Purity in Death by J.D. Robb Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Purity in Death
Book Review: A futuristic kind of terrorism...
Summary: 4 Stars
J.D. Robb incorporates the threat of terrorism, this time through a computer virus designed to spread from machine to man, into the latest installment of her Eve Dallas series. People are dying, and it takes awhile for the detectives, with the inevitable help of Roarke, Eve's husband, to figure out what is causing it and who is behind the plot. Without giving the plot away, those close to Dallas are in danger, and are injured, compelling her to work at an exhausting pace to resolve the mystery and put "criminals in high places" behind bars.Dallas is true to form both in action, and in squirming over the politics of being on the police force and being married to Roarke. All the colorful supporting characters are back, although there is rather less of the butler, Summerset, than I would prefer. His love-hate relationship with Dallas is always colorful.
Something about this installment dragged for me, although I couldn't put my finger on it, and I kept putting the book down and picking it up again...as a result, it took me longer to read than usual. Don't think that I'm tired of the series, I just believe that it wasn't quite up to Robb's usual standards.
I'm still looking forward to the next "In Death" book in March!
Book Review: A good read, though not the best in the series
Summary: 4 Stars
A word to those who have not read any other books in this series: this is a series best read in order. Character development is as important as plot, and if you don't know where the characters are coming from, some of their reactions in this book will not make sense to you. That said, let's assume that you go back, order all of them from the beginning, catch up on your reading, and are now ready for this one:Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her trusty sidekick Peabody are the main protagonists in this series, set around 2059 and subsequent years. This book, the latest in the series (September 2002) brings us back to a familiar theme: computers can spread more than just information, and our growing reliance on computers can have serious downsides. The editorial reviews provide the outline of the plot, so I won't repeat all of it here. Instead, I'll mention some specific themes that you may want to watch for. For example, one aspect of the computer "virus" that spreads to humans (believe me, this is not a spoiler; it's obvious after the first few pages) is that it appears to cause humans to want to cocoon - withdraw into their apartments and communicate less with other people than ever before. Is this a natural extension of some of the tendancies toward withdrawal that we see in computer users today? Is there really such a tendency normally? Another theme is Peabody's boyfriend who works in the EDD (Electronics Detection...) - the actions in this volume force Peabody to clarify her feelings for him.
There is less interaction between Eve and Roarke in this one, it felt to me, and more between Eve and her fellow cops, than in previous volumes. Of course there are still a few doses of steamy sex between the two, which don't add a thing to the plot but do seem to attract a few more readers. We do get more of Summerfield the butler, who winds up caring for the injured - somewhat differently than a hospital might do it.
For the crossover readers from science fiction, things to watch for: far more virtual reality than we have now; better voice activation of computers; occasional space travel; urban vehicles that aren't cars; the activities of the Electronic Detection Division. Other volumes in the series do have more about space travel than this one, which only mentions it in passing.
For the crossover readers from romance: less sex in this volume than in many of the previous ones, but the increased realization of the seriousness of Peabody's relationship with McNab is satisfying.
Overall, the plot's pretty easy to guess in this one, although there are a few twists right at the end - don't think you've got it all before then! But the interaction between the characters is more important than the plot. If you haven't read any of the others, then you may find yourself disappointed in this book, because the plot is skimpy; however, if you have read the others, then you absolutely must read this one! In between? Read a couple of them but not all? I *DO* recommend reading the whole series! You won't regret it!
Book Review: A techno-dystopia that oozes pure intelligence
Summary: 4 Stars
What if a computer virus from our-email can infiltrate the computer and infect its operator with a cranial expansion that culminates in destruction? In the 15th installment of the Death series, J.D Robb crafts a chilling techno-dystopia in 2059 where paedophiles and drug-traffickers are mysteriously victimized by a vigilantte operation to uphold justice. Their self-righteous mantra proclaims - absolute purity achieved. It is up to edgy NYPSD Lieut. Eve Dallas to root out the perpetrators - as the virus exterminates their target but harms innocent by-standers including inflicting a near-fatal paralysis on e-cop McNab and took the life of an innocent sixteen-year old who is slashed by an infected pimp. The investigation grips her as she is apprehended by her past as an abused victim....
Purity in Death has the smarts and chutzpah with the fearless Dallas relentless in her pursuit for justice. J.D Robbs has honed her prose to razor-edged sharpness and accelerates the pacing to a frenzy one with grisly murders, political machinations up the social echelons and intrigues with provocative questions on morals and justice. It is dark and disturbing given the increasing number of computer-savvy felons sprouting at present who abuse and terrorize with the power of technology.
Clever characterization, swift dialogues and a wonderful supporting cast in the form of Eve's techno-whiz husband Roarke, her comically larcenous aide Peabody and the tenacious news-reporter Nadine makes this outing an eventful one for Robbs. Though her refreshing plot lacks the conviction to plunge in with more depth and moral complications, it nevertheless serves its purpose as a fast, jugular suspense thriller that oozes pure intelligence.
- Desmond CHan
Book Review: Another Dallas Hit!
Summary: 5 Stars
I typically read every book in a detective series, starting with the first one and rarely have I enjoyed all the books in any one series the way I enjoy the Eve Dallas books. Their characters have grown since the first book. J.D. Robb has kept Eve and Roarke focused while unfolding tantalizing bits of their backgrounds in each successive book. Robb has also kept a firm hold on her settings and best of all, you don't know who did it until the very end! Eve battles her personal demons in Purity in Death as well as the criminals and the endings are never sugar coated. I will keep on reading them as long as Robb keeps on writing them!Book Review: Another Dallas Hit!
Summary: 5 Stars
I typically read every book in a detective series, starting with the first one and rarely have I enjoyed all the books in any one series the way I enjoy the Eve Dallas books. Their characters have grown since the first book. J.D. Robb has kept Eve and Roarke focused while unfolding tantalizing bits of their backgrounds in each successive book. Robb has also kept a firm hold on her settings and best of all, you don't know who did it until the very end! Eve battles her personal demons in Purity in Death as well as the criminals and the endings are never sugar coated. I will keep on reading them as long as Robb keeps on writing them!