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In Death #61
Framed in Death
Death imitates art in the brand-new crime thriller starring homicide cop Eve Dallas from the #1 New York Times-bestselling author J.D. Robb.
Manhattan is filled with galleries and deep-pocketed collectors who can make an artist's career with a wave of a hand. But one man toils in obscurity, his brilliance unrecognized while lesser talents bask in the glory he believes should be his. Come tomorrow, he vows, the city will be buzzing about his work.
Indeed, before dawn, Lt. Eve Dallas is speeding toward the home of the two gallery owners whose doorway has been turned into a horrifying crime scene overnight. A lifeless young woman has been elaborately costumed and precisely posed to resemble the model of a long-ago Dutch master, and Dallas plunges into her investigation.
Manhattan is filled with galleries and deep-pocketed collectors who can make an artist's career with a wave of a hand. But one man toils in obscurity, his brilliance unrecognized while lesser talents bask in the glory he believes should be his. Come tomorrow, he vows, the city will be buzzing about his work.
Indeed, before dawn, Lt. Eve Dallas is speeding toward the home of the two gallery owners whose doorway has been turned into a horrifying crime scene overnight. A lifeless young woman has been elaborately costumed and precisely posed to resemble the model of a long-ago Dutch master, and Dallas plunges into her investigation.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published September 2, 2025
3538 people are currently reading
24149 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Robb
180 books35.3k followersJ.D. Robb is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling In Death series and the pseudonym for #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts. The futuristic suspense series stars Eve Dallas, a New York City police lieutenant with a dark past. Initially conceived as a trilogy, readers clamored for more of Eve and the mysterious Roarke. Stolen in Death (St. Martin's Press, February 2026) will be the 62nd entry in the series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,142 reviews
August 4, 2025
Art galleries, artists, and collectors are the focus of the sixty-first book in J. D. Robb’s well-written futuristic police procedural set in New York City (NYC),
Framed in Death.
This novel takes place in September of 2061 and features Lieutenant Eve Dallas with the NYC homicide police department, her husband, Roarke, and her partner, Detective Delia Peabody, along with an assortment of regular secondary characters.
While there are numerous galleries and collectors in Manhattan, one man’s brilliance is unrecognized by them. He vows his work will be well-known tomorrow. Dallas is called to the home of two gallery owners. An elaborately costumed and dead woman has been posed to resemble the model of a long-ago Dutch master.
Time spent with Dallas, Roarke, Peabody, and their colleagues and friends is always entertaining. Eve is smart, tenacious, determined, focused, and believes in what she does. It’s been a journey through these novels to see how she adapts socially. It’s compelling to see how Eve’s mind works as she gets a better picture of the killer. While she hates the associated paperwork and media requirements of her job, she feels it’s her duty to build a case that brings justice to the victims and those who mourn them. As always, the interactions between Dallas and Roarke as well as with their friends and her homicide team are enjoyable and bring different facets of her personality to light. There are several reoccurring characters that develop and gain depth over the course of the series.
Robb is an excellent storyteller who combines clever plots, intense scenes, lots of solid police investigation, and engaging characters with depth. The narrative has the right balance of mystery, police investigation, romance, and creative twists. This is a favorite series of mine and the author continues to deliver outstanding stories. Adding in personal moments like that of the House Tour and move-in-dinner continues to add depth to the characters.
Murder, suspense, and drama immediately pull readers into the storyline. While the novel is mainly from Dallas’ point of view, readers get insight into the killer’s mind in a few chapters, including the chilling first chapter. My one quibble with the book is that readers find out the identity of the killer relatively early in the book (although the police don’t find out until much later).
The author is skilled in using humor to bring out character personalities as well as to offset some of the more serious aspects of the story. Strong characters, excellent pacing, and delightful relationships are a constant in this series. Woven through the novel are threads of friendship, standing for victims, connections, jealousy, justice, trust, found family, and much more.
Overall, this novel was a tale with great characterization and a solid plot that kept me engaged throughout the story. If you enjoy intriguing near-future police procedurals with a strong female lead, then I recommend this series. I can’t wait to read the next book. J. D. Robb is a pseudonym for author Nora Roberts.
St. Martin’s Press and J.D. Robb provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for September 02, 2025.
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My 4.7 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
While there are numerous galleries and collectors in Manhattan, one man’s brilliance is unrecognized by them. He vows his work will be well-known tomorrow. Dallas is called to the home of two gallery owners. An elaborately costumed and dead woman has been posed to resemble the model of a long-ago Dutch master.
Time spent with Dallas, Roarke, Peabody, and their colleagues and friends is always entertaining. Eve is smart, tenacious, determined, focused, and believes in what she does. It’s been a journey through these novels to see how she adapts socially. It’s compelling to see how Eve’s mind works as she gets a better picture of the killer. While she hates the associated paperwork and media requirements of her job, she feels it’s her duty to build a case that brings justice to the victims and those who mourn them. As always, the interactions between Dallas and Roarke as well as with their friends and her homicide team are enjoyable and bring different facets of her personality to light. There are several reoccurring characters that develop and gain depth over the course of the series.
Robb is an excellent storyteller who combines clever plots, intense scenes, lots of solid police investigation, and engaging characters with depth. The narrative has the right balance of mystery, police investigation, romance, and creative twists. This is a favorite series of mine and the author continues to deliver outstanding stories. Adding in personal moments like that of the House Tour and move-in-dinner continues to add depth to the characters.
Murder, suspense, and drama immediately pull readers into the storyline. While the novel is mainly from Dallas’ point of view, readers get insight into the killer’s mind in a few chapters, including the chilling first chapter. My one quibble with the book is that readers find out the identity of the killer relatively early in the book (although the police don’t find out until much later).
The author is skilled in using humor to bring out character personalities as well as to offset some of the more serious aspects of the story. Strong characters, excellent pacing, and delightful relationships are a constant in this series. Woven through the novel are threads of friendship, standing for victims, connections, jealousy, justice, trust, found family, and much more.
Overall, this novel was a tale with great characterization and a solid plot that kept me engaged throughout the story. If you enjoy intriguing near-future police procedurals with a strong female lead, then I recommend this series. I can’t wait to read the next book. J. D. Robb is a pseudonym for author Nora Roberts.
St. Martin’s Press and J.D. Robb provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for September 02, 2025.
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My 4.7 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
September 3, 2025
In this 61st book in the 'Detective Eve Dallas' series, Eve is on the trail of a demented would-be artist.
It's 2061 and people communicate via video links, travel in semi-flying cars, and commit crimes.....just like current times. Lt. Eve Dallas is a capable New York detective married to Irish billionaire Roarke - a handsome devil with wild blue eyes.
As the story opens, a portrait painter in New York City - convinced of his brilliance - is frustrated and enraged by his lack of success. Determined to make an impression on the art world, the thwarted painter conceives a diabolical scheme. He will recreate portraits done by famous artists, with a twist.
For the artist's first project, 'Girl With A Pearl Earring' (1665) by Johannes Vermeer, the painter hires a sex worker - called a Licensed Companion (LC) in 2061 - to pose for him. The painter makes over the LC to look like the girl in Vermeer's painting, takes photos, and begins a portrait. The artist then drugs and kills the LC, and leaves her body in front of an art gallery, posed like Vermeer's painting.
The next day, the artist hires a male LC to pose for him, and makes the man over to look like 'The Blue Boy' (1770) by Thomas Gainsborough. The portraitist repeats the process described above, then leaves the LC's body near the home of an art gallery owner, posed like Gainsborough's painting.
Lt. Eve Dallas and her hippy-dippy partner, Sergeant Delia Peabody - who's a craft artist herself - get the case. The police know the perp won't stop, and they work day and night to catch the killer.
The cops aren't fast enough to stop a third murder though, a woman LC made over to look like 'Self-Portrait In A Straw Hat' (1780s) by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun.
The detectives get a break when a forensic examiner determines the clothing used to dress up the victims are custom-made garments sewn from fabrics authentic to the time periods of the portraits. The tailor-made clothing would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and would have to be made by specialists.
Dallas and Peabody immediately start calling fabric manufacturers and clothing makers to ask if anyone ordered the fabrics or garments on the murder victims.
EVERY MANUFACTURER cites client confidentiality, and Eve and Delia feel thwarted. However billionaire Roarke lends a hand here.
Roarke phones clothiers and says he's giving a costume party, and needs references to choose a clothing maker for himself and his wife. The clothiers name clients who bought costumes that emulate 'Girl With A Pearl Earring' and 'Blue Boy', and this turns out to be more clients than you might think.
Eve and Delia close in on the killer bit by bit, by tracking purchases of materials - fabric, paint, brushes, glue, wigs, etc. - needed for his 'displays'. It turns out the murderer is a spoiled rich boy who thinks he's going to be world famous.
The serial killer theme is grim, but there are light moments in the book as well. For example, Eve discovers someone stole her hidden candy bar, and thinks about coating the next one in laxatives; Eve meets an art gallery owner who's so snooty he 'out-snoots' Roarke's uppity butler Sommerset; and Delia Peabody and her friends show off their newly remodeled house, which Peabody calls "abso-mag"
Once the killer is nabbed Eve and Delia worry about getting him convicted, which makes an interesting finale to the novel.
The novel is engaging, but there are too many interviews with the victims' families, friends, and acquaintances; redundant phone calls to fabric makers, clothing manufactures, and artist supply stores; and excessive talk about the upcoming plea deal or trial. It almost feels like the author didn't have enough of a plot. That said, the mystery would probably appeal to Eve Dallas fans.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Susan Ericksen, who does a fine job, especially with Roarke's Irish accent.
Thanks to Netgalley, J.D. Robb, and Macmillan Audio for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
August 24, 2025
3.5 stars - This was a good ole fashioned gumshoe police procedural with a nice variant on the denouement. A solid entry in the series that I think will please long time readers
September 2, 2025
the setup…
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is dispatched to the home of art gallery owners Roger and Opal Whittier where the body of a young woman is costumed and posed in their doorway as the likeness of the Vermeer painting of The Girl with the Pearl Earring. The next day, the body of a young man is costumed and posed in the doorway of an art gallery, as the likeness of Gainsborough painting of The Blue Boy. It’s clear that the killer is making an artistic and deadly statement using licensed companions and Eve knows he has no plans to stop.
the heart of the story…
The case is immersed in the tony and elite art world and thankfully Eve is surrounded by people who are skilled and knowledgeable in this arena, including her own husband, Peabody and Leonardo the designer. The killer is identified early in the story, unusual for this series and it gave me pause for a moment until it didn’t. It was challenging to see the progress of the investigation while knowing the target. He was wealthy, arrogant, entitled and mistaken about his artistic “gifts.” It also put me on edge as I was a witness to the killer’s planning and executions. Ugh.
the bottom line…
As with most of the story topics in the series, this was exceptionally well researched, from costume design through the art procurement process employed by galleries. It slowed the pace somewhat but was always illuminating and interesting. The excitement, however, doubled in the climax when I was treated to two takedowns and Interview sessions, always a favorite. And! The Great House Project is finally completed and the walkthrough didn’t disappoint. Still fresh after sixty books! 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is dispatched to the home of art gallery owners Roger and Opal Whittier where the body of a young woman is costumed and posed in their doorway as the likeness of the Vermeer painting of The Girl with the Pearl Earring. The next day, the body of a young man is costumed and posed in the doorway of an art gallery, as the likeness of Gainsborough painting of The Blue Boy. It’s clear that the killer is making an artistic and deadly statement using licensed companions and Eve knows he has no plans to stop.
the heart of the story…
The case is immersed in the tony and elite art world and thankfully Eve is surrounded by people who are skilled and knowledgeable in this arena, including her own husband, Peabody and Leonardo the designer. The killer is identified early in the story, unusual for this series and it gave me pause for a moment until it didn’t. It was challenging to see the progress of the investigation while knowing the target. He was wealthy, arrogant, entitled and mistaken about his artistic “gifts.” It also put me on edge as I was a witness to the killer’s planning and executions. Ugh.
the bottom line…
As with most of the story topics in the series, this was exceptionally well researched, from costume design through the art procurement process employed by galleries. It slowed the pace somewhat but was always illuminating and interesting. The excitement, however, doubled in the climax when I was treated to two takedowns and Interview sessions, always a favorite. And! The Great House Project is finally completed and the walkthrough didn’t disappoint. Still fresh after sixty books! 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
June 20, 2025
Ohhh, how I love this series and all of the characters in it!! I literally jumped for joy when I was gifted this ARC for review. Every case is well planned, and the amazing work of Eve and the detectives and officers in her squad is just magic. There are a lot of books in this series, but if you haven't started, I'd say you would definitely not regret it.
Thank you to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 14, 2025
Book 61 in the In Death series is a ghoulish story about an unsuccessful artist who begins to create his art out of murder. Definitely a case of framing death. Book 61 - how is it possible? And I know book 62 is already in the works for February next year. Just amazing.
I always enjoy everything about these books and I sat back for a moment to theorise about why. For me they are comfort reading, and in a way they resemble regular communications from a friend keeping me up to date on all the happenings in Eve's life. Each one contains a full account of her latest case, small details about her homelife with Rourke and Galahad, and updates on all of her friends and workmates and their lives.
I love it and always look forward to the next episode.
I always enjoy everything about these books and I sat back for a moment to theorise about why. For me they are comfort reading, and in a way they resemble regular communications from a friend keeping me up to date on all the happenings in Eve's life. Each one contains a full account of her latest case, small details about her homelife with Rourke and Galahad, and updates on all of her friends and workmates and their lives.
I love it and always look forward to the next episode.
August 22, 2025
Devoted fans of J.D. Robb’s In Death series are always thrilled when the talented author releases another book in the long-running series. While there are a mind-boggling sixty previous books, Robb’s expertise in the art of storytelling keeps each one fresh, exciting, and highly entertaining. The author turns her attention to the world of art and all it encompasses in Framed in Death (In Death #61)—a world of incredible art galleries, famous artists and works of art, collectors, and, unfortunately, mediocre wannabe artists. It’s a world where careers and fortunes are earned, and dreams and hearts may be broken. Once again, Robb has crafted a well-plotted, intriguing murder mystery with a delectable smorgasbord of investigative police work, in-depth characterizations, and immersive settings, with a healthy side of romance. Settle in for an entertaining evening of reading with the knowledge that J.D. Robb never disappoints.
In Manhattan resides an artist, a painter, a narcissist who fancies himself deserving of adoration and accolades among the art community, as well as a prominent ranking among the greatest artists of all time. Living lavishly off family wealth and trust funds, he’s unencumbered by mundane everyday tasks such as earning a living. With a mother who has always fed his inflated ego and warped sense of entitlement by repeatedly telling him how great his work is, he’s sorely disappointed when others fail to acknowledge his talent. As rejections from art galleries and collectors stoke his rage, he fumes over what he sees as imbeciles’ inability to recognize him as one of the greats and decides he’ll show the world just how brilliant he is by recreating some of the world’s most famous paintings. Soon the entire city will be talking about his work.
In the wee hours of the morning, Lt. Eve Dallas is called to a bizarre, staged murder scene to find a victim dressed like the woman in Vermeer’s painting Girl with a Pearl Earring. Dallas knows she’ll need all hands on deck, including billionaire husband and civilian consultant Roarke, after a second staged murder victim is discovered. The hunt is on for a serial killer dubbed “The Artist.”
Framed in Death is a futuristic police procedural set in New York City in September of 2061. Don’t worry if futuristic stories aren’t your thing—the science-fiction elements take a backseat to the murder investigation. In fact, many of the futuristic aspects in these books are already a reality, or close to becoming one, in our world today. The story is narrated from the point of view of Eve Dallas as she methodically conducts her investigation, with a few scenes from the killer’s perspective. The villain’s identity is revealed to readers early on, and while some armchair detectives may find that a bit disappointing, it allows readers to witness firsthand the rapid deterioration of the killer’s mental faculties as he spirals out of control. As always, Eve’s mind is a fascinating place to be when she’s actively pursuing a killer, following clues until one by one they snap into place. One of the most compelling recurring scenes in every In Death book comes near the end, when Eve gets the suspect in the interrogation room and rips him or her to pieces like a dog with a bone.
Author J.D. Robb is a gifted storyteller with the ability to capture readers’ attention on page one and hold them mesmerized until the final page. Her talent for descriptive, lyrical prose transports readers from their homes into fictional scenes via sight, sound, smell, and touch. As Eve and company unravel clues and get closer to unmasking a killer, the tone and pace increase until all the pieces are in place. Themes of friendship, trust, justice, and nature versus nurture are present, as they are in many of Robb’s books. This reader found the mother’s role as an enabler and fixer for her son disturbing yet all too familiar in today’s society.
Fans of the In Death series will rejoice at the stellar performances of many recurring characters in this one, as the gang’s all here with Eve and Roarke taking center stage. As she often does, Robb lightens heavy themes with snarky humor and delightful family/friend scenes courtesy of series regulars like Peabody and Mavis. Framed in Death is another excellent addition to this complex series that I hope never ends. Highly recommended to fans of the series and to readers who appreciate a beautifully written, intriguing murder mystery.
I received a complimentary arc of this title for review from Publisher St. Martins Press. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Framed In Death is scheduled to be released on Sept. 2, 2025. My review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is also available at Cross My Heart Reviews.
In Manhattan resides an artist, a painter, a narcissist who fancies himself deserving of adoration and accolades among the art community, as well as a prominent ranking among the greatest artists of all time. Living lavishly off family wealth and trust funds, he’s unencumbered by mundane everyday tasks such as earning a living. With a mother who has always fed his inflated ego and warped sense of entitlement by repeatedly telling him how great his work is, he’s sorely disappointed when others fail to acknowledge his talent. As rejections from art galleries and collectors stoke his rage, he fumes over what he sees as imbeciles’ inability to recognize him as one of the greats and decides he’ll show the world just how brilliant he is by recreating some of the world’s most famous paintings. Soon the entire city will be talking about his work.
In the wee hours of the morning, Lt. Eve Dallas is called to a bizarre, staged murder scene to find a victim dressed like the woman in Vermeer’s painting Girl with a Pearl Earring. Dallas knows she’ll need all hands on deck, including billionaire husband and civilian consultant Roarke, after a second staged murder victim is discovered. The hunt is on for a serial killer dubbed “The Artist.”
Framed in Death is a futuristic police procedural set in New York City in September of 2061. Don’t worry if futuristic stories aren’t your thing—the science-fiction elements take a backseat to the murder investigation. In fact, many of the futuristic aspects in these books are already a reality, or close to becoming one, in our world today. The story is narrated from the point of view of Eve Dallas as she methodically conducts her investigation, with a few scenes from the killer’s perspective. The villain’s identity is revealed to readers early on, and while some armchair detectives may find that a bit disappointing, it allows readers to witness firsthand the rapid deterioration of the killer’s mental faculties as he spirals out of control. As always, Eve’s mind is a fascinating place to be when she’s actively pursuing a killer, following clues until one by one they snap into place. One of the most compelling recurring scenes in every In Death book comes near the end, when Eve gets the suspect in the interrogation room and rips him or her to pieces like a dog with a bone.
Author J.D. Robb is a gifted storyteller with the ability to capture readers’ attention on page one and hold them mesmerized until the final page. Her talent for descriptive, lyrical prose transports readers from their homes into fictional scenes via sight, sound, smell, and touch. As Eve and company unravel clues and get closer to unmasking a killer, the tone and pace increase until all the pieces are in place. Themes of friendship, trust, justice, and nature versus nurture are present, as they are in many of Robb’s books. This reader found the mother’s role as an enabler and fixer for her son disturbing yet all too familiar in today’s society.
Fans of the In Death series will rejoice at the stellar performances of many recurring characters in this one, as the gang’s all here with Eve and Roarke taking center stage. As she often does, Robb lightens heavy themes with snarky humor and delightful family/friend scenes courtesy of series regulars like Peabody and Mavis. Framed in Death is another excellent addition to this complex series that I hope never ends. Highly recommended to fans of the series and to readers who appreciate a beautifully written, intriguing murder mystery.
I received a complimentary arc of this title for review from Publisher St. Martins Press. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Framed In Death is scheduled to be released on Sept. 2, 2025. My review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is also available at Cross My Heart Reviews.
September 9, 2025
I don't think our author loves Eve anymore. While I accept these books are generally formulaic, "Framed" lacks any kind of depth, warmth, or humor I expect from the ...In Death titles. It reads like a series Mad Libs: insert Dallas and friends here, requisite sex scene, Sumerset makes an appearance, call Mira in (profiler completely unnecessary, but we'll suspend disbelief), Roarke gets a playdate with the e-geeks, catch the bad guy. I'm not going to go so far as to say AI was used, but it FEELS like AI was used. Part of the charm of the previous books in the series was knowing that one of the many people she would interview in the course of her investigation would be The One, and trying to figure out who it is. She's deviated from that part of the formula allowing the reader to know from the beginning to end who Dallas and gang are looking for. So it's only a matter of trudging through the mountains of exposition to get to him. And there are mountains of exposition. Some pages read like the straight dialogue you would find in a script. I might give her one more shot to woo me back with her next book, but I may have to accept that after 24 years, it's time to step away.
October 9, 2025
Five stars, no question. Sixty-one books in and somehow J.D. Robb still keeps this series fresh, sharp, and ridiculously addictive. This book reminded me exactly why I’ve stuck with Eve Dallas all this time the mix of grit, heart, and that perfect hit of dark humor just works every single time. The art-inspired murders are creepy in the best way, and watching Eve piece it all together is like watching a master at work. I honestly thought after so many books I’d start feeling déjà vu, but nope it’s still that good. I’d been catching up before diving into this one, and it was worth the wait.
🎶“My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark” Fall Out Boy
🎶 “Bad Karma” Ida Maria
🎶“My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark” Fall Out Boy
🎶 “Bad Karma” Ida Maria
October 10, 2025
4.5
Probably not one I will read again but a very enjoyable read.
I loved the 'art' aspect of it.
Met all the gang this time. Never got to partake in the BBQ that was mentioned towards the end of the book - that would have been fun.
Book 61 - kinda crazy really that I am not getting tired of them.
I listened to the audible mostly but I see on my kindle version there is a Q&A section with Nora about the series, which I must check out.
It takes me nearly 4 weeks to finish a book these days - how times have changed.
Did I mention I got to 'see' Nora in Ireland during the summer. She was on holidays in the West of Ireland and did a Meet and Greet - I didn't actually 'meet' her but got to see her in the Q&A session.
Probably not one I will read again but a very enjoyable read.
I loved the 'art' aspect of it.
Met all the gang this time. Never got to partake in the BBQ that was mentioned towards the end of the book - that would have been fun.
Book 61 - kinda crazy really that I am not getting tired of them.
I listened to the audible mostly but I see on my kindle version there is a Q&A section with Nora about the series, which I must check out.
It takes me nearly 4 weeks to finish a book these days - how times have changed.
Did I mention I got to 'see' Nora in Ireland during the summer. She was on holidays in the West of Ireland and did a Meet and Greet - I didn't actually 'meet' her but got to see her in the Q&A session.
May 2, 2025
A licensed companion is murdered, dressed like the Vermeer painting, Girl With A Pearl Earring, and left on the steps of an art gallery. Then it happens again--this time it's Gainsborough's Blue Boy. Could this be someone who fancies himself a great artist who has been rejected by these galleries? After the third "art" murder, Eve realizes that the murderer is a wealthy narcissist who feels justified in killing these people (who to him are worthless) for the sake of his "art." Can they trap him with enough evidence to convict before he kills again? The novel builds to an exciting conclusion with all hands on deck, including Roarke. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
September 1, 2025
Framed in Death by J D Robb
In Death series #61. Futuristic police procedural. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series because of the recurring regular characters.
A body is found, dressed and posed as a famous painting outside an art gallery in New York and Lt. Eve Dallas and her team are called in to investigate. A second body the next day and a different painting gives them the evidence they need to trace and clues to follow to track down the killer.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Susan Ericksen who does the full series. The performance includes specific distinct voices for many of the main characters with Eve’s emotions of anger and determination coming through clearly. Roarke’s accent and Peobody’s voice help bring the familiar through for anyone following this series.
I did listen at 1.5 and above to more closely match local conversation speed.
While New York 2061 is not my local environment, nor the murder aspect, it still feels like coming home when reading these books. It’s always fun to revisit with characters we’ve come to know and love.
The mysteries are always well written as Eve walks through the mind of the killer before she actually knows who it is. The supporting characters, including advanced technology make the story absorbing and thrilling.
Another successful case I was able to follow and be amazed at not only the investigation but the writing as well.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
In Death series #61. Futuristic police procedural. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series because of the recurring regular characters.
A body is found, dressed and posed as a famous painting outside an art gallery in New York and Lt. Eve Dallas and her team are called in to investigate. A second body the next day and a different painting gives them the evidence they need to trace and clues to follow to track down the killer.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Susan Ericksen who does the full series. The performance includes specific distinct voices for many of the main characters with Eve’s emotions of anger and determination coming through clearly. Roarke’s accent and Peobody’s voice help bring the familiar through for anyone following this series.
I did listen at 1.5 and above to more closely match local conversation speed.
While New York 2061 is not my local environment, nor the murder aspect, it still feels like coming home when reading these books. It’s always fun to revisit with characters we’ve come to know and love.
The mysteries are always well written as Eve walks through the mind of the killer before she actually knows who it is. The supporting characters, including advanced technology make the story absorbing and thrilling.
Another successful case I was able to follow and be amazed at not only the investigation but the writing as well.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
September 3, 2025
Please note that I received this book from NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
This is the 61st Eve Dallas/In Death book and I am not going to do a rundown really. This gets 4 stars since even though it gets a little paint by numbers here and there, it was still solid. I liked this one more than the last book in the series. In this book, Eve/Peabody and others are after an Artist who is focused on hiring LCs/street workers to pose in famous portrait paintings of the masters of the art world. Eve and her crew are setting up to take him down.
Per usual we get another serial killer running around New York and Eve doing what she does best. I do think that this one worked a lot better because we weren't dealing with some international case. I tend to like those the least in the In Death series. Most of the characters are the same. I won't like, I skimmed over the Nadine scenes (she has become my least favorite secondary character). And I also skimmed over the house reveal scene. We know one big party is going to come up to show off the house and I pray we don't get to see it in literary form.
The ending was a little abrupt, I hope we hear what happens with this case down the line. It felt a bit unfinished based on what we get here.
I read this for Halloween Bingo 2025 Romantic Suspense.
This is the 61st Eve Dallas/In Death book and I am not going to do a rundown really. This gets 4 stars since even though it gets a little paint by numbers here and there, it was still solid. I liked this one more than the last book in the series. In this book, Eve/Peabody and others are after an Artist who is focused on hiring LCs/street workers to pose in famous portrait paintings of the masters of the art world. Eve and her crew are setting up to take him down.
Per usual we get another serial killer running around New York and Eve doing what she does best. I do think that this one worked a lot better because we weren't dealing with some international case. I tend to like those the least in the In Death series. Most of the characters are the same. I won't like, I skimmed over the Nadine scenes (she has become my least favorite secondary character). And I also skimmed over the house reveal scene. We know one big party is going to come up to show off the house and I pray we don't get to see it in literary form.
The ending was a little abrupt, I hope we hear what happens with this case down the line. It felt a bit unfinished based on what we get here.
I read this for Halloween Bingo 2025 Romantic Suspense.
August 19, 2025
This is book 61 in the In Death series, but I have been reading these in a bit of a random order and that works. There are some story lines that slowly progress but for the most part each book is a mystery. In this one Lt. Dallas gets called to the scene of a person left dead and posed like a famous painting. I liked that this one showed us what he killer was early, it wasn’t about who did it, it was about how do they catch him. This killer had an abundance of resources and it was fun seeing how they would catch and make sure he stayed caught. I also liked that we saw a fair bit from the killer’s perspective, it was interesting and bit different. These are so fun to read, I listened to this one and the narration was really good and brought the characters to life.
September 15, 2025
The last couple of books haven't been my favorite in this series (and I've read EVERY book, most of them twice.) But this (#61!) reminds me that J.D. Robb is still a terrific storyteller and that just because there are a couple of meh books doesn't mean the series is on the downslope.
I won't rehash the synopsis, but ultimately, this was a solid police procedural where Eve and her team had to work for answers, which I really enjoyed. (Sometimes, the answers come too easily, or Eve's gut is confirmed early on, and it's less fun to read. This one was far more realistic for me.) Also what hasn't been done in a long time was bringing the characters to court with Cher Rio playing a slightly bigger role. It added more layers to the story. Plus, we get to spend time with most of our favorite characters.
Big thumbs up.
I won't rehash the synopsis, but ultimately, this was a solid police procedural where Eve and her team had to work for answers, which I really enjoyed. (Sometimes, the answers come too easily, or Eve's gut is confirmed early on, and it's less fun to read. This one was far more realistic for me.) Also what hasn't been done in a long time was bringing the characters to court with Cher Rio playing a slightly bigger role. It added more layers to the story. Plus, we get to spend time with most of our favorite characters.
Big thumbs up.
November 23, 2025
Another excellent book.
November 3, 2025
3.75 stars**
September 29, 2025
“Framed in Death” is the 61st book in J. D. Robb’s In Death series. For the first time, I noticed a resemblance to an earlier title: “Portrait in Death”, which was number 17 in the series. While the similarities are subtle, they stood out more than in previous installments.
Robb’s writing remains fast-paced and engaging, with touches of humor and bursts of nail-biting action. Her futuristic setting continues to intrigue me, and the cast of “far out” characters she’s developed adds energy and personality to each story. I was originally drawn to the series because of its glimpse into a future world, and I’ve enjoyed seeing how Robb imagines life a few hundred years from now.
This book, like others in the series, offers an enjoyable escape. It’s easy to read and perfect for getting away from it all.
I listened to the audiobook version from Audible, which runs thirteen hours and eleven minutes. Susan Ericksen’s narration is excellent. She brings the characters to life with clarity and emotion, enhancing the overall experience.
Robb’s writing remains fast-paced and engaging, with touches of humor and bursts of nail-biting action. Her futuristic setting continues to intrigue me, and the cast of “far out” characters she’s developed adds energy and personality to each story. I was originally drawn to the series because of its glimpse into a future world, and I’ve enjoyed seeing how Robb imagines life a few hundred years from now.
This book, like others in the series, offers an enjoyable escape. It’s easy to read and perfect for getting away from it all.
I listened to the audiobook version from Audible, which runs thirteen hours and eleven minutes. Susan Ericksen’s narration is excellent. She brings the characters to life with clarity and emotion, enhancing the overall experience.
October 14, 2025
J..D Robb is in top form with Framed In Death. Lt Eve Dallas is back tracking the killer of Lcs (Local Courteusans) known as "The Artist." The murderer is a frustrated artist who regards artistic inspiration more then human life. Robb brings back Dallas's billionaire husband, Roarke, and other recurring characters a case that never lost my interest. The witnesses are all colorful, the killer chilled me, and the finale runs on pure adrenaline. There's also a good amount of humor especially in a superhero debate among Dallas' crew.
"Framed" certified my reader loyality to the Dallas series. I don't think it shows any signs of slowing down anytime soon.
"Framed" certified my reader loyality to the Dallas series. I don't think it shows any signs of slowing down anytime soon.
September 21, 2025
4 stars - Mystery/Thriller
I just love these characters so much, and I hope this series never ends.
I just love these characters so much, and I hope this series never ends.
September 10, 2025
I mean, 61 books in and you kind of know what you're getting.
It was fun to revisit this world and these characters, who are some of my favorites. The case was interesting, though not particularly challenging - it's one of the books where the reader knows who the bad guy is from the outset (he is a narcissistic douche who uses his own name), so we're just watching Eve puzzle it out. She was very clever with how she bagged them, so that was fun.
We didn't get much Roarke overall, though, which is why I'm just giving it 4 stars. Still, I had fun with it, as always. Looking forward to the next!
It was fun to revisit this world and these characters, who are some of my favorites. The case was interesting, though not particularly challenging - it's one of the books where the reader knows who the bad guy is from the outset (he is a narcissistic douche who uses his own name), so we're just watching Eve puzzle it out. She was very clever with how she bagged them, so that was fun.
We didn't get much Roarke overall, though, which is why I'm just giving it 4 stars. Still, I had fun with it, as always. Looking forward to the next!
September 12, 2025
Framed In Death is the 61st book and an excellent addition in J.D. Robb's "In Death" series.
In 2061, Lieutenant Eve Dallas heads the New York City Homicide team. She is married to Roarke, a gorgeous wealthy Irish entrepreneur.
In this story she has to find a formidable killer who recreates scenes from a famous painting with each victim. A unique storyline that was difficult to stop listening to.
With each and every "In Death" book I love re-visiting all of the characters that I have come to know and care about.
Excellent narration, once again, by Susan Ericksen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this audiobook.
In 2061, Lieutenant Eve Dallas heads the New York City Homicide team. She is married to Roarke, a gorgeous wealthy Irish entrepreneur.
In this story she has to find a formidable killer who recreates scenes from a famous painting with each victim. A unique storyline that was difficult to stop listening to.
With each and every "In Death" book I love re-visiting all of the characters that I have come to know and care about.
Excellent narration, once again, by Susan Ericksen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this audiobook.
September 7, 2025
This book was a bit of a disappointment. I have read every Eve Dallas novel, this was one of the weakest. The crime is a repeat of an earlier novel, Portrait in Death. Okay, crime repeats, and the path to solving the crime is different in this book. But somehow the whole thing seems flat. It lacks excitement until the arrest of the killer. Then it takes an interesting turn, similar to the very first novel, Naked in Death, about what happens after the bail hearing. I also like these books for the backstory, the life of Eve, her husband, and their friends. This book spent a lot of time on them, specifically moving into Mavis' the new house. But with a few small exceptions, this book does not move Eve's story forward. I don't feel like I know her better. I want Eve to have another personal crisis, or a serious professional challenge. Have Whitney retire and the department gets reorganized. Have one of Roarke's nieces or nephews move in with them for a season in New York wanting the high life. Bring back some earlier characters like Jamie and Quilla. Give Eve a crime that takes her off planet with a different team. Let's freshen it up!
August 29, 2025
I love finding out what new investigation Eve has to solve. The author is getting very creative with each book. Part of what I love about these books are Eve and Roarke’s relationship, so I was a little disappointed to find very little in this book. However, I love how much Roarke supports Eve. Overall, this was a fun investigation to follow along with and as always, the narrator did a great job.
December 11, 2025
I enjoyed this one, I really did. However I don’t think it will be one of the more memorable ones. The story was good and I always like the art angle, but it isn’t one that will stand out in the series. I always love visiting the characters I have become invested it. I like seeing their lives progress. But I feel like I need a juicy mystery here and one that will surprise me. Hard to do after 61 books. All her books are great in this series but I want something more…
November 15, 2025
Loved this book! Money doesn’t solve all problems!
September 2, 2025
I’m just sad we didn’t get the BBQscene at the end. 😢
October 19, 2025
I didn't have to guess who dunnit it. We met the suspect early on.
The candy thief had me laughing with that jumbo smiley face sticker he/she left for Eve. This is a mystery until now because we still don't know who it is.
The candy thief had me laughing with that jumbo smiley face sticker he/she left for Eve. This is a mystery until now because we still don't know who it is.
September 21, 2025
I think this book depends totally on whether you listened to it and then had to hear every word or you read and skimmed it.
We've done a book on artists killing for their art so the originality wasn't there.
I found we has a lot of introspection time with a lot of sappy. I got tired quickly of cat , closet and ties that burn the retinas, for filler.
Dull.
We've done a book on artists killing for their art so the originality wasn't there.
I found we has a lot of introspection time with a lot of sappy. I got tired quickly of cat , closet and ties that burn the retinas, for filler.
Dull.
August 10, 2025
It’s always wonderful to be back with group and after 60+ books, I don’t even read the synopsis any longer because I already know what I’m going to get.
This story has us seeing everyone we’ve come to know and love and it’s fun to read them all interact. I especially enjoyed the Great House reveal and how Eve’s separate friend families are officially meshed.
This plot line was a bit bonkers, but I Ioved the originality of it and seriously, kudos to Nora for keeping everything new and fresh while also making it feel comforting.
Overall, I’m in on this series until the very end, which I hope isn’t anytime soon.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
This story has us seeing everyone we’ve come to know and love and it’s fun to read them all interact. I especially enjoyed the Great House reveal and how Eve’s separate friend families are officially meshed.
This plot line was a bit bonkers, but I Ioved the originality of it and seriously, kudos to Nora for keeping everything new and fresh while also making it feel comforting.
Overall, I’m in on this series until the very end, which I hope isn’t anytime soon.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
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