A review by adrina33
Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb

slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.5

I dont see how this has the ratings it does. Was it horrible? no. Was it good? NO!
I tried reading this years ago and it was very hard to get into it. The "lingo/slang" that the writer chose in order to add to the "futuristic" vibe didn't work. Calling Eve sir irritated me. The choppy writing and awkward dialog ruined the flow. 
In all fairness, I read that the books could be read out of order. (Without reading another from the series) I disagree. There were many times I wondered what was going on and figured background info was provided somewhere in the last 15 books.
As for the cop angle it read as if the writer is inexperienced in actual police protocol. It was as if the writer had the idea of a cop main character one day and went with it. 
I was very tempted to give this book 1 star entirely because of the domestic abuse scene between Eve and Roark. I am sure many glossed over this but it was beyond disturbing. How does someone casually write about a physical altercation between a husband and wife as if that is the normal way to solve disagreements and then Eve drugged him!?! Gross. What kind of troubled individual writes like that? Tries to convince us it is normal? 
I finished because I was sick of this book being in my currently reading shelf, but I do not recommend it. With millions of books out there I suggest skipping this one.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings