Framed In Death Book Review – Another intriguing chapter in the long-running ‘In Death’ series
Table of Contents
My Rating – 4 out of 5
Plot Summary & Introduction – Framed In Death
In Framed in Death, bestselling author J.D. Robb once again delivers a gripping installment in the long-running In Death series, blending crime, suspense, and futuristic intrigue in her signature style. Known for her razor-sharp storytelling and the unforgettable partnership of Lieutenant Eve Dallas and Roarke, Robb transports readers into a chilling murder case set against the backdrop of New York’s gritty, high-tech future. This latest novel raises the stakes with a crime that unfolds in a seemingly peaceful environment but hides sinister secrets beneath the surface.
As Eve Dallas takes charge of the investigation, fans are treated to Robb’s trademark mix of police procedural detail, psychological depth, and fast-paced action. The tension builds as hidden motives, buried truths, and shocking betrayals come to light, keeping readers turning pages late into the night. Framed in Death not only expands the emotional arc of Eve and Roarke’s relationship but also reinforces why the In Death books remain a cornerstone of modern crime fiction.
Whether you are a longtime follower of J.D. Robb’s work or a newcomer seeking a compelling murder mystery with futuristic flair, this book offers a thrilling ride worth reviewing. Now, coming to the story, NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas wakes up early one morning to a call from dispatch. An errant daughter coming home from a late-night party discovers a shocking visage outside her door. Someone has staged a dead girl in the manner of Johannes Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’. The costume is as shown in the painting, her expressions, even in death, fixed with glue and wire, to resemble the original!
The dead girl posed in this manner is an LC (Licensed Companion) – futurespeak for streetwalking prostitutes. Traditionally, the serial killer’s preferred choice of victim is due to their easy availability and relative anonymity. The location where the body was left is also significant, as it belongs to the owner of an art gallery. Eve surmises that the killer is an artist himself, one who must have been rejected by the gallery owner and is now exacting revenge for that refusal. Before she can proceed any further, the killer strikes again…
This time it’s a male LC, posed in the form of another famous painting. This time, it’s ‘The Blue Boy’ by Thomas Gainsborough, and the costume is as depicted in the original artwork. Even the palette in the model’s hand replicates that in the painting. It’s now apparent that a serial killer is loose in the city of New York, and is killing and posing LC’s in the manner of famous paintings. Lt. Dallas and her team have to work twice as fast to prevent the killer from striking again, because serial killers don’t stop at one or two; they go on a spree.
And true to form, the killer strikes again, this time it’s another woman LC, and another painting, kept outside another art gallery. By now, it’s clear that it’s a disgruntled artist, taking revenge for his non-acceptance by galleries. He’s smart too, leaving no proof and either jamming the cameras on site or avoiding the ones he cannot jam. The only clues seem to be that he’s affluent and the costumes that he’s been using are custom-made. With very little to go on, Eve and her team work against the clock to nab the killer before one more innocent victim falls prey to his crazed vision.
This is a very well-written police procedural, and since this series is set 40 years ahead in time (in 2061), technology has made far more advances than we see in the present time. But it’s quite restrained, no unrealistic sci-fi, thus much more believable. Sheer hard work by the police and dedicated scientific and psychological analyses help the cops narrow down on the killer. However, in a shift from traditional murder mysteries, the identity of the killer is made known to the reader, and how the police catch him by putting two and two together. What helps is the overconfidence of the killer, which leads to his making mistakes.
Eve Dallas, Delia Peabody, and Eve’s husband, Roarke, form a formidable investigative team, and no criminal is safe from them. Eve stands for justice for all victims of crime and will not stop till she gets it. One point I would like to mention here – J.D.Robb (Nora Roberts) brings a subtle touch of style to the narrative, when she describes in painstaking detail the apparel and get-up choices of the characters, from the colors to the accessories they wear. This is a marked difference from other authors. Without divulging any further details, let me say that this is a great page-turner, one that you will keep turning over in your mind long after you’ve finished reading this.
Conclusion – Framed In Death
In conclusion, Framed in Death by J.D. Robb is a masterfully written addition to the acclaimed In Death series, seamlessly combining murder mystery, futuristic crime investigation, and emotional depth. With Lieutenant Eve Dallas once again at the center of a high-stakes case, Robb delivers a gripping narrative filled with suspense, sharp dialogue, and compelling character development. The intricate layers of the investigation highlight Robb’s ability to balance thrilling police procedural elements with personal moments that deepen the reader’s connection to Eve, Roarke, and their circle of allies.
What sets Framed in Death apart is its careful weaving of crime, justice, and morality in a future New York that feels both imaginative and eerily familiar. The twists keep readers guessing until the final reveal, making this novel a standout for both longtime fans and newcomers. J.D. Robb continues to prove why she is a powerhouse in crime fiction and romantic suspense, keeping the In Death novels fresh, relevant, and addictive even after dozens of installments.
For readers who crave a fast-paced thriller with heart, intellect, and unrelenting tension, Framed in Death is an absolute must-read — and another triumph for J.D. Robb.
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