Abandoned in death is certainly an improvement compared to her recent in death books, but I think it’s time J.D Robb retires this series. The dialogue gets more repetitive, predictable and tedious to read which each new book.

I tore through this book faster than I tear through most. The author's writing still pulled me into the world of Eve Dallas quickly and easily. This book wasn't as emotional as some of her others, but it did a lot to further the lives of the characters, especially those side characters that have become Dallas' family. I loved the book. And I guess now I'll always feel a little sorry for Dickhead.

Abandoned in Death
4 Stars

When the body of a young woman wearing turn-of-the-century clothing along with a sign reading "BAD MOMMY" is found in a playground in Mavis and Peabody's neighborhood, Eve takes the case even more personally than usual. As the clues begin to unravel, Eve realizes not only that the killer must have suffered some childhood trauma, but that they are at least 60 years old. What could possibly have triggered such an old wound and will Eve be able to stop them before they kill again?

The narrative style differs from the usual In Death formula as the story is divided into two timelines - the past providing details on the killer's mother, and the present day investigation. The sections set in the past are compelling as they evoke conflicting emotions. While it is easy to identify with the mother as she clearly

Spoiler

loved her son but struggled to provide for him

; the fact that she

Spoiler

made a concerted effort to embrace her amnesia and suppress the emerging details of her previous life

cannot be ignored. Regardless, these past events do not excuse the killer's actions, and it is, in fact, implied that genetics might have played a role in their psychosis. This is not the first time Robb has included the nature versus nurture debate in her books, and it is always interesting.

The investigation progresses at a solid pace with a couple of strong red-herrings. Kudos to Robb for managing to surprise me with the identity of the killer after 54 books! I really did not see that coming even though the clues are definitely there.

In sum, it is good to see the series is still going strong after so many books and I look forward to the next one.

Another great instalment in this series! A very engaging case from the very start. Loved seeing some characters that we haven’t seen for a little while as well.