Customer Reviews

Interlude in Death (In Death Series)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

The above quotation, which J.D. Robb utilizes to introduce this novella, effectively captures the essence of the murders which form the basis of this story. INTERLUDE IN DEATH was originally released in an anthology titled OUT OF THIS WORLD, a collection of futuristic stories by four well known women authors. It can be understood as a standalone story, but its brevity does not allow the amount of character development or background information that is available in the full length novels. Thus, my rating reflects those factors and I believe will be shared by listeners familiar with the series' main characters, who undoubtedly will find this more enjoyable than those unfamiliar with the ... IN DEATH series. This story takes place during the spring of 2059, it was published chronologically after BETRAYAL IN DEATH, the twelfth full-length novel in the series.

Eve Dallas is upset - her commanding officer has placed her in a situation that involves three things that she detests; attending social events, public speaking and off-planet travel. He has scheduled her to make a presentation at a seminar during an interplanetary police conference being held at Roarke's spectacular new Olympia resort. Of course, Roarke is delighted, as he views it as a chance to vacation with her and show off the resort, a trip which she undoubtedly would have refused to make if not for the fact that it was an official request which she could not refuse. When they arrive, Roarke has been energized by the space travel while Eve is exhausted by the tension of the trip and her fantasy of the rocket crashing into a stray meteor and her being burned to a crisp by a fire fed by the rocket fuel. Perhaps the only consolation for Eve is that Lt. Peabody, Feeney and Dr. Mira are all at the welcoming reception. Of course, the reader immediately recognizes that the presence of these familiar characters means that this conference will be anything but a restful interlude for Eve and Roarke, and instead will undoubtedly morph into an INTERLUDE IN DEATH.

Eve immediately meets the legendary Commander Douglas R. Skinner, his wife Belle and his adjutant Bryson Hayes. Skinner was wounded during the urban wars and attained the rank of full Commander by the age of 44. He requests a private meeting with Eve at which he makes known his intense dislike of Roarke and insults her with his comments regarding her lack of judgment and the effect it would have on her career. Eve and Roarke are both amazed at his vehemence and his desire to discredit Eve and destroy Roarke, who of course vows to discover the source of Skinner's hatred in order to protect both Eve and her career given the nature of Skinner's reputation and connections.

Soon, a murder occurs and the evidence points to Roarke or someone in his employ. Eve's desire to pursue the investigation is complicated by the fact that the resort is outside her jurisdiction; she soon learns that the police chief of the resort (hired by Roarke) is a strong willed woman with an agenda of her own, Darcia Angelo. Before long (remember this is only a novella), another murder occurs; then Roarke and Eve are almost killed. Eve gradually uncovers the complicated reaons behind Skinner's obsessive behavior, but not in time to keep she and her team safe from a determined killer intent on revenge.

This is an enjoyable fast moving story, although its limited length means there is less character development and a more straightforward plot than in Robb's novels. Nevertheless, the climactic final scenes are as tense and fast moving as in all the full- length stories. In addition, there are two special treats for readers of the series. First, both Roarke and Eve learn previously unknown and interesting details concerning their fathers. (As series readers know, their ability to overcome the terror of their childhoods has strengthened the bond between them.) In fact, as Dr. Mira sagely summarizes one of the lessons for Eve of this episode is "blood doesn't always tell". Second, the conclusion of this story reveals a much more sentimental side to Eve than the reader usually sees. Her complex reactions to the situation are pitch perfect but quite unusual. In conclusion, as Darcia states so aptly, the violence and subsequent investigation were a "hell of a way [for Eve] to stay out of a workshop"; of course, Eve simply hopes that her next vacation will be on her beloved streets of NY.

As usual, Susan Erickson does a superb job as narrator of the story. As a fan of the series who has been gradually attempting to complete the volumes which I have not read, I surprisingly find that I have come to prefer the audio version to the print version. I would therefore suggest that this unabridged CD version is also an easy way for other readers to discover whether they share my enthusiasm for Erickson's narration. The shorter length (only three CDs which total approximately three hours) makes the price very affordable and means a much shorter time commitment than the approximately ten hours of the unabridged novels. In addition, the Brilliance Audio format of very short tracks (average under one minute each but no breaks noticeable to the listener) is incredibly convenient if at times you need to listen in short segments or might be interrupted unexpectedly. Finally, I strongly suggest that new readers interested in the series read (or listen to) at least the first two books in the series (NAKED IN DEATH and GLORY IN DEATH) before sampling the later stories in the series. While I do not believe those are the best entries, they are very good and if not read first the later stories (including this one) contain some potential spoilers regarding Eve's and Roarke's childhoods.

Tucker Andersen

As many people who read the Eve Dallas series are, I consider myself a "dedicated fan." So, I was happy to discover a book not previously read and eagerly awaited receipt of the shipment in which this item was included. All the elements were there...Eve's active dislike traveling off-planet, being ordered (by her Commander) to attend a conference, of speaking in public and the supporting cast of Eve's tight circle of friends and/or colleagues...not to mention her husband, Roarke. And yet, I was disappointed. The story was not nearly long enough. All of the characters (especially the supporting ones)lacked depth and the personality shadings normally present in full length narratives. The story itself, while intriguing, could have been more. "More" what?" I can't say for sure except, possibly, more story/plot, suspense, back-story.... Only us "dedicated fans" know when our thirst for more Eve Dallas has been (temporarily) quenched. I guess the best I can say is that it needed "more of everything!"

To Lieutenant Eve Dallas' dismay, she once again finds herself on her husband's posh resort planet where they had spent the last week of their lengthy honeymoon. But this visit to Roarke's domain isn't for pleasure, but business. Police business. Her irritation with her commander at being summoned to a police convention only heightens when she is charged to become a keynote speaker at that same convention. But, even that pesky assignment takes a backseat when she is introduced to a legendary icon in the police world: retired Commander Douglas Skinner. Eve soon discovers that the retired commander has a violent hatred toward her husband, Roarke, with a secret agenda of revenge in mind. Together, Eve and Roarke unravel the commander's plans, but not before multiple deaths throw Eve back into another murder investigation.

For those of you who are avid lovers of J. D. Robb's "In Death" series, this episode is a must! It brings into focus just one more piece of the puzzle of Eve Dallas.

I think its completely irresponsible of Amazon not to indicate somewhere that this is some MINI book. I paid more than the $2.99 listed on the front of the book. This is the first and LAST time I order books from Amazon. I don't have time to read every review to find out the size of a book. That should be apparent in the description somewhere.

From the start, I knew this book was originally part of an anthology from the "Out of this World" series Out of this World. I still say even 88 pages of a JD Robb story is worth the price. In this installment, Eve has been given orders by her Commander to attend an off-planet conference and give a talk on homicide. The conference of course is held at the Olympus Resort, one of Roarke's many properties, and most of the gang from Cop Central are in attendance. Seems the big attraction, one Commander Douglas R. Skinner, a police veteran with a 50-year, spotless record is very interested in Eve, mostly because he wants to take her husband down for all the evil doings he had committed in his former life. When Eve is approached by Commander Skinner, she does what you would expect; she tells him to get lost! So begins the adventure of a settling of scores between the police commander and our favorite lieutenant, going head-to-head to balance the scales of justice. Whether you purchase the book by itself for $2.99 + tax or buy it as part of the "Out of this World" series of stories, it IS worth the money!

The In Death series, as the better part of the reading world knows, is a futuristic mystery series craftily plotted and cleverly penned by Nora Roberts writing as J. D. Robb. There are well more than a Baker's Dozen in print now, and can enjoyably be read as stand alone novels. Or, if you're an intrepid fan you can begin with the first - Naked in Death, work your way through Holiday in Death, and so on.

What those who do not read the entire series may miss is the evolving relationship between Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her husband, Roarke. The suspense, the surprises, and Robb's vivid imaginings are all there for you to enjoy whether you listen to one or all.

Once again, Susan Ericksen narrates. For this listener the pleasure always increases when one has come to associate a performer with a character through a number of readings. One of my favorite memories is of the narrative skill with which she tackled Conspiracy In Death. She seems to become stronger, more assured with each reading of this series - and that's saying something.

Who wouldn't love a vacation at a posh resort? To Eve Dallas the price for this sojourn seemed well, almost negligible - all she has to do is address a police conference. However, forget the spa and saunas as murder rears its ugly head. Eve begins to investigate although she's hampered to a degree by her personal knowledge of the deceased and spurred onward by a past that the killer shared with Roarke.

Enjoy!

- Gail Cooke

Beware: Amazon is charging you $4.98 for a small book that is marked as $2.98. The price should be for the 2 pack of books with(Midnight In Death)and should be labeled as "MASS MARKET TEASERS". The whole plot is developed, but in only 80+ pages. Wanted to send them back, but would cost me to mail them. Just ate the cost and will be very careful in the future.

Don't be deluded by the publishing date. This is NOT a new story. If you're an IN DEATH fan, this does not pick up where the most recent book left off. This was originally published as a short story in a book of short stories named OUT OF THIS WORLD in August of 2001. But, if you're a fan it won't matter. Nothing earth shaking happens in it, so this story could be "anytime" in the later half of the series.

This is not a review of the book - it is a review of the ridiculous 88 page joke I received. Obviously I did not read the description fully enough as this is a tease, not a book - TV Guide is thicker! I love all of the JD Robb books and was looking forward to a good read. I would return BOTH of these 88 page items but I already paid $5.00 shipping, and it would cost me again to return - lesson learned. Don't waste the money as it is NOT the bargain it appears to be.

I felt ripped off when I got this book. I also paid more than $2.99. There was no indication that it was only a short story. I also ordered Midnight in Death, which is the same thing! I guess it is buyer beware but for the amount of times I order books from here, I never felt cheated before and this time I definitely did. I will certainly make sure this never happens again!