After scanning the list of books in Classic’s recent review of JD Robb’s (pen name for Nora Roberts) “In Death” series, I thought I would read the first book, Naked in Death. The book features detective Eve Dallas, a no-nonsense cop with golden eyes like a lion. Also very lithe. With tousled short hair. And firm breasts. This will come into play later.
The story opens on the brutal murder of a high-class escort. Eve is a cop on the scene and soon is off pursuing the murderer. This is probably best described as a suspense thriller. That is, until the tide turns.
I was humming along, reading and somewhat enjoying, when…wait a minute. Is this suspect, Rourke, caressing the detective? Does Eve find her body responding? Hold on, hold on, what is this seductive dinner with a steamy kiss and boob grasping? And what year is it, anyway? This story has taken a turn!
I had no idea this book would combine a mystery set in the future with sexy times between the protagonist and the antagonist. Not that I minded. I was just confused as to what type of book I was reading. It turned out to be suspense with a little pr0n mixed in. Who doesn’t like that combination? Prudes and cowards, that’s who.
This was a very fast read. The suspense was well handled and the familiar trope of Alpha Male meets Accomplished, Gorgeous Woman Who Tries to Resist Him But Finds Herself Feverishly Overcome works nicely. It was kind of fun to veer between mystery and romance, though I did get a little whiplash at times. Following a graphic description of a grotesque murder with a sensual scene was kind of weird. Once I got into the groove, though, it was pretty fun (the sex, not the death). Solid three stars!
