New York City, NY – 2060

STRANGERS IN DEATH, the thirty-first book in the In Death series, opens with the murder of sports equipment mogul Thomas Anders. This is not the most brutal homicide Detective Eve Dallas has ever caught, but it is one of the most challenging in her career. From the first moment, the kinky sex gone bad angle doesn’t play for Eve. Thomas Anders, by all accounts, was a “nice” guy. He was respected as a competitive, but honest and fair businessman. He has left behind his beloved nephew, whom he raised as his own, as well as his beautiful wife. If losing Thomas wasn’t bad enough, those left behind are embarrassed and humiliated when the manner of his death is leaked to the press. The media, of course, has a field day with the titillating facts of Anders's death, but those facts just don’t ring true for Eve. The more Eve investigates, the more she doesn’t believe Anders's death was anything other than cold blooded, pre-meditated murder. Now she just has to prove it.

From the first page, STRANGERS IN DEATH has a slightly less frantic feel than the last few books in the series. There is a homicide to investigate, and a killer to catch, as one expects, but the twists and turns the case takes as Eve investigates are surprising and unexpected. The continuing character development of each of the key players in the series continues, with little nuggets of insight into how the various relationships work thoughout the story. I love the interaction Eve has with her magnificent husband Roarke, as well as the friendship and partnership between Detective Delia Peabody and Eve. The dialogue is crisp and often humorous, as well as touching. With each new book in the In Death series, readers get to reconnect with a cast of compelling and dynamic repeat characters. In STRANGERS IN DEATH, many of the readers' favorites, including Nadine Furst, Dr. Mira, Mavis, and the ever stoic and snarky Summerset make appearances. With impeccable characterization and vivid narrative, the reader is treated to a highly enjoyable murder mystery -- and a visit with characters who almost feel like family. While it may seem daunting to pick up the 31st book in any series, if you haven’t read the preceding books, don’t let it worry you. If this is your first J.D. Robb or, like me, your 31st, you are in for an engrossing and entertaining story as only an outstanding author such as J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) can deliver.

Terrie Figueroa