Loyalty in Death

in Death: 9

ISBN: 0-425-17140-X Order from: Amazon.com

A tense police thriller with an appealing, intelligent heroine, intense and intrusive romantic subplot, and set amid slick and superficial near-future New York City.

Reviewed by David on October 14, 1999

Genre: Mystery (Near Future, Romance, Police Procedural)

Synopsis: Sixty years in the future, better technology has not eliminated suffering, poverty or crime. Still haunted by the Urban Wars which nearly tore apart the country thirty years ago, New York City shudders when a wave of terrorism recalls the events that started the Wars.

Full Review: Lieutenant Eve Dalls, one of the best detectives in the city, gets involved in the urgent ivestigation. As she and the entire police department race to stop the killers, more explosions destroy lives, and the mysterious terrorist group seem to be in full control, taunting the police and eliminating all clues to their identity. Helped by her vulnerable but courageous colleagues, as well as her rich and not entirely law-abiding husband Roarke, Eve's intelligence, persistance and courage are challenged by this vital case.

This book will thrill the fans of the strong female hero, as well as the intense but almost surpisingly happy relationship between Eve and her improbably capable husband. The near future is mostly gloss in this series of fast-paced, emotionally-charged but not particularly rigorous novels. While the coincidences surrounding Eve's investigation, as well as the baroque schemes of the conspirators strain the suspension of disbelief, the emotional life of Eve, Roarke, her assistant Peabody and her other friends and colleagues keep this series of mysteries entertaining.

Overall: 6; Plot: 4; Characters: 6; Style: 5.5; World-building: 5; Originality: 6;

ISBN: 0-425-17140-X Order from: Amazon.com