Imitation in Death

J.D. Robb aka Nora Roberts never fails to impress me with her books. This is just another of the great Eve Dallas stories. Let's not forget the hot romance with her husband Roarke. I highly recommend.

Enjoy all of the "in Death" books- has all I want in a book - Love story, mystery, comic relife & action. Love the interaction of the characters and the twists & turns of the plot. Have a hard time putting them down. Read used books,but out of order. Got a Kindle Started at the begining and have read almost all except the new ones. Can't wait to start.

This book is very disappointing. It appears Robb did not take the time to develop the storyline with interaction from the previous Death series characters. Eve and Roark are one-dimensional without a lot of interaction from Summerset, Mavis etc.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas of the Homicide Division of the NYPD and crew are pitted against a rather unique serial killer in this rather interesting offering which is a part of the ‘In Death” series. The killer is basing all his or her killings after historical serial killers and has started with the daddy of all serial killers – Jack the Ripper! He has also, at each killing, left a note addressed specifically to Eve,

This of course is sort of a mixed genre as are all the books in this series. We have the traditional police procedural, a setting that takes place in the future (2050 or so), a touch of romance between Eve and her enormously rich husband Rourke and a touch of mild SiFi.

Now many new readers seem to feel these books SiFi as they do take place in the near future but to be honest other than clothing (which is kind of interesting) and a few gadgets, there is very little Science Fiction about these books....hey, police work and such have really not changed all that much nor has human interactions and motivations.

Eve, her husband and the regular familiar crew are pitted against a very smart and ruthless killer. There are plenty of twists and turns in this one with a plethora of suspects and very, very few red herrings – if any. There is of course the wonderful verbal interplay between characters for which these book are (over 40 now) noted for and of course there are at least two – maybe three of the obligatory love scenes between Eve and her husband. All else is good cops chasing bad guys, action and interplay between characters, some of which is quite funny.

This is a good addition to an already great series.

This was a library find.

As I write this review, it is, coincidentally – if you believe in coincidences – a few days before Mother’s Day 2014. And again, coincidentally perhaps, this 17th novel in the In Death series is a tale about the serial murders of women who represent one or more characteristics of a mother figure.

The story opens with the murder of a street LC. Her throat is slashed and her body has received a field hysterectomy. A note has been left on her body, specifically addressed to Eve Dallas, and signed “Jack,” as in Jack the Ripper. Two days later, another note is left on the body of a grandmother who has been brutally raped and murdered in an exact imitation of the Boston Strangler killings.

It does not take Eve, or Dr. Mira, very long to profile this killer as a person who has severe Mommy issues, and who is using the imitations of previous notorious murders as a way of destroying exactly that which makes a person a woman and a mother. His game is to make the women powerless and thus make himself more important than they. And his goal is to best the most powerful female cop in NY City – Eve Dallas.

This theme surrounding motherhood actually began two novels ago when Mavis Freestone announced she was pregnant. Then, in the last novel, Roarke learned the true identity and fate of his real mother. In fact, Roarke’s emotional devastation totally shoved the Portrait Murders plot line into the background of that novel. Now, this novel, which begins less than three weeks after the conclusion of the previous, brings Eve’s mother to the forefront.

As the character of Eve Dallas investigates each suspect’s background, the author uses the results of her findings to illustrate the symptoms and effects of parental or parental figure abuse, both emotional and physical, upon children. However, J. D. Robb does not preach to her audience nor does she indulge in saber rattling over the issues. She simply compares and contrasts using the suspects’ lives and those of both Roarke and Eve to make her points. Robb even uses the very close and happy family of Dr. Mira to show the hurt and jealousy a child, adult or minor, can feel over the way a parent chooses to express or extend that motherly affection.

Just as Robb has been subtly, over time, preparing the reader for this particular plotline involving motherhood, the author showcases Eve’s character growth in a subtle manner as well. By the end of the novel, she and Roarke will have smoothly, but noticeably, grown together as a couple and as a professional partnership. Eve will actually use office and societal politics to further her investigation and her professional standing. And she will, scene-by-scene, live up to Baxter’s appellation of “Mom” as she psychologically guides Peabody to and through the day she takes her detective exam.

However, Robb and her editors were not too subtle about one major concept – the current book cover. So – SPOILER ALERT – do not even glance at the cover before you begin the book or you will know the identity of the killer just as soon as you read the suspect list that Eve compiles.

4.5 stars!

After basically years of seeing this series around and reading about this mystical Roarke, I gave in and decided to read the In Death Books. It was quite an undertaking, since when I started there were 33 books already released in the series, not counting short stories and novellas. Besides that, deciding to read this series was a big commitment in two fronts. One, I simply had to by 33 books and secondly, I would not be reading anything else until I was done. That's how psychotic I can be when it comes to book series.

December 2011 was when my journey began and by February 2012 I was done and now there is NO turning back. I am IN LOVE with this series! I not only obviously love Roarke, but I love Eve and all the secondary characters that make up this great story as well.

Yes, I have become irritated with Eve at times, but I adored being able to see her grow throughout the series. It has been quite a ride, but one I will never regret hopping aboard.

This series is a great mix of mystery, police drama and romance. I love every aspect of it, from the near futuristic setting, to the way J.D. Robb writes her prose. If there is one thing that bothers me, is that considering the series has 35 books published, the span of time that has passed is very short and I wish the lapse between books was a bit longer. But if you read the books throughout a longer period of time, it won't really matter, but reading them so close together made me wish for that longer lapse.

Eve is such a complex character. All that she has been through has made who she is, but her story is not less heartbreaking because of it. For that matter, so is Roarke's and the fact that these two found each other is nothing less than serendipity. They need each other and I am sure they would never have grown to be who they are in the series by book 35, if not for each other's presence in their lives. Not to mention the "family" they have built with their dear friends.

One of the biggest issues brought up in this series by J.D. Robb, is the Nature Vs. Nurture debate. I love it! It always makes me think and it is very satisfying to see these people that could have become something very wrong, rise above nature and blood, to become amazing people.

On the crime fighting aspect of the series, I find that Robb uses two types of narrative. Sometimes she carries more of a "Monk" style, where the perpetrator is clear if not early on, but soon. The other one is where we get a punch in the face when we finally find out out who it is. I really enjoy that she doesn't have only one style, since that always keeps me guessing =D

I LOVE this series and if you have yet to check it out, please do so! The first few books might not compel you completely, but keep reading! You won't regret it!

I never put spoilers in my reviews.
Penguin Books is getting better ebook editors, if they had any at first. However, spell check is not a substitute for a decent editor. For example, in my experience as a proofreader, one does not take a "peak" at something, one "peeks."
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.
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 and grieves for their lost futures. 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.

I liked this story a lot and it's nice to see that in the fictional future, the high and mighties of society are just as annoying, ego-driven and pathetic as they are in the present- yes I mean that sarcastically.

This story focuses on a serial killer who isn't original enough to do his or her own thing and decides to copycat famous serial killers from the past; all the way in the past to Jack the Ripper and onward. Needless to say, considering who the killer turns out to be I'm quite happy to see them get their butt handed to them because of how much of a prick they were throughout the story.

What I like about the Eve Dallas character is that she's not like a few other fictional female detectives I've read about in books. Where they act all hard and tough and then require a man to help them in the end. She's completely self-reliant and yet still has a soft spot in her heart for the victims and those effected by the killer. The one thing that puzzles me and it's a small irk, is why in the future, higher ups that are female are referred to as "Sir" rather than "Ma'am" but that's just my own thinking.

Originally posted on The Canon! {[...]

If I could stay home from work today and veg out, this is the book I would be rereading from this past week. I've always loved Robb's In Death series, but Imitation in Death took it to a whole new level.

Although this book still fits within the cookie cutter plot of the rest of the series, I loved what Robb did with the plot. Eve's killers are normally serial killers, but to have an adversary that was so intentionally following the footsteps of those before him threw Eve for a loop. It was a new challenge for her, one that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Imitation in Death focused more on the police procedures and the suspect list than some of the other installments, which I actually quite enjoyed. I loved being along for the ride while Eve whittled down her exclusive list of candidates, and discovered quite a few little dirty secrets her suspects were holding dear along the way. There's also something to be said about not knowing whatsoever who the killer is until the very last page, but knowing it could be one of those on her list that she was keeping tabs on.

Outside of the murder plot, Imitation in Death definitely delivered when it came to the recurring cast of characters. Peabody's stressful struggle to study for her detective's exam took me right back to finals (thank goodness those are over...) and watching Roarke attempt to light a barbecue made me laugh aloud.

Final Thoughts: All in all, an excellent read. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and I will be picking it up again!

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

*Beware of SPOILERS*

Imitation in Death is the 17th book in Nora Roberts' popular In Death series written under her pen name, J.D. Robb.

It is still the summer of 2059 and Eve has got herself a case. With each murder, this killer is imitating another famous killer. Jack the Ripper, Al DeSalvo, and Ted Bundy just for starters. If the murders are completely different, how does Eve know that they're all being done by the same perpetrator? Because he leaves a note at the scene addressed to her. And all of Eve's suspects are high profile people, which make snooping around to find the real killer extra difficult.

I thought the premise of this installment of the In Death series was interesting and I can't help, but be a little interested when we start delving into some of the sickest serial killers that ever lived and see just how they operated.

It was nice to see Peabody finally get promoted and a nice end of the book to see her become Eve's partner even though I saw it coming a mile away, sometimes even the predictable parts of books can be fun.

There were some sweet moments between Eve and Roarke as usual, but it was pretty much like all the others as there was nothing that really stood out about it.

The book had everything you would expect in a great book, a great storyline, relatable characters, and a little romance. But for some reason it lost something in the execution for me as I thought this is another one of these books that was just OK....maybe I'm reading to many of them so close together? Who knows? Rest assured though that I will continue to read through this rather lengthy series though as I do enjoy the series. And I'm hoping Roberts amps up the romance with Peabody and McNab now that they're moving in together.

This review and more at openbooksociety dot com

We continue to be astounded at the publishing pace of Nora Roberts. Despite her "regular" books under her own name, these fun NYPD homicide Lt. Eve Dallas stories, written as "JD Robb", keep coming at the rate of one or two a year. "Imitation...", the 17th entry in the "... In Death" series, is not the emotional blockbuster of the just prior two ("Purity..." and "Portrait..."), but nonetheless entertains throughout this tough-minded police procedural. When a licensed companion (that's a "hooker" in year 2059 parlance) is found brutally murdered in the style of Jack the Ripper, followed in quick succession by the killing of a popular female apartment dweller, slain Boston Strangler style, it doesn't take the two notes recovered from the bodies, on unusual stationary, to clue any of us that a vicious copycat serial killer is on the loose. When it turns out the notes are addressed to Dallas personally, it's also clear that she herself is probably on the intended hit list, providing immense worry to her billionaire but loving husband Roarke. His role in this novel, as in many of the prior tales, is one of Eve's crime-solving sidekick, along with faithful aide Officer Delia Peabody. Fortunately, the notepaper provides a small roster of immediate suspects, but Robb cleverly keeps us guessing, 'til like ten pages before the end, which of the half dozen users of the stationary might be the real sicko. While a sub-plot of sorts involves Peabody's trials and tribulations getting ready for her detective's exam, the storyline is very much ala Ellery Queen in terms of clues, follow-up, and solid police work. Eve's intuition serves her well, but her assembling and processing of the clues is flawless as she gradually zeroes in, then sucks in, the bad guy.
Eve's hardships as an abused young girl, and her husband's often "shady" background provide the usual backdrop to much of the motivation of the principals. Their marital relationship is always a subject of both display and discussion. Meanwhile, Peabody's moving in with McNab, another regular, provides a foil in "examining" the nature of adults living together. We're still big fans of the whole set, and at the point when many similar ongoing character series novels have long gone stale, find continued enjoyment in Dallas' pursuits. We think you will too!

First my knocks on this book. Why not bring in more killings from "the past" such as the Manson murders or John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy, etc? It just seems you have so many murders and psychopaths to choose from, there was not really a need to "invent" one. Although, in fairness it speaks to JD ROBB/Nora Roberts' imagination when she was able to conjure such a believable villain.

The opening chapter was absolutely brutal and violent but it was not grotesque. It was very smartly done. It grabs your attention and you are hooked. You either are determined to finish this book after chapter one or you will put it down and probably never pick it back up, but rabid fans know that Nora always delivers powerful blows like this.

Typical to the "JD ROBB" style, Roberts pulls no punches, but attacks the violence with a malevolent class and style that only she can muster. Truly, this is one of the better stories of the series. I was impressed with Portrait... I was absolutely AMAZED by Purity... this one... I don't know. I'm at a loss for words. I can't wait to see what "DETECTIVE" Peabody will do in future books.

I love the way we are really IN These characters lives. They eat, they drink, they party. They have sex, they bleed, they cry, they laugh, they plan for their future, they love and they lose. They live and (at times) they die. This story is true to reality. The characters FEEL real and by now they are a part of a reader's pseudo-family. A dysfunctional and outrageous family, but a family nonetheless.

Reading each book is like a trip home... a family reunion. And I can't wait for the next trip.

Someone is killing off women, in New York City, circa 2058, using the techniques of high profile, 20th century serial killers, Jack the Ripper, the Boston Strangler and Ted Bundy. And there is every indication that he does not intend to stop. Leaving taunting messages at the crime scenes, he baits Eve into a challenging game of cat and mouse. And once again, Lieutenant Eve Dallas finds herself on the trail of a psychopathic killer.

In this installment we find Eve on the hot trail of a psychotic killer, and struggling to solve some difficult cases that have a lot of very powerful people as suspects. And on top of it all Eve is having to deal with a number of other issues, amongst them...Roarke's revolutions about his past (his new knowledge about his mother who was tragically killed) and an ex-girlfriend of Roarke's whose new boyfriend is a suspect. Peabody, Dallas' partner is studying for the Detective's exam, and feels more than a little scared about moving-in or cohabing with her lover, McNabb. And then there is a surviving victim who reminds Eve of herself...battered and left for dead, only to be a miracle and survive. And as we all know, Eve feels the pressure to solve every case and fast. She stands for the victims and the anxiety she has often makes her seem insensitive and angry. And finally, Eve is dealing with those neverending nightmares about her father and anxiety about Summerset's impending return any day from vacation. But no matter what the odds, Eve Dallas always gets her guy or girl.

I really liked Imitation, and if you follow the series at all, you will enjoy it as well.

The usual futuristic murder, mayhem, electronic intrigue, and psychological angst familiar to fans of Lieutenant Eve Dallas, the brainchild of Nora Roberts, a.k.a. J.D. Robb, take a back seat, again as usual, to Roberts' ever-evolving characters. Like the tough, courageous, makeup-scorning New York-loving culturally deprived but brilliantly wise Eve, the reader has difficulty selecting a favorite from Roberts' list of "suspects": the stalwart, always-hungry Officer Delia Peabody, Eve's sidekick, fretting over the detectives' exam; Peabody's main squeeze, the ultimate computer geek Detective Ian McNab, whose relationship with Peabody Eve has at last (reluctantly) accepted; Charles Monroe, the smooth-talking but heart-of-gold LC (that's high-class legal prostitute) dating Eve's doctor friend after a tense love triangle with Peabody and McNab; Mavis Freestone, Eve's pregnant but untamed friend; Dr. Charlotte Mira, the razor-sharp-within-velvet-gloves New York police (NYPSD) psychologist who horrifies Eve by inviting her to a family barbecue; Eve's mother and father, who would make Susan Smith's blood run cold, glimpsed in Eve's nightmares; and Roarke, Eve's wealthy, romantic, utterly sexy (his attempt at a private barbecue is adorably botched) husband who, like her, emerged from a rough childhood as a productive if not always law-abiding citizen.

Motherhood and family, including the extended family Eve has put together (her relationships with Peabody, Roarke and Mira in particular become richer), form the heart of this thriller, combined with the sharp police work, moral compass and hot loving sex readers have come to expect.

This is a series that I NEVER get tired of reading...over...and over again. There is nothing like a full novel written by Nora Roberts to make for an entertainingly scrumptious story that pulls you in and makes you feel homesick in between installments. And, when that installment comes out and you finally have a chance to read it, your back at home with life, death, intrigue and love.

You gotta love Roberts. She makes the best characters and stories.

Also, let me say that Susan Erickson's right on, talented and engrossing professional narration of Roberts' books is like icing on the cake. If you love the book, try it again with the audio enhancements...truly entertaining!

This is one of my favorites from the series. The bad guy emulating famous serial killers was a unique angle. There's a little more background on both Roarke and Eve's mothers. I really liked the "normal" moments too: Eve and Roarke attending a bbq at Mira's...Roarke thinking he can master cooking on a grill...funny stuff. Peabody's storyline was great this time around too, I loved the ending with her and Eve.

*I borrowed this ebook from the library.

I really liked this installment of the "In Death" series. You have a diabolical killer who is copying a list of "who's who" of serial killers and taunting Lt. Dallas along the way. There is as always great character development with a little more information coming to the surface in each book about them. This particular series is one that I have chosen to listen to instead of read and the reader of these books does a fantastic job of helping bring the writer's characters to life. This particular book seemed to move at a faster pace and was quite interesting.

The summer of 2059 is a scorcher and crime is on the rise but Lieutenant Eve Dallas of the New York Police and security department has a very high profile case that takes up all her time. The body of a prostitute is found in a back alley in Chinatown and the way she was killed is identical to Jack the Ripper's signature. On the toe of the victim is a letter addressed to Eve challenging her to try and catch him.
The only clue he left behind is the stationary addressed to Eve that is illegal in this country since it is not recycled. Only a few outlets in Europe sells them and Eve is able to get the names of the people who bought it who are now living in New York. All the suspects are rich and powerful so Eve has to tread carefully even when the perpetrator strikes two more times mimicking The Boston Strangler and Ted Bundy. Eve is in a race against time before the suspect kills again but she needs one more piece of evidence before she can take him down.
J.D. Robb has written another exciting futuristic romantic mystery that will have fans of many genres clamoring to read it. IMITATION IN DEATH brings back secondary characters including Peabody, Eve's assistant, who is preparing to take her detective's exam and move in with her lover. The heroine solves this dark and gritty case with her usual panache and a little help from her busy billionaire husband Roarke.

J.D. Robb has done it again! This the 17th book, I believe, centering around the heroine Lt. Eve Dallas and it is another hit by J.D. Robb! Our favorite Lieutenant is up against intelligent killer who has studied and made serial killers of the past his heros. Peabody takes the detective exam so be sure and read the book and find out whats going to happen with that! This is a great book! Definately worth the reading time even if your don't regularly read J.D. Robb.
The reader is presented with the normal cast of returning characters. What makes this book interesting to me beyond the great story is this is the second book since the author changed her tone of writing. It is my belief that the first 15 books with the much gritier and grimmer writing style gives the reader a glimps into the soul of Lt. Eve Dallas as it where. In latest 2 books the writing style as lighted considerably. Not to say Dallas is any less of a great cop or that her personality has been changed by the author. No its more as if some of the deep mental wounds have been healed to an extent that while Dallas is still a hardass she's enjoying living more.
Another great Lt. Eve Dallas mystery, definately worth the read!

There is some excellent plot and character in this latest Robb book. First off, if you've never read any of the J.D. Robb series, you're missing out, and shouldn't start here, but with 'Naked in Death' the first in the series.

Eve Dallas is a tough detective in an even tougher future New York. In 'Imitation in Death,' the latest serial killer is imitating the serial killers of history, and has left notes for Dallas - all but taunting her inability to make it stop. While Dallas does her usual hard-ass investigation, the list of suspects quickly fills itself - with important and influential individuals. She certainly can't afford to mess this one up.

With help from her sexy-to-the-"ult" husband Roarke (no other name) and her relationship-jittery aide Delia Peabody, Eve tries to hunt down the baddie with her usual zest and sarcasm. Her bafflement with all things feminine and family continues, and the sub-plot of Eve's slowly uncovering amnesia/repression about her family gets a little further in this book - with some startling results.

Even better, the secondary characters we all know and love - Peabody especially, taking her Detective's test - all get a bit of book-time in 'Imitation in Death.' They grow, change, and interact with the sassy style you're used to from Robb, and with awesome results.

You'll find it ult. Icy, even. But definitely murder.

'Nathan

Everything the future has changed. The way we eat, the way we exercise, the way we make love. But like I have said before, murder doesn't change.

But this murderer, likes the old way of killing off people.

Jack the Ripper, Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy and many more old style murders. These are all past names, but still the spirit still lingers. And sometimes, someone will possess that spirit and kill exactly the same way, even use the same name.

But is it a spirit, or is it someone that fantasizes about the deaths and wants to make those names popular again. Is it just one person, or multiple killers? Dallas must find out before famous Cop Killer comes knocking on her door.

I buy the J.D. Robb books like most people go to movies they really want to see-on the first day they're available. Then, I read it cover to cover-no matter how late, no matter what time I have to get up in the morning-I have to match wits with Eve Dallas, Roarke, and the crew to see if I can guess who the killer is. The one thing I LOVE about this series (and Nora Roberts in general) is that I'm always guessing until the last clue is in place. Not so with this particular installment of the 'In Death' series.
I don't want to spoil it for those who read this book, but there's a VERY VERY big clue that reveals the killer's identity right off the bat, and it's so obvious you almost miss it. When I realized it, I was so upset, because that's the fun for me. This is the first book I've acutally been able to put down and leave for awhile-the first that didn't fully engage me to the point that everything else is a distraction. All of the qualities that makes these books so much fun are there-Roarke and Eve's love for one another, McNabb and Peabody getting more committed, Summerset (he's back!!!); and let's not forget the witty reparte' the characters have. The book got off to a very slow start for me, and I didn't enjoy this book as much as the rest. It's saying something that it took book 17 for me to get disheartened, so lets hope that "Remember When" and the next "In Death" novel makes up for this slight misstep in an otherwise great series.

This is a great series. This installment has the usual drama & horror of a murder mystery, but also some light-hearted moments such as when Rourke buys an "outside cooking unit" (grill). What ensues is laugh-out-loud funny. It's fun to watch the characters develop & change over the course of time. I would recommend this series to anyone that enjoys murder mysteries with a bit of a twist.

Eve remembers her "Biological Mother". Eve learns the brutal truth about the woman who gave birth to her.

Meanwhile, there is a copycat killer on the loose imitating serial killers of the past.

A man dressed in fancy clothes, including a hat and a cap, shows up in one of the shady neighborhoods in New York in the year 2059, approaches a licensed companion and takes her to an alley to do his business. But his business is not what she is used to dealing with, instead she gets killed quickly and efficiently, and after that the man goes to work on her, taking one of her organs as a souvenir. He leaves an envelope behind addressed to Lieutenant Eve Dallas in which he acknowledges her ability to solve murders and challenges her to go head on with him. The note is signed Jack...can you guess where this is going?

When a second victim is found, together with another note for Eve, the killer shows his versatility by changing his modus operandi. Now he is not imitating Jack the Riper anymore, but the Boston Strangler. Dallas is now facing a clever criminal, and her list of suspects include powerful men that can destroy her career if she misses a step. Of course, those who have been reading this series know that this will not intimidate Eve, and as expected she moves forward full force with her case.

In the personal arena, Eve is dealing with Peabody, her aide, who is preparing the detective's exam and with the nervous wreck she currently is due to the situation. Peabody is also looking for a place to move in together with her love, the computer whiz McNabb. On the home front, Eve pretends to be in paradise due to Summerset being away, but it is clear that she misses Roarke's butler and best friend. And her husband, Roarke, is going through a confusing time after having discovered the truth about his mother's death.

Once again Robb does a very good job in merging together the mystery with the development of the personal stories of the main characters. After a book like "Portrait in Death" which had highly emotional moments it is hard to keep up the intensity, and this shows a little bit in the current novel. Nevertheless, the result is better than good and there is no reason to pass this one up.

Imitation in Death is a very will written mystery with the usual interesting will developed characters that continue to grow in each mystery of the series. The story line is complex with lots of twist and turn leading to the conclusion. I would recommend this series to anyone that enjoys a will written mystery. Enjoy reading

I rushed down to the store to get this yesterday, and unlike the last one [Portrait], which left me feeling a bit hurried and miffed, this one had a lot of the best things about this series. Eve Dallas has some very good moments in this book - the mystery makes sense (the murderer is actually one of the main suspects this time), still managing to keep the reader guessing. It plays out well, and the murders manage to impress upon the reader the appropriate sense of disgust intended.
The main characters mostly have some good points in this book, although I was a bit weirded out by Roberts' description of Morris (he is suddenly described with the adjective 'exotic' on two consecutive pages). Peabody is taking the detective exam, McNab is being lovey-dovey with the aforementioned, and Roarke is getting through the loss discovered in Portrait. There's a lack of Feeney in this book, as well as Nadine, but it plays out better for it, especially since Portrait had characters experiencing Significant Moments of Life every five pages. Not that this book isn't lacking in the odd character moment here and there, but it works anyway. For Lt. Dallas herself, there is a big flashback - and a fascinating one, for it's about the person that her brandy-colored eyes are from - and no, it's not her dad.
One of my favorite aspects of this series is the Eve-Roarke dynamic, and in this book, they're awfully cute in this book, and such fun to read. I don't mean gushy cute, thank goodness, but they're a highly amusing couple. A favorite moment of mine is Eve watching, with some baffled horror, as Roarke cooks, and I don't mean with an Auto-Chef. More than ever, I think this couple has really settled into a comfortable dynamic, the way that only they can do it.
One of the reasons it's such fun to read this is because of how the characters have grown throughout the books. I feel that Roberts' other books often lost realism in the characters, with the books themselves too often ending with a tidily engaged couple and pregnant female. However, the In Death series gives her the chance to naturally grow these characters, and it's really evident in this book. Compare Imitation to Naked or Glory, and it's actually a little scary to see how these characters - especially Eve and Roarke - have changed, but they've done so together, and it's sweetly romantic.
Last word: this isn't a book for new readers. It would be completely confusing, very bizarre, and without the enjoyment of seeing how these beloved characters continue to change. There is an unusually high amount of references to other J.D. Robbs here(there was even a reference to Interlude in Death), and although it's nice for the devoted reader, it can be nothing but bizarre to a newbie. In the end, this was a very entertaining book - I think one of the best in this series - and though there were no previews, I look very forward to buying Remember When in a few weeks and Divided in Death in the new year. :>

Not (in general) a romance novel fan, a mystery fan or a Nora Roberts fan, I was given this by a friend. The mystery was of minimal interest, but I gave it credit for being less dull than most.
However, this book had the key to what I consider essential to all great books: good characters. As an abrasive woman myself, I was easily able to identify with Eve Dallas and found her husband (a wealthy mature version of my own husband) utterly loveable. I became quite consumed with these characters and, though I had not read the whole series, found myself desperately interested in their entire history.
Since reading this, I have now read Naked in Death and Glory in Death and would heartily recommend that anyone interested in these characters read the series from the beginning. I am now determined to own them all.
One last point; I read books to my husband and, although neither romances nor mysteries are on his list of preferred books, he is now as hooked on these as I am.

This time around a serial killer is killing people in the fashion of famous serial killers starting with Jack the Ripper. He leaves a note for Eve at the scene of his crimes, making it personal . Is Eve on the hit list? The list of suspects are either diplomats or celebrities making the questioning more difficult as these people put up obstacles.

Peabody is slated to take the detectives exam and the reader struggles right along with her as she studies. Peabody does not want to let her boss down and the stress of the exam is guaranteed to drive not only Peabody nuts but also Eve

The other usual characters are back and the sex scenes with Roarke are as good as always. Love this series

Having read nearly every In Death book, I'd have to say this one was the worst. I doubt I would ever try to read it, again.

The villain on the piece is copying the murders of classic serial killers. Well, actually only two readers would know. While an interesting concept, I don't think he plot ever lives up to the potential. Yet another killer enthralled by the great Eve Dallas, that he even leaves a note for her at the scene of his murders. In quite a few of the books, the killer becomes obsessed with Eve and getting her attention and just how great would Eve be without Roarke, McNab or Feeney helping her out to get information. Hate to say it, but I think Ms. Roberts is a little too in love with this character, that she's even got the criminals singing her praises and genuflecting to her.

The book isn't helped with the carting out of the failed Mira/Eve faux mother-daughter relationship. It hasn't worked from the first book, and the more Ms. Roberts keeps trying to sell it, the less it works. So sick of this Mira/Eve thing, I've taken to skimming over any scenes involving Dr. Mira, who is the worst character in the series, and who I wish would get cut from it.

The two best scenes involved Roarke/Eve. The funniest was him trying to barbacue and the most interesting was when he learned Eve had been keeping from him the fact she recalled something new from her past. Otherwise, the book was pretty blah, over all.

Since there really wasn't much movement in the characters, aside from Peabody making detective, you may want to skip this one and read Divided in Death. Perhaps the best book in this series.

I always look forward to a new J.D. Robb "In Death" book and rush out to buy it as soon as it hits the stores. I'm amazed that she can put out such excellent books every six months and I've often wondered how. Even considering how quickly they must be written, this is the first one that I thought felt rushed. It wasn't shorter than the others, but it just didn't feel like your typical Eve Dallas story.
I felt like there was very little in depth character interaction. The premise was a good one, but I even thought the villian could have been more interesting, considering that premise.
I'm still giving this a four, because I did enjoy reading it, but compared to the last book in the series, that I thought was among the best, if not The best, this one was a bit of a let down. I will, of course, still buy the next.

Eve Dallas, a police lieutenant, faces the most challenging case of her career, when she has to track down a serial killer that duplicates the brutal killing styles of notorious serial killers. A prostitute (LC is the term used in the book) is killed in the style of Jack the Ripper and the next victim meets their fate a la Boston Strangler style. With each murder, a personal note is left for Eve as the killer singles her out. Roarke, Eve's husband, is not the least bit amused with this last fact.
Robb, a.k.a. Nora Roberts, offers a splendid blend of mystery, thriller action, internal friction amongst the principle characters and poignant intimacy spiced with a dash of sex to make this a very interesting read. I recommend this book.

I have read every "In Death" book in the entire series, and each time I finish an entry like "Imitation in Death," I am chafing at the bit for the next one.
"Imitation in Death" is one of the better books in the series, because it so adeptly weaves together the ongoing stories of the main characters with the very well-drawn plot at hand: A serial killer is showing off for Eve, modeling each of his horrendous murders after a "classic" killer, from Jack the Ripper to the Boston Strangler to a fictional perpetrator who supposedly plied his trade in the 2020s.
Now, in the 2050s, Eve must stop him before he runs completely amok--and her main suspects include some very famous people. Meanwhile, down on the home front, Eve and Roarke's relationship is better than ever (this is one of the main draws of the series, to my mind) as Eve savors the last days without her hated adversary Summerset, the major domo (butler!) of Roarke's estate, who was sent on vacation in the last book.
Peabody and McNab have made a "mag" and major decision, which has Peabody in a tizzy as she studies for her detective's exam. Will she make it? And Mavis and Leonardo are busy garbing Mavis in outrageous maternity clothes that only she could wear--and only he could design.
Absolutely a winner. I was sad when I finished the last page. Note to Nora (J.D. Robb): Hurry up with the next one! PLEASE!

An LC (futurist term for prostitute) is murdered in the flamboyant style of Jack the Ripper, which is bad. But the unknown killer leaves a personal note for Lieutenant Eve Dallas, which is even worse. When the serial killer strikes again, it is not as Jack the Ripper, but as The Boston Strangler. Another note is left and Dallas and her associates race against time to figure out who is so meticulously copycatting the infamous serial killers of old. This is the first 'In Death' book I have read and it most certainly will not be the last. The mystery is good, with enough red herrings to keep the pages turning, but, sadly, the front cover offers more than a bit of a spoiler. The secondary characters are likable and, in the end, I looked forward to spending time with them again...another fan won over. Recommended.

I really enjoyed this addition to the In Death series.
Eve is on the trail of a serial killer who is imitating famous killers of the past. I thought the mystery was really well done and I really didn't know who the killer was until the end (and I'm one of those people who usually figure it out early :)
I also liked the theme of mothering and how that fit into more understanding of Eve and Roarke's relationships with their mothers.
What I most appreciated was the humor. The book could have been especially dark because of the killer but there was enough humor sprinkled throughout that I had MANY laugh out loud moments - great story!

This series never disappoints, as long as you're looking for escapist detective fiction.
The storyline gallops along, and as usual, the identity of the villain is not obvious. With the exception of Summerset, who is on vacation for most of the story, the main characters are all present and consistently entertaining and interesting. Peabody is getting ready for her detective's exam and Eve is beginning to have dreams about her mother.
Of course there is also the usual mix of humor, murder and mystery. A killer is emulating famous serial killers, and Eve finds that her suspects all have something to hide.
Note that although J.D. Robb is the nom de plume of a successful romance writer, this is no Barbara Cartland.

Still my main stay of favorite characters but this time there were way too many suspects and I had to keep referring back to figure out what the story was for each person. I liked the concept but I finally just gave up trying to figure out who was who because I never would have finished it otherwise.

All right, I've said it before, but I'm sure I'll say it again and again: This series is my guilty pleasure. The characters are great, and if you've read this far in the series (the books should be read in order) you're either hooked or masochistic. I can't decide what that says about me. Being a mystery buff, I'm dismayed at the lack of actual "mystery" in these books. Usually, the title gives you the 'whodunit'; maybe Ms. Robb doesn't want to cause her readers any anxiety by making them wait for Dallas to solve the crime. In the case of this book, the answer wasn't in the title, but rather in something equally as obvious. But I'm still reading them because I love the characters and their interaction. No one plays a minor role in these stories, which is in itself an accomplishment. Yep, definitely my guilty pleasure.

I love Eve so much, and in this case even a little bit more, because of Peabody and her exam to become a detective. Such a lovely sentences they exchange.....

Io adoro Eve Dallas, specialmente in questo libro e grazie alle sue battute e ai suoi scambi con Peabody, disperata per il suo esame per diventare detective....

As the latest in the In Death series, J.D. Robb is still cooking. If you're a fan of the rest of the series, I don't think you'll be disappointed with this latest addition. It's the classic mix she's been using all along, and one as a fan of the series, I'm glad she hasn't decided to mess with.
If you're new to the series, stop and go back to the beginning - start with the first book Naked In Death. Trying to jump into the series this far into it, you may enjoy the book, but there's a whole host of character development and backstory that you'll miss out on, which will add to your full enjoyment of this book (and probably help explain a lot).

The plot of this story seems like so much fun and I loved the snarky characters, as always, but this book just isn't one of my favorites. Something is just missing for me. Maybe it's that almost everyone one of the characters seems to do something out of their nature. There weren't tremendous leaps just enough that I didn't feel connected. Maybe it was because it's more emotional than usual. Maybe it was just because there wasn't a personal impact in this for Eve - or a member of her 'family'.

This may be the best Eve Dallas story to date. I don't think I've ever laughed so much or been so stumped with one of her books. Eve finally deals with the memories of her mother, Peabody takes the dectective exam, Roarke takes on the challenge of a backyard grill, and oh yeah, they're looking for a killer who imitates famous serial killers. This series started off well, but the continued addition and development of repeat characters has created a made it a must have for my limited and overloaded bookshelves. This is one I know that I'll be reading soon.

A great story that includes the nervousness of Peabody at taking the detective's exam and her obsession to pass it or feel she has let everyone else down.
A good storyline with Eve finally remembering her mother and her worry over telling Roarke while she feels he is still dealing with the truth about his mother. Add a murderer imitating past serial killers and it's another interesting read in the 'In Death' series.

Having read all the "in death" books, I waited patiently for this one. I am somewhat disappointed. It's the same old, same old, with Eve and Roarke. She confides, he helps, they argue, they make love. Peabody and McNab are well under way, thank goodness. But, where are all the other wonderful, colorful characters I have come to know from all previous books? Don't misunderstand, I LOVE Eve and Roarke, but it is time for a new twist or two in their relationship.
I will say that I am in awe of N.Roberts. The talent and scope of her ability to write such an unusual series is amazing.

For me, probably the least involving of the entire series. Robb goes through the motions of making this a mystery, but with a glaring clue upfront that narrows the list down to 5 suspects immediately, even the fact that all of the suspects are very high-profile works against sustaining interest and involvement as she checks out their lives and alibis. We know that if Eve Dallas really wants to cut through the chase and follow up on similar crimes in other locales, she can get her computer super guru husband to check out all possible travel links for her suspects surreptitiously to eliminate the red herrings and then use "logic" to follow up on the murderer thus revealed.
Side plots involving the usual cast of characters go from cardboard to elements we're apt to see developed more fully in coming books. One cute bit of "business" has Roarke trying and failing as a backyard chef on his new grille, but even there we know that by the next book he will be a "grillemaster".
These books need to devolve a bit from time to time. After several very high profile cases, Robb needs to figure out something more low-key, but interesting to do with Eve and Roarke.

Another great murder mystery, as has come to be expected of the "In Death" series. I particularly liked the way Eve connected with and empowered one of the victims.
The depth of Robb's/Roberts' imagination amazes me. Even after having written so many books in this series, she still manages to develop the characters and make them compelling.
It was interesting and fun to read about Eve and Roarke doing "average" things like visiting friends and attempting a barbecue. Those parts of the book helped to humanize those characters and to make the reader connect with them even more.
Well worth reading.

I love the In Death series and always buy them as soon as they are on the shelf but this one was just lacking something. However I was intrested to see a little more in depth of Eve's past and Roarke's(and everybody else) reaction to Eve's uniform was a hoot. If I hadn't read the rest of the series I would have thought that this one was super good but I suppose I'm just spoiled by the rest of the series because they are all so good. I'm stil in love with the In Death series and will be buying Remember When!!!

I should mention I got this audio book in a lot and have never followed Nora Roberts. That said, I read about three books a week, and this is one of the most reaching in character development, plot, and authenticity I have encountered in quite some time. The interplay of the "officers" is so far fetched and unrealistic. Police Detectives do not have little annoying assistants following them around. I know, I am one. Nor would this abrasive character last long in a real Division without someone knocking them down a peg or two. I had to plod on to continue ...but it was paid for and killed time as I drove.

The continuing theme of men hate women was far overplayed -- No suspense as it keeps slapping you in the face. And even the Lt's Mother figure leaves me wondering if Ms. Roberts might have some personal issues she is working out through her writing.

I am sure she is writing to a particular audience, and they may love this contrivance, but I will not bother with any more of her works. I was very disappointed.

The 17th book of the In Death series, I was held in suspense the entire book. There were so many plausible suspects, I just could not decide until the "reveal". I continue to enjoy the series as the main characters are developed and the supporting characters continue to show up. Seems like old friends visiting family.

I can finally say I'm giving up on this series. This new entry, 'Imitation In Death', is just that, an imitation. It has nothing original or intriguing about it. I really enjoyed the initial books in this series and if you are new to Eve Dallas please start at the beginning. Those stories are suspenseful and intriguing with compelling characterizations. Eve was tough and gritty but with an underlying warmth and humanity. Now she's shrewish, unforgiving and despite years with Roarke has no idea how to behave in society. No intelligent person could be that naive. Wait don't just start there stop with the first seven or so entries in this once fascinating series.

The 'In death' series, is my all time favorite book series. I loved every one of them. The story, the characters, the mystery. But, Imitation would probably be my least favorite of the series. Though the murder was well written, I had hoped for more interaction with the characters I'd come to know so well. No Leonardo, no Charles, very little Nadine. What about Trueheart, Baxter. I missed all of them. This doesn't mean I didn't like the book; I did. But I was a little disapointed.

I know the title for the review sounds kind of lame, but I'll explain. Although the book is good, it's not one of the best. Sure, it has everything an In Death book should have, but I found myself having a hard time getting through it and finishing it. And I always finish reading books, no matter how bad. (Not that it's bad.) This book shouldn't be a meter of all the books.

I still highly recomend the series.

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)

[...]

Picked this book up at an airport bookstore and it made the flight go smoothly! With all the favorite characters (even Sommerville gets in there at the end) back again, this continues the great series we've been waiting for. I thought I had this one figured out and have to admit that I changed my mind, just like Peabody does! The story line continues from the last book with the role of both Roark and Eve's mothers taking a central place in the drama. We see Peabody come of age and her role in Eve's life just gets closer and closer by the end. There weren't any real pauses in the action and the focus on serial killers of the past was very real--as one would expect from the author. Some laughs, great sex, and lots of mystery--another solid book.

I LOVED this book in the series. I didn't quite know how it was going to turn out till the last 50 pages or so. Eve Dallas is one of the best heroines I've ever had the pleasure to read about. Her relationship with Roarke still makes me smile. And I was so proud of Peabody!

Personal notes attached to the victims draw Eve Dallas into a case where she trails a murderer imitating historical serial killers. Peabody is worried about her detective's exam and moving in with McNab. Unfortunately, that pretty much sums up this book. The other 'In Death' murder mysteries were usually gripping and new readers could enjoy those stories, even if they were unfamiliar with the series' characters. I don't believe that is the case with this book. I found the murder mystery to be recycled and predictable and thought the story just dragged. All the regular chararacters were stagnant. Mavis, Nadine, Feeney, Morris, Trueheart and even Summerset were thrown into the story as afterthoughts. Some of the scenes with Eve and Roarke were cute but there was no additional evolution of their relationship.

I have followed the 'In Death' series from the first book, but this is my least favorite. Like the other fans of the series, I'm hooked and will buy the future 'In Death' novels as soon as they come out, but I definitely do not recommend this book for a new reader. If this was a reader's first book in the series, they would never pick up another and that would be a shame because most are really good stories.

and disagree with the gals who didn't.. isn't life great that we are all different in our views. I thought the character development of Eve still proceeds at its usual rate. She learns more about her mother in this one. Peabody is developed more in this story. The interaction between Roarke and Eve is solid and sexy as usual. As with another reviewer, I like that Eve's compassion for the living is highlighted with the victim as well as her compassion for the dead. I liked the scene between Eve and the coroner. Where is there "lack of character development"? I enjoy the small nuances as well as the deep ones. This book is full of those wonderful small nuances... loved the family BBQ at Mira's. Other Death books are more exciting, but I look forward to seeing how all the characters keep growing in Ms. Roberts' books.

As with all of this series by J.D. Robb she keeps my interest thru the whole thing.Imitation In Death I hope she contains to write under this name. I love things in the future and this one is written with just enough of that to make it almost believable.

I just finished reading this one and liked it very much. It is definitely a keeper. I had trouble putting it down while reading. She has come through for us again. I have read her entire series and plan to read all future books of the series. I am hoping that she gets pregnant in one of the future books. Run, don't walk to buy this one. It is a great book.

What a terrific novel! Imitation in Death is another great outing by J.D. Robb. The mystery is terrific, even at the denoument, I had no idea who the murderer was. It also features a lot of terrific scenes with Eve and Roarke, including a hilarious outing with the barbeque.
Don't miss this story, although if you're new to the series, I really recommend reading the books in order.

Someone's killing women and imitating famous serial killers. Peabody's taking her detective exam. And Eve's remembering more of her troubled past. Mix all this together with a healthy dose of Roarke sizzle and you've got the latest installment in Robb's In Death series...an installment that truly shines!

As with all her death series, this one is wonderful. Each book can stand and be read on its own, but it's better to start with book one and keep on reading. The characters are wonderful and to watch them change is wonderful. Especially the character of Eve. She went from a basic loner to having a whole adopted family, and that confuses and fustrates her to no end. It adds a element of humor not really expected, but very much enjoyed.

Once again JD Robb, aka Nora Roberts, came up with an awesome story and very real characters. A must for any fan of the "In Death" series, and also for anyone who is considering trying it out, as each book stands on it's own (though newbies should try and start at the beginning of the series).
Only drawback this time around, which I hesitate to leave at the door of the author, was that the cover of the book kind of gave away the killer's identity. Once you get into the book it's not hard to put two and two together and come up with four.

I do think J.D.Robb broke away somewhat from many of her characters, almost all of them in fact. I kept wondering where Feeney was and McNabb was talked about but that's about it. Perhaps she's trying to show that Eve is becoming more independant than ever, that she's learning to lean on others more yet at the same time herself.
We did get to spend time with Mira though! That's always nice ^^

I loved this book. I had to wait through the summer, and it was well worth the wait. This is the best book in the series so far. I love how Eve and Roark interact. With every book, the series get's better and better. The serial killer in this particular book was a teaser. Just when you thought you knew who the killer was, you would get clues leading to someone else. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in a few hours. I can't wait until the next book comes out in September.

I found the book great, as always. The story may not be as gripping as some other in death, but so what! It was still a mystery that i found satisfiying and I did not know who did it, though wheb you do, you may go ha... I wont gell why. Someone mentionned that the other caracters where not very present and it is true, but this book was more about Eve and I do not need to have every secondary caracter involved at 100% in what is going on every time.

I love the dynamics in the marriage of Eve Dallas and Roarke: both deeply wounded and deeply in love with each other. A loving marriage has tremendous healing power, a wounded past has tremendous power to make waves in a marriage, and Nora Roberts (alias J.D. Robb) has struck a beautiful balance in this book.

This series of books are awesome,I've read like 18 or more in the Death series.They hold you attention an u don't want to put them down,very suspensful an well written. Love Dallas Eve an her husband Roarke

This was my favorite book of the entire "In Death" series. I am not sure what a reader who is not familiar with the characters and on-going plot would think but for all of us hard core Eve Dallas fans this book was excellent.