Book Review: Betrayal In Death

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Betrayal In Death     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
J. D. Robb
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Science Fiction   Futuristic
Series: Eve Dallas & husband Roarke # 12
Berkley, Mar 2001, $6.50, 355 pp.

In May 2059, New York Police Department Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her spouse wealthy billionaire Roarke take a rest between cases. Since Roarke worked both sides of the law, he has enemies from his past wanting him dead as well as some new foes who also prefer he no longer breathes. Thus, he is not surprised when a paid assassin brutalizes, rapes, and kills an employee in one of his hotels, but he personalizes the ugly incident.

Eve is assigned as primary investigator on the case. When a second homicide occurs with the victim being a close friend of Roarke's, he and Eve conclude that someone wants to hurt and distract the businessman. The police know the identity of the killer, but have no earthly idea where the hitman is hiding. However, the dynamic duo knows the main event is coming soon.

Not since the "silver age" of Neal Adam's Green Lantern and Green Arrow has a crime duo won the hearts of readers as Eve and Roarke have. The current tale contains a well-executed mystery with many puzzle pieces that need placing together to obtain the full picture of the plot. Although the who-done-it remains the primary story line, the love story subplot between the lead protagonists provides cross genre appeal to romantic suspense fans. The audience will find this exciting novel impossible to put down until all the questions are answered.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner