Portrait in Death

It is circa 2059 in Manhattan and NYPD Lieutenant Eve Dallas hurtles into her investigation of the death of Columbia University undergraduate Rachel Howard, morbidly immortalized on a portrait completed by an audacious killer who announces his deeds through the city's most popular Channel 75. Suspects from the bar Rachel frequents are singled out along with her dates, imaging professor and a temperamental artist Hastings at Portography who holds images of Rachel - and the second victim.
Like an intense episode of CSI, J.D Robb swerves her 16th vehicle with a frenetic pace and futuristic crime procedurals with more depth in her central protagonists Eve and Roarke. Marital blues storm ahead as Roarke traces his blurred pasts and discovers his father had brutally murdered his tender Irish maid of a mom. Eve is caught between her job and insecurities towards marriage, inducing a fragility that sheds away her resilient, edgy mantle.
Portrait in Death blasted off with a bold and imaginative concept on a gripping obsession of immortality and light but its denouements and depth faltered with Robb's emphasis on the action and characters. It is thus strait-jacketed into a futuristic thriller.
And plenty of thrills it gives - with the occasional snappy humor between Eve and her assistant Peabody to relieve the thickening tension. J.D Robbs draws her portrait with an atmosphere of darkness - stark in its deranged killer to his disillusioned motives and a wild climax to rescue a teammate from the clutches of the killer. This is a lean hard pulsating machine strictly designed to thrill with chills.

Hints of Spoilers (Caution)
By far this has got to be one of my favorite book of the series. Nora Roberts is a wonderful writer, but as the series dragged on, there too many characters introduced and Dallas's neurotic "snits" became tedius and childish.
One of the reasons I loved this book so much was the role reversals of the characters. Summerset acts like Eve, Eve matures as a wife and acts like Roarke, and Roarke--well he's kind of locked in his own world of pain that we have never seen before.
In addition, Nora Roberts trimmed down her cast so that the story didn't bog down with all their side stories. I've been getting tired of the Peabody-McNabb, Louisa-LC, Mavis-Leonardo, Mira, and Trina side stories. This time the murder plot and Roarke dealing with the past were the central points in the book. It was great. I cried several times through the book about Roarke's situation and whenever Eve had to deal with grieving parents. The murder mystery was great too, I didn't know who the killer was until the end.
The way Nora Roberts described the turmoil and emotions in this far surpassed her previous books. She dealt with the relationship of Roarke and Eve in such a way that it feels like a real marriage of emotions, and not some 2 dimensional rich guy whose perfect and always protecting his neurotic wife. I also liked the teaming of Eve and Summerset. It was wonderful to see them mature enough to team up against something they had in common. SPOILER SPOILER: The nature of Patrick Roarke's death and Summerset's involvement was a surprise. I guess somehow subconsciously it seemed right. I'm curious about Roarke's knowledge or suspicions of this. If Eve suspected, then Roarke should have too. Eve was such a great character in this book. For once she wasn't just locked into this one mold of determination to find the killer. She was aware about her wifely duties and shuffled her work life to deal with her personal life. I also enjoyed the introduction of Hastings as well. He kind of a carbon copy of other characters that have been introduced here and there in the series, where the character is cranky and tempermental, but has a great raport with either Roarke or Eve.
I'm looking forward to seeing future interactions with Roarke's blood relations now. Roarke's first name will have to remain a mystery though. I'm assuming his mother would definetly name him on the birth certificate.
I would highly recommend this book. This ranks as my favorite book of the series, above Naked In Death and Glory In Death.

"Portrait In Death" is the first J.D. Robb novel I have read. It wasn't until I finished the book that I found there is a long series of "...In Death" books. There doesn't seem to be any significance, however, to my having started out at the end of the list.
There is a decent amount of suspense in this book and it kept my interest to the end. This story takes place over 50 years from now. The year is 2059 and Robb appropriately incorporates innovations we will probably have in our lives 50 years hence.
There are many appliances in this story that respond to voice command, computers that talk in pleasant conversational voices, droids to act as servants, and other futuristic concepts. If you have already read some of this series this won't be news to you but it was new to me and I liked it.
As you can imagine, many futuristic computerized devices are used in helping to solve this murder mystery. Seeing advanced versions of equipment we already have, and that works, is interesting. Not once did anyone have to re-boot a computer.
Robb takes a "side trip" from the mystery and while it does serve to fill in some history related to the characters, I didn't especially like being taken away from the main story. The side trip was like a story within a story. Roarke, for example, had a personal event to deal with which was really its own story.
Like many mysteries, this one was good to read while exercising on the treadmill.

I've read a lot of series fiction and I have never seen one just continue to go from strength to strength like the In Death series. J. D. Robb/Nora Roberts is truly something else as a creative mind and a writer who can turn them out yet keep them fresh as spring daisies.

The dialog in her books is first rate. I actually find myself smiling, laughing out loud and yes, wiping away a tear when reading this author. This isn't just mindless page turning, she pulls you into this world and makes you love these characters as much as she obviously does. Roarke and Dallas have one of the strongest love stories, truly the REAL THING, yet it doesn't get cloying or yucky, just moving and real right down to the bare bones. I think Roberts is a genius, a rare one indeed.

And if you want a real treat, try one of the audiobooks. Susan Ericksen brings these characters alive, giving each an authentic voice with a genius of her own. Sure she has great material to work with, but she is remarkable in her talent for voices and character.

Roarke doesn't own the scene of the crime! I think that that may be a first for this series.
Likewise, Roarke's part in the investigation is much smaller than usual, as he spends the first two-thirds of the book either tending to his major-domo/surrogate father, Summerset, after he is injured tripping on the cat on the stairs, or investigating surprise revelations about his own heritage in Dublin.
With Roarke mostly out of the way, Roberts concentrates strongly on Dallas and Peabody's investigation of the killings; other regulars like McNabb, Feeney, Nadine Furst and Dr Mira make only peripheral (though fairly important) appearances.
Just as an earlier volume (Seduction in Death) seemed to take a major part of its inspiration from the Leopold/Loeb murders that also inspired Hitchcok's "Rope", this volume is, once all is revealed, somewhat reminiscent of both "Psycho" and "Red Dragon".
What Roarke discovers in Dublin and County Clare, after revelations from a social worker at the refuge for abused women and children he is funding, may well change the future course of the series. (And, here, there is an interesting resonance with the [sadly] now defunct, often brilliant DC comic "Hitman", in which anti-hero professional killer Tommy Monaghan makes a similar journey to discover similar history... but with widely differing results.)
Someone is killing brilliant and beautiful young people, photographing them and sending the imagery to Nadine Furst at Channel 75; apparently the killer seems to believe that somehow he will, through his post-mortem photos of the victims in life-like poses, capture what he calls their "light" and, perhaps, become immortal if he can capture enough such "light".
As usual, Dallas takes these attacks on the innocent and defenseless as a personal affront, and doggedly tracks down the killer.
Also as usual, while the form of the books is police-procedural stories set in a science-fictional milieu, there are lapses in logic as the story advances by coincidence and intuition. ((This does NOT make it a bad story as such, just one in which the reader doesn't have much chance of solving it ahead of the protagonist.)) As often in this series, the identity of the killer sort of comes out of left field, though when revealed, both plausibility and consistency are there.
One thing that sometimes causes me to drop the rating of books in this series by a star or so from where i usually would rate them based on the story alone, is the background.
Dallas and Roarke and Co are operating in the New York City of 2059. The history of now till then as she Roberts has sketched it in, involving something called the "Urban Wars", is acceptably plausible (and conveniently vague); but the world that they live in bothers me.
Most specifically, in the year 2059 (which is, after all, only fifty-six years in our future), Roberts would have us believe that interstellar -- not interplanetary but interSTELLAR -- travel has become so common that there are luxury resorts on the worlds of other stars, and that faster-than-light interplanetary/interstellar communications not only exist but are apparently at about the level that long-distance phone calls were, forty or so years ago -- expensive, but not particularly so.
I don't believe it. And, while i am willing to perform that trick called "willing suspension of disbelief" up to a point, i am sometimes jarred while reading these books (and others, more overtly pitched as "science fiction", for that matter) by a necessity to hang my disbelief by the neck until dead.
But, that said, this is a worthy entry in a series that consistently delivers solid reading enjoyment, good if not particularly plausible cop action, the occasional little gruesome shiver, and plenty of enjoyable interaction between the members of a well-established and solidly-constructed cast.
And more than usual of Dallas and Summerset's running feud, and of their joint love of and concern for Roarke.
(Which reminds me, i suspect that one of the characters in this book may well become a new semi-regular in the series.)
There's no doubt that Pierce Brosnan would make a wonderful Roarke, if anyone were making a film. But i can't, for the life of me, come up with an actress to cast as Dallas...

I don't know what to say about this book. I love the characters, and I enjoy the continued growth in Eve's acceptance of her role as friend and wife. (In my mind, the "mystery" is always secondary to the continuing saga of Roarke and Eve!) I also enjoyed the attempt to make Roarke more "real" and less the typical "beautiful-and-rich-ex-bad-boy-with-a-heart". But I couldn't help but feel that Nora Robert's heart wasn't in this one. Eve and Roarke, Peabody and McNab, Mavis and Nadine and Feeney - they're all there, but they seem 2-dimensional and the conversations seemed forced and stilted. If I wasn't already so attached to the characters, I'd probably have given the book a 3-star rating, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I truly enjoyed it anyway.
***I did a re-read of the entire series recently, and I have to recant my previous negative comments. The secondary characters didn't get as much focus, but I now think it had more to do with giving us a much-more-human Roarke, than any lack of "heart" by the author. I think I'd grown accumstomed to Eve's brusque and heated personality, so as she swapped roles with Roarke (nurturing him, with him pushing her away), I originally felt it was missing "heat". On a second read, though, I found plenty of heart in Roarke's family revelations and Eve's stepping into the nurturing role.

We have a serial killer that Dallas is trying to catch. Rork has found out the lady he thought was his mother was not. His father killed his real mother. Dallas's sidekick is going up for the big exam. A rookie almost gets killed.

Well, I did enjoy this installment after taking a break from the series around Seduction in Death. I had quit reading due to the ongoing predictable circumstances in this series. Roarke still is a billionaire who own everything in the world on/off planet and he will always be involved in Eve's cases and continues to provide Eve with the best sex she's ever had in her life. Without him, I guess we wouldn't have much a series (which I strongly disagree if more effort was put forth to make this series more original). In this installment, we learn more about Roarke's past, about a past he thought was true but turns out to be only a facade. When he investigates the truth about his heritage, he withdraws into himself and shuts Eve out. This is where the novel gets interesting in that Roarke almost always has Eve as his balance. In this case, he feels he must deal with this problem alone but Eve does aggressively knock down a few of the barriers that he puts up and together, they face the future and the truth and move on with their lives.
The usual characters from previous books make an appearance. McNab and Peaboy are still burning up the sheets and Sommerset still gives Eve eye-twitches. A good book and my last. I wish there was more depth to these characters but I guess you can't have everything. This is a great series but I just wish Robb would do more.

I haven't quite finished the book yet but I am far enough along to know that this is another winner from Robb. These books are totally addicting and this one is the same. The parts where Roarke gets information about his past are heart breaking. I am such a fan of Eve and Roarke and though I understand some of the criticism of Eve's attitude, I see her actions are more self-defense as anything else. Because I am not finished, I don't know who the killer is but I know it will be a surprise. They always are. I would however suggest that you start at the beginning with these books. I had not at first but have now gone back and started over. It helps a great deal to read a series (any series) from the beginning. I am purposely trying not to catch up because I don't want to have to wait for the next installment.

Well, I purchased this today, and as I was eagerly awaiting another good Eve Dallas story (and a bit afraid of some repetition), I wasn't disappointed - much. Roarke is, amazingly enough, *not* an expert consultant civilian in this, and instead, during the course of this novel, we are given the chance to see Eve really work alone a great deal, while still getting some decent scenes on their relationship. Balancing Roarke's side are some absolutely stunning revelations about his past that left me absolutely ... well, stunned. ^^ Will undoubtedly leave other faithful readers equally stunned. NYPSD blaster stunned.
As for the mystery - not exactly hard to follow, but the unusually high amount of new characters was a little head-spinning for me. But interesting ^.^ A lot of the constant-and-somewhat-minor characters in the previous books show up for something in here, which was also nice, if also a little random. At any rate, I enjoyed this one a great deal (really good character moments, for Roarke especially), and it was, as suits the In Death series, a pretty entertaining book. And hey - there's a fascinating (and short) preview of Imitation in Death, which I wasn't expecting since the previous three or so haven't had sneak reads. :) Fun all around.

Once again another great addition to the In Death Series. I have to disagree with a reviewer, I found this book truly outstanding. I really did, I think it is the best in the series thus far. The entire book was very surprising, excellent scenario!
Normally you figure it out toward the end the "who dune it" but this time round I didn't have a clue.
More of Roarke and Dallas's personal stories were revealed, but this time the shoe was on the other foot. There is a secret Roarke discovered. You learned a new side to him as he also learned this side. You also saw a side to Eve as she put her work case second and her husband first. I can't tell you what it is this would spoil it but to do all this learning the end up in Ireland.
Then a bright young college student is murdered and thrown in a recycler like so much trash, Lieutenant Eve Dallas is, determined to stand for the dead and find the killer. But perhaps most disturbing about this particular case, is that prior to the discovery of the body, a package of photos of the murdered girl were sent to Eve's friend, Nadine Furst, a well-known TV reporter. It's clear that the killer photographed the victim for some time before the death, without her knowledge, and it's also clear that in the picture, the girl is already dead. The killer wants Nadine's help in showing his work. Then the second victim in found and once again it revolves around their picture the killer had taken. Portrait in Death blasted off with a bold and imaginative concept on an obsession of immortality, and light, but its depth grew when Robb emphasized on the action and characters. The storyline was so compelling, it really made this a page turning thriller.
All the characters who are loved were also back in this entry. There is still humor between Eve and Peabody's dialog. Still humor in Eve and Sumorset, even more in this story as he had a fall and delayed his holiday. One talent Robb has is the building of characters.
This is a must read for all the In Death readers out there. If you are new to the series, start at the beginning with Naked in death and just go down the line. It will not take long either and they get addicting. I know I can't wait for the new one to come out in fall. I really do enjoy this series and I really do feel this was the best of them so far.

I have read all J.D. Robb's death series and just started from the beginning again. The books are interesting in that they take place in the year 2059, but she better start upping the years, as we are not that far away from that. Also, very easy reads -- when you are on the beach, airplane, or just relaxing. Enjoyable. You always know how it is going to end, but it is fun getting there.

1st let me say, I would not start the series with this book. The dynamics between the characters has evolved and I really found alot of the pleasure I received from this to be the development more so than the storyline, althoug that was great too!!!
Roarke and Sumerset's parental relationship really show in this one, and we find out a deep dark secret about Summerset that I never expected, and to beat all, it is one he shares with Eve!!
Eve finally reciprocates, albeit a little reluctantly for everything Roarke has done in the past for her. She becomes the one to take care of him and help him w/his family.
Almost no Whitney. No Tibble, a surprise sad meeting with Crack. Mainly an Eve, Roarke & Summerset.
Great new character is added, he's a cranky ugly male version of Eve. Have to read it!!! If have not started this series, and don't want to miss the nuances of the characters, start from the beginning, or you will not appreciate them as much!!! Definately a keeper!! Too many surprises to tell you about and don't want to ruin it for you.

I'm having a hard time deciding whether Portrait in Death has taken the place of Vengeance at the top of my *in Death* list. I think I need to read then BOTH again before I make a final decision, and that will be no hardship at all.
Portrait is a indescribably wonderful book, to say I loved it would be a dreadful understatement. I laughed, I cried, I felt every emotion whilst reading it. This was without a doubt Roarke's book, much as Vengeance had been. But we saw a slightly different Roarke in this one, and as more of his past unfolded I wonder how many of we readers kept dry eyed, this reader certainly didn't.
Reading this masterpiece, I had to contemplate on how much Eve's character has evolved emotionally since we first met her in Naked in Death, she always cared so deeply but now she's able to show it, and I love it that she can.
The parts with Eve and Summerset were hilarious as always, I just love the interaction between them. I was broken hearted when one of my favourite secondary characters had heartbreak of his own to bear. Admittedly I love to see interation between Peabody and McNab as well, and there was less of this in Portrait, but the storyline was so compelling that I didn't miss it at all.
As for the thriller side of the story, it was a tight, excellent scenario and I never guessed who the killer was. But this is only a secondary to me, it's the wonderfully rounded characters that make these books a joy to read, and Portrait was one of, if not, THE best of the bunch.
Thank you Nora for giving us more of your special magic.

I love how this series is character driven, but it is true that the series is steadily losing the substance that first drew me in.

In this installment, I had difficulty coming to care about any of the characters, but inevitably I became a prisoner in the world of Eve Dallas. She's like an old friend that you just keep coming to visit. You might not like everything about her, but she's so real you just feel like you're a part of the story. It is not scene, structure or substance that takes you on the thrill ride in this story. It is the characters. At this point, you've come to know them. If you're still reading at this point in the series, you're reading about family members. Imaginary family members to be sure, but family nonetheless.

I've read thousands of amazing love scenes over the years but this book had one that really blew me away, as in sobbing! Not a sex scene and not something that would wow a reader unless they had followed the character development of Eve and Roarke.

{{{Spoiler}}}

When Roarke stands on the land owned by his newly discovered family and wishes for Eve, then looks across the field to find her coming to him despite the crush of her duties. Beautiful and one of the most poignant love scenes I've ever read.

Portrait in Death is another will written mystery novel with the usual interesting well developed characters. The action is fast paced as Eve races murder to save one of her own. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys will written mysteries. Enjoy reading

One day after this book was released I rushed to my family Wal-Mart just to buy this book talk about being hooked to this series, but anyway I'm glad I did this book is one of best of the whole series everyone of the major characters makes an entrance in their very special way. I felt for for Roarke when he finally meets a real connection to his family and cried for about his mother. Poor Summerset has an accident and has to rely on Spence and new very unique person, and our favorite Eve is trying to solve a very emotional case and try to give Roarke the emotional support that he needs. Yes, Nora works this story together in her very fantastic way. If you are looking for an exciting series read these books.

Youth. Vitality. Innocence.

The only things that Eve's victims seem to have in common. Well, that, and their murderer.

In her race to find out who is murdering these people who have just barely started in their adulthood Eve knows very little except that the last to see them alive was the camera the murderer uses to photograph them postmortem.

Oddly enough, when Eve decides that she finally needs help, the one person who she actually thought would live up to their promise to always be there disappears.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas is a strong, courageous homicide cop in a futuristic New York of the mid-twentyfirst century. A great many things have changed from now till then, but human nature doesn't. Some people will always be sick or selfish, cruel or just plain evil in any era. Eve stands for the murdered innocents and is driven to stand between the killer and potential victims.
'Portrait' forges another strong link in the chain which began with 'Naked in Death'. Eve's sizzling relationship with the powerful, incredibly handsome Irish-born billionaire Roarke steams off the page. Eve and Roarke both survived horrific childhoods by a determination to achieve independence and success. Now they struggle to harness their incredibly valiant wills and their intelligence to build up and trust their marriage. Love and sex light the hottest fires, but relying on each other is a new challenge and commitment every day.
Unlike many fans, I found "J. D. Robb" first, and only afterward read this author's other (Nora Roberts) books. With some other mystery writers, the reader homes in on the murderer by the middle of the book. 'Portrait in Death' kept me going and interested to the end -- I didn't foresee the denouement.
If this is your first J. D. Robb book, enjoy! I'm betting you'll fall for Eve and Roarke and their well-developed supporting stable of auxiliary characters, and that you'll next go to 'Naked in Death' and relish the whole series.

Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb is the 16th book in her series, In Death... . This mystery is centered in the world of portrait photography. Several young twenty-somethings are murdered and it is up to Lt. Eve Dallas and her team from the NYC police to solve the case. It's a unique and interesting mystery. I recommend this book to all (over 15 years old because of graphic sex and violence) who love mysteries. It will keep you guessing!

I've read about 20 books in this series, and this is one of the best. The mystery plot is strong (I didn't figure out who the villain was--well done, Ms. Robb), but what really puts this over the top is the development of Roarke's character. So much of his backstory is revealed, and it's a real punch in the feels. Just beautifully done.

This is a series that I'm rarely disappointed in. It's great for when I want a quick, satisfying read. Eve and Roarke actually don't spend a lot of time together in this one, as Roarke is struggling with some new information he's discovered about his mother. But the rest of our favorites are nearby -- Peabody, Mavis, and even Summerset. The mystery was interesting, and keeps you guessing about whodunnit.

What attracted me most about this book, the 16th by the highly talented J.D Robb (Nora Roberts), was not the plot: a sadistic murderer kills innocent and young people in their twenties and takes photographs of them in posed shots after their deaths. In this area, Robb does a great job as usual in following Eve through the steps in her investigation. Her attention to details is still there, along with Eve's witty and amusing quips and twitchy eye. if you are a regular In Death reader, you will know, as I did, who the murderer is before Eve does. (Makes you feel all triumphant and gleeful inside.)
What attracted me was the character development and the relationship between our favourite couple, Eve and Roarke. In this book, Roarke's real history is uncovered and we learn that his real mother was not the abuser he thought her to be but a young, innocent girl murdered by Roarke's father.
Their roles are now reversed. Roarke is the vulnerable one, lashing out at Eve and feeling his world is turned upside down while Eve is the protector, the caring wife (or life-partner, as Eve would insist) becoming the rock in his life. There is a lovely scene where Roarke is in Ireland, wishing for Eve while rubbing the button from her suit that he carries around, knowing that she is the stable one in his life and that he needs her.
Their married life is still as spicy as ever and with the introduction of Roarke's new family, there is now another interesting angle to explore in upcoming books, along with the McNab/Peabody angle, Charles/Louise angle, Jamie angle and Mavis being pregnant/Leonardo angle. Do not forget Eve's past that has not been fully explored yet. Guaranteed to fill up pages effortlessly.
Here's to Imitation in Death coming soon!

I truly believe Nora Roberts is quite possibly the best popular fiction author on the market today. I love this series. I was in the middle of re-reading the books (up to "holiday in death"!) when this came out. While the story is good, and I enjoyed Roarke's insight into his past, something just didn't ring true. The characters didn't have the same tone or depth; it seemed to lack the usual texture of her writing. I was interested to see other reviewers noted the same. Perhaps I'm overly invested in the series, but truly the tone of the characters seemed altered in this book. However, Ms. Roberts is still far ahead of other story-tellers, and I can't deny enjoying the book. It is a good read, and an interesting installment in the chronological progression of the characters. Enjoy!

As with the other books in the series, the latest is the literary equivalent of potato chips - not very substantial, but very addictive - and hard to put down.
As usual, the minor characters are as much fun to read about as the major ones, and the plot is almost incidental compared to their interactions. The humor is sharp and character-driven.
My only quibble, as with all the books in the series, is that the love scenes are definitely written by a romance writer. But I just skim past them, so this is a minor quibble.

I've read a few in the series -- I quickly got tired of Eve being so cold and rude to everyone and they all forgive her because they understand she has such a soft heart. I don't think that excuses her brutal personality. Roarke also is more than a little whimpy around her, to be such a towering example of masculinity. This one book was a little easier to accept, but I don't think I'll be finishing the series. Too much of the same, over and over again.

Finally, Roarke is beginning to show more of a human side. I guess J.D. Robb listened to my complaints last time ;) In this book he is a little vulnerable, though he certainly fights it, and Eve gets to help him, once she realizes she needs to. Roarke is still sexy, richer than Midas, of course, and all that but now he's a little more down to earth.
The mystery was excellent, as usual. Thank you for another great offering in the 'In Death' series... I can't wait for the next one!

This series had been getting dull in the last few outings, but it's back on track again. Thankfully for all the fans of Eve and Roarke Roberts is focusing on their relationship as well as crafting a fine police procedural. I appreciate all the futuristic touches that appear in this series, but let's face it the most compelling aspect is still the give and take between the main characters, so I'm really glad that Roberts is concentrating on Eve and Roarke rather than Peabody. If like me you were giving up on this series read this one and enjoy.

I have to say, without a doubt, the best part about Portrait is finding out more about our favorite husband, Roarke. The insights into his past were entertaining and just on the edge of frustrating because we want to know more, more more! The case had a nice twist at the end, I was honestly surprised at the killer. In true, J. D. Robb fashion, the story unweaved itself at an easy pace and had plenty of extras to keep you interested further.

"Portait in Death" is the lastest offering by J.D. Robb and this is one of her better books. Unlike of book in this series, Ms. Robb spending most of her time focusing on Eve and Roarke. It was really great to see more of Roarke's background. It gave readers a better understanding of his character and its also allow the character to develop. I'm sorry that I waited so long to read "Portait in Death" because it is great!

There isn't much more that needs to be said, this book is just WOW. This has the usual murder story underlying everything, but the emotional dynamics of the story are incredible. The story revolving around Roarke & Eve is incredibly gripping this time around, more so than usual and has moved to a different level in the developing of their relationship and outlining more of Roarkes past. I can't begin to describe how much I enjoyed this book, I've enjoyed them all, loved quite a few, but this has to be my favorite. I've never singled out a book within the "Death" series as a favorite, I've reread all of them and it is my favorite series, but this book is just phenomenal.

I liked this latest installment in the In Death series very much. Relationships figure more than the murders--Eve and Roarke, Roarke and Summerset, Eve and Summerset, Baxter and Trueheart, Eve and Peabody, Peabody and McNabb. All the regulars are here, some more in the background than in other cases but fans will enjoy it. I don't recommend it as a starting point if you haven't read anything else in the series, you won't "get it."

J.D. Robbs tale of a cop who stands for the dead in the year 2059 continues with this tale of murder and intrigue. Young, vibrant people are dying and it's up to Eve Dallas to see that the killer is stopped and gets the justice he or she deserves. Compounding the problem is her husband's sudden exclusion, something that she cannot understand or accept.
This book is a continuation of the story of Eve Dallas and her husband Roarke, a fabously wealthy self-made tycoon with a shady past and holdings across the inhabited universe. Nora Roberts, writing as J.D. Robb is an acknowledged master of this genre, and once again the story is tight with drama and suspense, with a dose of humanity illustrated in the ongoing and passionate love affair between two most unlikely partners. This is a big part of the attraction of this series, and I find myself fascinated by the dynamics between Eve and Roarke as they work out the rules of their relationship.

J.D. Robb Series are awesome! I am on book #16 and can't wait to keep going! So far 44 books I believe in this series, but each one has it's own unique way of writing as if it were a new one. Love the author too! Great writer!!!!

For me the mystery in this book wasn't as appealing and after a while it was just a distraction during a major milestone of Eve and Roark's married and personal lives. As always the surrounding cast is great.

My only beef with the series is how slowly time passes between books. Eve or someone close to her dies or nearly dies every month for the last 2 years (of Her life). I don't care how great life with Roark is, this Cop has to suffer of post traumatic stress or something.

The ...in death series is my favorite story. Ms. Robb (Roberts) gives us two installments every year that I find myself rereading while waiting for the next. Dallas' marriage to Roarke, her continued interactions with partner Peabody, Summerset, Galahad and a full cast of stars gives her books a rich and in depth quality that I enjoy discovering.

This book is exciting and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I had trouble putting it down. It keeps you captivated with murder, and suspense. It is fun trying to figure out who the murderer is. Then you find out at the end that your wrong about who you think it is. The murderer is usually someone you would never have suspected. That is what I love about this book.

Young college students are being killed in a most eerie way and their death portraits are being transmitted to Nadine First at 75.
I enjoyed this book as much as the others and look forward to reading the next book.

I love the In Death series, I have them all and have read them dozens of times each. While I enjoyed the book, it didn't have some of the depth I have come to expect and some of the characters just weren't acting normal. Roarke does not fall apart when the people he loves get hurt. His reaction at the beginning of the book (even before finding out the new information on his background) didn't seem consistent with the Roarke we all know and love. The mystery itself was a bit pat and again seemed closer to a fan-fic rather than the pure excellence we all expect. It was a nice filler book, and the information will help build on the stories in the future. I wouldn't recommend reading this first if you have never read any of the series. Read any of the others first.

J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) definitely does not disappoint with this installment in her futuristic series. Roarke seems to become more understandable as the reader learns more about his past. Eve Dallas is a great character - a strong woman other women can relate to. Robb's futuristic New York seems very believable. As always, the secondary characters do not disappoint. Great read.

A great addition to the in-Death series...you won't be able to put it down.
Roarke discovers a piece of his past and, for a change, it's Eve who's picking up the pieces for him even as she tries to solve a murder that soon changes into a series of murders. Add to that, Summerset's "trip" and you have an emotional story that will warm up a winter evening!

I expected a great read in the In Death series, but the sheer greatness of this novel blew me away. I'm a huge Nora Roberts fan, and of this series in particular. In this book, her writing soared to a level that left my mouth hanging open, tears in my eyes and papercuts on my fingers I couldn't get through it fast enough. Astounded. Touched. Thrilled to reap the rewards of her talent. Her layered characters never become predictable, her dialogue grabs you by the throat and won't let go, the plot seems subtle at first but packs a wallop when all the tiny, dangling threads are woven together. Writing at its very finest. And if you don't devour this book, shame on you! I will recommend this book to anyone that can read.

I have had the privelege of reading all the books in this series, but "Potrait in Death" to me is by far the best one. As a writer J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts has never disappointed me. In this book she finally allows Eve to play more of the concern spouse when usually its Roarke. Speaking of Mr. Roarke, who is usually my favorite character in the other books, in this book his character blew me away. I was glad that J.D. Robb let me glimpse another side of Roarke. All the secondary characters were great as usually, especially Summerset, who I have come to like more now than before. The book was great and I can't wait for the next on to come out. Thanks J.D. Robb, for giving me a series of books that I never get tired of reading again and again!!!!!!

J. D. Robb has once again spun a fast-paced story using many of our favorite characters and dropping in a few that we don't see in every book. Eve Dallas' past has been critical to many of the In Death novels, this time Roarke's past has popped up again. This time it isn't his illegal past, but rather a part of his personal history that we see. While Eve is busy searching for another serial killer, this one striking innocent looking college students, Roarke is horrified to learn something new about his past. Something that causes problems within his marriage. Another sure winner and definite must read.

This is the most well rounded of the "In Death" series. Roarke doesn't come running to Dallas' aid, nurturing her and taking care of her, Darling Eve is the one who shows her love in actions and words, and makes Roarke's world balanced. The scene in Ireland, when he watches her get off the jet copter, walk towards him, and sets his world right, by holding him in her arms, is precious. I have re-read the 1 1/2 pages in this section every night, for the last month. It truly details the love they have for each other. I can picture the scene in my mind and it fills me with joy for them. Nora Roberts has really outdone herslf this time.

This new addition to the "In Death" series is one of the best. Same great murder mystery formula, but Nora Roberts expands Rourke's character in this book with a new story line that kept you reading well into the night. Hard to talk about without giving away the story lines, but defiantly a great read.

I keep waiting for this series to do the inevitable slump, but nope, not yet :-) Portrait in Death is just as fantastic as the previous In Death novels from this author. Kept me guessing to the end. Fantastic characterisation. And I loved seeing more of Roarke, of course.

The series just gets better and better. Eve and Roarke have hooked me for sure. Looking forward to the next one. Be sure to start from the beginning of the series. You won't want to stop.

Reviewed by Rosanna Filippello Author of the Angelo Mysteries Series published by JustMyBest inc. Book One--Angel of Death, Book Two--Angelo of Justice

(Angel of Truth to be released Fall of 2005)

[...]

This series just keeps getting better and better. I found myself skipping around the murder mystery (which was compelling) to read ahead on Roarke's discovery and how he dealt with it. I'm glad I went back and read the parts I skipped, because I couldn't put it down. If you haven't read Naked In Death, start there. The secondary characters all play a vital role in Eve's life and it's much less confusing (and colorful!) if you start with book one.

A book well worth waiting for. The reader finally get a peak in to the deep dark past of Mr. Tall,Dark, and Handsome. Eve is split between being the cop she knows how to be and being the wife she's still trying to figure out. This division of loyalties makes it difficult for her to stay focused on the investigation into the murders of Three young people that had their lights extinguished far to soon. With the return of some of our favorite characters (Louise Dimatto, Mavis Freestone and her love Leonardo)and the appearance of someone new (Sinead). I think Robb readers are in for some twists, turns and fabulous surprises

I've always enjoyed a J.D. Robb series of Eve Dallas and her husband, Roarke.
This one is once again wonderful! I never saw it coming; I never suspected who the killer was until the very last moment! Quite brilliant. But that may be because I got sidetracked by the ongoing things in Roarke's background.
In "Portrait in Death", we get a more thorough background study of Roarke and he finds out that he actually has a bunch of relatives on his mother's side. Roarke goes to find out more about them and is bombarded with their love!
I loved this novel because it explored more of Roarke and I just absolutely love his character! So it was great to see and read more about him!

If you're a fan of the Eve Dallas series, you'll really enjoy this book. If you haven't kept up with the series, however, you will probably notice gaps in the story. The murder mystery was fascinating as always. And a surprise from Roarke's past and the path he took because of it were both interesting and moving. Very well written.

I couldn't put the book down, and when I finished, I turned it over and began it again.
The book has less to do with the case Eve is working and more to do with Roaurke's background. He finds out that his past is different than what he grew up believing. The truth rocks him to his core. But with Eve's help he puts his life back on track.

Another GREAT "in Death" book from JD Robb/Nora Roberts! Roarke's story is developed more and the ever-entertaining Eve-Summerset relationship expands a bit, too. Another well-written and engaging serial murder story from this line.

"Portrait in Death" is the first book I have read by this writer. I selected it and another one, "Witness in Death" because I love a good thriller/mystery that I just can't put down. However, "Portrait in Death" was a book that I had to force myself to pick up and finish.

The story line has great potential but could have been developed more. I found there was too much text devoted to Eve and Rourke's sexual romps and at times read like some cheesy teen love novel. And what does Rourke's discovery about his mother have to do with anything? Oh, one more question, I may have missed it, but why does Peabody address Lt. Eve Dallas as "Sir?"

As to the character, Eve Dallas. Well ... jeeze... what's with the "tough babe" image. The coarse language, overly agressive behaviors, and inability to separate her personal from her professional life. This character really seems to have an axe to grind and I am not sure why. She is not like any detective I have ever known. The old adage, "you get more bees with honey than with vinegar" certainly applies to this situation. The character Lt. Dallas is not at realistic to the law enforcement profession, be it in 2059 or present day. Perhaps the author should have researched this a bit more.

As mentioned previously, at the time I purchased this book I also selected another from this series. I will attempt to read that book with an open mind and hope to find it to be "one that I cannot put down." However, based on my first exposure to Nora Roberts writings, my expectations at this point are less than grand.

I think that Potrait in Death by Nora Robberts, is a very good book. It has a very relateable plot to some daily life. The book never leaves any detail out of the day out. The murders are very relistic to how some people really are these days. It shows are seseptible to other people we as humans are. The fact that the time is 2059 will give some people in insite to a possibility of the future. I think that this book by Nora Robberts always left you wanting to know what was going to happen next. I beleive Potrait in Death was a very good book.

I just can't imagine one of JD Robb's books not being great. She captured my attention long ago and I still keep looking for more of her stuff to read. I just love the people in these books. I hope she never gives them up.

I takes exceptiona talent to make the care about bit parts. And J.D./Nora does it with flair. I've read this book 3 times now, and Crack still makes me cry. So does Eve, flying in to Ireland.

Nora really let herself shine a little in this J.D. book, but kudos for it. It makes the bust in the end all the sweeter.

This book is one of the best in the series. It starts of hilarious, and gets funnier through the entire plot. The crime keeps you guessing, but it is the characters that make this book great. Roarke and Eve go deeper in their relationship, experiencing their first major fight and Roarke gets a family! This is one book you cant stop reading just because you love the characters so much. You'll definately want to read this one.

Another wonderful book in the series! Roarke gains information that makes him vulnerable and gives us more insight to his character. We see more depth Eve's and Somerset's characters, too. The homicide story line is intriguing. It's a definite must-read for Nora Roberts fans!

while this book was excellent and i definately would recommend it to others i gave it a 4 instead of a three for learning more and more about roarks past and my favorite scene was when eve took care of him.
i missed the more spontaneous interaction with some of the characters and felt nadine wasnt given enough. i loved how crack has developed though.

The last 2 books of this series have been disappointing. I was looking forward to reading the interaction between Eve, Summerset and Roarke, but it did not deliver. In earlier books, the characters were written in such a vivid and impacting way; in this book, I found the charaters' interaction to be predictable and unengaging. The storyline did not hold my attention. I actually skipped ahead and did not read all of the murder story. I read the few pages for the next story - another murder with a mutiliated woman. Is anyone else getting tired of reading about this subject?

All I can say is FANTASTIC!!!!!! I am never bored with J.D. Robb. Once again she has written a storyline that kept me guessing and guessing. I am happy to see Nadine Furst in the fore front of the story. While searching for a serial killer, who photographs his victims; Roarke has problems of his own and refuses to discuss the situation with Eve.

It's truly amazing how Ms. Roberts can put action and romance into the same book, but because she managed to do such a thing, she has made 17 book series explaining two cops in love and the adventures they go through. PS: J.R. Robb is my real name!

Waiting for 'Imatation In Death' will be hard for me.

All the elements in this book is overplayed. This is the first book I've seen in the series and it will be the last. The conversations made me want to gag. It got to a point where I couldn't read beyond a few more paragraphs, and indeed I only read up to page 62. The storyline was not very interesting either.