Murder sets no time. It happens when it chooses – or rather when the predator chooses.

Same with seduction. It’s still a matter of predator on prey and only the predator knows the time it will happen.

Such is the case in the opening chapter of Seduction in Death by J.D. Robb.

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Part of the plot:

It’s just after one in the morning and Homicide Detective, Lt. Eve Dallas receives a call to begin an investigation of a possible murder.

At first, it appears the woman jumped from her balcony but Eve thinks otherwise. With the woman’s apartment set for romance, (candles, music and rose petals sprinkled on the bed) she can’t see why the woman would suddenly decide to kill herself. So Eve treats this death as a murder and the investigation proceeds.

Eve soon realizes that the murder begins in a cyberspace chat room and quickly ends in death by use of a date-rape drug. A rare drug that is worth millions on the street.

What she needs to find out is who the killer is and where is he getting the drug.

With the help of computer guru, Detective Ian McNab, they begin working on chat rooms.

With the help of her aide, Officer Delia Peabody, they track down lead and interview witnesses, friends and family and finally suspects.

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Some of the characters:

Lt. Eve Dallas
A no-nonsense, tough-as-they-come cop with her own set of personal problems. Does her hard-knocked childhood interfere with her job and her marriage?

Roarke
Dallas’ husband and self-made multi-billionaire. Roarke completely adores his wife and will do anything to help her, whether it be to comfort her after one of her many nightmares or using his illegal computer to solve a problem.

Summerset
Roarke’s personal housekeeper. Summerset is more that just a housekeeper. He oversees everything that needs to be done – personally and professionally. He’s also the biggest thorn in Dallas’ side. They love to argue yet they have come to like (although quietly) and respect each other.

Officer Delia Peabody
Dallas’ partner and personal friend. While Dallas found it difficult accepting a friendship of any kind, Peabody’s bubbly and free-ager personality wormed its way in on Dallas and began chipping away at the wall she built around herself.

Detective Ian McNab
NYPSD computer guru and Peabody’s love interest.

There are other characters you’ll meet throughout the In Death series but the ones mentioned above are the primaries in Seduction In Death.

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What I like about this book is that Robb captures the present day dating problem and tosses it into a futuristic setting making the book all the more believable.

While you’re reading about autochefs (the magnificent food device I wish I had), autopilots (in personal cars), computers that can multi-task via voice commands (without overloading), Robb keeps you plastered with reality as you walk with Dallas during her investigation.

Even during a futuristic time like 2059, detectives still must make phone calls, personally visit possible witnesses and take notes. (Some things never change.)

What’s refreshing about this book is the human side of Dallas. While she’s methodical in her investigation, she’s a loving wife (still not much more than a newlywed) who eagerly and passionately responds to her husbands loving touch.

It’s also refreshing to see the friendship between Dallas and Peabody develop. Reading about Dallas’ childhood makes you understand her aversion to close relationships and yet, reading about hers with Peabody brings a sigh of relief knowing that Dallas will always have someone close to her.

The book also has your head spin when you read about the love-hate, on-and-off relationship of Peabody and McNab. It’s obvious to the reader that these two characters are in love but like anyone in their situation, what’s that saying? You can’t see the forest for the trees?

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Although Seduction in Death takes place in 2059, the murderers, victims and investigators are given to us as real people. The murders are set in realistic scenarios. J.D. Robb left no stone unturned as she describes Manhattan and what was and what might be.

As you can see, I really enjoyed this book. It’s a murder mystery, love story, and fun to read – all rolled into one.

I think you’ll really enjoy it as much as I did.



Thank you for reading.



Please, don’t forget to read my other reviews on the In Death series:

Naked in Death
Glory in Death
Immortal in Death
Rapture in Death
Ceremony in Death
Vengeance in Death
Holiday in Death
Conspiracy in Death
Loyalty in Death
Witness in Death
Judgment in Death
Betrayal in Death











Recommended: Yes