A review by whatsheread
Purity in Death by J.D. Robb

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

Book 15 in the In Death series, PURITY IN DEATH by J. D. Robb, is another stellar murder mystery. Better yet, we see several relationships evolve and get to ponder several morality questions that cause tension between Roarke and Eve.

I'm always impressed by how well Ms. Robb balances developing her characters while progressing the story. In PURITY IN DEATH, she uses a mysterious group enacting vigilante justice to force Eve and Roarke to discuss deeply held beliefs that oppose one another. Unlike in previous installments where the couple would argue and fume at the other's stubbornness, they show real emotional growth and relationship maturity. Sure, they still argue. They wouldn't be a couple if they didn't have arguments. Still, it was nice to see them come together to discuss their different viewpoints and to have them listen to each other. 

Even better, we get to see both their reactions to Mavis' news, which seriously was the highlight of the entire story. In a novel that includes serious discussions of who gets to determine guilt and whether vigilante justice has any place in a lawful society, Eve and Roarke's reactions to Mavis' news provide a much-needed comic moment.

Ms. Robb and her In Death series continue to fascinate and entertain me. The crimes Eve must solve are always engaging and difficult to guess in advance. The growth of Eve and Roarke's relationship is just icing on the cake.