Eve is called in to investigate the death of Thomas Anders when he dies of an apparent kinky sexual encounter in the 26th In Death story. Meanwhile, Baxter and Trueheart are investigating the death of a serial cheater and wife abuser at the hands of an LC who has since disappeared.

Eve doesn't like the widow from the very beginning since she reminds Eve of Roarke's ex Magdelena. But the ex has an excellent alibi considering that she was out of the country with her two gal pals when the murder happened.

The whole thing seems like a setup to Eve. Tommy wasn't into kinky sex or cheating on his wife while the wife had a standing appointment with LC Charles Monroe. The more Eve looks into things the hinkier they get. But how did the conniving widow manage the thing.

Meanwhile, Charles is keeping secrets of his own which make Louise think that their relationship is foundering. ( )

When a prominent businessman is found strangled in his bed, an apparent victim of a sex crime, Lieutenant Eve Dallas is assigned the case. While it initially appears to be a case of a sex game gone wrong, further investigation leads Eve to believe it was a carefully planned murder. As she continues to investigate, she is convinced of one person's guilt. But is that really the case, and can she prove it?

I've not read any of the 'In Death' series of books prior to this one, and despite this being #26 in the series, I felt as though I was able to pick it up and follow along without much difficulty or need of past history. You would think that this far along in a series, the story might fall flat, but for the most part I enjoyed this one. The story was a good one, though I did find the sex scenes cheesy & unnecessary, and listening to this on audio, I thought the reader did fine with one exception. Her voice for the character of Peabody (which she consistently pronounced "Peabuddy") was extremely annoying. Other than that, I'd probably read another in this series if it came my way. ( )

Turns out I don't like Nora Roberts any better as J.D. Robb than I liked her as herself (see my comments on Tribute on GoodReads.) Tried the Death series since it is on so many friends' recommendation lists. Made it through Salvation but I simply can't bear to read any more of Strangers. I just don't see the appeal of the Eve Dallas character and the supposedly steamy encounters with Roarke are just plain awful. ( )

Strangers in Death
4 Stars

When a wealthy business man is found dead in his bed, Lieutenant Eve Dallas soon narrows down the focus to one suspect. Unfortunately, this person has an ironclad alibi and Eve will have to pull out all the stops to prove her case.

While the title of the book reveals the main plot points as well as the identities of the culprits, it is still entertaining to follow along as Eve and her team work out their theory, gather the evidence and catch the killer.

The ongoing character and relationship development is excellent with Eve and Roarke confronting a realistic obstacle in their marriage, i.e., money, and Charles Monroe and Louise DiMatto coming to a turning point in their romance.

Overall, an entertaining addition to the series with an engaging Columbo-like investigation and some sweet interactions between the characters. ( )

The year is 2060 and for Lieutenant Eve Dallas of the New York Police and Security Division, the fact that the deceased was wealthy makes no difference to how she will work the case. She stands for the dead, regardless of their economic position in life. The only difference is that the wealthy have powerful connections and bring media attention. Her latest case will be one such situation.

Thomas A. Anders is very dead on his bed in his magnificent bedroom. Just after 7 AM she has arrived to his Park Avenue home to investigate what happened. At first glance, the 61 year old man is deceased in a way that suggests some sort of sexual situation gone wrong. He was found by his house keeper at six that morning. His spouse is out of town. But, things look a bit off to Eve’s very practiced eyes. It is March 18th, a Tuesday, and Eve Dallas and her team are left with a murder, a wealthy widow, and a victim that seemingly had a perfect life according to everyone he knew.

Good thing Dallas always digs beneath the surface.

This installment of the long running series is another enjoyable read. While the usual flaws of head hopping in terms of POV continue, so too does he fact that the reader is soon mesmerized by the action, the power of Roarke (I still want his library and the AutoChef in every room) and the fun of Detective Peabody and all the rest of the gang. There is a reason why this series does so well. The books are highly entertaining. Strangers in Death is another example of that fact.

My large print hardback reading copy came form the Highland Hills Branch of the Dallas Public Library System.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2023 ( )