Innocent in Death
Robb, J.D. (Nora Roberts)
New York: Penguin Group, c2007.
NYPSD Lt. Eve Dallas hunts for the killer of a young male history teacher. He leaves behind his devastated young wife, who'd sent him to work with a lovingly packed lunch. Shocked and dazed colleagues and grieving students at his private school remember him fondly. Investigation leads to a verdict of death by ricin, and more secrets among the faculty. Yet who or why would someone murder a man so nice, so ordinary, so innocent of any wrongdoing. Concurrent to her investigation, Eve has to grapple with Magdalena Percell, an old flame of her billionaire husband, Roarke. What are her motives in arranging lunch and business meetings? Is this woman a threat to her marriage? Eve finds it hard to focus on her case. In the shocking conclusion, a killer is brought to justice.
I can't believe that this is the 24th full length novel to feature Eve, Roarke, Peabody, McNabb and the rest. I've read them all plus the 3 short stories. They are beginning to be a bit formulaic but still keep me interested. I think a big part of that is my love of series and the ongoing character development that Roberts, herself, loves and does so well. This story really ups the ante with the appearance of Roarke's old girlfriend -- one who left him this time! It was neat to see Eve get upset about this, to show she does have a softer side. Many fine arguments ensued and another opportunity to show Somerset isn't as opposed to her as they let on. The actual mystery portion is also good, it took me a while to figure out who she suspected. I won't spoil it by telling but let me know how many chapters it takes you to figure it out.
Check out her web site for a chronological description of the rest of the series and a 2 chapter excerpt.