Review of book nine in the iconic series of J.D.Robb!

Loyalty in Death by J.D. Robb

The In Death series by J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) continues to deliver its signature blend of romance, suspense, and futuristic crime-solving in Loyalty in Death, the ninth installment of this phenomenal saga. With a rating of 4.33 on Goodreads and over 36,000 reviews, it’s clear fans still can’t get enough of Eve Dallas and her gritty investigations.

This time, the stakes are explosively high—quite literally. An unknown bomber is wreaking havoc in New York City, leaving taunting letters for Eve and promising catastrophic destruction. The tension is palpable as Eve races against the clock to prevent disaster while the threat creeps dangerously close to her loved ones.

What makes this book stand out? For me, it was a refreshing shift in focus. While the gripping plot surrounding the bombings keeps you turning the pages, the real treat lies in the deeper dive into the private lives of the series’ beloved characters. Mavis had her moment to shine in earlier books, but here the spotlight shifts to the ever-loyal Peabody and her blossoming romance with beau McNab. Watching their dynamic evolve added heart and humor, offering a delightful balance to the tense main storyline.

Peabody, with her sarcastic wit and unwavering loyalty to Eve, is often the unsung hero of the series. Did you know her full name is Delia Peabody? A native of Free-Agnes—a Free-Settlement Planet—Peabody grew up in a communal environment that instilled her strong sense of justice and camaraderie. While she’s the queen of deadpan one-liners, she’s also an ace in the interrogation room and a pillar of strength for Eve. It’s no wonder McNab (quirky wardrobe choices and all) fell for her.

My rating: A well-deserved four stars. The bombings added a layer of suspense without overwhelming the story, and the character development kept me hooked. If you’ve been following the series, this installment will not disappoint. If you’re new to Eve Dallas and her ragtag team of crime-fighting comrades, you’re in for a treat that blends action, humor, and just enough romance to make your heart skip a beat.

Little-known fact: Did you know that J.D. Robb originally wanted to keep her true identity as Nora Roberts under wraps? The In Death series was her way of venturing into futuristic crime fiction, a genre she wasn’t known for at the time. Fans quickly cracked the code, though, and the series has since become one of her most iconic works.

So grab your badge, strap in, and get ready for a wild ride with Eve, Roarke, Peabody, and the gang. After all, no one cleans up New York City’s chaos quite like they do!

From Goodreads… did you know this was only suppose to be a trilogy! Read here – J.D. Robb is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling In Death series and the pseudonym for #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts. The futuristic suspense series stars Eve Dallas, a New York City police lieutenant with a dark past. Initially conceived as a trilogy, readers clamored for more of Eve and the mysterious Roarke. Forgotten in Death (St. Martin’s Press, September 2021) is the 53rd entry in the series.