Customer Reviews

Promises in Death (In Death, No. 28)

5 star:		(78)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

"Promises in Death", book 29 in the in death - series is one of the best so far. It's really intense, sad but also hilarious and just great.
The story begins with the murder of Detective Coltraine who was in a intimate relationship with Morris. Not only Eve but every other cop in New York is on the hunt for the killer who took the life of one of them. But especially Eve and her unit are doing everything to solve this case as fast as possible. When the victim is linked with Alex Ricker, son of Max Ricker, it seems clear that he has to the number one suspect in the murder. But Eve soon realizes that while Alex Ricker may be a criminal he is no murderer. On the contrary he is just another victim in a game of revenge and power. When a second person close to Alex Ricker is killed Eve discovers that the killer may be no Mr X but somebody she already knows and whom Detective Coltraine trusted.
"Promises in Death" is so far one of my favourites in the series. Some parts of the book are hard to read because they are so sad but they are still great because you see a new side of Eve. She is not only a brilliant cop but also manages to be a very good friend to Morris and I have to say that I love this side of her. Roarke and Eve rock as usual and I think that you can see that their relationship is getting better and better.
There are also two hilarious scenes in this book involving Eve. One is Eve and Roarke buying some underwear (I had to laugh out loud when reading this) and one is Eve and a bunch of naked, drunken woman who are no strangers to her. These two scenes show yet another side of Eve and make it clear that she appreciates her friendships and realizes that they are important to balance out what she goes through in her job.
You learn a lot about Morris in this book and thank god he is not leaving New York after this tragedy, so I hope to see more of him and maybe Alex Ricker in the future.
So all in all I think that "Promises in Death" is brilliant and a fantastic new addition to the series. Thanks J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts for this great book.

This is one of the best In Death books so far, in my opinion. The horrible ways in which Eve and Roarke's relationship could have gone wrong is explored through a proxy couple. Eve's investigation brings up the different choices that were made at each step and how the sum of all of those choices led to the here and now (or since it is 2059, the there and then). The introspection that both E & R go through is presented so beautifully that at no point does it get boring - no contemplating the navel here.

The humor is intact in spite of the circumstance. That must have been difficult to manage without coming across as absolutely ridiculous. This is further proof of the author's talent - if anything further were needed. I loved it when Eve found it easier to 'describe a subject' than describe a friend. I especially liked the part where Eve flares up at Morris and immediately regrets it - not humorous at all, but very human and very relatable.

The staccato speech that I used to love (not so much in her last, say 5-10 books) is not in evidence here. THANK GOD FOR THAT! Seems as though she has been paying attention to the criticism from the readers.

A few questions I have for NR (1) Are you a big fan of L&O? I was surprised to see that one of the squad members was a transferee from SVU. I may be wrong, but the NYPD in 2009 has a Sex Crimes Unit, not an SVU.

(2) Why is it called Promises?

(3) I want Alex's story - truly a tortured hero.

All in all, a very good book for In Death fans.

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

This may be the best Lt. Eve Dallas story yet! Sad, funny and very personal.

I listened for 12 exciting hours to the unabridged audio CD set of Promises In Death - listening to Susan Ericksen is just as entertaining as the story! She has a way of making each of the characters come alive with their own unique voice and spirit. Great performance!

Haven't we all wanted to be like Lt. Eve Dallas at one time or another in our life - you know, telling it like it is, pulling no punches? I think that's what makes the In Death series so popular - Eve Dallas and the other well-developed ongoing characters we all want to learn more about, cheer on and have gotten to know and like. Nora Roberts has a way to bringing us into the lives of her characters.

Promises In Death has twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. Dallas is definitely showing her more sensitive side while helping chief Medical Examiner Morris deal with the death of his lover Detective Coltraine. Could Dallas be mellowing since her marriage to Roarke?

The murder of a cop brings the entire department together - out of friendship for Morris and respect for losing one of their own. You feel the emotion and the sadness felt by the entire department. This is a great story of a team coming together and getting the job done.

And, during this time Dallas is throwing a wedding shower for her friend Louise - can you picture it, Dallas at a girly wedding shower? It's funny!

All I can say is that you know it's a good story when you find yourself laughing, crying and not wanting to put the book down until you've finished it. This is another winner for J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts.

I'm pretty much repeating what everyone else has said. I've been waiting a couple of months for this one to come out, and it did not disappoint. The hard part was not the murder itself but its effect on all of the other characters, most especially ME Morris, who has been one of my consistant favorites throughout the series. And it shows Eve's growth, too: The Eve Dallas of "Naked in Death" (the first book)would not have been able to show the caring and compassion needed here.

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

I just finished this and heartily agree with the others who have labeled it the best "in death" book yet. It does indeed take a whole boatload of talent to take readers from heartfelt sympathy in the first few chapters to laugh-out-loud funny later on without making it seem choppy or contrived. Its a "this could really happen" kind of thing, that I particulary enjoy. I especially loved the exchange between Eve and Roarke when she decides she needs to go along on the bachelor party excursion, it was a very nice reprieve from what is basically a tragedy among the list of regular players.

I also enjoyed revisiting those other players, not in depth, but enough to remind you of what they are like and what part they play in Eve's life and the fact that she has come to depend on all of them, in spite of herself, (well maybe not Trina).

Its just a really great read, thank you Ms. Roberts for giving us this gift. I am a voracious reader, and nothing I have read lately comes close to being as good as this was.

I see some breaking of the mold! I have read all of the "in Death' books, and they all have one thing in common...three of four 'sex scenes between Dallas and her main man Roarke. I will say, the scenes are well written for the most part (you can tell Roberts also does romance novels) and there is something more than just casual sex, but it gets to a point where as a read you go..."Ok, we get it! They are both hot and they love each other, let's move on.." Promises in Death finally does that. Sure the sex is there, but it isn't page after page of glorifying it, and the writing is actually good!

I even got a little teary at one point, which I like in a story like this. I want to feel invested, to feel something for the characters, and "Robb" finally is pulling some of her stronger writing skills to this series.

I like that Eve was pushed out of her comfort zone, and had to go where she didn't want to-comforting a friend, hosting a bridal shower. The later offered some comic relief, the former served to make Eve seem like she has actually learned something from her husband and her partner.

Great addition, and I hope to see the series continue on this path.

I love Eve and Roarke and I love these books. With that out of the way, let me get on to the review.

The book starts off with our favorite couple contemplating a vacation and of course Roarke talks Eve into taking off more time than she would have but so thoroughly needs off when their conversation is interuppted with murder. The fact that it's the murder of a cop and the girlfriend of their good friend, Chief Medical Examiner Morris just ups the importance of finding the killer. And that she's tied to the son of one of their biggest enemies just makes it for quite a show.

You really feel for Morris and wish Ammy had been introduced in an earlier book just so we could get a chance to know her. You get a lot of interesting insight into Eve's relationship with Roarke, but also how she deals with the situation. Doing the proper friend thing while investigating the death of a cop who may or may not have been dirty. Eve walks a very fine line.

The relationship dynamics between Eve & Roarke are entertaining as usual. She's not always good with the wife thing, but of course she makes up for it in fun ways. Peabody is a hoot as usual. Man she cracks me up. And a lot of favorites stop by to help out, etc.

The highlight for me had to be the whole Bridal Shower situation. From beginning to end, anytime that subject came up with Eve, she would much rather face a firing squad! I was on the train riding home when I got to the actual event and lets just say that I was laughing so hard tears were in my eyes. I laughed so loud people were looking at me and one guy actually commented that it must have been a good book to illicit such a response.

I would say it was a very good book and I highly recommend it! Can't wait till their next adventure!

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