FAITHLESS IN DEATH

5 stars out of 5

It's New York City. The year is 2061. Cars are hovering about the city streets looking to "go vertical" for a parking spot, drivers using their wrist "links" to get directions and communicate. Back at the office, police Lt. Eve Dallas is fussing with required paperwork, probably drinking real coffee, or maybe even a slice of pizza, she programmed into her Auto Chef. She's almost relieved to get the call announcing a homicide.

When she and quirky partner Delia Peabody head out, they find a woman in her artist's apartment - on the floor with her head bashed in. Oddly, the apparent murder was called in by a female friend - at least an hour after the woman discovered the body. That, of course, prompts Dallas and Peabody to wonder what took her so long.

The caller, an ultra-wealthy woman named Gwen Huffman from the hoity-toity Upper East Side, comes up with a story that simply doesn't ring true, giving Dallas and Peabody cause to dig a bit harder. For openers, they learn that Huffman's parents are involved with a highly successful and highly secretive organization called the Natural Order that carries with it all the ugly trappings of white supremacy.

That's the beginnings of a tale that's tied in to current events, with a couple of not-too-discreet political slams I guess I'd rather do without (even though I'm totally on the same side). Dallas's hunky husband Roarke plays his usual role in sleuthing out the finer financial points while impeccably dressed and soothing out Dallas's ruffled feathers. The rest of the usual suspects get brief shining moments - as always, Dr. Mira not quite enough to suit me. The end is as expected, too, in the sense that both the good and bad guys and gals get what they deserve (with one pair getting a surprise opportunity that will bode well for their future). 

All told, an enjoyable way to wile away a few hours. Good job!

Faithless in Death by J.D. Robb (St. Martin's Press, February 2021); 383 pp.