Random in Death (In Death, #58) (2024)

Death, suspense, action, and drama immediately pull readers into Random in Death by J. D. Robb (pseudonym for Nora Roberts). This well-written futuristic police procedural is set in New York City (NYC) in the summer of 2061 and features Lieutenant Eve Dallas with the NYC homicide police department. Sixteen-year-old Jenna Harbough has finally gotten parental approval to watch her favorite band play live at a club. Her idol Jake Kincaid catches her eye while she’s on the dance floor. It’s the best night of her life. Minutes later she stumbles outside and dies. Eve is called to the scene. Was Jenna targeted specifically or was she a random victim?

Time spent with Dallas, Roarke, Delia Peabody (Eve’s partner), and Eve’s colleagues is always entertaining. The main characters are compelling and three-dimensional. Eve is honorable, honest, has strong moral principles, and has a strong sense of duty to victims and their families. Her need to serve and protect comes through in every book, but the underlying impetus for this is best understood by reading this series in order. As always, the interactions between Eve and Roarke are enjoyable and bring a different facet of Eve’s personality to light. It’s fascinating to see how Eve’s mind works getting a better and better picture of the killer. I enjoyed seeing Peabody continue to take on more responsibility in this story line as well as Detective Jenkinson. Readers get to see a bit of the private lives of Peabody and her significant other, McNab. Additionally, Nadine Furst and Jake Kincade share more of the limelight in this novel.

It is amazing that after fifty-eight books this author can still use prose to elicit a strong emotional response from readers. The novel has a deeply involved plot that is thought-provoking and tragic. Robb weaves humor into her novels, providing levity to offset some of the more serious and grim aspects of the story. She brings strong characters, great plots, wonderful relationships, and excellent pacing to the series. Woven through the novel are threads of caring for others, standing for victims, friendship, relationships, ego, justice, leadership, love, respect, and trust. Additionally, there are themes of murder, shock, denial, grief, power, rage, dominance, punishment, arrogance, and much more.

Robb is an excellent storyteller who combines a creative plot with suspenseful scenes, lots of solid police investigation, and some action. The writing is fluid and the ever-present threat that was looming kept me rapidly turning the pages. Besides the investigation, Dallas’s solid investigative techniques and her relationships with her friends and colleagues drive the narrative. It has the right balance of mystery, police investigation, romance, and creative twists.

Overall, this novel was a twisty tale with great characterization that kept me engaged throughout the story. If you enjoy engaging near-future police procedurals, then I recommend this series. This is the fifty-eighth book in the In Death Eve Dallas series and I have read all of them up to this point. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

St. Martin’s Press and J.D. Robb provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for January 23, 2024.
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My 4.55 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.

the setup…
Jake Kincaid and his legendary rock band Avenue A never forgot their roots and return twice a year to play at Club Rock It, the place where it all started. One of those nights is reserved for the under twenty-one crowd and sixteen-year old Jenna Harbough has convinced her parents to let her attend with her two best friends. An aspiring musician, she fantasized that she’d be able to get Jake to listen to her demo. As she and her friends were enthralled in the concert, Jenna feels a sharp jab in her arm and sees the guy who did it as he moved on. Not thinking much of it, she continued partying until it was clear she was in distress. She headed to the outside alley for air, only to run into Jake who was taking a break. He comes to her aid but Jenna dies in his arms. Girlfriend Nadine Furst immediately reaches out to Lieutenant Eve Dallas, the city’s top homicide cop and her friend. It doesn’t take long for Eve to figure out Jenna might not have been targeted, especially when the same thing plays out again one day later.

the heart of the story…
How do you find a killer who selects his victims randomly? It was fascinating to see Eve and her team disassemble clues and form a path and profile to likely suspects. Of course, hubby Roarke applied his serious tech skills, this time absolutely a critical need. This was the finest in police procedurals, especially how they were able to hone in on a profile, sift through mounds of data, elevate relevant information and quickly set sights on the right target. Throughout all the insanity of these random murders, there were some tender and lovely moments to balance things out.

the bottom line…
This was a fast moving story because time was of the essence to stop the madness. I love a good police procedural and this was one of the best. As it impacted people close and important to Eve, she had an opportunity to show how she’s grown and evolved in how she handled that aspect. There were also some old friends who resurfaced, reminding me of the breadth of beloved characters relevant to this series. Lest we not forget the great house project, too, always fun to get updates. Another winner in a series that continue to find a way to stay relevant and fresh. 4.5 stars

Posted on Blue Mood Café

(Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)

Amazingly after fifty eight books in the series this is one of the best.

When an individual begins murdering young woman by injecting them with drugs - just a pinprick in someone's arm in passing - the police obviously have their work cut out in apprehending the murderer. However Eve and her team are like a well-oiled machine and, when you add Roarke and his tech skills into the mix, they can find anyone.

The book is fast paced, the detective work is brilliant, and this reader anyway just wanted a few hours to hide away and read the whole thing in one sitting. This did not actually happen for me but I certainly read it at every opportunity.

Galahad got his bacon, the house project is going well, Eve and Peabody shared their usual hilarious banter, and just about everyone who is anyone in this series managed at least a mention. I loved it. Roll on book 59.

A solid crime thriller with a sprinkle of romance.

*Can be read as a standalone.*

A murderer is on the loose, targeting innocent girls at random. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is on the case, determined to stop the killer before he strikes again. Join Lt. Dallas on her journey as she uses her wit, experience, and intuition to track down the murderer and bring him to justice. Will she be able to solve the case in time, or will the killer manage to slip away?

This was an entertaining novel that had me hooked from the very first page! Although I must admit, I didn't care for all the teenage lingo. Besides that, it was a great read. If you're looking for a thrilling read that will keep you entertained from start to finish, look no further!

***Thank you to NetGalley, J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts), and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***

J.D. Robb is a prolific writer whose amazing talent is never more evident than when gifting readers another thrilling episode featuring Lt. Eve Dallas and comrades in a series so many readers have come to know and love. It's mind boggling to think that RANDOM IN DEATH is the fifty-eighth book in the In Death series, a futuristic police procedural series set in New York City around 2061. Books in the series are character driven featuring outstanding writing with intriguing murder cases to be solved in each book. The character development and intricate investigations carry the stories with a sprinkling of humor woven throughout elevating an otherwise dire tone.

Eve and husband Roarke are enjoying a rare weekend evening at home when Eve's link signals, calling her to the scene of a murder at a music concert. The young age of the victim makes this case particularly disturbing as does the fact that she's a smart, dedicated sixteen-year-old girl with no apparent vices or enemies. Even worse is the fact she was randomly stabbed with a dirty needle injecting her with a vicious co*cktail of pure drugs and contagious viruses. Jenna’s death comes within minutes of being injected as she collapses in the arms of her idol, musician Jake Kincaide whose girlfriend reporter Nadine calls Lt. Eve Dallas to the scene. A day later at another public venue another young teen with no apparent connection to the first victim is targeted, leaving no doubt that a psychopath is randomly targeting young girls. Lt. Eve Dallas and her team are in a race against time to identify a needle in a haystack before another young person loses their life.

RANDOM IN DEATH explores the dark mind of a young, highly intelligent, enraged psychopath with an exaggerated sense of entitlement and superiority. Per her signature style, Eve works the case meticulously, leaving no stone unturned, combing through evidence, uncovering clues where there appear to be none. By her side is husband Roarke and partner Peabody along with several reoccurring characters fans will enjoy catching up with. As always, character and relationship development are in the driver’s seat, one of my favorite aspects of the series. Robb's vivid character descriptions transport individuals off the pages into readers' living rooms, bringing them to life like long, lost friends . . . or your worse enemy. A sense of urgency and malice drive a fast pace through the many twists and turns as the case unfolds before exploding in the shocking climax with Eve and the accused in the interrogation room.

RANDOM IN DEATH is one of many books in a long series; however, each title stands alone with a satisfying conclusion. Having said that, I highly recommend the series be read in order of publication for the character introductions and development as main characters appear in each book in an ongoing story arc. Unique plotlines, taut pacing and strong characters are always evident in the In Death series books, and RANDOM IN DEATH is another prime example of excellence in the crime and police procedural genre. Highly recommended to fans of the series as well as fans of police procedurals.
So many thanks to the amazing folks at St. Martins Press for an advanced readers copy of this title. It is scheduled for release on Jan. 23, 2024. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is also available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.

Random in Death is #58 in J.D. Robb's In Death series and once again the author hit the nail on the head. I don't know how she makes each and every book; every case; fresh but she does, and long may she continue!

This time there are young teenagers being murdered by a monster. With nothing to tie them together, Lieutenant Eve Dallas concludes they must be random killings. But either way, she will find the murderer and put them away...

Highly recommended.

Random in Death by J D Robb
In Death series #58. Futuristic mystery cop thriller. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series.
Teen girls are being killed by a co*cktail of chemicals that kills them within minutes. It’s up to Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her staff to figure out the killer and then catch him or her.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook version of this book which was narrated by Susan Erickson. Susan is a long standing fan favorite with distinctive voices for Eve, Rourke, Peabody, McNab and many others in this series. Listening to the performance you get to hear Eve’s snark and impatient attitude and Roarke’s calming presence and Peabody’s upbeat enthusiasm for her job. In this specific book, we can hear the pressure building as the cops try to beat the clock and the killer before he strikes the next victim.
I was around book 36 before I tried an audiobook for this series. I’ll admit I hated the first two I listened to. Not because the narrator did a bad job. On the contrary, it was an excellent performance. But they weren’t the voices in my head after years of reading. This is maybe the fourth or fifth audiobook I’ve listened to in the series and while I admit one or two voices will still startle me, I love listening to the police work and the tension as it escalates, as well as the calming relationship with Eve’s friends and children and even the fat cat sleeping on her. These books are like revisiting friends once or twice a year but having the luxury of not being in the middle of a murder situation as we sit back and listen.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan audio.

It's hard to describe to anyone who isn't a Roarke and Eve fan how much these books mean to me. How much I love each and every one. And how happy this series makes me. ♡

I hope it will never end......

This was a true blue police procedural and I ate it up. We do get some nice character moments with Jake & Nadine, since Jake is on the scene where the first murder happens, so that was nice for us long term series readers and is what makes a really enjoyable installment in this series. But I always appreciate the mystery being at the forefront, and this struck the right balance for what I like best for an In Death book

Random In Death is the 58th novel in J.D. Robb's "Eve Dallas" series.
I just couldn't stop listening!
The author's fast paced story-telling always has me addicted from beginning to end.
This novel has Lt. Eve Dallas and her team rushing to find a killer that picks teenage victims randomly.
I love being in Eve and Roark's world and revisiting all of the characters I have come to love.
Susan Ericksen's narration is always superb!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an arc of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Another solid read. I know I see some reviews saying it can be read as a 'stand-alone' - sure it can - any book can but, honestly, you would miss so much if you did not start with book one (especially book one) ... I remember when she published book 50, I thought to myself, 'how many more can/will she write?" - the answer, seemingly, is 'plenty' ... coming up to SIXTY - crazy really, when you think about it. I still love Eve and Roarke and my Hardcover collection is going well ...

I snipped the book in the picture because I absolute HATE when publishers put 'non-removable stickers' on their books i.e. 'best selling author' .... I know that but I don't want it plonked down on my pretty book - I just want the 'plain' cover (rant over) xxx

Top marks to the narrator, Susan Ericksen.

This is book 58 in this series (which totally blows my mind) but it can be read as a standalone (I haven’t read the earlier books). I do think I might have enjoyed it more if I had read the other books because I would have been more invested in the characters if I knew them better. I liked the futuristic speak and some of the teen lingo was so good I laughed out loud. One night as teens watched an iconic band play someone pricked a girl with a deadly co*cktail. Despite emergency services being contacted she did not make it and this got Lieutenant Eve Dallas is on the case and she won’t stop until she hunts the killer down. I listened to the audiobook of this one and thought the narrator did a good job bringing the story to life. I liked this book and definitely think I will read more of this series. It was a fun thriller/police procedural.

4.5 for the pure horror of this plotline! Another half-star because we didn't have to hear so much squealing about Peabody's new house. Then a subtraction of half a star for a lot of the incomprehensible (to me at least) modern cant.
Read December 17, re-read July 19
There are 58 books in the series, with another coming up, Passions in Death #59, on September 3. You have to expect some bumps in the road, but I sure felt this one was smooth sailing all the way!

The idea behind this novel and the author's execution of it was so horrifying that I can see this happening, although not in quite this manner, in this day and age. And that makes me very glad I don't have any kids, although now I'm going to worry about my nieces and nephew!

The stomach-churning tension and horror make the ending to this particular story so much more satisfying!

*ARC was supplied by the publisher St. Martin's Press, the author Nora Roberts, and NetGalley.

This was a great audiobook to listen to. I loved the thrill of solving the mystery of who was murdering these young women and why. I enjoyed Eve's tenacity to find the killer and stop him before he hit again. What I especially loved was Roarke's constant support of Eve. And last but not least, Susan Ericksen's talent to bring these characters to life. Great listen!

"Random in Death" is the 58th book in authorJ. D. Robb's "In Death" series.

(Really!)

The book is also a standalone read.

The book's premise was intriguing:

A young girl is stabbed with a dirty needle at a concert and dies minutes later.

More similar deaths follow.

WhenLieutenant Eve Dallasinvestigates these suspiciousdeaths, law enforcementraces the clock to keep an aggrieved incel from targeting and killing more teenage girls at crowded events.

Even though this book was a standalone read, I felt that I would have enjoyed the book more had I read the earlier books in the series.

Also, I was a bit put off by the author's "nonbinary" reference to suspects. (Huh?)

Overall, the book was fast-paced and well-written.

I listened to the audiobook read bySusan Ericksen, who did an outstanding job with the narration.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

2.50-2.75 stars rounded up to 3 here on GR. The shine and the appeal of this series is really dull for me now.

Meh. That's all I got. This was a bit of a nothing-burger, a bit of "didn't we already do this already in the last few books?". My notes as I was reading: too much serendipity, too random to make sense, too many lucky breaks in the investigation, too rushed - the crimes were solved in less than a week for the victims to be randomly chosen, too much sitting around and talking with witnesses/victims/families about the same things over and over again, too schmaltzy (hello Avenue A deciding to produce a victim's demo in her honor), just too much and yet not much of all. Tired of the criminal's motivation being chalked up to "mommy issues" - again, didn't we read this in a half a dozen books in this series already? Quilla and Jamie served no purpose to this story, yet they kept popping up like a bad zit - were they supposed to be a glimpsed by the reader at the next generation of reporter/investigator? And who needed that stupid scene with Eve running down the purse snatcher? More importantly, who says "I love you" to the person they have not-so casually dated right after a memorial service?

I need Eve to get her captain bars and for Robb to wrap this series up. Robb is really scraping the bottom of the barrel of plots now and is really phoning it in. Number 59 may be my last book.

4 stars - Police Procedural/Mystery/Futuristic/Thriller

This series never disappoints. I hope she keeps them coming because I can't see myself ever getting tired of these characters.

I have my own personal "genre" called "Guilty Pleasures", come on...you do, too! They are books you consider "fluffy", "drivel", or "mindless" reads that you enjoy for their characters, simple plot, elementary themes, and unequivocal "good" vs "bad" guys. Sometimes we need "downtime" to just "veg" and recharge our batteries, that is the time for "Guilty Pleasures.""

This is the 58th book in the In Death series and, sadly, I haven't read nearly enough of them. I've really enjoyed the J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts, aka Jill March, aka Sarah Hardesty) books, but have read more written as Nora Roberts. She is a prolific writer and I can't keep up! I will say that every single book I've read by her, under any name, has been a good read and I felt worth my time.

Description:
Jenna’s parents had finally given in, and there she was, at a New York club with her best friends, watching the legendary band Avenue A, carrying her demo in hopes of slipping it to the guitarist, Jake Kincade. Then, from the stage, Jake catches her eye, and smiles. It’s the best night of her life.
It’s the last night of her life.

Minutes later, Jake’s in the alley getting some fresh air, and the girl from the dance floor comes stumbling out, sick and confused and deathly pale. He tries to help, but it’s no use. He doesn’t know that someone in the crowd has jabbed her with a needle—and when his girlfriend Nadine arrives, she knows the only thing left to do for the girl is call her friend, Lieutenant Eve Dallas.

After everyone on the scene is interviewed, lab results show a toxic mix of substances in the victim’s body—and for an extra touch of viciousness, the needle was teeming with infectious agents. Dallas searches for a pattern: Had any boys been harassing Jenna? Was she engaging in risky behavior or caught up in something shady? But there are no obvious clues why this levelheaded sixteen-year-old, passionate about her music, would be targeted.

And that worries Dallas. Because if Jenna wasn’t targeted, if she was just the random, unlucky victim of a madman consumed by hatred, there are likely more deaths to come.

My Thoughts:
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is a great detective character and it was fun to follow her methodology as she investigated this class with so very little to go on. I found the plot interesting and kept wondering what if something like this were really happening, how would anyone even begin to solve it, how many people would it affect before the person was caught. I fell for the character, Jake Kincade, who seems such a kind-hearted passionate guy. My heart went out to the victims who were so seemingly random and were just out having fun when they were attacked with no warning. I recommend this to anyone who likes a good mystery.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication January 23, 2024.

WHAT a THRILLER! It's been a few years since I picked up a JD Robb - still does not disappoint.
Eve is called to the scene of a club - a famous rock band performing for their old neighborhood. A young, talented girl injected with a massive amount of drugs. No reason. No sense crime.
The next night - it happens again. No connection. Random.
I love Roarke and Eve, Peabody and McNab and all the other characters. They are like old friends.

Another excellent visit to New York in 2061 where we catch up with Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her husband Roarke. This is the 58th (I think) book in what has to be a masterpiece in writing. The world Ms Robb has created while similar to ours is so advanced technically (with Space travel) it's a marvel, the speech used by the New Yorkers is also fabulous, for example Doozer an amalgamation of dweeb and looser (used by teenagers). The characters are as ever on top form, after so many books we know what we're getting from them but it still enthralls. There's Jenkinson with his awful ties, Peabody with her ability to manage Eve at her worst, MacNab with his psychedelic clothes and Trendy with his parental oversight of them all. (To name but a few). The job Eve does as a homicide detective is her life, dedicating herself to it after being rescued from intolerable abuse as a small.child she grew up.in the system and wants to make a difference for people like herself. The work is emotionally devastating at times and she has said (many times) without the support of Roarke she would not still be able to work, having been close to burning out when they met. Roarke his part could have his own standalone series he's that fascinating, a boy from the slums of Dublin he grew up picking pockets and engaging in all types of illegal.activity. There was always a line he would.not.cross.however, o drugs, no human trafficking and luckily was able to avoid the sex trade. Niw, however he is a billionaire one of the richest men in or off planet and devotes a lot of his time and resources to assisting Eve in her pursuit of murders. What more can be said,the stories can be so heartwrenching when dealing with the victims and their families but are nicely blended with (sometimes) subtle humour. If I were ever to be stranded on a desert island if this series could be my one luxury I could live there happily.

"Random in Death" is book fifty-eight in the Death Series. I often drop out of long running series because they become repetitive and stale. J. D. Robb has managed to keep this series fresh and has not repeated a single book. It is amazing. She is an excellent writer who has the most interesting characters. Just as I begin to think what has happened to so and so they pop up in the next book. The pace is fast and action packed. The ending is absolutely spellbinding.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is thirteen hours and six minutes. Susan Erickson does a fabulous job narrating the series.

You will be in for the ride of your life!!!!

Such an epic series!! Highly recommend it!

If I remember what I thought of this after the St. Martin's Press Boycott is over, I'll let you know.

I am finally getting a review an advance review copy for my favorite author for my all time favorite series, Naked in Death by J.D. Robb. I adore the series with its futuristic setting and technology- set in New York City.

Random in Death features our heroine- bad a$$ homicide Lieutenant, Eve Dallas and her mostly reformed husband, Roarke. This is an intense read!

Fans of the series get to continue reading about the development in the lives of their favorite characters incident Peabody, McNab, Somerset, Nadine, Jake and many other favorites. I do believe this can be read as a stand-alone.

Lieutenant Dallas has a murder to solve- a serial killer is targeting young women with his bacteria loaded drug dose that he viciously injects in random victims. She’s racing against the clock because his crimes are escalating.

What I love about Random in Death is that the pace seems to tighten up with this installment (number 58 in the series). A few of the past few books in the series just didn’t have the grit and the sparkle that most of the books have. (Of course, they were still good!) Random in Death has the action; pace, plot and tension readers want. The character development continues which is great.

J. D. Robb has a way of tying up the loose ends as well as interweaving character development in a tight plot that engages the reader’s interest from the beginning… and Robb truly shines in Random in Death. I am enjoying Eve Dallas’ changing role in her position in the homicide department. I also love the involvement from Nadine and Jake!

Thank you for this advance review copy to NetGalley, author J. D. Robb, and St. Martin’s Press publishing company. My view, and my opinions are my own and completely voluntary.

I love this series!

J.D. Robb’s latest installment of the In Death series is the most thrilling one yet! All of Robb’s books in this series have a mysterious and dark tone to them, but this one felt even more so because of the focus.

RANDOM IN DEATH involves a teen named Jenna who meets her death as she hits up a New York club. Eve becomes even more worried when she learns that her body was injected with infectious agents. How did his young sixteen-year-old musician end up dead? Was it a targeted attack? Or was it a random event that could possibly endanger more people?

I really enjoyed this cast of characters. It felt very real and thrilling to me, especially when Robb explores the use of infectious agents. As I don’t think she has done this in the series yet, it felt new and exciting. I was really surprised that despite having 58 books already in this series, she is still able to come up with something that she’s never done before.

I would definitely recommend this book and series to any mystery or crime reader. The sci fi elements and cast of characters are truly unique and keep me coming back for more. I don’t think there will be another cop like Eve Dallas that I think I’ll ever love more.

Every book i feel like i loose a little eve/roarke chemistry. Maybe sex does get stale when you get married.

Mira never adds anything new about the unsub shes only there to analyze eve and its beyond old

Roake's just a personal assistant now. Boring.

So tired of hearing about the icove movie.

The fact is, eve and peabody will NEVER be true parters/equals as long as roarke is involved in cases. And Summerset will NEVER be resolved until roarke admits he knows who killed his father. And im getting bored waiting for it to happen.

Where's mrs feeney?

Where's eve stuck off planet forced to do roarkes job because no one can reach him?

Where's eve in a coma and roarke has to find them with feeney?

This is the couple that was on the statue of liberty
Who stopped bombs
Now they just talk and talk procedure
Boooo

Last J. D. Robb book for me; too many irritants. Irritated by (1) the sex scenes with Roarke, (2) the stupid "furure slang" attempt, (3) the endless descriptions of what everyone's wearing, and (4) the gratuitous and completely unnecessary PC crap thrown in (e.g., the third victim's pair of "moms"). I think this book should be delegated to the YA group; they'd be the audience that would likely fall for this junk. Too bad. I reallly used to love this series. Now, as with more and more authors these days, the focus seems to be more on DEI than actual plot. Yuck.

Formulaic, and not good. At some stage in writing these books she decided to stop character advancement and just have readers check in on characters. The crimes are not as interesting as she seems to think in the last several books. Also the focus on teen slang is sooo boomer. Ad the parent of teenagers, I can assure you that they would drop the slang due to serious circ*mstances. If anything cuss words fly, but “doosers”? No cap, that writing is mid.