Don't Read "In Death" LISTEN to it!

Let me first say that I'm obsessed with J. D. Robbs/Susan Ericksen "In Death" series, so I may be somewhat biased in my review. I can say with complete honesty you have not read the "In Death" series until you have listen to it. Ms Ericksen adds a dimension to "In Death" series that must be experienced to fully appreciate. This review has NO SPOILER ALERTS however it will contain teasers...

What I loved about Concealed In Death... In no order of importance...First: the evidence of Eve's evolvement, finally depicting her more comfortable in her skin with a somewhat softer nature, of particular mention the mitten and cap episode. You don't have to worry though, Eve's trademark snarkiness and wit are still intact. Second: The "Zinger" of a back story of a critical character. Third: the lack of the descriptive brutal torture episodes which were evident in the last book "Thankless In Death." I will admit I fast forwarded through a few segments as they were a bit too cringe worthy. Fourth: the introduction of new characters, a "maybe" Lady and daughter for Morse, my personal favorite, the introduction of Sebastian, teased us with his not yet revealed back story and with the addition of Rork's and Eve's decidedly difference in opinion of his character, I feel sure we have not seen the last of Sebastian. I'm looking forward to Sebatian's story as he adds a new and interesting character element to this series. We were also introduced to the not seen before Forensic Anthropology Department and some of it's employees. Fifth: The "In Death" Characters spot on performance by Ms. Ericksen she never misses, her myriad of character depiction from one mind and voice is freaking amazing! Sixth:The Cold Case Storyline...

The crime story plot line does not have the usual frantic rush to solve the crime with the major focus centered on the psycho-bad-guy's graphic tortures and kills. The nature of the horrific cold case, allows the focus to be diverted and centers on the victims/victims loved ones and not so loved ones and their individual histories. I was particularly touched with the resolution of the last victim's story, almost a foot note but telling and heart wrenching all the same.

What I love most about audible "In Death" series is the unbelievable inventive mind of the amazing J. D. Robb's "In Death" character's and the incomparable talented Susan Ericksen's genius in each characters depiction. J. D Robb/Susan Ericksen have developed each character intricately with back stories and personal/emotional/professional evolvement evident in each book from Naked In Death to Concealed...DO NOT READ 'IN DEATH' LISTEN TO IT...That being said...

If you are new to the Audible "In Death" series?... MAJOR ALERT! DO NOT! start anywhere in this series except from book one "Naked In Death" and listen to at least the first three books in the series before you make any judgments as it takes that long to meet most, but not all of the series critical characters...then you'll most likely be hooked and you only have 30+ books to go to catch up. Don't skip, you'll miss so much fun along the way!

36 people found this helpful

A darker, sadder Eve Dallas book

I really like this series as a whole. Generally I lose interest in a series about book 6 or 7 because they are all alike. Not so, this series. Each book has its own story and each book contributes to the development of the characters. This book is unique in the sense that it is a darker, sadder book. The victims, while not necessarily admirable, are complete innocents in some ways. Through their stories, we learn more about one of the secondary characters in the series -- these things also sad and dark.

Robb's perpetrator is also somewhat sympathetic making the whole book come together even better than some of her others

As usual, Ericksen does an wonderful job narrating the book. Her characterizations are spot on and consistent from book to book. She is the voice of the books for me, and when I read them "with my eyes" I hear her voice telling the story.

It is a good murder mystery wrapped in great characters. I would recommend reading the series in order since the characters develop through the books, but I think this one can stand on its own, perhaps not as complete as a part of the series, but interesting alone.

9 people found this helpful

Okay

I pre-order the Death series books because I am usually so excited I can't wait and I guess somewhere in my head ordering ahead of time I think the book will get here sooner. I am a bit disappointed again. This book was not as graphic as the last book, but it does seem a bit off. I know people complained about the formula, well the formula works for me. I love the interaction between Eve, Roarke, and the other characters. When they are not included in the book it lack some of the luster. If the love scenes between Eve and Roarke are not hot and heavy to me the book suffers. I mean I count the stuff off. I like the fact that this book was a bit calmer, but it was flat. If Nora only puts out two in death books a year, then she should be able to make them good. We wait 6mos each for a installment we expect it to be GOOD. I enjoyed the book some, it is better than most other books by others, but it STILL is NOT up to J.D. Robb In death series standards. Because the older books have been so good, the not so good ones have held up the flops. It is time Nora put this series back to what made it so great to start with.

Lately, each book has me upset about something. I know it is hard to please everyone, but it seems we were mostly pleased with the older books. Sometimes when you try to change stuff you mess up. If it is not broke, don't fix it. Please please give us the answers to some of our questions, and bring back the luster, care, knick butt Lt we are all used to.

The relationship between Eve and Roarke is paramount, her bantering witth sommerset, etc. Some stuff you simply can't change, just find ways to get it into the story. I don't care if it makes sense or is not realistic, it's a fiction book. I know some of us crazy folk really love these characters like they are real. You did that for us, but if you are going to keep the books up -you have to find away to make them as exciting as they used to be. Keep us wanting more.

This is beginning to be like a series on T.V when the series lose the rating power and eventually gets cancelled. I want this series to stay fresh until you decide to end the series. I would hate it to continue to go in the direction is has been with the last few books. I though I would never say I would give up on the series. This is the first time I am not looking forward to the next book. I have read all of the books many times. After this one, you have to go back to what made us fall in love with the series in the first place. Right now, if I really want all the things that made me fall in love with the series, I have to search out an older book and reread and listen to it again. The only thing I can say remains the same is Susan she was spot on again.

25 people found this helpful

Seriously lacking...

*** NO SPOILERS ***

First let me start by saying I am a huge "In Death" fan. I have loved almost all of these books and rank Susan Ericksen as one of my top 3 female narrators.
In my opinion the last few books have been lacking everything that is Dallas and Roarke. Eve seems to have lost her edge, the chemistry between her and Roarke is more subdued and it feels like there is a different writing style going on here. I'm not sure if Robb is getting bored with the series or if someone else is writing these books for her but the edge is definitely gone. We get sneak peeks into the other characters but just briefly, we also get insight into Mavis' past and that was cool, but the funny & witty interactions and banter between all my other fav characters is gone in this book. We keep hearing about a Christmas bash which is constantly being brought up but it is never written about. I miss the old books where we got more of the supporting characters and not just Eve and criminal.
I feel it's time for Robb to wrap up the series and get Eve pregnant already if this is the writing style we're going to get from now on.
Onto S. Ericksen, as I said, she is a top fav of mine, however, with this book she seemed to be bored with it as well. The beginning was dragging, it was read so subdued and slowly. It did pick up near the end though. I usually zip through these books at warp speed but I found my mind wandering and couldn't stay focused. The entire book just felt disjointed.
I know every die hard fan will read this book no matter what but it was just meh for me.
Nothing new is going on and I really miss Roarke's family & friends.

For any NEW to the series readers, please do not let this review discourage you from starting the series because you will be missing out on a wonderful treat of about 30 plus books, it's just the last few that have been going downhill.
Remember to start with book 1 - "Naked in Death".

HAPPY LISTENING!!

34 people found this helpful

Never thought I would be bored by J.D,

After all the years I have listened to the In Death series, I never thought I would use the word bored in reviewing a book authored by her. Her last book was so violent that I couldn't believe it was in this series. Now this one is so boring for 14 hours it was unreal. Very little interaction between Eve and any of the wonderful characters she has previously featured in her books. The story is endlessly dull, and the usual stars, Eve and Rourke, barely seem to react to each other. Sorry that I wasted another credit!

20 people found this helpful

Brilliantly Clever!

Where does Concealed in Death rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I loved it, once again Eve Dallas speaks for the dead....all 12 of them in fact. J D Robb enables us to join Eve as she unearths and puts together the clues in her indomitable way. It's clever and the killer wasn't who I really expected (I had such high hopes for the matron) however if you enjoy J D Robb you'll love the next in the "In Death" series.

Which scene was your favorite?

Mr Mira giving Eve the "Stupid hat and the red gloves".

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

Nothing Susan Erickson is Eve - Don't ever change her !

11 people found this helpful

Totally unsatisfying

I am delighted that this book was not as violent as the last one. But neither was it engaging. Some great new characters and some lead-ins to some future events that should be fun. But come on JD, we want less focus on the crime and more of the regulars. They are what we are addicted to and crave. And did anyone else catch the blooper with the button?

4 people found this helpful

A Wonderful Whodunit

I highly recommend Concealed in Death. J. D. Robb is brilliantly captivating in Concealed. She manages to maintain the uniqueness of the story in spite of 37 previous books in the In Death series. The initial scene seizes your attention and holds you until the plot has completed its journey. Reading Concealed is like rolling down hill. The momentum builds and you can’t stop until the story has ended. It leaves you breathless for the next electrifying adventure in the life and times of Eve Dallas and Roarke and company.

One slow point, are the mildly erotic scenes between Eve and Roarke. I generally find that I want to skip these scenes to get back to the story. It could be that after 37 novels there is little new in this area for J.D. Robb. There is even a mild formula that you readily notice: If the novel is a three hour narration or abridged then there is usually one erotic full blown sex scene. If the novel is 8-10 hours then there are usually three. If you are new to the story of Eve and Roarke, then the erotic scenes may still be stimulating. I find that you can usually take the erotica or leave it.

Eve Dallas is often a favorite of mine, but in Concealed I think that Roarke becomes the favorite. It is his property, after all on which the multiple skeletons are found “wrapped in plastic.” He is in step with Eve in wanting to find the answers and get justice. Robb reminds us in Concealed of just how much the backgrounds of Eve and Roarke mesh. They both come from abusive backgrounds and both are survivors. Roarke had the help of Summerset who is the majordomo of his home and his most trusted friend, next to Eve. He gives credit to Summerset for having helped him survive his horrendous childhood in Dublin as a father substitute. We’re reminded of this in Concealed. Through the uncovering of his experiences in Dublin, we’re reminded of just how tough Roarke is. He is well matched with Eve. They are both warriors for the cause of the downtrodden, justice, and fairness.

In Concealed, as usual, you have to give a nod to Galahad, Eve and Roarke’s cat. He was rescued by Eve from the home of one of the murdered victims in Naked in Death. His actions in that story earned him the name of Galahad after the celebrated knight of the round table of Arthurian legend. He provides comfort to Eve, Roarke, and Summersett when its needed. The comfort he provides is felt by the reader.

Roarke mirrors the horrors that Eve Dallas faces in her day to day work as a “homicide cop.” She mirrors the horror that she often walks through, and he mirrors her and understands her, understands her soul. As with Eve, Roarke is also loyal to friends, wife and what he believes in.

There are many captivating scenes in Concealed in Death. One such is the scene where Roarke and the workmen uncover the skeletons. This is a strong scene with overtures of mystery, somberness and also horror. This is a forceful, potent, and melancholy moment. It initiates and informs the action of the novel. The symbolism in Concealed expresses a deeper and mildly spiritual meaning.

Another such scene is when Eve first speaks to the parent of one of the dead they have uncovered. This is stirring. You step into Eve’s shoes and want to be able to give the parent more than we “think we may have found your dead missing child.” We want to give them the hope of life, but all we can give them, along with Eve, is the promise and hope of justice. The emotional pain is stunning. It becomes your pain.

This is a great series. Concealed is a love story but grittier and a wonderful whodunit. I’ve never been disappointed. The narrator, Susan Ericksen, as usual, is inimitable.

22 people found this helpful

Not Even Close to her Best

Story dragged forever. Eve is still abrasive but I like that about her. Narration is still great but the villain was a dud. Sorry can't recommend this book.

8 people found this helpful

Keeps getting better and better!

Eve, Rourke, and gang just keep getting better and better. I was VERY thrilled to have Mavis back in the mix. I have missed her and it was great to get some back story on her. Did miss Feeney and Peabody's main squeeze though. I've always enjoyed all of the interactions of main cast; however, I suppose, it's just like life that the relationships and envolvements in cases ebb and flow.

3 people found this helpful