Love that Dallas!

I was so blown away by New York to Dallas it almost spoiled me. I did not think Celebrity in Death was nearly as good. But Calculated in Death is better. I could have used a little more Sommerset as I love the interaction between them but all Eve and Roarke fans will enjoy this book.

11 people found this helpful

Still a fan!

I think it must be hard to keep things fresh after writing 36+ books, short stories and so on. Roberts has a good equation going in the In Death series- a crime happens, Eve and Peabody investigate, Roarke is drawn into the investigation, there are a few sex scenes, Roarke worries about Eve, Eve meets with Mira, they figure it out, wrap it up and there is an op to catch the bad guy. And Trina sometimes makes an appearance. The crime changes and the supporting characters (Mavis, Leonardo, Baxter and so on) have a big or small role depending on the crime and how much they can help. She writes a good story, the characters are old friends and well written. The story here is a solid one. I will continue to read this series because I can count on Eve and crew to entertain.

21 people found this helpful

Good, but below par for this series

If you could sum up Calculated in Death in three words, what would they be?

Confusing. Frustrating. Anticlimactic.

Would you recommend Calculated in Death to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, but please, please, please -- don't make this the first book you read of the In Death series. I'm afraid that if you read this one first, it could discourage you from taking the great ride of reading this series from start to finish.

I am a big fan of this series and I have rarely been disappointed. In this book, however, the story drags, the central murder just doesn't make much sense (I know, sometime it's just senseless, but it's hard to buy the motivations here), the trajectory of the murderer's storyline doesn't make much sense, and the motivations for many of the others involved are convoluted and incomplete and seem to be disconnected from their lives before this book.
It's a rare thing for Robb, but this murder case seems very contrived to me.

Also, I found it disappointing that potentially great scenes that could have existed around the vid premiere simply never happened. Oh, the embarrassment of Eve we could have witnessed, the groupies hanging on Roarke, Peabody and McNab charming the paparazzi. Mavis breaking into improptu music vid trilling and inciting a riot. Leonardo raptly murmuring, "Isn't she precious?" Sigh. The author has a habit of doing this (anyone wish we'd gotten more about Eve's and Roarke's wedding?!?) but it's infuriating. But, of course, I remain a loyal reader. Maybe I need abuse counseling . . .

Perhaps in print this book flows better, but I found it suprisingly confusing. So many new characters with so many new names questioned more than once, several accountants here, several real estate types there, here's three partners, there's two partners, here's a judge, there's a date, an ex, another ex, another . . . You get the point. Poor Susan, what a narrating challenge. Who can differentiate that many people in a coherent manner? By the time Roarke finally named the person he suspected, I swear I honestly had no idea who that was. I'd totally lost track. An accountant? An investor? Who? Which one? Why?

Let me emphasize. THIS IS AN EXCEPTION. Even with these issues, it's a good book. It's just not up to the normal high standard of this series.

What about Susan Ericksen’s performance did you like?

Fantastic as always. For the recurring characters, it takes literally one word and you can identify who is speaking. She is tremendous!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

A scene near the beginning involving notification of death and one near the end with Dallas and Roarke.

Any additional comments?

The recent books have been so good . . . maybe that's part of why this one seems disappointing in comparison.

12 people found this helpful

Loved it!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! I love this series. This book was great and in line with the series. Always something new and I did not expect the exact ending, although it is getting a little "similar" at times to older novels in the series - still love the characters.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes....as I did not know who did it and how intricate it was until the end.

What does Susan Ericksen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She is PHENOMENAL! Her accents are great. She really has a defined voice for all of the main characters that allows me to see them in my head.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No ....

Any additional comments?

Great book.

3 people found this helpful

How does she keep making you want more???

What did you love best about Calculated in Death?

Once again the story kept me interested from beginning to end. If you love any of the "in death" novels, you will fall in love with this book. Not as suspencefull as some of her novels; however, you get the thrill of the chase and get to catch up on the beloved characters.

What did you like best about this story?

Peabody as a sex symbol.

What does Susan Ericksen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The nuances of her voices makes you believe several people are reading.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Even the wealthy are greedy for ...

Any additional comments?

Cannot wait for the next edition of this series.

7 people found this helpful

Eve and Roarke, Still a Great Couple

I eagerly anticipate every new "In Death" book. First and foremost, the success of any audiobook rests on the narration, and Susan Ericksen gives a wonderful performance as usual.

Eve and Roarke are probably my favorite fictional couple, but fans will realize that they have overcome most of their past traumas and inner struggles that contribute the tension necessary for a truly great story. Robb will need to find other sources of inner turmoil and drama. However, this was an entertaining story with an interesting plot. Most of the characters are well known and long-time friends, and the story was true to their natures. There was a good blend of mystery, adventure, humor, and romance.

Robb is such a great author; this book was just average for her In Death series. Still, it was very entertaining and the series is one of my favorites. I consider this installment to be a stepping stone as I eagerly await the next book.

7 people found this helpful

J.D.Robb Does it Again

Would you consider the audio edition of Calculated in Death to be better than the print version?

In My Opinion ....YES!! Susan Ericksen is a AWESOME Narrator I LOVE the fact that J.D.Robb or her Publisher has Used her For the Whole Series!!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes!! always Does J.D.Robb has a way of telling the story the keeps you on the edge...

Which scene was your favorite?

the scenes between Eve & Roarke I always Enjoy....My Favorite scenes are when Eve kicks ass!!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Eve and Summerset bantering always makes me laugh

Any additional comments?

I like to See more of the other Characters back like Crack,

2 people found this helpful

Eve and Peabody have a normal case for a change!

These books are written so that there is very little time that passes from one book to the next, so it was a relief that this story was a little less high profile and time sensitive. The last 10 books or so have had the girls going from one major case to the next and I was starting to feel like it was no longer believable (or as believable as a futuristic book can be). No real cop goes from one major case to the next, to the next and so on. So a back to reality book was much needed.

The last look was my favorite, and this one is a close second. It's worth the credit and the time!

2 people found this helpful

Average

What did you like best about Calculated in Death? What did you like least?

I love the In Death Series have read all 36 books, love the back characters as much as the main ones

If you’ve listened to books by J. D. Robb before, how does this one compare?

This one lacked the fast pace usually associated with the In Death Series, not as much action

What does Susan Ericksen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Love Susan Ericksen, she individualises If thats a word all the characters except for the one hiccup with peabody in an earlier series the characters that she portrays are like old friends

Do you think Calculated in Death needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Bring on more In Death books, love them

Any additional comments?

I found this one slow, too many accounting details which got boring to listen too. Halfway through it I justed wanted Eve to get on with it with her ususal style

2 people found this helpful

Murder of the Auditor

I started this series because I was curious about what Robb saw as the future in NYC police. It has turned out to be a nice series for a change of pace from more intense books. This story has the murder of a woman Marta Dickinson who is an accountant and sister in law of a criminal Judge. Eva finds the firm she works for are auditors and is soon on the trail of the killers. I enjoy the different types of characters Robb has created for the series. Some are far out such as Mavis, and Leonardo and some of the police are typical such as Baxter and Trueheart. My favorite is Dr Charlotte Mira. The final action takes place at the grand party for the movie about Eva and Peabody. Story has glamour, comic (I laughed about Peabody's pink cowboy boots) action and suspense. I enjoy the futuristic gadgets in the story.

4 people found this helpful