Book Review: J.D. Robb’s The Other Side

Posted October 8, 2011 by Kathy Davie in Book Reviews

I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Source: the library
Book Review: J.D. Robb’s The Other Side

The Other Side


by

J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Mary Kay McComas, Patricia Gaffney, Ruth Ryan Langan


It is part of the In Death #31.5, series and is a historical romance, mystery, paranormal fantasy, romantic suspense in eBook edition that was published by Jove on November 30, 2010 and has 407 pages.

Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon


Other books in this series include [books_series]

Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Indulgence in Death, Treachery in Death, Kindred in Death, New York to Dallas, Unquiet, Celebrity in Death, Delusion in Death, Calculated in Death, Thankless in Death, Mirror, Mirror, Festive in Death, Obsession in Death, Betrayal in Death, "Wonderment in Death", "Possession in Death", Down the Rabbit Hole, "Midnight in Death", Devoted in Death, Brotherhood in Death, Apprentice in Death, Echoes in Death, Secrets in Death, Dark in Death, Leverage in Death, "Interlude in Death", Vendetta in Death, Golden in Death, Faithless in Death, Naked in Death, Glory in Death, Immortal in Death, Rapture in Death, Ceremony in Death, Vengeance in Death, , Loyalty in Death, Witness in Death, Judgment in Death, Seduction in Death, Reunion in Death, Holiday in Death, Purity in Death, Portrait in Death, Imitation in Death, Divided in Death, Visions in Death, Desperation in Death, Abandoned in Death, Creation in Death, Survivor in Death, Concealed in Death, One More Kiss

Five short stories in this anthology that revolve around the theme of The Other Side of life.

Series:

“Possession in Death (In Death, 31.5)
“Other Side of the Coin” (Poppy’s Coin, 4)

The Stories

J. D. Robb‘s “Possession in Death” finds Dallas possessed when an old gypsy, Gizi Szabo, who has come to NYC to look for her missing great-granddaughter, Beata, is murdered. Determined, Madam Szabo slides her essence into Dallas, the Warrior, and gains her Promise to find Beata. A sweet story that will make you cry. And feel gratitude. I do find it interesting that Robb manages such creditable paranormal experiences with her oh-so-hard-headed Lt. Dallas making them so believable. I do wonder why Robb never had Dallas asking Natalya Barinova why she believes that Beata went to Las Vegas.

Mary Blayney‘s “The Other Side of the Coin” forces the Earl and Countess of Fellsborough to experience life in the other’s shoes when the two are confused with each other after the birth of the son and heir. This is so cute. Their personalities are in the wrong bodies, they must keep up appearances, yet they haven’t a clue on how to proceed. I really loved it when the earl got to experience pre-menstrual pains!

Patricia Gaffney‘s “Dancing Ghost” was so cute! Angie Darlington wants to save her grandparents’ home from her wicked cousin, Lucien, who works for the bank that currently owns the house. So she hires Henry Cleland, a paranormal investigator to help flim-flam its non-sale.

Ruth Ryan Langan‘s “Almost Heaven” was an excellent read! On the eve of her engagement, Christina’s parents’ brakes fail and their car goes off the road killing them. Anxious to help their daughter and very young son cope with this sudden grief, the ghosts of Ted and Vanessa manage to stay earthbound only to discover some shocking news. Bound not to interfere with free will, Chris’ parents still manage to find a way to save their children and redirect their daughter’s future. Langan was quite clever in her careful distinctions between non-interference and, especially, in how much “touch” the ghostly parents had in the real world.

Mary Kay McComas‘ “Never Too Late for Love” was another sweet read about a woman obsessed with her career who can’t wait to tear down her mother’s childhood home. Only, the house won’t allow anyone in for destructive purposes. At least, not until the sisters’ ghosts find out why they can’t go on. A very loving story as M.J. learns more about her family background, her aunts, and the real reason her mother obsessed over her own beauty.

The Cover and Title

Oh, the red door is obviously from “Possession in Death”. The swirling lines of light getting brighter and brighter once you are inside the door are a bit cheesy especially with the vague figure of light just beyond.

The title is accurate enough. I do like the tagline on the cover: “Five All-New Stories That Will Take You To The Other Side“…wooooo…