Review: New York to Dallas by J. D. Robb

New York to Dallas
Author: J. D. Robb
Publication: Putnam Adult (September 13, 2011)


Description: The new novel from the #1 New York Times-bestselling author, which takes readers deeper into the mind of Eve Dallas than ever before.


The number-one New York Times-bestselling author J. D. Robb presents an intense and terrifying new case for New York homicide cop Eve Dallas, one that will take her all the way to the city that gave her her name-and plunge her into the nightmares of her childhood.

When a monster named Isaac McQueen-taken down by Eve back in her uniform days-escapes from Rikers, he has two things in mind. One is to pick up where he left off, abducting young victims and leaving them scarred in both mind and body. The other is to get revenge on the woman who stopped him all those years ago.



My Thoughts: What a powerful book! I have always enjoyed this series because I love the characters. Eve is so damaged but so strong. Roarke is a romatic hero to die for. I love the touches of humor and humanity. I smile every time Eve sees Trina and is afraid that she is going to inflict some sort of beauty treatment on her. But this episode ramps up the intensity a lot. 


A violent pedophile that Eve puts away almost as her first case has escaped from prison and is determined to continue his criminal ways. And punishing Eve for catching him is very high on his to-do list. Everything about Isaac McQueen reminds her of the horror that she lived when she was a small child. She sees herself in all his victims. Now McQueen has gone to Dallas and kidnapped the last victim of his previous spree. Eve has to go to try to catch him and cage him for good. 


She and Roarke travel there with Eve very off balance. She has no good memories of Dallas. After all, that is where she ended up as an eight-year-old bleeding, battered, and with a broken arm after she managed to kill her father. She is also off-balance because she doesn't have her team with her. Her friends are all working the case from the New York end. Luckily, the Dallas Police Department is both smart and competent. In fact, the twin sister of the woman McQueen kidnapped and who was also one of his victims is on the force. 


Besides trying to find McQueen, Eve makes another startling discovery that brings back her childhood. The story is filled with traumatic events. But it is also filled with the love and support that exist in her relationship with Roarke. Their love is tested but holds up remarkably well.


This was an excellent, emotional episode in a wonderful series. If you are reading the series, you don't want to miss this one. If you haven't started the series yet, why not? It has mystery, romance, and humor in a futuristic New York.


Favorite Quote:

"You're being honored by this department and this city for having the integrity, the courage, and the skill to take out a blight on this department and this city. Dirty, murdering, greedy, treacherous cops are sitting in cages right now because you had the integrity, courage, and skill. I don't care if they do this damn thing in Grand Central, you will get on your feet. You will not puke, pass out, cry like a baby, or squeal like a girl. That's a goddamn order."

"I had more of a 'Relax, Peabody, this is a proud moment' sort of speech in mind," McNab murmured to Roarke.

Roarke shook his head, grinned. "Did you now? You've a bit to learn yet, haven't you?

And I had to include this one too. Oh, to be loved like that!

"Eve." He waited a beat. "I once stood in a field in Ireland, alone, a little lost, and wishing for you more than I wished for my next breath. And you came, though I never asked you, you came because you knew I needed you. We don't always do what's right, what's good. Not even for each other. But when it counts, down to the core of it, I believe we do exactly that. What's right and good for each other."

"There's no rule to that, Eve, It's just love."

Just love, she thought when he stepped out. She may have been going into her own personal hell to face a killer, but right at that moment she considered herself the luckiest woman in the world.

I bought this one for my keeper shelf. You can get your copy here.