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    Naked in Death
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    Naked in Death
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    Naked in Death
    Ebook364 pages5 hours

    Naked in Death

    By J. D. Robb

    4/5

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    About this ebook

    THE FIRST NOVEL IN J. D. ROBB’S #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING IN DEATH SERIES

    In the year 2058, technology completely rules the world. But for New York City Detective Eve Dallas, one irresistible impulse still rules the heart: passion…

    Eve Dallas is a New York police lieutenant hunting for a ruthless killer. In over ten years on the force, she's seen it all—and knows her survival depends on her instincts. And she's going against every warning telling her not to get involved with Roarke, an Irish billionaire—and a suspect in Eve's murder investigation. But passion and seduction have rules of their own, and it's up to Eve to take a chance in the arms of a man she knows nothing about—except the addictive hunger of needing his touch.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Group
    Release dateJul 1, 1995
    ISBN9781101203545
    Author

    J. D. Robb

    J.D. Robb is the pseudonym for #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts. She is the author of over two hundred novels, including the futuristic suspense In Death series. There are more than five hundred million copies of her books in print.

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    Reviews for Naked in Death

    4/5

    1,691 ratings132 reviews

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    • 4/5
      I read this book when it first came out in paper. When I saw ti on sale for Kindle I couldn't resist. It is the first book in a terrific mystery/procedural and romance series. They all, like this one, move fast but don't miss important details. It was great fun to read it again after reading most of the other books in the series. It holds up really well. There aren't a lot of books of popular fiction you can say that about.
    • 4/5
      3.5 starsBut even as she started to smile, her fingers brushed something between cold flesh and bloody sheets. "There's something under her." Carefully, Eve lifted the shoulder, eased her fingers over. "Paper," she murmured. "Sealed." With her protected thumb, she wiped at a smear of blood until she could read the protected sheet. ONE OF SIX " It looks hand printed," she said to Feeney and held it out. "Our boy's more than clever, more than arrogant. And he isn't finished."I was kind of excited when I landed on the police procedural square in snakes and ladders, I finally got the push I needed to start this series that everyone talks about. Eve is a Lt. in the police force and gets made primary on a case that involves the murder of a senator's granddaughter. It turns out that she was only the first in a string of licensed companion (prostitutes) murders that a serial killer is letting Eve know he is going to commit. A well known but intensely private billionaire, Roarke, finds himself one of Eve's suspects and Eve finds herself torn between her doing her job by the book and growing closer to Roarke.He laid a hand over hers, watched her frown and look down at the contact. "You know, I've spent most of my life with a basic dislike of police -- for one reason or another. I find it very odd that I've met, under such extraordinary circumstances, one I can respect and be attracted to at the same time."She lifted her gaze again, and though the frown remained, she didn't draw her hand free of his. "That's a strange compliment.""Apparently we have a strange relationship."The attraction between the two is pretty immediate, with Roarke pushing it and Eve trying to keep distance between them because of her job and emotional safety. The murder mystery drives the story but we do get a good amount of interaction between the two, not quite the depth and breadth that I usually like but this was more murder mystery with a romance element. I enjoyed their chemistry and when Roarke gets upset when Eve does her job, I liked how she didn't back down from what she had to do and Roarke finally realizing it, apologizes. "If you can't or won't talk to me, you have to talk to someone. You know that.""I can handle it. I -- " But the rest of the words slid down her throat when he shook her."What's it costing you?" he demanded. "And how much would it matter to anyone if you let it go? For one minute just let it go.""I don't know." And maybe that was the fear, she realized. She wasn't sure if she could pick up her badge, or her weapon, or her life, if she let herself think too deeply, or feel too much."Eve is coming off a situation where she had to kill someone, so we get some emotional fallout from that. This is clearly a starter book (the series is up to 40ish books now) and we don't get a whole lot of clear, solid background on Eve and Roarke. Eve's gets a little more revealed at the end and packs a heavy emotional punch she gains some of her repressed memories back about how her father sexually and physically abused her. Roarke we get little snippets but nothing very solid. Even so, I felt like I still knew these two, Roberts did a great job making them feel real and natural. "I'm a cop," she blurted out. "That's all I am. I'm thirty years old and I've only been close to two people in my entire life. And even with them, it's easy to hold back.""Hold back what?""Letting it matter too much. If it matters too much, it can grind you down until you're nothing. I've been nothing. I can't be nothing ever again."The murder mystery was kind of easy to figure out and the concrete connection between the victims never fully gets explained (there is a grand info dump reveal from villain but the framework regarding victim choice still felt penciled in), so that aspect made parts of it feel loose. At first glance, some might think Eve should have figured it out quickly for how good a detective she is but the author utilizing her background and repressed memories give credible reasons for why this took longer to solve. This was set in the future, 2050ish, but written in 1995, so some of the technology mentioned, we have already or actually seems outdated. It gave the story a bit of a different spin but reading it in 2019, I'm not sure the future aspect was completely felt. The ending was abrupt but knowing that this series goes on with these two, it was easier to swallow. Eve and Roarke have a quality about them that will have me continuing on in the series, hoping to see them more together and get to know some side characters more. For a bonus, since I've recently been talking about heroes who carry mementos of their heroines:Perhaps it was time he took a risk. He dipped a hand into his pocket, drew out what he carried there.Baffled, Eve stared down at the simple gray button in his palm. "That's off my suit.""Yes. Not a particularly flattering suit -- you need stronger colors. I found it in my limo. I meant to give it back to you.""Oh." But when she reached out, he closed his fingers over the button."A very smooth lie." Amused, he laughed at himself. "I had no intention of giving it back to you.""You got a button fetish, Roarke?""I've been carrying this around like a schoolboy carries a lock of his sweetheart's hair."Her eyes came back to his, and something sweet moved through her. Sweeter yet as she could see he was embarrassed. "That's weird.""I thought so, myself." But he slipped the button back in his pocket. "Do you know what else I think, Eve?""I don't have a clue.""I think I'm in love with you."
    • 4/5
      So this is one of those books where the main character’s issues annoy the hell outta you but you love them anyway. That is the essence of Eve Dallas. She annoys you but you are also rooting for her the entire time and can’t wait for her to catch the murder.

      J.D. Robb does an excellent job of painting an interesting and vivid image of a future New York City from the transportation, technology and changes in laws. The author also makes sure to let you know that humans don’t change at their essence. They are still evil, greedy, heroic, independent and emotional.

      The book has the basic setup – detective with a dark past, love interest who accepts them and a killer. I did find the love story a little unrealistic but so are most book romances. The killer is depraved and a great villain for our hero Eve to pursue. My absolute favorite part of the book is that Eve totally kicks the murder’s ass and her reaction afterwards is so perfect to the personality she has exhibited throughout the whole book.

      I admit I had to adjust to Susan Ericksen’s narration. Her interpretation of Eve Dallas is spot on but I had some issues with other characters. There wasn’t quite enough uniqueness that I sometimes got confused as to which character was speaking. I also had to adjust to her Irish accent for Roark – I couldn’t quite decide it if I liked it or not.
    • 3/5
      The first in the In Death series by J.D. Robb was first published in 1995 and the plot reads like it was taken out of our current headlines. Set in 2058, the story is about Lieutenant Eve Dallas, New York cop, who is gritty and hard and is fighting for justice for all it’s worth. What is it worth?An upscale prostitute Sharon DeBlass has been murdered the 20th century way. With a hand gun (they use lasers now) and with venomous intent. Sharon isn’t just any prostitute; she is the granddaughter of Senator DeBlass who thinks he is as moral as they come. But is he?Roarke, wealthy entrepreneur extraordinaire, is smart and savvy and is a suspect in the case. He has an eye for Eve who tries to go by the book, but can he get past her defenses and her past?I have been meaning to read this series for years and got an opportunity to listen to the book on CD, read by Susan Ericksen. Ms. Ericksen does a convincing job with each of the characters. To me, the plot felt mainstream and I didn’t find anything new there, but then the book was written over a decade ago and may have been a new market to some. The romance between Roarke and Eve was okay to bring depth to Eve’s character, but it wasn’t one of the better romances that I have read. Let’s hope they get better in the latter books in the series. The story does contain violence and talks about rape, incest and child abuse, so be prepared for that.Overall I found the story to be fairly interesting, but not outstanding. In fact, I guessed the murderer pretty early in the story. If you like gritty police procedurals with suspense and romance mixed in, this one’s for you.
    • 3/5
      I would give this 3.5 stars. It is a typical murder mystery only the story is set about 50 years in the future. Some of the science fiction stuff was interesting, but none of it was necessary for the story. I liked some of the character building, but found that some of the decisions the characters made were too stereotypical. The mystery was entertaining enough to keep me turning pages, and I will read the next one in the series.
    • 3/5
      3.5 stars. This is a difficult one to review. First up, I liked it. The book is very readable and quick and the story and characters are engaging. But...... It is set in the future but not enough is made of the potential of being there and in fact the same story, albeit with a few less-developed gadgets, could have been told in the present time. I have to admit to a weeny problem with books where the oh-so-capable-but-with-an-untold-backstory female character is rescued by the tall, handsome, debonair, rich, self-made, powerful and competent-at-whatever-he-does (including sex) man. Maybe it's just not my bag. I probably won't read on with this series. There are better books out there.
    • 4/5
      I wasn't sure what to expect from this one, but I ended up really enjoying it once I got a few chapters into it. The writing moves fast, and there's a good balance of intrigue, action, and romance. I might have liked a little bit more depth to the minor characters, as especially the women seemed to bleed together and be rather cut from the same cloth, but the main characters had enough depth and distinction to even out that flaw a bit, and the mystery itself didn't feel to be either too drawn out or predictable, so the book as a whole was a great escape read. For readers who like a mix of intrigue/mystery and romance in a police procedural, I'd certainly recommend it, and I do plan on picking up the next few books in the series sooner than later.
    • 4/5
      Good book. Why? Good characters, engaging plot, nice love story. Looking forward to the next in this series.
    • 5/5
      I'm hooked! I can't wait to read the other books in this series!!
    • 3/5
      Good start to a series. I forgot how much I love mysteries
    • 5/5
      First book in the Eve Dallas series. They are fantastic. You will love Eve and all her many back up characters.
    • 5/5
      Wow!! I loved this book. As soon as I started the book I knew this was going to be a good read. I loved Eve!! She was awesome and I loved her attitude. Eve gets a case that is horrific in nature. She has been on the police force for over 10 years. She is a lieutenant and is handed the case of a licensed companion. Eve is put on the case of who killed Sharon DeBlass, who also happens to have some political ties.The investigation has a political push from Senator DeBlass and the Police Chief. I felt as I was reading that there was definitely a cover up happening. I had an idea that the person who committed the murder was powerful. I can't wait to read the next book in his series.
    • 4/5
      Not really my usual type, a little too police procedural and not enough sci-fi, but still good characters and a story that kept me interested! I might read more of them eventually.
    • 5/5
      I love the entire In Death series, but this one holds a special place since it is the first meeting of Eve and Roarke. Great introduction to a long running series. This is the third time I've read this book.
    • 4/5
      Where do I start?!
      I absolutely LOVED this book!!
      I loved the futuristic viewpoint and the look into what Roberts believed the future had potential for. I loved the chemistry between Roarke and Eve. Everything between them was hot and amazing.

      The only part I didn't like about the novel was the ending. It could have been put together a little better. I feel like it was a little rushed and I saw the ending from the beginning!

      If your looking for a hardset mystery detective novel than I'd try somewhere else. But if your looking for some crazy chemistry, a mystery, and murder this is where you need to go!
    • 3/5
      ..errr... I liked the cat! I felt entertained like I was watching a TV show (which I don't do much of anymore) so for me it was at that level. The plot moves along and it is a quick read with a decent story but don't expect anything earth-shattering as far as the formula. Will I read more in the series? I just might.
    • 3/5
      The year is 2058, but sex is still sex and police work is still police work in the New York City of the future. Dedicated police lieutenant Eve Dallas leads a murder investigation that involves prostitutes (now referred to "licensed companions" and strictly regulated) and high level politicians. The rather formulaic plot is just a backdrop for Eve's flashbacks to her abusive childhood and her affair with an enigmatic (and fabulously wealthy) Irishman named Roarke. This being the first book in a long-running series, I imagine that both her childhood and her affair figure into the other books as well.This book has a lot of vulgar language, violence, and graphic sex. it is not for readers who object to that kind of thing. All in all, I thought this book was OK, but I am not overly eager to read others in the series.
    • 3/5
      Female detective investigating the murder of a prostitute, set in the near future. She becomes instantly helpless when meeting suspect Rourke an impossibly rich and handsome business man. He is controlling and thinks nothing of breaking into her apartment, and she unbelievably seems to think this is ok. Being set in the future added a fresh element to the detective genre, and it was interesting how Eve's own history of being abused guided her in breaking the case, but the 'romance' was far too fast, humourless and easy to be romantic, give me the far more believable and error-strewn path of Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett any day.
    • 5/5
      Eve Dallas is a homicide detective in New York. She's had a heck of an upbringing on the down side, but it has bolstered her duty as a cop. She deals with death daily and she's good at determining what caused it. She's investigating the murders of women who are ritualistically killed and trying to find a pattern and motive when she meets Roarke. He's a financially stable man, to say the least, and has his hands in all kinds of enterprises, some of which are a part of her investigation. Her attraction to him is something to be dealt with, but she can't let it affect her work. When some high powered officials become suspect, her job and life may become on the line if she can't bring the killer to justice soon.Love, Love, Love this series. I'm collecting all as of now.
    • 4/5
      I first came upon this series after receiving one of the later books as a gift. In many ways, they are just your typical, run-of-the-mill murder mystery/detective story. What sets these apart are Robb's strong lead female character, Detective Eve Dallas, and the futuristic setting "” all of the books take place after the year 2058. This futuristic setting gives the stories that extra punch that I feel sets them apart from the rest.
    • 4/5
      The "In Death" series by JD Robb is an excellent romantic suspense series. Eve Dallas has horrors in her past, but she channels that emotion into her work as a homicide detective. Billionaire Roarke was once a pickpocket and street urchin. He comes to her attention as a suspect in her current case, and Eve finds his sudden attraction unnerving and not a little bit exciting.Roarke and Eve marry (not really a spoiler since all subsequent novels feature the couple) and together they have mad sex and solve horrible crimes - one book at a time! The mystery in this debut is a little weak, but they get progressively better with each offering. The power couple have as much humor as steam in their relationship and the growing cast of supporting characters kepe this fresh and lively. Highly recommended series!
    • 5/5
      This is Book One and the one that started me falling for Rourke. The stories in this series are as unique as the baddies and the series is a keeper that I have reread several times over the years. Love it.
    • 3/5
      I was actually pretty surprised by this book, I really am not a romance fan and expected to hate the book but so many people recommended that I try it and wow it was a lot of romance and sex. I wouldn't say it was good SF but it was a decent mystery.
    • 5/5
      I love the entire In Death series, but this one holds a special place since it is the first meeting of Eve and Roarke. Great introduction to a long running series. This is the third time I've read this book.
    • 3/5
      In this futuristic mystery, Eve Dallas works on a case committed with a murder weapon which once was standard police issue. The fact that only collectors now own the weapon legitimately narrows the search to those and illegal weapons dealers. I enjoyed the mystery itself, but I abandoned it because of the graphic nature of the sexual scenes--one involving a child and one which seemed to border on rape. I just simply did not want to fill my mind with the sinful images.
    • 3/5
      I read this for the "An Author Who Uses A Pseudonym" part of my 2019 reading challenge. It was decent, the crime was well written enough that the bad guy wasn't immediately obvious, but I wouldn't say it was a surprise either. I'd be willing to read more of the series.
    • 4/5
      (4.5)Not much I can add to the multitude of reviews for the premier book of this now-beloved and classic series. I will say, however, that it did live up to the hype and I'm not a huge romantic suspense fan.
    • 3/5
      Intrepid, tough, detective Eve Dallas solves serial killings in a futuristic society and is seduced by a charming millionaire.
    • 4/5
      The first book in the Eve Dallas series set in the 21st Century is about a serial killer that has enough action and plot twists to keep you reading.
    • 5/5
      New York, 2058 . . . New York Police and Security Department Lieutenant Eve Dallas investigates the murder of a senator’s daughter that, according to the perpetrator, is “ONE OF SIX.” With politics, high society, and her growing attraction to Roarke, will Eve be able to find the murderer before there’s another victim?In this, the first in a series, readers meet the players . . . Eve, Roarke, Feeney, Whitney, Mavis, Summerset, Galahad . . . as the unfolding story lays the foundation for the future. Eve recognizes the passion behind the murder and, despite her attraction to the uber-rich Irishman who is her prime suspect, perseveres. While the story is not overly graphic, Eve is a homicide detective, so readers should expect to find her regularly involved in murder investigations. Credible, well-developed characters, a strong sense of place, and a smart plot with enough unexpected twists to keep readers guessing all combine to keep the suspense building as the gripping plot unfolds. The futuristic world of 2058, while advanced, is not technologically complex enough to be off-putting for technophobic readers and the story is far more police procedural than science fiction. It’s captivating, intriguing, exciting, unputdownable . . . don’t miss it.Highly recommended.