Revisiting the Future: A Review of Glory in Death by J.D. Robb

Revisiting the Future: A Review of Glory in Death by J.D. Robb

Ah, the joys of a re-listen!

You know that moment when you go back to a series you’ve read before and suddenly realize, “Wait, they were introduced this early?” That was me, listening to Glory in Death, the second book in J.D. Robb’s In Death series. Imagine my surprise when Delia Peabody, who I could’ve sworn didn’t show up until later, popped up like, “Hey, remember me?” Well, apparently not as early as I should have!

Then there’s the psychologist, Dr. Mira, who’s quietly making her presence known from book one. She’s been subtly analyzing Eve Dallas since day one, and I only just now picked up on how early she was planted in the narrative. It’s like finding Easter eggs in a movie you’ve watched a million times—totally worth the re-listen!

Now, onto the story itself. Glory in Death takes us back to 2058, New York City, where technology has advanced to the point where genetic testing can (mostly) weed out violent tendencies. But guess what? Murder still happens! Shocking, right? And in true J.D. Robb fashion, these murders are as dramatic as they come.

The first victim is found lying on a rainy sidewalk, and the second one is murdered right in her own apartment building. Both victims are gorgeous, successful women—basically the kind of people who make you wonder how they manage to look that good while being that successful. And, of course, their love lives are the stuff of gossip columns. Eve Dallas, our favorite no-nonsense police lieutenant, is on the case, connecting the dots and compiling a list of suspects. Spoiler alert: her own lover, the enigmatic Roarke, makes the list. Talk about awkward dinner conversation!

One of the things I love about this series is how each book peels back another layer of Eve and Roarke’s relationship. Plus, we get more time with some of the best side characters around. Mavis Freestone—Eve’s quirky and colorful friend—adds her usual flair, and Summerset, the butler you love to hate (or is it hate to love?), is always lurking around with his snarky remarks.

So, is Glory in Death worth your time? Absolutely. I give it a solid four stars. It’s the kind of book that keeps you entertained, and let’s face it, who doesn’t want to escape to a futuristic New York where even the murders have a certain…panache?

Little-Known Facts About the In Death Series:

1. J.D. Robb Is Nora Roberts: Okay, this might not be news to some, but J.D. Robb is the pseudonym for the queen of romance herself, Nora Roberts. She created this futuristic crime series to flex her mystery-writing muscles, and boy, did she succeed!

2. Eve Dallas Was Inspired by a Classic Detective: Eve’s character has hints of the tough, no-nonsense detectives you’d find in classic noir fiction, but with a modern, futuristic twist. She’s basically a hard-boiled detective in a flying car!

3. The Series Is Still Ongoing: As of now, there are over 50 books in the In Death series, and it’s still going strong! That’s right—if you’re just starting, you’ve got plenty of reading (or listening) ahead of you.

So, whether you’re revisiting this series like I did or diving in for the first time, Glory in Death is a gem in the In Death collection. And hey, don’t be surprised if you find yourself catching things you missed the first time around—those little details can be sneaky!