just want to curl up with a book and not have to labor through it.

This is one of the best in an exceptional series. Yes, there is sadness and it pulls at your heartstrings, but the repartee between Eve and Roarke is priceless -- especially when they have to go shopping for lingerie for Louise's wedding shower. I disagree with the reviewer who said their relationship didn't evolve ... they've been married for almost two years now and their relationship has done some "settling in" as happens in all successful marriages. Just loved this one!

I am working my way through the In Death series. All of the books are excellent, and I love all the characters as well as their interactions with each other. The author has a real knack for description without boring detail.

Another great read by one of my favorite authors! Nora Roberts' J.D.Robb 'In Death' series never fails to engage and immerse this reader as the mystery unfolds. Her development of characters paints a vivid picture and the humor throughout balances the intense read.

After Salvation in Death I was glad to see, with Promises in Death, J.D. Robb once again gives us a winner. I liked that Robb toned down Eve's caustic, snarly personality. It's about time Dallas starts to appreciate what she has with Roarke.

I do agree with the review from movieaholic44 (March 27, 2009). Peabody, McNab and Truehart have all been hospitalized for injuries and even Feeney was sick enough to stay home in bed. But Dallas gets blown up, beat on, involved in multiple auto accidents and usually refuses medical help and goes home or back to work. The one time she even comes close to being sick (Seduction in Death) Roarke panics. I would like to see how Roarke handles Dallas if her injuries mean a stay in the hospital. Show us that Peabody can go a long way in solving a case.

I felt the end was rushed but, all in all a good book. But, if you haven't read any other "In Death" books, this isn't the one to start on.

The last few In Death books seems to drag a little for me. Usually you knew what was going to happen before it did. Not with this book! I found myself pleasantly surprised by the story. There was heart, fun, drama and some tension. I didn't know until the end who the killer was, I was expecting someone else, so the conclusion was thrilling. I hope she keeps up the good work for future books. I think that anyone who has maybe walked away from the series in the last few years should give this book a try!

Promises in Death gets back to the basics with a mystery and police procedural that keeps the past history of main characters in the background. I've read every single JD Robb and late in the series I grow tired of Eve and Roarke's constant dwelling on their own tragedies and strength to overcome, yada yada, but this is a good mystery that keeps the relationships inmportant while telling a good, mysterious story.

It's a pleasure reading about the major characters in each of Robbs books. Eve really had to deal with personal issues concerning friends. She is learning and developing relationships. I laughed and cried . It is a must read for those who love our badass cop.

I've started reading the entire 'in death' of books this year, this is the 28th. The characters have become like friends and in this book my heart was broken for Dr Morris. This is definitely one of my favorites.

You can tell who wrote the book when You get to the sex parts.

She spends 10 pages having sex,BOY was that thrilling !

Total fairy tale,She never meet a detective in Her dreams
much less in real live.

I did not realize the series had reached 29 installments since 1995 and it only covers two years or so of Eve and Roark's lives. Over fourteen years and so many books, some will be hit or miss. This one was a hit with me. I like that Eve finally has confidence in the stability of her relationship with Roark. She can see that it could have gone the same way as Amaryllis and Alex. Now, if she can just get over her fear of social events.

Promises in Death is an intimate story. The character development is strong, and Robb gives us even deeper insight into their hearts and minds. There's plenty futuristic murder mystery, plenty snappy dialogue and plenty of threads to tug along with Dallas as she solves the puzzle, but what struck me the most about this book was how Eve is opening herself up to her own inner workings, and giving more of her self to those important to her.

First off, I liked the book fine - My only problem is that a couple of things have been "off" character-wise, in the last couple of books - especially for Eve - and after reading promises in death, I finally figured out the difference - a ghostwriter is definitely onboard the In Death series. Although doing a good job, the GW just can't write Eve as Nora does. It always shows.

The GW thing became more and more clear through-out this latest book, both in personality and especially in language, specifically a phrase that Eve gives at some point: "my sweet lord jesus" is just something that a character such as Eve, who holds no religious beliefs, would never ever utter.

But as I said, I liked it just fine, only wish that instead of putting out a book a year, Nora would hold of the press until she had finished the actual work herself. It shows.

Nora has done it again. I waited and waited for this book to come out, and was not disappointed. I love the audiobooks, and Susan Ericksen makes all of the characters come to life. The plot was done so well and came together great at the end. There are a couple of funny scenes in the book that will make you laugh at the way Eve responds to the interaction with her friends. I can't wait for the next Eve and Roarke storyline in November. In the meantime, I'll be waiting for Nora's movies on Lifetime in March and April.

I have reread the 'In Death' series several times. Each time I steal enjoy the mixer of romance & mystery. Icahn start from book one or just pickup my favorite. Of course,I end up picking up the another.

CD-Unabridged: I hated not liking this one too much. It was the same plot and scenes. It was the same character with the same dialog. Coltrane, a minor minor character, who is murdered. Dallas has to solve the murder with the help of Roarke. Same 2.5 sex scenes. This series needs to retire. Peabody and McNab aren't fun anymore. There were too many conversations with Morris. It was just a bunch of filler. I guess Robb's publisher expects a certain page count.

As I love all the "In Death" series, this one was no disappointment. How clever Nora Roberts was to create her own future and bring us such a great set of characters to live in that time. An excellent listen!!

I never put spoilers in my reviews.
J D Robb (Nora Roberts) is one of the few authors I reread. Everything about the "in death" novels is quality writing and defies genre labeling. This one is about family, both blood and that of the heart, and that when it comes down to it's the choices we make that define us.
From the relationship between Dallas and Rourke, the mystery/thriller storyline, an extremely strong female role model, the secondary characters, the setting, well, everything, you just can't wait for the next one. Robb shows that a woman can be strong and capable despite soul crippling events in her life. I have a mantra, "just step over it and move on." Eve Dallas personifies this. It doesn't mean you never think of it or that you forget but life goes on.
Dallas "stands for the dead," they are hers, no matter who or what they were in life. To her it's almost a sacred trust and she is uncompromising in her pursuit of justice for those in her care.
I think even most men would like these books, if for no reason than to see how women would like to be treated.
Read, enjoy, repeat.

The difference in writing style is apparent at the opening and gets stronger as the book continues. It is most glaringly obvious in the dialog, it reads a bit snarky rather than snappy. I agree with another reviewer that I would prefer to have fewer books written originally by the author, rather than this type of jarring "almost but not quite" affair. Surely Robb/Roberts isn't starving for the cash, given her successful career? I also resent that the ghostwriter's presence is not acknowledged - I'd like a little more truth in advertising there. I probably won't read anymore of this series now. Shame that.

another great offering from Nora Roberts aka JD Robb...timeless and priceless storytelling about relationships, suspense, love, marriage, commitments to friends and remembrances of family, along with an appealing taste of futuristic law enforcement and off-planet travel. A reminder that the past is but the future, even in a story set in the future, remains an infinite stream of possibilities and potentialities awaiting exploration

I was so looking forward to this book, I cannot tell you how badly. Unfortunately it didn't deliver for me. There were some good moments however.

I was expecting to learn more about Eve's past, as was stated in the right-up, more of what there is in her previous books with Eve and Roarke. I'm wondering if all that is done now that they are so far into their relationship/marriage. I guess you can't always have battles and conflicts, but MAN, they made for some VERY interesting reading! I'm going to miss it. You know, like some of the fights they had in 'Divided...' or 'Innocent...', or the fight between Roarke and Webster in 'Judgment...'. I think this shows that finally Eve gets 'it' and has finally come to grips with her marriage and all these different people in her life that make up her 'family'. It was nice to see her interact more with Belle Eve. I can't wait to see what transpires in that quarter.

There's also her dreams. I'm kind of glad for her that they aren't so tortured any more. Has Eve finally come through to the other side? I guess now we are going to be seeing her solving cases in her dreams?

A few very comical moments were enjoyed: the whole bridal shower scene at the pool; Trina is always good for some laughs; the scene with all the women in Eve's office trying to solve the crime brought shades of the Womens Murder Club to mind; and just the idea of Mr. Mira at the strip club brought some unexpected chuckles. I hope to see more of him and Eve interact. That would make a very good story IMO.

When they bring in the killer for interview, though, and drop the 'Bomb' it kind of missed the mark there for me. Eve and Peabody lacked their usual Punch I thought. It all happened too quick and I agree with other reviewers that it was a bit underwhelming.

I will keep waiting expectantly for more Eve and Roarke, though, but this one was a little ho-hum for me. Sorry.

I can't top the other reviewers detailed plot reviews, I just wanted to say don't pass this one up! This book shows how much Eve has evolved as a person since the start of the series. She is much more warm and caring to her friends in this book while still being the same kickass cop. It was so good I didn't want it to end!

This book was bad on many levels. First impression was that the futuristic element was poorly supported and useless to the story or for any entertainment value; second, for every page of actual plot development there was 10 pages of silly dialog and self conversation and introspection. More suitable to a romance novel than a murder mystery.
Really amateurish writing filled with phony emotion and stereotypes that had no business in a crime novel. I had this one pegged the instant the guilty character was introduced in to the story line. J.D. Robb called this one in.

Can't quite pinpoint what I was missing in this book that I enjoyed in others.
Loved the bridal shower for Louise.
Almost sympathised with the killer in the end.
Despite the sense of something missing, did enjoy the read.

I love the book. I'm just not impressed that all of the other in death books are available in Canada on Kindle, but this one is not.

I found the 'In Death" series to be a wonderful way to loose yourself for a few hours at a time.

I have got to say this is one great book. I have read every one of her "Death" books and I enjoy the way Eve Dallas has grown in her ways and thoughts. I cannot wait to see what is in store for her in the future books. Keep them coming.

J.B.Robb's books are absolutely my favorites. This new book, 'Promises in Death' lives up to the promise of another excellent read. As other Authors seem to become less intense, J.B. Robb continues to hold to a high standard! Thanks to her from one of her greatest Fans!!!

I couldn't read it fast enough. I was drawn into the story from the first paragraph. The author can write so descriptively that I feel I am in this futuristic world she created. I cannot wait for her next Eve Dallas tale.

I am a huge fan of JD Robb/Nora Roberts, but I waited and waited and thought this book appeared to be rushed. There is no doubt that it is wonderful to see the character of Eve evolve, but there was some stagnation to the relationship between Eve and Roarke. There was much more intensity (characterwise, not just the sexy, steamy) in prior books of the series.

I have to agree that the relationship and emotion between Eve and Morris were spot on and cried at many places in the dialogue..(Were there any more tears when he showed up at the gate of the house?) It was also fun to lighten the book with the shower, (Yep, we do wear pj's just like that) and I love the continuing interaction between Peabody and Eve.

I did like it, but felt the climax was winding and fell flat. That being said, I'll still be waiting for the next one..

No where near as good as the previous 28, unfortunately. From the very beginning, the scenario is completely implausible. This book doesn't even follow the rules set down by it's predecessors regarding standard police procedure. Who could possibly believe "by the book" Eve would completely compromise a case by sharing information with the most likely suspect, even if he is a friend? Not a chance previously, but apparently Eve has completely relaxed her standards for this episode.
The dialog is getting stale and repetitive and needs a fresh breeze, perhaps a new major character? It was all so very predictable, no surprises here I'm afraid. This book seems "canned" and without the usual insights and twists we have come to expect from JD Robb. Hopefully, she will take a break and come back with something new for Eve's next adventure.

What a disappointment! I've been a loyal fan of JD Robb's In Death series, but oh my, this one read like an amateur wrote it.

There was a lack of overall depth, poor character development, little suspense, little interactions between the usual characters, and no spark between Dallas and Roarke.

It's as if Ms Robb wrote the outline and a sketch of the book to be, planning to come back and fill in the details, but ran out of time.

I so hope Kindred in Death (due out later this year) is back up to her high writing skills and qualities.

This was hands down my favorite of the series. I loved how much you see Eve get even more comfortable in her relationships. The characters get more complex in each story and I love being a part of their growth. As usual I was not disappointed!

At the beginning, it seemed as though this book would be a great read. As the story continued, there were so many characters that I couldn't keep track of all of them and how they fit into the story.

For me, the story got off track numerous times taking several "detours".

One series that I would recommend if you are looking for something that stays on track, has fewer charcters and remains interesting until the end... Lee Child's "Jack Reacher" series. After reading most of the "Reacher" books, I was bored and lost in this book.

I'm sure the book will be great as they always are. I tried for the first time the audio CD of a JD Robb book. The narrator is horrible, with very slow stilted reading and the voices are cartoonish at best. Peabody sounds like a man and Whitney is just laughable. If you can't do believable voices for the characters, don't try, just read the book putting some life into your words. I only made it through the second track of the second disk, it was so irritating.

I find these books painful: about one-fourth of this book is an oversimplified police procedural; the rest is either gooey lovetalk between unbelievable characters, or over-sentimentalized emoting and self-congratulating by the main characters. And the futuristic stuff is just plain silly--mainly talk of "glides", that is, Jetsons' types of transportation, and quick computerized communicators--pointless. Just set the stories in the here and now, and beef them up, or, better yet, cede the field to real writers such as Henning Mankell.

I didnt know JD Robb was a woman until I checked out my suspicion halfway through the book. I just find that I prefer the way male authors present their stories. More action less relationship dialogue. This book is boring.