And Christmas Comes Once More

Christmas doesn't come around very often in the mid-21st century world of the In Death books--it takes at about 10 books to make a year in this long-running series--but when it arrives, it's always a treat. "Festive In Death" is no exception.

This is an interesting mystery and there are a lot of suspects to interview, so Eve and Peabody get some good grilling time in. But as longtime followers know, the real joy is hearing How Dallas Got Her Christmas Shopping Done, and the description of The Christmas Event at the Roarke mansion--a mere 250 guests, plus spa time with Terrifying Trina and the yummy Leonardo gown that Eve grudgingly slinks into (would that we all had the body to carry off a Leonardo!).

The icing on the cake is Christmas Eve with the family. Summerset and Galahad make appearances, but it's Eve and Roarke's scene. Their gift exchange had me both laughing and reaching for the tissue box. It's why this series just keeps going and going, and we fans keep reading and reading. Here's to lots more holidays to come!

11 people found this helpful

A Feast for In Death devotees

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

This book should not be missed by In Death fans. For a new In Death reader I would suggest starting somewhere else in the series, preferably Naked in Death Book 1. This book is a blend of the search for a murderer of a sleazy personal trainer and the vagaries of Eve and Roarke's Christmas which is more appreciated by those who follow the series.

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

I devour In Death books. I am always anxious for the next scene, the next chapter. This was no different.

What about Susan Ericksen’s performance did you like?

Susan Ericksen is Eve Dallas. With the exception of 2 earlier books, every preformance (and there are over 40 stories and multiple recurring characters) imparts a distinct personality to every character. I could not imagine anyone else reading these books.

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

Feeney's Christmas present for both Eve and Roarke.

19 people found this helpful

Enjoyed

I enjoyed this book. Oh it was not up to J.D. Robb standards, but I still enjoyed the book.
I am not sure I like the new doctor that is trying to date Morris. I guess it's good there are new characters involved. But it's such a tight knit group you hate to see anyone bother the balance.

I was glad most of the regulars were there. I thoroughly enjoyed that. I enjoy the banter between Sommerset and Eve. I know a lot of what takes place is redundant but it is what make the book an In Death Series book. If these things are not in the book the book suffers in my opinion. The interaction between Roarke and Eve is paramount. The private moments between them is awesome and special. I look forward to them. Even if they are arguing or angry with each other it makes the book worthwhile. This book was close to getting there but not quite there. It was still enjoyable.

The book had a lot of twist and turns to where you were not sure who the killer was. It made it a bit fun. It was nice to see the boy (teko) back and helping Eve shop.

I still want to know who the candy thief is, when will Eve make Captain, and of course when will Eve and Roarke have a family. Eve it Eve she can make it all work. I agree with some other writers it would be nice to have a book on Eve and Feeny when they were partners. There are so many ways to go with this series.

As always Susan Erickson was spot on. I would not listen to the book if she wasn't the narrator. Even on an off day she is better than most.

14 people found this helpful

Imaginative, Innovative, Impressive and Classy!

Eve has a great murder mystery in this book and of course we know she solves the case in her inimitable style but this book really works on the characters and their growth together. Eve and Rourke have developed a deeper understanding of each other since their early days in their marriage and it shows in this story. My image of seeing Peabody in a special pink coat makes me laugh as I can just see her with the matching pink shoes.
It's a great story in the series and a great read. Sit back and enjoy the Christmas Spirit.

4 people found this helpful

Welcome back J D Robb!

I am so happy to report that this is a really good book. Way above the last few In Death books it has a decent murder mystery and lots of interaction with all our favorite characters. Eve is putting her past behind her even more and learning more about what it means to be happy. Welcome back!!

9 people found this helpful

Better than the last several In Death books

What made the experience of listening to Festive in Death the most enjoyable?

I look forward to all the In Death books. It's like visiting old friends.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Festive in Death?

The gift from Feeney

Which character – as performed by Susan Ericksen – was your favorite?

All are great. She has a different voice for the various characters and repeats the characters voices in book after book. Sounded like Ms. Ericksen had a cold when performing this book.

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

A film would destroy the images I have formed of the characters.

Any additional comments?

I would like a prequel that focuses on Feeney in homicide and Eve as his aide. Focus on Feeney's family and the growth of Eve's career.

7 people found this helpful

One ofthe best.

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

In the Top 10. It seems that the interaction between characters was more developed in this book, compared to the last few books. These interactions are what makes this series so special.

Who was your favorite character and why?

An interesting beginning, utilizing one of the more outrageous characters. Enough said : )

Which character – as performed by Susan Ericksen – was your favorite?

Susan does an Excellent job with all of their voices, some quite unique, which makes each distinctive. I am really very happy that the same narrator is used for all books in this series. Many good books have been ruined by poor narrators, or by using different narrators within a series!

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

Not applicable for me~ I Always prefer the book version.

Any additional comments?

I've read the entire "In Death" series. This is one of the better efforts. Most definitely worth the credit!

4 people found this helpful

A prolific writer with a ready audience

J. D. Robb is a pen name of romance novel author Nora Roberts under which she writes suspense novels of her "In Death" series. Whether writing as Nora Roberts or J.D. Robb she is virtually guaranteed that her large and loyal audience will rate her books 5 stars. She has had over 260 books published during her 46 years writing career including over 50 as J.D. Robb. That is an average of one book every 2 months. She is prolific!

Since suspense/thrillers are my favorite genre, I decided to try two of her J. D. Robb books. The first was Book 1, Naked in Death, which was surprisingly good and I rated 4 stars. This is the second and it is Book 39 in the series. Festive in Death is so-so. I rated it 3 stars and with all of the really good suspense novels out there, it is not worth reading or listening to.

6 people found this helpful

Merry Christmas Eve and Roark

I did not like this book as much as other In Death books. I found it boring and sappy. The victim was most unlikeable - a personal trainer who was blackmailing women he had sex with. The women had been given rape date drugs causing them to be with the sleaze. I just could not get into this story and Eve was acting more stupid than usual and also more antisocial than usual. She and Roark threw a big Christmas party. Peabody remains my favorite character, along with Summerset.

Robb really missed the mark, in my opinion, when she wrote this book. However Susan Ericksen did a magnificent for with her performance.

1 person found this helpful

The button is back where it belongs

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

J. D. Robb (Nora Roberts) is back in form. The interplay is back between the characters
Also, she corrected the mistake from the last book about the button Roarke carries.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the Christmas season, the party, Eve buying presents, and Eve making a deal with Summerset to participate in creating the party.

What about Susan Ericksen’s performance did you like?

I don't know if I could listen to the In Death books with out her. She is the voice of them and is as important as Nora Roberts.

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

No, I didn't but I kept coming back to it.

1 person found this helpful