Naked in Death

In Death, Book 1

By: J. D. Robb

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

THE FIRST NOVEL IN THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING IN DEATH SERIES

It is 2058, New York City. Technology now completely rules the world, but for New York Detective Eve Dallas, one irresistible impulse still rules the heart: passion...

Eve Dallas is a New York police lieutenant hunting for a ruthless killer. In over ten years on the force, she’s seen it all - and knows her survival depends on her instincts. And she’s going against every warning telling her not to get involved with Roarke, an Irish billionaire - and a suspect in Eve’s murder investigation. But passion and seduction have rules of their own, and it’s up to Eve to take a chance in the arms of a man she knows nothing about - except the addictive hunger of needing his touch.

Crack another case with Eve Dallas.

©1995 by Nora Roberts. (P)2004 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Naked in Death

I first picked up a J.D. Robb audio book featuring Lt. Eve Dallas in a retail store and now I cannot seem to put them down. The book is fast moving and everytime you think you have solved the crime. Think again. Wonderful book series.

An Enjoyable Diversion to Dallas

I accidentally discovered J.D. Robb's (aka Norah Roberts) ". . . in Death" series a couple of months ago, when I bought "Holiday in Death" (1998), thinking I was getting a contemporary New York criminal/legal procedural. It turned out to be futuristic criminal suspense novel, with a strong romantic story and surprisingly pragmatic vision of commercialized sex. Even though my preference for sci-fi runs to Isaac Asimov (Foundation, 1942, etc.) when I'm feeling serious and Douglas Adams (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, 1979 etc.) for fun, I listened anyway. I was on a long drive and it was the only Audible book on my iPhone. I liked it well enough to listen to another in the series.

"Naked in Death" introduces the tough, resourceful and haunted Lt. Eve Dallas. Dallas is a primary investigator at New York City's 'Cop Central'. I like Dallas, who does her job well and doesn't suffer from what's popularly called the "imposter syndrome" - where a very qualified woman feels like she isn't up to her job. "Naked in Death" introduces Roarke, who's always on - and sometimes over - the legal line, and finds a competent woman who doesn't care about makeup and clothes oh-so-attractive. He's Dallas' love interest. The "who dunnit" in this one was pretty plain about a third of the way in to everyone, including Dallas. 'How to prove it without getting killed' was the challenge and the thrill.

So, in short - an enjoyable diversion and a good narrator. Formulaic? Yes, but so is Applebee's, and I have lunch there once in a while, and like it. Will I read/listen to another one? Yes, but I'm not rushing out to buy the other 32 books in the series - I'd go broke!

[If this review was helpful, please press YES. Thanks!]

SCI Fi or Mystery

No where was it mentioned that this story takes place in some future time. I was so confused as to why they didn't recognize gun shots as the cause of death. DUH! Because guns have been outlawed for so long...I don't like sci fi so I will finish the book but I am not happy I used my monthy credit for this book. So fair warning to the next listner.

Outstanding!

By far one of the best detective novels I've every read, with just a splash of romance. This book has everything -- believable plot, superb character development, and a great sense of humor. The narrator does a really good job with character distinction as well as male/female voice differences. I'd give it six or seven stars if I could!

okay

This takes place in the future. It was okay but I felt it was predictable and boring in parts.

Best Series On The Literary Block!!!

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this series! All of the characters are relatable and likeable. You’ll fall in love with Roarke, your heart will break for Eve, and you’ll want to be besties with Peabody. I don’t think I’ve ever read a series where I’ve been this invested in the characters. I’ve been reading the In Death series since Naked in Death came out on paperback in 95’. A lot of you may not know the first three or four audiobooks were actually narrated by Christine McMurdo-Wallis and she did such a disservice to these characters. She was a horrible narrator. Thank God for Susan Ericksen! When I found out she re-narrated those books, I immediately started buying all of the In Death books on Audible so I could complete my library. This is a great series to immerse yourself into but, it’s even better if you listen to the audiobooks. The experience is completely different when you hear Susan Ericksen narrate. You'll fall in love with her performance and portrayal of each character.

New Favorite Series!

Where does Naked in Death rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 5.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes! I couldn't figure out who the killer was. I read in past reviews that some people called called it before it was revealed but I was shocked when Eve figured it out.

Which character – as performed by Susan Ericksen – was your favorite?

Eve for sure, and Whitney too.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

?

Any additional comments?

This series is now one of my favorites. Im so happy I came across it, and being that it contains almost 40 books, it will keep me entertained for a while. I have already bought the next one and the following ones are waiting in my wish list!

Prepare for Murder & a Love That Keeps Growing.

What did you love best about Naked in Death?

I've read the whole series & came back to read it again.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The murder mystery was great, but watching the relationship between Eve & Roake is even more.

Have you listened to any of Susan Ericksen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I started out listening to the In Death series as I was able to pick up cassette tapes & CDs. Often the abridged versions. I've enjoyed Ms Ericksen's performance very much. I'm gradually increasing my audio library of the series.

Any additional comments?

Love the book, love the audio, love the series!!

Meh

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Yes, I would change the main character. If you're looking for a typical "I'm hard because that's how I need to be for this job, because I'm hard, and that gives me the edge I need to do the job, and not let the job do me!" female detective, then bingo - you've got it.

What could J. D. Robb have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

The story could have been more creative. I got to the mysterious part of the story and thought "So what?".

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

I've gotten picky about my narrators, and I would have preferred George Guidall.

Was Naked in Death worth the listening time?

Not really.

Any additional comments?

I don't like the futuristic setting. That part seems lame. They don't mention that anywhere when you're checking out the book, or if they did, I missed it.

First Death

This is a good mystery with an interesting investigative story line. I have read #30 in this series; it was good but would have been better if I had read this first. Eve, our heroine is as they say, "a tough cookie", in this first book it shows some of her vulnerabilities which helped me to relate to her better. The development of Eve and Roarke's relationship, for me, was key. When I read more of this series it will be in order as I think it is important to know the back story. The narrator does a good job and made Roarke' s accent believable.