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!

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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."

14 people found this 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 people found this 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 people found this 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 people found this 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 people found this 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 people found this 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 people found this 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.

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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 people found this helpful