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A review by whatsheread
Faithless in Death by J.D. Robb
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
52 books into the series and J. D. Robb continues to amaze me at her creativity and story-telling ability. In FAITHLESS IN DEATH, she has Eve take on a religious cult. Given its publication date of 2021, I find it amusing that one could, if one so desired, look at a certain red-hatted fan base as the inspiration for said cult. Inspiration only, as The Natural Order is not harmless and goes way beyond our red-hatted compatriots.
As always, Ms. Robb keeps a good balance between the darkness of the cult and the lightness that includes Eve and her chosen family. You need that because what Eve uncovers is as dark as it gets. Not anywhere nearly as graphic as previous books in the series, but there should be trigger warnings for the more sensitive reader. We get to see what Mavis and Leonardo have been up to for the first time in a while, and Eve and Roarke's reactions are priceless.
Having listened to a majority of the series in the last two years, you would think I would be tired of the series. Yet, while FAITHLESS IN DEATH follows the same formula as the rest, it continues to surprise and delight in not only what Eve must discover but how and why. No two stories are the same, and that is one of the reasons I keep listening to the series. Plus, none of the characters remain stagnant, as is often the case in detective series. Instead, Eve is far from the relationship-adverse, hard-edged loner we first meet, just as Roarke is no longer the aloof and cagey businessman. If anything, Eve and Roarke are a great example of a relationship that grows and matures over time, just as Eve's ability to solve the unsolvable crime is a reminder that there are still good guys out there fighting for those who can no longer speak for themselves. The series provides hope in a world that feels too hopeless at times.
As always, Ms. Robb keeps a good balance between the darkness of the cult and the lightness that includes Eve and her chosen family. You need that because what Eve uncovers is as dark as it gets. Not anywhere nearly as graphic as previous books in the series, but there should be trigger warnings for the more sensitive reader. We get to see what Mavis and Leonardo have been up to for the first time in a while, and Eve and Roarke's reactions are priceless.
Having listened to a majority of the series in the last two years, you would think I would be tired of the series. Yet, while FAITHLESS IN DEATH follows the same formula as the rest, it continues to surprise and delight in not only what Eve must discover but how and why. No two stories are the same, and that is one of the reasons I keep listening to the series. Plus, none of the characters remain stagnant, as is often the case in detective series. Instead, Eve is far from the relationship-adverse, hard-edged loner we first meet, just as Roarke is no longer the aloof and cagey businessman. If anything, Eve and Roarke are a great example of a relationship that grows and matures over time, just as Eve's ability to solve the unsolvable crime is a reminder that there are still good guys out there fighting for those who can no longer speak for themselves. The series provides hope in a world that feels too hopeless at times.