Payback in death by J.D. Robb

The 57th book in the In Death series, sees the return of Eve Dallas and her team, investigating the murder of a retired captain who had once headed the internal affairs department of the force, probing into crooked police officers. Although the crime scene had been set up to look like suicide, it was apparent that Captain Martin Greenleaf could not have killed himself, and as the investigation continues Dallas must examine the backgrounds of the many bad police officers that Greenleaf had exposed. Who could want payback for a past grievance against the officer?

Once again Robb has written an engrossing police procedural, outlining the research methods that Eve and her team use to eliminate the many suspects. Eve also uses her experience and expertise to identify suspects and works hard to find evidence to support her suspicions.

Although this is the 57th book featuring Dallas, Roarke, Peabody and the team, Robb always manages to bring a fresh mystery for the reader to enjoy. Her characters are engaging, Dallas is honest and forthright and Peabody is a delight to read about. And of course, Roarke is as likeable as ever.

Fans of the series will be happy to have another book to devour, while readers of mysteries may like to start with the first in the series, Naked in death, where the characters are introduced, and then follow their growth throughout the series, although each book has a stand-alone mystery to solve.

Themes: Murder, Detectives, Payback.

Pat Pledger