Review: Golden in Death (In Death, #50) by J.D. Robb


Print Length: 400 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (February 4, 2020)

From Goodreads.com: Pediatrician Kent Abner received the package on a beautiful April morning. Inside was a cheap trinket, a golden egg that could be opened into two halves. When he pried it apart, highly toxic airborne fumes entered his body―and killed him.

After Eve Dallas calls the hazmat team―and undergoes testing to reassure both her and her husband that she hasn’t been exposed―it’s time to look into Dr. Abner’s past and relationships. Not every victim Eve encounters is an angel, but it seems that Abner came pretty close―though he did ruffle some feathers over the years by taking stands for the weak and defenseless. While the lab tries to identify the deadly toxin, Eve hunts for the sender. But when someone else dies in the same grisly manner, it becomes clear that she’s dealing with either a madman―or someone who has a hidden and elusive connection to both victims.

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

The last few books in this series have felt off to me, it was as though some essential piece was somehow missing, or as if someone else had taken over writing them. In some ways, I still feel that this book is missing that edge of your seat adrenaline rush the others seemed to possess, but it was a step up from the more recent ones that I have read. 

HOWEVER. 

This one was a lot more enjoyable than the last few have been. There was definitely some solid police work (and a fair amount of luck)  to be had as Eve and her team worked to track down the person behind these seemingly random attacks. Unlike some of the other novels, the culprit wasn't immediately identified (and while I don't mind either way), it was a nice change of pace from how some of the others have gone. 

I also enjoyed the way the author took us back to classic Eve and Roarke - showing them together actually having downtime (whether planting a tree in their yard or sparring in their in-home dojo, it was nice to be reminded of the well-rounded couple that we've all come to know. I also enjoyed seeing cameos from some of the other long-time characters like Louise and Charles. It's always nice to be able to check in with them, even when the circumstances are less than ideal. And can I just talk about Peabody for a second? Man what a story that woman has had! I loved seeing her in this one - it just shows how far she's come since we first met her. 

Speaking of Eve, Roarke and the others, I feel it is important to point out that although this book stands on its own (with a solid beginning, middle and end), that you really should read at least some of the prior novels in order to understand just who these characters are and their interactions with each other.

All things considered, I enjoyed this installment and look forward to the next.


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                            Golden in Death is available from Amazon.com

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