FORGOTTEN IN DEATH

5 stars out of 5

It's both thrilling and frustrating to have a stack of pre-release books from publishers that I've agreed to read and review on or before their release dates. Some are from well-known authors, while others bring the excitement of being introduced to a wonderful new author or series hero or heroine. The frustration, though, comes because having at least a couple of books a week in that aforementioned list leaves too little time for me to enjoy my "regular" favorites like this one. This is the 53rd book in the series, and I doubt I've missed more than a couple over the years - so devil-may-care person that I am, I squeezed it in.

And as usual, it's a satisfying few days in the life of New York homicide detective Eve Dallas, who lives with her hunky, uber-rich Irish husband Roarke along with a handsome cat and (to Eve) an annoying house major domo. That the books are set in the not-too-distant future - this one in 2061 - adds plenty of opportunity to throw in details like cars that can be driven vertical, bullet-proof garments and AutoChef machines that serve up whatever foods and drinks the owners might want. As this one begins, Eve is called to a crime scene at which a woman's body was found in a dumpster. A quick look tells Eve she was a "sidewalk sleeper" - what is known in 2021 as a homeless person - but she's also one who was well liked by those who met her, including local beat cops. The dumpster is close to a construction site owned by a highly successful company now run by something like the fourth family generation.

Then, Eve must visit another construction site and the body of another female; this time, though, it's just bones - plus the remains of an almost full-term infant. There's another difference: This time, it's at a construction site owned by Roarke, and the victim's identity isn't known. Never one to believe in coincidence, Eve wonders if there's a connection - but if there is, it's elusive. But when Eve learns that there's a Russian mob connection in the mix, the situation takes a more sinister turn as she and her trusty cohort, the everything pink-loving Dehlia Peabody, try to solve both crimes (with some high-tech help from Roarke).

All in all, another entertaining adventure, although I'd like to have seen more interaction with my favorite characters Roarke and PD psychologist Mira. Still, love it I did. Now, the only problem is waiting until I can get my hands on the 54th book.

Forgotten in Death by J.D. Robb (St. Martin's Press, September 2021); 378 pp.