Perfect in Death

In Death #64

by J.D. Robb

Perfection requires the ultimate sacrifice in the brand-new crime thriller starring homicide detective Lt. Eve Dallas from the #1 New York Times bestselling author J.D. Robb.

When a naked, beheaded body is found discarded like trash on a dark cobblestoned street, Lieutenant Eve Dallas knows that time is of the essence to find a twisted killer. The victim is Donald Quinland, a beloved husband, father, teacher, and writer. What could have happened to him in the nineteen hours since he went missing?

Forensic evidence indicates that the killer had medical knowledge―could this horrific murder be the result of illegal organ harvesting, or some sick experiment? Or does the atrocity of the crime suggest a dark personal vendetta?

After speaking with the grieving family, Eve and her partner, Peabody, visit the college where the late professor taught. In these exclusive halls filled with sharp and occasionally devious minds, it isn’t so easy to get at the truth―and among Manhattan’s elite doctors and scientists, God complexes are an occupational hazard.

In this high-pressure world, where the pursuit of perfection can be deadly, there’s no one more perfect than Eve to stop a deranged killer before they can strike again.

Genres: Mystery, Science Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Romance, Futuristic, Suspense, Fantasy

Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 2, 2027

About the author

J.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.

Reviews

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve has a shocking case. A revered college professor is found decapitated on a public street. Who would want to commit such a despicable act? Then, severed limbs are identified as belonging to a young woman who has gone missing. Eve and her team are committed to stopping the disturbed individual who appears to be a modern day Dr. Frankenstein. It's a pretty gruesome premise and the book moves a bit slowly in the middle since the reader already knows who is responsible, but I always enjoy revisiting Dallas, Roarke, and Peabody as they solve a case. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.

[Pk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect in Death by J.D. Robb
In Death #64

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I started reading J.D. Robb with Naked in Death when it was first published in 1995—back when no one knew J.D. Robb was Nora Roberts (I still have that paperback). Sixty-four books later, I'm obviously invested.

What has always kept me coming back is the procedural. I love watching Dallas and her team work a case in a future that, after thirty years of reading these books, doesn't seem quite as far in the future as it once did. Just as important are the relationships and the wonderful found family that has gradually formed around Eve and Roarke. At this point, returning to these characters feels like visiting people I've known for decades.

Perfect in Death has a particularly creepy premise involving a killer whose pursuit of human "perfection" takes the investigation into some very dark territory. It's disturbing, gruesome and just plausible enough to make it even creepier. In fact, I kept thinking this would have been a perfect fall release for spooky season rather than February. The strength here is following the trail of evidence via interviews, closing in on the perpetrator person by person.

The procedural itself is solid, and I'm still impressed that Robb can devise new ways to murder people and give Dallas something different to investigate. Unfortunately, something else crept into this one that affected my enjoyment of the book: the author's politics.

It isn't blatant. It isn't a political novel. But it was obvious enough that I noticed it, and once I did, it pulled me completely out of the story. Worse, it hung over the rest of the book for me like an ugly fog.

I don't care what an author's political affiliation is. Truly. Left, right, somewhere in between—I don't want to know. Unless politics are relevant to the story being told, I don't want to be able to identify an author's personal political opinions while I'm reading fiction. I'm there for Eve Dallas, a murder investigation, the bullpen, Roarke, Peabody, and the family and friends I've spent more than thirty years getting to know.

That disappointment is ultimately what kept Perfect in Death at four stars for me.

Still, this is book 64. I've read every single one of them. I'm certainly not stopping now.

4 stars.

#PerfectInDeath #JDRobb #InDeath #EveDallas #NetGalley #StMartinsPress #BookReview #MysteryBooks #PoliceProcedural

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

At this point after 64 books, it is really getting harder and harder to know what to say about each new book, or specifically the series. The series - I can honestly say that it is an ABSOLUTE winner! I LOVE it and I adore each and every character that we have come to know and love over these last 64 books. At this point, I enjoy reading about the secondary characters almost as much as I enjoy watching (or listening) as our MC’s tackle the crime or whatever mystery there is going to be.

Unfortunately (and honestly) it is VERY rare for me to say this……but there was something missing with this book. I am don’t think I could tell you what it was, but it was different.

Usually, the minute I start another Eve and Roarke book, I know that I am going to not stop until it is done. I mean, I have at least 63 examples to prove this behavior from the series. Somehow though, THIS book didn’t really grab me until the very end - maybe until the last 35% or so of the book. I even put the book down so many times and it actually took 3 days to read it. *gasp* That might not sound unusual or even funny to anyone else, but that right there is something that has NEVER happened before with any book from this author..

I think that the reason it took so long to get into it was because the first section dealt with many other things. We knew who the murderer was right away in this one- which is fine- sometimes we do and sometimes we don’t. But it then takes Eve and Peabody quite a while to figure out who the killer is (most of the book) so I think that’s why it felt like the book dragged a bit in the middle.

Maybe that was it? Honestly, I have no clue.

But to be fair, once things start falling into place and they realize who the killer actually is, the book jumps into high gear, no….actually turbo gear would be a better description. Everything then just happens at that same breakneck speed and then, boom, it’s over.

All in all, I still enjoyed it, and even though it will not go down as one of my favorites, I will still be waiting patiently for book 65 :)

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on February 2, 2027.

[BWT · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Review to come!

#PerfectInDeath #NetGalley

Publish Date: Feb 2 2027 | Urban | Mystery & Thrillers | eBook

Advanced Review Copy of Perfect In Death provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

[Jasmine · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Thank you, SMP for the aARC via Netgalley! I was SO EXCITED to get my hands on this one

To everyone who knows me, I follow the In Death series by J.D. Robb religiously….This is book 64!

This one literally takes place immediately right after book 65. I find how interesting this is as it’s rare for the series to pick up immediately right where it left off as we still see after-effects of the previous case with Eve being injured.

A decapitated body is found on the streets of NY and identified to be a prominent English professor who is also friends with the Miras and followed by severed limbs of a woman...how do these two cases connect and will Eve find the murderer in time before they take another?

It’s been awhile since this series really hit me in the disturbing, gruesome and icky factor and this book definitely ranks up there. I’m just happy that I am reading this in the fall since it’s perfect for the fall and gives me the heebie jeebies (and the current events in the book also took place in the fall). In this case, we are aware of who the killer is, having been given interludes into their PoV in the pursuit of creating the perfect “human” and preserving these traits and the extremes someone would go to do so no matter the horrifying cause.

I always come back to this series because the found family concept is prevalent here and I love how Eve gets so much grief from her surrounding family on how she needs to take it easy, eat and also get sufficient rest. The love and care they have for her gives you that “awhh” feeling. It’s also nice to occasionally see that Roarke isn’t so perfect and is subjected to stress and frustration like us humans, lol.

Given that the murder mystery element is more heavier here, the police procedural takes center stage with the interviews, revisiting of sites and evidence and the slow chipping away of it as they cross examine things to eliminate suspects. It also fascinates me how Eve’s brain works as she always has the capability to think outside the box despite some ideas being so far-fetched at the start.

While readers shouldn’t have a problem with on starting this series with this book since each crime is a standalone, I would still recommend starting from Book #1 - Naked in Death since it provides the characters backstory and complexity leading to a more enchanting read.

Overall, this one was a solid addition to the ongoing series and I look forward to the next one.

[Peggy Jaeger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 64 in the In Death series – Perfect in Death – was writing perfection at its best.
The issue is timely, as all JD Robb’s books ultimately are – using science and medicine to create perfection in the human race. Only in this book, it’s not botox, tummy tucks, and laser therapy…it’s creating a race of humanoids.
Yeah…heavy stuff.
The case starts with the discovery of a body with no head. Why no head, Eve wonders? Was it used for something? A trophy? Organ retrieval? Or was it the brain that was wanted for some nefarious deed?
Closer to the truth than she’d like to be, when another body is discovered sans limbs, the terminator-eqsue theory starts to take hold. Cyborgs don’t look so impossible now.
I will admit, this book had me very unsettled for a number of reasons; the major one was the kidnapping of a favorite sub character by the killer. I was sososo worried this person was going to be killed off, that I wanted to stop reading. I didn’t of course.
No spoilers here…you’ll have to read this great work to see if things change in the future for the secondary character make up.
As always with Robb books, the glimpse into the future of NYC is actually a snapshot of where we are in time right now. With medicine and science being partnered with dangerous AI, our future doesn’t look as promising as it did just a few years ago.
Robb is a master storyteller and this newest edition is not only a good piece of writing, but a harbinger of what could happen if tighter controls and vigilance aren’t placed on our need to seek perfection as a race.
Thank you to Netgalley, the wonderful author and the publisher for a sneak peek into another fantastic addition to the In Death series. Can’t wait for # 65!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve Dallas’ homicide case in this book is gruesome. Body parts, cyborg creation and a Dr. Frankenstein who is particularly monstrous all play a considerable role in one of the more distasteful cases Eve is assigned to solve.

I had a hard time with this one and that says a lot since I’m a Walking Dead fan and can usually stomach the ick of a zombie apocalypse without turning away from the screen. But I’m also a J.D. Robb fan so I persisted reading until the very end.

The book takes a lot of time with grieving family and friends of the victims and stalls halfway through when Eve is still struggling to find a perp suspect. The action doesn’t start until you get to the 80% mark and then runs like a bat out of hell to the climactic finale. As usual, we get the interrogation of an overconfident, insane perp who feels they’ve done no wrong, which is nearly predictable now for this series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, J.D. Robb has written another incredible entry into this series! Number 64 is one of the creepiest, and most emotional stories that Eve Dallas has solved. I loved every page.

This one begins with a grisly discovery in Theater Alley. Eve is still healing from her last case, but she never seems to get down time. This case proves to be difficult from the beginning, and it is brutal.

I was surprised how emotional I felt about this case. There are many ethical and moral dilemmas presented here. I wasn’t sure what ending I envisioned, but it left me with many thoughts. This book would make for a terrific book club discussion.

I’m always light on the details in my reviews, but if you read this series, you know that many beloved characters make an appearance in each book. That is certainly the case here - I always need more Captain Feeney.

I have read every book in this series. It continues to get better and better. I truly look forward to my two visits each year with Lieutenant Dallas. It really is like getting together with family.

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press for my physical and digital ARCs of this book. Now the wait begins for number 65. I absolutely adore this series. If you are looking for amazing romantic suspense, start this series today. 64 books may seem like a lot, but you will devour this series. I reread so many of these books each year.

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was somewhat surprised by how late in the story it was before Eve had a strong lead on the killer. However, the killer is certifiably insane, so it likely would have been difficult to extend the storyline much further before the killer was captured/stopped. The story involves the attempted creation of human/machine hybrids, essentially cyborgs, with the “mad scientist” specifically choosing victims based on a desired characteristic — intelligence, physical beauty, etc.

The identified victims have no obvious enemies and no obvious connections, so it takes Dallas and Peabody and associates quite some time to solve the puzzle. And this case will become very personal.

[Catherine Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Ms. Robb has written a wonderful continuation of one of my favorite series. I thoroughly enjoyed Perfect in Death, though I had to be careful not to react too strongly to some of the events while reading in public.
Eve, Roarke, Peabody, and the rest of the team investigate the apparent murders of people who seem to have nothing in common. The crimes are particularly heinous, and it’s compelling to watch the investigation gradually uncover the connections between them. I also found myself wondering how Robb could have begun writing this book earlier and still crafted a story that feels so relevant.
The title immediately brought Frankenstein to my mind. As I read, I also thought of another popular movie; one the book later references, which was a fun moment of recognition. The premise is disturbing in its implications, but I had a great time reading the story. Robb handles both the investigation and the families’ grief and emotions with care.
The relationships among the characters are what keep drawing me back to this series, and this book is no exception. Very well done—I’m excited to add it to my In Death collection!

[Nicole Korczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve Dallas vs. Dr. Frankenstein. Lots of medical malpractice, very little thinking about If We Should. This was a good addition to the In Death series. I'm never sure how I feel about the ones where we know all along who the killer is, because it removes a good deal of the mystery, but it's still enjoyable to watch Eve's brain figure out the killer's motivations. Especially when the killer is nutso. On the other hand, the end is pretty abrupt because there's not much to say when we've already figured it all out.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for providing the copy of Perfect In Death by J.D.Robb. I’m not sure I would have gotten it if I had known this is the 64th book in a series. The mystery was interesting, but as much as I wanted to like the characters, I felt like I was late to the party, and was interrupting everyone in the middle of their conversations. Futurism was intriguing, and I’ll keep this series in mind when I’m ready to start reading the whole series! If you already read this series, you'll probably love this book. 3 stars

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how the cover is reminiscent of Captain America's shield.

A local college professor is found headless in Theater Alley. To all accounts, he was a much beloved teacher, friend, father, and husband. So who killed him and where is his head? Dallas and Peabody are on the case with assistance from the usual crew. Someone is channelling their Dr. Frankenstein, but now we just have to wait for Dallas to figure that out in this compelling new entry to the In Death series by JD Robb.

[Stacee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was straight up bonkers and I loved it.

Definitely a few things I didn't see coming. As always, I fully enjoyed seeing the group of characters and I really loved that this one picked up almost immediately from the previous.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

[Anita]

My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary audio Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of this series since I read the first book, and this is #64!
Eve Dallas and her partner are called out to another crime scene, and this one is pretty bizarre.
They have a dead body, but no head, and Dallas and Peabody soon find themselves trying to figure out the logistics of the investigation, and with the help of her well oiled team, Lieutenant Dallas once again finds the killer and closes this grizzly case.

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.
I had never read any of the books in this series, so I was curious. It took a while to get into the story, but I never quite enjoyed it. Maybe I would have benefited from reading previous ones. I felt I was out of rhythm and couldn't find it, which made the read uneven and confusing. I didn't understand what the point of the whole story was and ended up skipping to the end.

[Tracy Thorne-Wysocki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the advance copy of this publication.

I have been reading the In Death Series since the beginning and I love following Lt Eve Dallas and Roarke along with Peabody and McNab as they work to solve crimes.
This book is a murder/murderer that brings in a lot of people close to Dallas causing her to work against the clock (as always!)
It is a well written story that reads quickly, especially if you already know all of the characters.

I hope that J D Robb continues to write this series for many years to come!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After more than 60 *In Death* novels and novellas, it would be easy for J.D. Robb to find comfort in familiar patterns and simply crank out retreads of past mysteries. After all, longtime fans have grown up alongside Eve, Roarke, Peabody, Dr. Mira, and the many other much-loved characters who have become as familiar as old friends.

Reading the synopsis for *Perfect in Death*, my thoughts immediately went to *The Icove Agenda* (wink). Another medical-themed mystery, another horrific crime, another reason for Eve to find herself surrounded by doctors and scientists with questionable ethics. Fortunately, while there are similarities to previous stories, *Perfect in Death* never feels like Robb is phoning it in.

From the opening, the story feels both familiar and new. The murder is gruesome, but the mystery goes beyond simply figuring out who killed Donald Quinland. As Eve digs into his life and the world of academia, the investigation raises questions about ambition, power, intelligence, and just how easily brilliance can become a justification for crossing ethical lines.

The mysteries are only one of the reasons for the series’ enduring success, but they are a big part of it. More than 60 books in, Eve and the people around her have developed into characters whose relationships carry as much weight as the investigations.

And then there is the future itself. It’s easy to forget that this series is set in 2062 because so much of that world has become second nature. The technology, slang, food, transportation, and remnants of the past are woven into the story without overwhelming it.

*Perfect in Death* isn't breaking new ground for the series, but it doesn't need to. It takes familiar ingredients, gives them a compelling mystery, and continues to develop the characters and world that have kept readers coming back for decades.

My only complaint is that the ending feels rushed. After such a strong buildup, the solution, takedown, and resolution are wrapped up so quickly that it feels a little anticlimactic. After investing so much time in the mystery, I wanted a bit more room for the payoff.

Rating 4.5 stars (rounded up to 5)

*Perfect in Death* is a strong addition to the *In Death* canon. 2062 is getting closer all the time, and so far we've managed to avoid the Urban Wars. I’ll happily keep following Eve, Roarke, Peabody, and the rest of the crew to see what comes next.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda Higdon · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Thank you to J. D. Robb, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I've been reading J. D. Robb's In Death series for several years, and I'm continually impressed by her ability to keep the stories fresh, captivating, and unpredictable. Even after so many installments, the series never feels tired or repetitive. Each book introduces new twists, intriguing mysteries, and enough unexpected developments to keep readers eagerly turning the pages.

When I first started Perfect in Death, I wasn't entirely sure I was going to enjoy it. The premise initially struck me as rather bizarre and far-fetched. But as the story unfolded, I was reminded that in Eve Dallas's futuristic world, almost anything is possible, no matter how disturbing or gruesome. What initially seemed unbelievable gradually developed into another intriguing and cleverly constructed mystery.

As always, Eve is relentless in her pursuit of justice, relying on her sharp instincts, meticulous detective work, and unwavering determination to track down those responsible. With the technological expertise of her husband, Roarke, and the support of her loyal team, she methodically pieces together the clues, even when the crimes seem almost beyond comprehension.

One of the things I particularly appreciate about this series is the way Robb continues to develop the relationships among her characters. The camaraderie and loyalty within Eve's team add depth and personality to the stories, making them about much more than simply solving crimes. I also enjoy how Robb brings familiar characters back into the spotlight, sometimes after they've spent several books in the background.

In Perfect in Death, Louise's husband, Charles, becomes unexpectedly entangled in the sinister plot. I'll admit that I had to refresh my memory about Charles and his history in the series! But that's part of what makes these books so enjoyable. The characters have lives and relationships that continue to evolve, even when they aren't central to a particular storyline. There's a nice sense of continuity, as though we're following the lives of people we've come to know over the years.

What began as a story I wasn't sure I would enjoy turned into another satisfying installment in a series that continues to surprise me. After all these years, J. D. Robb still knows how to deliver an engaging mystery while making readers feel right at home in Eve Dallas's world.

[Mary Taber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect in Death Book Review
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and provide feedback on this book.
I don’t usually like books about the future. Droids and cyborgs just aren’t my thing. However, after getting into the book, I found myself enjoying it. Lieutenant Eve Dallas, of the NYPD. is on the case of a grotesque murder of a man with his head cut off and she knew she had a sadistic, crazy person to hunt for. The man, Professor Donald Quinland was a well-beloved teacher at Barnard College. He was married and had grown children and was happy with his life. So, was it a former student, a jealous faculty member, or a crazy person living on the street?
Then a young woman named Zoey Easterday goes missing and is later found dead. Connections are made with the first murder, and the police are searching for a crazy serial killer. It is fascinating how they examine possible murderers. There are the doctor parents of a young girl who were rigid in their support that their daughter study medicine. She had a talent for writing, and Professor Quinland had taken an interest in her future as a writer. There are members of the Barnard Faculty who may have been jealous of Quinland’s success with students. Then there are the students who may have received a poor grade in Quinland’s class and were getting revenge.
With each chapter comes a new clue as to who the real murderer is. Dallas and her fellow detectives find clues by searching the college, a beauty salon, and a massage parlor where they do facelifts.
I found this book tough to put down as it was well-paced and exciting. The victims were made human by discussing their families and hobbies, making them very likeable. Finally, the ending was unexpected and filled with horror! All elements that I enjoy. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers and is not put off by the futuristic references.

[Matt W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cracking open a new In Death book is like walking into a room full of old friends who happen to solve murders for a living. Perfect in Death is book 64 (64!), and J.D. Robb still has me hooked.

I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5, and it all comes down to the opening. The story picks up just hours after the chaos of book 63, so the first stretch is mostly everyone fussing over Eve's injuries. I love the found family vibe, I really do, but there's only so much hovering I can take before I start yelling "go find the killer!" at the page.

Once things get moving, though, it gets wonderfully creepy. Eve and Roarke, both still a little banged up, find a beloved Barnard professor without his head in Theatre Alley. From there it turns into a grisly case of severed limbs and a killer playing Dr. Frankenstein, trying to stitch together the "perfect" companion. The killer's cold, clinical detachment gives the whole thing a serious creep factor. Grab a blanket and something warm to drink, because this one was made for fall.

What keeps this series fresh after so many books is the chemistry. The banter is still sharp, and I never get tired of watching Eve's brain take the scenic route to connect dots nobody else would think to connect. I also liked seeing Roarke a little less bulletproof for once. Turns out even gazillionaire Irish bad boys get stressed and cranky.

Even when Robb only skims the surface of perfection instead of cannonballing into the deep end, her world is always worth the trip. This is a solid, spooky addition to the series, and I'm already counting down to book 65.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.D. Robb delivers another sharp, high-stakes entry with Perfect in Death, the sixty-fourth book in the In Death series with this latest case for Lieutenant Eve Dallas. When a beloved professor and family man is found murdered in a particularly brutal and calculated way, Eve and Peabody are thrown into a tense investigation that quickly expands beyond a simple homicide.
What works so well here is the way this author masterfully balances the procedural intensity with the series’ signature character dynamics.

Eve’s relentless drive and no-nonsense approach feel as strong as ever, while the supporting cast (especially Peabody) provides the right mix of competence and humanity. The academic and medical settings add an interesting layer of tension…sharp minds, egos, and the dangerous pursuit of perfection create a believable backdrop for the darker elements of the crime.

The pacing is tight, the forensic and investigative details are solid without becoming dry, and the emotional weight of the victim’s life and family lands effectively. Ms Robb continues to handle the series’ long-running relationships with care, giving familiar characters room to breathe amid the urgency of the case.

If you’re already invested in Eve Dallas, this one delivers the reliable mix of suspense, dark humor, and procedural satisfaction you’ve come to expect. New readers can jump in, though the emotional payoff will hit harder if you’ve followed the series. A strong, gripping thriller that keeps the pages turning.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Renee Leeann · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

PERFECT IN DEATH by J.D. Robb is the 64th book in the series but do not let this guide you away from this book. If you don't already know, J.D. Robb is a pseudonym for Nora Roberts. The In Death series is my by far my favorite series.

The stories take place in the future. A future that at one point seemed so far way and somewhat unbelievable, but now seems so much closer. It is incredible how each story is fresh and unique. The found family aspect of this series is amazing and one of my absolute favorite tropes in a story.

Normally a book in this series is a five star read but this one stalled in the middle. I kept screaming in my head for Eve & Peabody to make the connection by looking closer at every aspect the victims had in common. Almost as if they were not as on top of their game as usual. It was also an emotional story and I enjoyed the care given to the victims' families. Once the connection was made, it was fast-forward to the conclusion.

This series will remains my favorite even it I didn't connect with this book as much as normal. I am already eagerly awaiting the next book. It is such a joy to visit Eve, Roarke, Peabody and the rest of the characters.

While this installment can be read as a stand alone, I recommend reading the series from the beginning with Naked in Death. I found this series at about book 30 and it did not take me long to catch up back then as all of the books are amazing. Knowing the characters' back stories adds so much depth and enjoyment to the series. The author writes two books a year in this series and I always drop what I'm doing to read them. It feels like visiting my favorite relatives.

Thank you very much NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital ARC of this book. I may have screamed when I received my ARC.

[ElectricOutcast · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

First off, I want to extend a thank you to NetGalley and the people of St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read this book in advance. To give a brief background on my history in this book series, my mother started reading this series around 1995-1996 when I was in Kindergarten, so it was always around the house. But I never made the jump into listening to the series until my early 20’s, around that time I had been a fan of some anime franchises like Dragon Ball, Gundam, Sailor Moon, and Ghost in the Shell. Then I began to realize that The Eve Dallas and Roarke Series had that atmosphere that reminded me of both Ghost in the Shell and even Blade Runner.

Some of the volumes on this series helped me reinforce those comparisons and this new volume is no different. Before reading this book, I was half expecting a plot that would’ve been similar to Michael Crichton’s work, particularly ‘The Terminal Man’ but we ended up getting something much darker than that. The story itself was a slow build-up, in terms of tension, and it didn’t escalate until the latter half of the book. Dare I say it, had it not been for that late build-up, I think this case had potential of being labeled “cold”. But thankfully that did not turn out that way.

In closing, this volume is a slow and steady build-up, but the pay off is worth reaching and worth reading through.

[Juli · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Frankenstein meets The Terminator in this newest In Death installment. What if our humanity could be merged with technology? A body that won’t age, limitless strength and endurance, a database mind. Would it be worth the sacrifice? That’s the science that Eve is up against, just over 24 hours from where we last left her. When bodies and parts are discovered littered around NY, it’s up to Eve and her team to stop the mad doctor.

This one hit different. Previous editions have featured some pretty messed up mentalities, but this one might take the cake. It was everything I love about an In Death installment— the minutia of everyday cop banter, friends who are like family, plenty of delicious sarcasm, and of course, Roarke. The dramatic irony took away the element of mystery, but knowing who the bad guy was and wondering how Eve and Peabody would get there was just as fun.

Because I was blessed with an advanced copy from NetGalley, the creepy vibe was perfect for Halloween. Considering that Eve was still recovering from the last beating she took, I wonder how the wait time and spring release will play when it comes around. Regardless, this had the action, the feels, and the depravity that will keep any reader wanting more.

Perfect in Death: ★★★★3/4

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[LibraryNinja_Beritk · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book 64 of J.D. Robb’s Eve Dallas series, we find one of the most heinous crime scenes she’s ever undertaken: Eve is called to the scene of a body that has been decapitated. Eve has seen a lot of things before, but a missing head is not one of them. A popular professor, his body was less than 24 hours old from the time he went missing. While everyone is baffled at the horrific slaying, things get further complicated when missing limbs show up without a body.

Whoever is doing the killing clearly has some medical knowledge and isn’t afraid to use it. It’s no stretch to say that this is one of the grizzliest books I’ve ever read by J.D. Robb, but it’s also one of the most disturbing in terms of crime, technology, and sheer storytelling. It’s one of the worst nightmares you could ever imagine coming true, and yet you won’t believe it when you read it with your own eyes.

People will be talking about this book long after they put it down. Is there any such thing as perfection in death?

Thank you to Nora Roberts and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#JDRobb #libraryninja📚#EveDallas

[Mary · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Perfect in Death is J.D. Robb's 64th installation of her In Death series with Eve Dallas. Lt. Dallas has just come off a harrowing and nearly deadly case (#63) when she is met with the discovery of a headless body in the Theater Alley. DNA results show the body belongs to one, Donald Quinland, a professor of literature at Barnard College. Beloved by family and friends alike, a motive for such a gruesome death initially escapes the seasoned detective. Robb weaves this mystery among the daily living of Eve and her friends and family, especially her lover and partner, Rourke. With Rourke assisting her as well as a well honed team of experts, slowly but surely, Eve makes progress on the case. Whoever murdered Professor Quinland had medical knowledge. Now it is just a matter of figuring out who the murderer is. Most recently I read Fury in Death (#63) and was surprised how well this series holds up after so many years. Perfect in Death is even better. Hats off to author J.D. Robb for keeping a series alive and fresh since 1995. Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

After 64 books in a series, all of which I have read and enjoyed, J. D. Robb is really thinking out of the box this time to find a different way for her victims to get murdered. This time, it feels kind of like Eve Dallas vs Dr. Frankenstein.

Since we know pretty early on who the murderer is in this novel, this one is mainly a police procedural with all our favorite characters from the series. It does, in fact pick up almost immediately after the previous novel, Fury in Death. We meet new victims and families, and a truly evil and insane bad lady, and if you are a long-term reader of the series like I am
you will be anxious awaiting What's to come with her third victim with a name drop part way in that would mean nothing to people who were unfamiliar with the series but had me worried!

The relationship between Eve and Peabody really shines in this one, and we get to see quite a bit of the lovable Mr Mira as well. If you are a fan of her previous books in the series I am sure you'll like this one too. Thank you to net galley and saint martin's press for the e galley. My opinions are entirely my own.

[Autumn Danner · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this futuristic thriller. This series is set in the future, with gadgets, technologies and even crimes beyond what is possible today (or at least I think that is the case). This story is fairly gruesome as it revolves around building the perfect companion. Much like years ago, when we envisioned creating the perfect human specimen through genetic mutation/selection, this is more along the lines of Frankenstein creation of the perfect companion. This book is part of a series, and I have obviously missed a few issues because their lives have progressed beyond what I remembered. However, our main investigating team remains intact, and the chemistry between the primary characters continues to be strong. The banter allows them to bounce ideas off each other to find avenues of investigation regardless how far out they seem. I found the story to be chilling, as it focuses on the cold detachment of the experimental scientist, and it renders us down to the value of our parts. Scary story, and I am happy that this is not a problem for today!