Friday, April 30, 2010

Review: Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb (In-Death Series, Book 4)

In Rapture in Death, J.D. Robb begins with Eve and Roarke's off-planet honeymoon. Their time is almost over when a young technician commits suicide and Eve processes the scene. After Eve gets back on the job two more suicides take place. They all have a few things in common; there is no apparent reason for them to self-terminate and they all die with a smile on their faces. During autopsy, a tiny burn is found inside the victims' brains and Eve is convinced that these are not suicides but murder. She and Officer Peabody, who is now permanently assigned to assist Eve, are off to investigate. In the meantime, Mavis gets a shot at recording her songs with a partner. Leonardo and Mavis' new partner approach Eve and ask for Roarke's help in launching this new venture. All of this is happening, while Eve and Roarke try to find time for themselves.

One of my favorite parts of Rapture in Death is its theme. Robb uses predesposition vs. psychological theories  -- on based on genetics, the other on individual choice -- as utilized to study the human mind. These theories are not only used to go deep into the crime-solving part of the book, but to further develop Eve's character. Subliminal manipulation of the human mind ties well with this theme and also plays a big role. I've been waiting for more information on Roarke, and in this book that extra glimpse makes an impact.

I smiled throughout many parts of this book thinking that although Roarke and Eve's traveling part of the honeymoon was over, they certainly continued with it enthusiastically throughout all the mayhem. There are some incredibly sexy scenes between these two, and I couldn't help but go back and re-read a couple. Their emotional/loving bond continues to grow with their relationship, and I admit some of those touching scenes are favorites.

Peabody is becoming one of my favorite secondary characters with her dry humor and direct ways. And, it might be me, but Mavis and Leonardo got on my nerves in this installment. I think Mavis is getting more self-centered as the series goes along, even though I do still think she loves Eve. 

I really liked Rapture in Death. The characterization continues to be the draw for me and I enjoyed the psychological aspects used in plotting the murder investigation. I'm definitely hooked on Eve and Roarke's growing relationship and can't wait to read Ceremony in Death.

Genre: Futuristic Police Procedural
Series: In-Death Series (Book 4)
Release Date: September 1, 2006 - Kindle Edition
Grade: B

Visit J.D. Robb here

Christine's In-Death Reading Challenge - April Review 

8 comments:

  1. HIls, I'm very happy you love RID. I love it too. I agree with Mavis, she's a bit annoying but still it's mag! Her character added diversity into the story.

    And Peabody? I love love her. She's really funny and I promised you will love her even more in you future reads.

    Now, reading the parts where you were smiling about some intimate intimacies...well now I'm smiling that you're smiling ;-)

    J.D. Robb is good right?
    Oh and you're good at reviewing too so I look forward for your next In Death reviews.

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  2. Natalie, Mavis is different and mag, lol! That whole situation in RIP annoyed me, though. :) Peabody's character now... it began as almost a peripheral one and she's becoming a favorite already. Can't see where Robb takes her. And yes, I'm really liking Robb's style.

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  3. Great review, Hilcia.
    I think Robb explores the psychological aspects of the human mind and science in general, very well in her murder plots--including the morality of the options and choices people have in their lives in the futuristic setting, that may not be too far from reality.

    I know what you mean about Mavis and you're right--she does love Eve and is a good girly influence on her, but she does tend to get carried away the moment--her own moment! LOL

    Peabody is great. I love the way she and Eve have a similar sense of humor. But again, like Mavis, Peabody has a way of "softening" Eve's rough edges a little--Every now and then, anyway.

    Thanks for sticking it out with the challenge, Hils. I'm so glad to be reading this series with you! :)

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  4. Agreed, Christine. I'm finding Robb's exploration of these subjects in a futuristic setting fascinating. It makes the procedural part of the books something to look forward to.

    The secondary characters are just coming alive in this series. I'm so glad, because it would get boring after a while if they didn't get some sort of development. I'm enjoying the slowness and thoroughness of the process. Roark is still a mystery in lots of ways too, I hope there's more about him too. :D

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  5. Loved the review Hils. The theme of predisposition vs. psychological is certainly something Eve struggles with. I think that's why she tends to see things as very black and white.

    Oh Peabody is my favorite secondary character with Feeney a close second. Mavis does get on my nerves but then she'll drop the flighty party girl facade and get all insightful. So I put up with her. :)

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  6. Great point Leslie! I do think Roarke is helping Eve see those gray areas, although she struggles with that. :)

    Oh, I keep forgetting Feeney. How can I forget him? He's wonderful too. LOL on Mavis, this wasn't her best moment, but since she loves Eve I still like her. Let's see how she turns out. :D

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  7. Mavis is probably my least favourite of all the regular characters. I do so love the rest though and as the series goes on, they really seem like family. So when a new book comes out, it's like visiting family and friends again.

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  8. So when a new book comes out, it's like visiting family and friends again.
    KristieJ, this must be wonderful. I've only read a few & I'm already becoming attached to the characters. I can only imagine what it must feel like when you really know them well. Probably one of the reasons why this is such a successful series. :D

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