Customer Reviews

Visions in Death

5 star:		(43)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Nora Roberts, writing as J.D. Robb, has created a successful series based on a few basic principles. The first, and in my opinion, most important aspect is a fascinating heroine, who presents different layers that the author has been revealing in each installment and will certainly continue to do so. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is a tough cop, who is relentless in her pursue of justice and feels as if the victims were hers to save. On the other hand, she is the wife of the billionaire Roarke, and has to deal with parties and charity events in which she is expected to mingle and maintain polite chit-chat with the guests. She has been adjusting slowly to this area of her life and even though she does not like it, she has learned to accept it. The fact that Eve was abused by her father when she was a child and had to kill him in order to escape also plays an important role in the development of the story and in almost every case Eve faces. Her husband also has a complex past, involving an abusing father who killed Roarke's mother and then lied to him about who his real mother was. Only recently did the billionaire learned the truth about this and reunited with what was left of his family.

Besides the two main characters, Robb has created a supporting cast that adds appeal to the series and which I consider to be the second factor in its success. Peabody is Eve's former aide and current partner who has recently made detective and who usually adds a good part of humor to the narration with her witty comments. She is in love with McNabb, a policeman working in the Electronic Detectives Division, and they are in the process of moving together to a new apartment. There are other interesting characters: Feeney, Eve's trainer and mentor, Mavis, Eve's best friend, Nadine Furst, a reporter for Channel 75 who has become a close friend with Eve, Charles, a licensed companion who is now dating a doctor, and several others. One of the most appealing aspects of the series has to do with the development of the stories of each of these people, and that is why I recommend reading the series in order.

The third and final element that helps create a superb series is the cleverly crafted world in which the action takes place: New York in the year 2059. The setting presents several characteristics that make it very different from our world, like cars that fly, drones that take care of household chores, the ban on firearms, the anticancer vaccine, the legalization of prostitution, the difficulty for getting real coffee, etc. Also, the advances in terms of technology require criminals to be more clever and careful when committing their crimes, and we usually end up reading about complex mysteries. In this novel, Eve is summoned to the scene of a ghastly murder. The victim was raped and strangled using a red ribbon and before leaving, the killer took out her eyes as a memento. The poor woman had a four-year-old kid and worked as hired help for a wealthy couple, and there is nothing that indicates that someone would have wanted to hurt her.

Everything is business as normal until Celina Sanchez shows up wanting to talk to Eve and claiming she has information about the murder. Celina is a psychic and claims that she saw the killing in a vision. Even though Eve does not really believe in this stuff, she goes along with it following Peabody's advice and realizing that if it does not help at least it will not hurt either. This is not the first time Robb uses supernatural events in the series, but in her previous attempt she went too far making it hardly believable. In the present try the results were much better, and since the case Eve is facing is one of the best mysteries in the series so far, the overall quality of the novel benefits even more.

As usual, Robb creates a good balance between the police procedural and the development of the personal stories of the characters in the series. Of course, the romantic scenes are still present through the narration, but without overdoing it. I was very pleased with this installment, and I am looking forward to the next one. A final word of advice, the publisher's blurb gives out important information regarding events towards the end of the novel. I would have preferred to read the book without knowing these facts. The good thing is that even if you read them, there will be a surprise waiting for you.

I loved Divided in Death because of the focus on the relationship between Eve and Roarke so intensely. As far as literary couples go, they are up there near the top and even after 19 books, they've still got it. BUT... you didn't see enough of the interaction between them that makes them so special in Visions in Death.

There's a serial killer on the loose, Eve is on the case, works herself to exhaustion, and, in contrast to her past behavior, begins to open up to her friends about her horrible childhood abuse. I know some get tired of Eve's abuse storyline but frankly, it would be far worse if Robb simply had Eve get over something so terribly traumatic. I like that she's slowly working through it.

The mystery was good, Robb adds a psychic to the mix for something new. Not enough Feeney and McNab for me but the storyline was good and kept me interested. There was a great twist at the end that I really didn't see coming, which was nice.

Overall, another enjoyable addition to the series but I did miss all of the elements that make Eve so interesting, her interaction with the people in her life. We got only brief glimpses of them this time around and I hope that we'll get more in the next installment.

Homicide detective Eve Dallas is hesitant to deal with a registered psychic, even one that comes with her credentials verified from a trusted friend. Celina Sanchez is a private consultant to the wealthy with personal problems and isn't at all used to having visions of a serial killer in action. Eve isn't convinced that hiring Sanchez as a consultant will be worth the money, but she will take all and any offers of help.

The public would be mightily freaked out if they knew all the details of the latest killing in the park. The removal of the eyes, for instance. Is the killer seeking recognition or are the victims more personal targets? There's a man out there with serious problems with the fairer sex, and Eve is convinced that the way to flush him out is to present him publicly with the faces of his hunters - all women.

This great future police series starring New York police lieutenant Eve Dallas has been right up there in the best seller's list for the 18 books prior to "Visions in Death". There had to be a flat one eventually, and this is it. The series may at last be running out of puff as there isn't anything new to offer in this latest installment in the life and times of the snarly but brilliant Eve and her too perfect husband, Roarke.

All the usual suspects feature with all their familiar and lovable quirks, but this novel is really only a time passer. Still a good book, but compared its predecessors, "Visions in Death" is only average. Good twist there at the end but it seems more of an afterthought in a rather pedestrian plot, saved by its characters and the updates for what's going on in their relationships. Is there an end in sight for this series? This book would seem to indicate we are due for the big wind up.

Since discovering J.D. Robb's books two years back, I've read them all and enjoyed every one. I'll admit that the latest offering is a bit tame in comparison to her earlier books. But I say isn't it time now for Eve to soften up a bit (I still like the kick arse attitude though).

She's gone through so much trauma as a child, survived with a 'Bite Me' attitude and trusted very few. Now after so many books and forming links with so many friends - yes, she's beginning to understand the concept of friendship and trust, - it's believable that she would grow as a person and change/mature.

As Dr. Mira wisely states, at the speed Eve was going, burn out was two years away, before she met Roark, Peabody and the extended family. Now, we readers can reap the rewards also. A change of pace leaves room for diversity in plot, cause face it, sooner or later we would tire of 1+2 always equalling 3.

Eve is still going to be driven to stand for the dead, it's a part of the character, but it's nice to see her looking around and beginning to understand that there's more to her life than being a 'good cop'.

If Eve Dallas's character had no room for growth/change then what we'll soon end up with is an "R" rated Nancy Drew series.

It's back to the future again and J.D. Robb, aka Nora Roberts, has put exactly the right mix of romance and mystery into her latest installment of the "Death" novels. Sometimes, a series can get stale after an author pumps out so many. Here, J.D. Robb proves that she is nowhere near her limit. In VISIONS IN DEATH, she ratchets up the tension with a death grip on her readers.

Lt. Eve Dallas is still cracking wise as she deals with her subordinates in the New York Police and Security Department --- and the world in general. Her partner, Delia Peabody, has grown into a superb foil for Dallas, with witty comebacks that often earn her withering looks from the lieutenant. This time, however, they both need the levity their repartee creates, particularly with a brutal serial killer on the loose in their city. His profile depicts him as an especially vicious murderer, raping and mutilating his prey in an escalating rage. Each victim weighs personally on Dallas, leaving her with a load of guilt and dredging up nasty memories from her childhood. The sooner she captures this guy, the easier she will rest --- at least until the next big case.

Along with Detective Peabody and the usual forensics team, Eve's multi-billionaire husband, Roarke, assists with the investigation whenever possible. He can do things best not talked about down at NYPSD. His invaluable help, though, is most welcome. And it sort of keeps the couple together --- and keeps readers loving them. Theirs is a relationship that just gets enviably steamier. One can't help but marvel at their love.

Reading VISIONS IN DEATH is like visiting an old friend --- a surly, often testy old friend, but an old friend nonetheless. I'm not sure if Robb's style has smoothed out, if the plot is a particularly engaging one, or if it is just a comfortable tale to curl up with on a string of hot summer days --- but I found myself totally addicted to this one. Don't be tempted to rush through the ending, either. You might miss something. Robb has a few blockbuster surprises in store, right up to the last, highly satisfying page.

--- Reviewed by Kate Ayers

I have read and re-read all of the "In Death" series and am never disappointed. I just finished this latest from JD Robb and as usual did so in record time as I am unable to put them down once I begin. I don't understand the negative criticism of other reviewers. If you are a fan of the series, you will enjoy this book as it runs true to form. I love following the characters and their relationships with each other as their lives unfold in each book. I think Nora Roberts aka JD Robb is a remarkable writer and her characters never fail to pull me into their world.

J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) never disappoints, and "Visions in Death" is another great edition to this series. My only criticism is that the ending seemed a bit rushed, although the surprise at the end was one I never saw coming. The developing relationships between Eve Dallas and Roarke, Peabody and McNab, Charles and Louise, and Mavis and Leonardo, together with a great mystery, make this book a keeper!

I have read all 17 in the "death" series. To be honest, I am addicted to them. Visions in death lacked the emotional tug that most of the previous had. Am I the only one to miss the tug of sex and emotion between Eve and Roarke or Peabody and McNab? In this book Eve is once again on the hunt for a serial killer. In the chase Eve meets and begins to trust a gifted physic whilst tracking down a murder who cuts the eyes out of his victims. What I liked about his book: Peabody gaining confidence in herself and no longer being "the slave", Mavis being "a mommy" to Eve and Summerset showing care about Peabody. What I didn't like: Eve and Roarke - WHERE IS THAT FABULOUS CHEMISTRY?, Where is Roarke's family and the "twist" is obvious.

All in all, better than Divided in Death and Portrait in Death (although that did have a few redeeming qualities) but not in the league of Seduction in Death, Naked in Death, Vengeance in Death, Loyalty in Death or even Purity in Death.

Yet I still give it 4 stars because ANY book in this series is still better than most others!

I love Nora Roberts' ...In Death Series. I bought the first one the minute it was published and have religiously read them since. But I have to admit this book did not hook me. If this were the first In Death book, I'd think it completely rocked. But it is like, what, the 19th and we've read this story before.

A serial killer with Mommy issues - check.
A member of Eve's inner circle gets seriously hurt and Eve blames herself - check.
Eve gives Nadine an exclusive interview and taunts the killer - check
Eve puts herself out as possible bait - check
Eve is confronted with a person who is raped and has nightmares after - check
Even consults with Dr. Mira and gets a spot on profile - check


I do admit that the little twist with the psychic in the end was good, but overall I was, dare I say it...bored. And I don't even want to get into the fact that yet again the perp was a serial killer. How many serial killers does one woman have to confront in a 3-year period? I wish Eve would get just plain old NYPD Blue type cases once in awhile.

I hate giving this series a bad review because I do like the characters, and I can go back and reread the previous books with joy, but I think she completely phoned this one in and that is a shame because now that the books are being published in hard cover they should be getting better.

So disappointed.

Nora Roberts, (writing as J.D.Robb) has crafted a hard hitting, female detective series that consistently one ups itself and always finds a place at the top of the best seller charts and Visions In Death is no exception.The year is 2059 and New York City Detective, Eve Dallas is called to Central Park to investigate the murder of Elisa Maplewood. Arriving in an expensive gown and heels, Dallas seems as out of place as the horrific scene she and partner, Detective Peabody pour over. Carefully and methodically they collect anything that could possibly lead to the apprehension of a suspect. The killer had gone to great lengths and taken unnecessary risks in order to stage the scene...the victim was displayed on the rocks near the lake, her hands posed as if in prayer, with a single red ribbon around her neck. Upon closer examination, Dallas discovers the most alarming, as well as, the most telling clue, the eyes had been removed with surgical precision.

When Celina Sanchez, a licensed, registered psychic offers to help with the investigation by sharing her disturbing and surprisingly accurate visions, Dallas is less than receptive to the idea. However, after an extensive background check and some cajoling, Dallas and Peabody pay Celina a visit at her home. During their conversation, Dallas presents the psychic with the ribbon from the crime scene, to which Celina has no reaction whatsoever. When the psychic continues to question why she was unable to connect, Dallas admits it was a fake, which upsets and impresses Celina tremendously. When the actual ribbon was retrieved from an evidence bag and given to Celina, she had an immediate and severe reaction, which surprised and alarmed the two seasoned detectives. Despite following up on all leads, exhaustive searches and Celina's visions, more bodies were discovered with the killer's grotesque signature.

Agreeing to an interview with the press was an unusual step for Dallas, however, she had a plan and reporter Nadine Furst had the means to put it into action. If this killer was motivated by a hatred of women, if he harbored feelings of male superiority, what better way to call him out of the shadows than to have women discussing his shortcomings on television. While Dallas was right about his reaction, she miscalculated the target of his rage. She had anticipated, as the lead investigator the killer would come after her, instead her partner, Detective Peabody was viciously and mercilessly attacked.

As visions of death become shocking crime scenes, Dallas must venture inside a killer's twisted mind to find what motivates him to do his dastardly deed. During the hunt for this psychopath, she is forced to deal with abuse issues from her childhood that she has spent a life-time trying to bury. The author takes the reader through an action-packed murder mystery, while at the same time personalizing the story through the growing bond between Dallas and husband Roarke, as well as, the relationship between Peabody and Dallas. The reader is given a glimpse into Eve's past and the issues that haunt her, motivate her and have shaped her strong, in your face personality. The characteristics that make her such a good cop are the very same traits that force her to keep everyone at arm length distance.

The twists and turns will keep you glued to your seat, trying to figure out who is behind this latest series of murders in the city that never sleeps. An excellent audio experience that I recommend to anyone that enjoys thrillers and mysteries.