Future is what one contemplates about. But is it completely in our hands to design one? Some things are natural and it always needs a sharp mind and clear insight to be in criminal mind. Author J.D Robb in his book "Glory in Death" let the inner recesses of the mind take control and dictate power. So how successful is it to bring the good and bad on the same page? Let's find out.
It is 2058, New York City. In a world where technology can reveal the darkest of secrets, there's only one place to hide a crime of passion-in the heart.
Even in the mid-twenty-first century, during a time when genetic testing usually weeds out any violent hereditary traits before they can take over, murder still happens. The first victim is found lying on a sidewalk in the rain. The second is murdered in her own apartment building. Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas has no problem finding connections between the two crimes. Both victims were beautiful and highly successful women. Their glamorous lives and loves were the talk of the city. And their intimate relations with men of great power and wealth provide Eve with a long list of suspects -- including her own lover, Roarke.
First look at the title and the cover and it bleeds mystery. Cover is nothing we can write home about but title is something which glorifies death. Though there is no glory in sacrifice. The blurb is set in future with Eve Dallas returning at helm. A new case at hand and new enemies around her. The blurb keeps the sanctity of the story alive by giving away nothing.
The story is set in New York where Eve Dallas is a star cop. She's bad ass yet emotional. Her ever growing fondness for the shady Roarke is a teaser for the media. Speculations are rife about the stormy affair. But when a high profile lawyer is murdered in a shady neighborhood Eve finds her at the wrong end of the deal. With Roarke under scanner and killer at large she's at crossroads. With personal bonds at stake and life coming full circle it becomes difficult for Eve to choose one. But it's the serial killer who is going to be the center of attraction? So who's the killer and with what motive? How Eve will fight off odds? Will she ever be able to lay hands on the killer? That's what the story is all about.
Eve, when you look at her character sketch you feel helpless and proud at the same time. She's ruthless as a cop but as a human being she is surrounded by fears of past, present and the future. Along with Roarke she is weak, feeble but calm and composed. In a mystery thriller their chemistry works charms on the story. Never letting the reader feel out of place. Passion and relaxation is what it brings to the table. But it's not the romance that twists the tale. The darker element of the book is the mystery which binds the people and their lives together. Scattered, confused yet unpredictable. The story puts forth all the high octane drama and suspense which is required of a thriller. With few surprises thrown as chunks of meat it makes the story more darker and meatier.
The downside of the book is it's failure to utilize the full potential of a long list of suspects. Fleeting references are not enough to keep them alive and certainly not in the context of the story. They all require breathing space and that is where the story is a bit of a letdown.
All in all the book provides impetus to the core of the crime set in the future. It's the human persona that gets highlighted even amidst drones and droids. The practical aspect of spine chilling murders is another element which lets the readers dance to its tunes. It all looks plain and simple upfront but the inner sanctum is full of revenge and hatred. It's the fight between a devilish mind and a straight up cop with a twisted personal life. The book enlivens the experience and enhances the murderous quotient of the story. A strength to strength tell tale.
RATING:
4 OUT OF 5
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