Delusion In Death

By: J. D. Robb

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

It was just another after-work happy-hour bar downtown, where business professionals unwound with a few drinks, complained about the boss, maybe hooked up with someone for the night. Until something went terribly wrong. At first it was just a friction in the air. The noise intensified. The crowd seemed oppressive. Some sharp words were exchanged, some pushing and shoving.

Then the madness descended. And after 12 minutes of chaos and violence, 80 people lay dead.

Eve Dallas is trying to sort out the inexplicable events. Surviving witnesses talk about seeing things - monsters and swarms of bees. They describe sudden, overwhelming feelings of fear and rage and paranoia. When forensics makes its report, the mass delusions make more sense: it appears the bar patrons were exposed to a cocktail of chemicals and illegal drugs that could drive people into temporary insanity - if not kill them outright.

But that doesn’t explain who would unleash such horror - or why. Eve’s husband, Roarke, happens to own the bar, yet he’s convinced the attack wasn’t directed at him. It’s bigger than that. And if Eve can’t figure it out fast, it could happen again, anytime, anywhere. Because it’s airborne....

©2012 Nora Roberts (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Robb, Dallas & Ericksen - what a Fantastic Combo

With most series, it doesn't affect the enjoyment of the books much if you read them in order or not. With the In Death series, it does. Although you certainly can read any book as a stand-alone, you usually get more out of any specific book if you've read several of the previous books in the series. More than most, this series intertwines and builds in significant ways over the course of the books.

For this book, I'd suggest reading "New York to Dallas" at the very least -- or that book won't be as enjoyable if you read it later. (Possibly also Reunion in Death first, before New York to Dallas, but before you read Reunion . . . ). I strongly recommend reading this series in order. Most books are great and even the few that fall a bit short of the normal standard of excellence invariably advance character development.

Ericksen is amazing as the narrator of this series. More than 15 often-recurring characters (plus another set of occasional ones) are clearly delineated. I am constantly astounded at how I can recognize which character is speaking within one or two words. The consistency across this volume of books is incredible. I don't know what salary you're making, Susan, but you're worth it. Ask for a raise!

18 of 18 people found this review helpful

You'll Want to Read "Delusion in" Again and Again

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Of course I would recommend this book to a friend. It is so unique, the initial scene grabs one's attention and holds you until the plot has played out. Every time I have read this book, its been like falling into a river-you can't seem to extract yourself from until the story has ended.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Eve Dallas is often a favorite of mine but Peabody, Roarke, and McNabb are very close seconds. Oh, I can't forget Morris. I think Eve Dallas because she mirrors the horror that she often wades through, but has a true warriors heart. Her motives are always pure, she is honest and always on the side of right. She is also loyal to friends, husband and what she believes in.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where Dallas enters the bar to find all of the dead. This is a telling, breath taking, and somber moment. It sets the stage for the novel. Allegorically, it sets the stage for life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The scene where the bartender can not believe that most of his "crew" is dead. His pain is brilliant. It becomes your pain, [you-the reader], when you share it. He mirrors the love, loyalty, honesty of feeling that Eve often shows but does not always readily recognise.

Any additional comments?

This is a great series. I can't think that I've ever been dissappointed. The narrator is "awesome."

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

A new twist

It is amazing that J.D. Robb can keep coming up with fresh ideas for each of the 35 books. Susan Ericksen is super, she has managed to be consist with the voice of each character from book one. In this book we see Dallas advance as a leader as she delegates more of the work to detectives of a "big" team on the big case. She had to work with the federal law enforcement also. Robb moved a lot of the story in the daily briefing of the team, this is different technique than it the past. Dallas advances in her own problems with the help of Dr. Mira. She told Peabody about the personal events in Dallas, Tx. It was great that Robb only added information from past books that fit into the situation at hand. Many author of long series spend half the book reviewing what went on before, but not Robb. Can not wait for the next book.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

I Never Get Tired Of This Series....Love It!!

What did you love best about Delusion In Death?

The plot was very interesting and there was an excellent twist toward the end that I wasn't expecting. Classic J.D./Nora

What did you like best about this story?

As always, the characters in this series drives the book. I love the suspense, but the characters are what keep me coming back time after time.

What does Susan Ericksen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She brings life to the "voices" of these characters - she really is a master at this.

Any additional comments?

I was reading some of the other reviews and was honestly puzzled by one that said there was no sexual banter between Roarke and Eve...really? What about - "You are getting so much sex..." Eve to Roarke toward the last half of the book. Also, commented, no Mavis, no Summerset, no banter between Peabody and McNab. What about the really cool conversations between Summerset and Eve - both scenes showed a whole new dimension to Summerset and the dynamic with Eve. Also, the conversation with Mavis and baby Bella talking to Das....really cute. Anyway, I thought it was an excellent read/listen!

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

After 35 novels-the In Death series still thrills

What did you love best about Delusion In Death?

As always, Susan Ericksen's narration is the best. I have listened to all the novels and I can't imagine any other voices for the characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Delusion In Death?

The twist that I never saw coming.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene in restaurant

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes- and I did (almost). It kept me up til the wee hours.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

One of the Best in the Series!

I had high hopes for this book since I thought the previous book, Celebrity in Death, was just average. Thankfully, Robb (Roberts) is back up to her high standards in Delusion in Death. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

This story featured a unique murder method with entertaining plot twists. Dallas made significant progress in her lifelong struggle with nature versus nurture. Dallas' relationships with Peabody, Mira, Roarke, and Summerset continue to grow stronger. Kudos to Ms. Roberts for a well-balanced mixture of drama, introspection, and humor.

Susan Ericksen gives a wonderful performance. The genders and accents are perfect, and the more dramatic scenes with Dallas and Peabody were especially moving. Ericksen's voice is the perfect instrument for Robb's stories.

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Eve & Roarke NEVER get boring...

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

At the top...not only is JD Robb aka Nora Roberts truly an artist with her words, but Susan Ericksen makes the characters of Robbs In Death series come ALIVE. I'd been reading this series since the day the first book, Naked In Death, came out...then two years ago I was talked into trying them in audio. I loved them so much I now own them ALL, again, in audio, and even when reading them now, I hear the characters in Ericksen's depiction of them.

What other book might you compare Delusion In Death to and why?

Hmmmm....that's tough. Nobody writes like Nora...but the closest series I'd have to compare it to would have to be Tess Gerritsen's Rizzoli & Isle's...as while there IS a romance in this series, the romance isn't the focus...the cases are. Eve Dallas IS. How she handles & solves her cases, how she immerses herself into the lives of the dead, and how she has gone from having nobody in her life to being surrounded by those that care about her...and those she cares about.

What does Susan Ericksen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She brings the characters to life! Peabody & McNabb are two of my favorites. She gives Peabody that slightly naive, youngish, but far from dumb lovable voice...and McNabb that cute, funny lol voice...and Roarke! For a woman to be doing his sexy accent and pulling it off?? Kudos! And she does an excellent job.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES!! And I almost did, lol. Took me 2, but I listened to 8 hours of it in 1 day!

Any additional comments?

This one seemed shorter than the last, but no less satisfying...it tackles a threat that we all know is up close and personal every day, terrorism. There were some things I wanted to know from the last book, but as this is a series, and we don't get to see each and every character in every book, hopefully we'll get more in the next. We got to the meat and potatoes of this case quickly, and Eve & Roarke were doing the digging themselves for the most part. So it was pretty awesome!

9 of 10 people found this review helpful

Good Listen

Enjoyed this book very much, but found the story of Lt Dallas' working through her nightmares a bit tiresome in this book. I did like that Rourke took a more active role in the story/investigation this time. Overall, an enjoyable listen.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Dallas wins another one!

Would you consider the audio edition of Delusion In Death to be better than the print version?

Yep. The voices in my head are not near as good as Susan Ericksen's.

What did you like best about this story?

SPOILER ALERT! The left hook.

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

All in the "In Death" series. She's like fine red wine: Justs gets better with age.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Nah. We plan road trips around the length of the book.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for "Calculation"............

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great as usual

J.D.Robb did it again. Even at book 35 I'm still immeresed in a story of a taugh cop who kicks ass,her beautiful billionaire husband and a wonderful future world Mrs.Robb created.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

loved every word

Susan Erickson always reads it perfectly, and Dallas is always BRILLIANT. one of my favourite stories in the series.

Love Dallas

Another great book in the series- but whilst I'm not prude, I still feel the detailed sex scenes don't add to the story line at all, and could be tuned down somewhat...

Another great Dallas book

Bit long winded at the end, rather far fetched and unbelievable. Both clever criminals exhibited amazing stupidity at the end.

What a body count

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book. Another fab story that I couldn't stop listening to. I always love when Eve shows her more vulnerable side and speak to the Doctor about it.

J.D. ROBB - DELUSION IN DEATH

Once again J.D. Robb brings back the usual group of characters in yet another exciting, sexy thriller. For true fans not to be missed.

Delusion in death - J D Robb

I really love this series of books. The characters are believable and develop along with the stories giving you a feeling that you actually know them so well.



Each plot is unique and well thought out and I eagerly await each new story of the cases of Dallas and Rourke and it is intriguing to see how the author thinks the future will work out.



I recommend this to fans of fantasy, suspense and romance as it ticks all those boxes beautifully

Delusion In Death

Brilliant again, another compelling "Dallas" story. Again the author portrays her character's well, and spins an fascinating story. If you have not read this one yet, do so. I used the audio version and once again Susan Ericksen does an excellent job.



I look forward to the next book.