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A review by whatsheread
Divided in Death by J.D. Robb
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
4.5
DIVIDED IN DEATH is J. D. Robb's eighteenth book in the In Death series. There is the ubiquitous murder mystery Eve must solve, and Ms. Robb even adds a little spy thriller to the plot. But I will remember DIVIDED IN DEATH as the one where Roarke learns the art of compromise.
Every book to date sees Eve or Roarke losing a little more of their rough edge, which is a fabulous thing to happen and one of the main reasons why the series is so compelling. Sometimes, the changes are slight, and sometimes, like in DIVIDED IN DEATH, the characters take a huge step forward in healing from past trauma. Roarke is that character this time, and his struggle to let go of his anger and need for vengeance is powerful. After all, that anger and the doling out of revenge is who he is.
At the same time, we see Roarke struggling to make peace with certain knowledge, Ms. Robb captures that sense of loss when a good relationship turns upside-down. At times, watching Eve muddle through that pain and loss is more troubling than her recovered memories. If you are an Eve and Roarke 'shipper, DIVIDED IN DEATH is a tough read.
The spy plot in DIVIDED IN DEATH, however, is so much fun. It adds another level of complexity to the murder. Not only that, but it allows Ms. Robb to speak her mind about the NSA and certain powers it can use in the name of protecting the country. Now that the NSA is over twenty years old, we can say that in some regards, what Eve rails about has come to pass. Hopefully, the rest will remain fictional.
DIVIDED IN DEATH is another strong novel in the series. We see some excellent growth in the characters. At the same time, we continue to see Eve and Roarke demonstrate and overcome marital difficulties. With the addition of a spy plot and corporate espionage, DIVIDED IN DEATH becomes more than your average murder mystery, and I loved every second of it.
Every book to date sees Eve or Roarke losing a little more of their rough edge, which is a fabulous thing to happen and one of the main reasons why the series is so compelling. Sometimes, the changes are slight, and sometimes, like in DIVIDED IN DEATH, the characters take a huge step forward in healing from past trauma. Roarke is that character this time, and his struggle to let go of his anger and need for vengeance is powerful. After all, that anger and the doling out of revenge is who he is.
At the same time, we see Roarke struggling to make peace with certain knowledge, Ms. Robb captures that sense of loss when a good relationship turns upside-down. At times, watching Eve muddle through that pain and loss is more troubling than her recovered memories. If you are an Eve and Roarke 'shipper, DIVIDED IN DEATH is a tough read.
The spy plot in DIVIDED IN DEATH, however, is so much fun. It adds another level of complexity to the murder. Not only that, but it allows Ms. Robb to speak her mind about the NSA and certain powers it can use in the name of protecting the country. Now that the NSA is over twenty years old, we can say that in some regards, what Eve rails about has come to pass. Hopefully, the rest will remain fictional.
DIVIDED IN DEATH is another strong novel in the series. We see some excellent growth in the characters. At the same time, we continue to see Eve and Roarke demonstrate and overcome marital difficulties. With the addition of a spy plot and corporate espionage, DIVIDED IN DEATH becomes more than your average murder mystery, and I loved every second of it.