I received this book for free from my own shelves in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: my own shelves
"Interlude in Death"
by
J.D. Robb
It is part of the In Death #12.5 series and is a romantic suspense, science fiction in a Kindle edition that was published by Berkley on August 29, 2006 and has 100 pages.
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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, The Other Side, 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, 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, Origin in Death
A short story, 12.5 in the chronology, in the In Death futuristic romantic suspense series revolving around Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her hunky husband, Roarke, in the early spring of 2059.
In 2002, “Interlude in Death” tied for the win in the All About Romance Annual Reader Poll for Favorite Short Story.
My Take
This is the story that hooked me on the In Death series. I don’t know if it was that initial thought of Dallas’ “…she’d rather face a horde of torked-out chemi-heads than conduct a seminar on murder”, the science fiction aspects of those cool gadgets, or Roarke. Sigh…Roarke… Sure every girl likes the eye candy and add all that money into it…oh, yeah… But so much better is that sense of humor and how much he adores Dallas.
It’s Roarke who has the hang of romance and being supportive whereas Dallas is trying to learn the ropes, the rules of marriage. It makes for a fascinating contrast. As opposed to the nasty picture of Skinner, a man with intense beliefs that blind him to reality. I do like Mira’s assessment: Skinner being a man who stands for his vision and pushing his sense of justice while Dallas stands for the victim.
It’s all about good overcoming evil using a third person dual protagonist point-of-view in this action-packed story with the color added by the characters. I did love the reaction of Dallas’ fellow cops when Skinner attacks her.
A short story amazingly packed with information and filled with humor.
The Story
A Roarke is a Roarke whether it be father or son in Commander Skinner’s eyes. When balked by Dallas’ reaction, Skinner turns up the heat with murder.
The Characters
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is one of the best homicide cops in the NYPSD with plenty of emotional issues. Roarke, the man who was God’s finest work, is a billionaire, a former crook with many skills, and an e-god. Patrick Roarke was his sorry excuse of a father, a disgusting slimeball who was more interested in beating his kid.
The New York City Police and Security Division (NYPSD)
Officer Delia Peabody is Dallas’ aide, a Free Ager who contrasts well with Dallas. Captain Ryan Feeney was Eve’s mentor and now the head of the Electronic Detective Division (EDD). Dr Charlotte Mira is the head profiler for the NYPSD and renowned for her abilities. Dr Li Morris is the chief medical examiner.
The Olympus Resort is…
…Roarke’s latest undertaking and off-planet. Darcia Angelo is the chief of police on the resort. Zita Vinter is with hotel security and Skinner’s goddaughter. It’s also where…
…the Interplanetary Law Enforcement and Security Conference takes place, and where Eve is expected to speak.
Commander Douglas R Skinner is a hero in law enforcement, one with a radical proposal as well as out-of-date views and beliefs. Belle is his wife. Bryson Hayes is an aide, and Reginald Weeks is part of Skinner’s security personnel.
Right Arm is a security firm for members of the Conservative Party.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a white background with a red and yellow distorted graphic of palm trees and tall buildings, bordered top and bottom with that yellow police tape at the vertical center. At the very top is an info blurb in black with the rest of the text in red. It’s the actual author’s name “writing as” J.D. Robb, which is merely a red outline against the white background. Below the graphic is the title.
The title refers to the vacation this was meant to be, but is instead an “Interlude in Death”.
