Saturday, October 5, 2013

Book Review: Thankless in Death by J. D. Robb

Thankless in Death
Author: J. D. Robb
Publication: Putnam Adult (September 17, 2013)

Description: In the latest suspense thriller in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, the year 2060 is drawing to a close in New York City and loved ones are coming together for Thanksgiving. But sometimes the deepest hatreds seethe within the closest relationships, and blood flows faster than water…

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has plenty to be grateful for this season. Hosting Roarke’s big Irish family for the holiday may be challenging, but it’s a joyful improvement on her own dark childhood.

Other couples aren't as lucky as Eve and Roarke. The Reinholds, for example, are lying in their home stabbed and bludgeoned almost beyond recognition. Those who knew them are stunned—and heartbroken by the evidence that they were murdered by their own son. Twenty-six-year-old Jerry hadn't made a great impression on the bosses who fired him or the girlfriend who dumped him—but they didn't think he was capable of this.

Turns out Jerry is not only capable of brutality but taking a liking to it. With the money he’s stolen from his parents and a long list of grievances, he intends to finally make his mark on the world. Eve and her team already know the who, how, and why of this murder. What they need to pinpoint is where Jerry’s going to strike next.


My Thoughts: This episode isn't a "who dunnit" because we know who the criminal is. Eve and the rest of the police know too. However, knowing who doesn't help if they can't find him or can't figure out who the killer will target next. 

What makes this episode creepy is that we spend time in the mind of the killer who who is so self-centered that he knows that nothing is ever his fault and that nothing he could do is ever wrong. Jerald Reinhold is the spoiled only child of loving parents. He can't hold a job because every job is beneath him and every boss has it in for him. He thinks nothing of stealing from his parents or freeloading on them. His girlfriend kicked him out when he didn't pay his share of the rent, stole from her and then hit her. Now his parents are getting ready to show some tough love and kick him out if he doesn't show an effort to get and keep a job. When his mother "nags" him, he picks up the knife she is using to make him a sandwich and stabs her more than 50 times. He decides that he really likes killing and lies in wait for his father. After killing him, he steals everything he thinks is valuable and decides it is time to even the score with all those who have done him wrong. 

This story takes place just before Thanksgiving. Eve also has to deal with the fact that many of Roarke's Irish relatives are coming to stay over Thanksgiving. Eve likes them all but is still uncomfortable with them all being there. She is also afraid that her job will get in the way of her doing as much with the family as she should which will let Roarke down. In addition, many of Eve and Roarke's other friends are scheduled to attend the Thanksgiving festivities.

To add even more pressure, Eve is to be given the Medal of Honor for solving some very spectacular cases. Roarke is to be given the Medal of Honor - Civilian too. Eve is not a fan of publicity. She doesn't do the job for the glory and hates that the ceremony will keep her from looking for this latest murderer. Then her boss offers her a promotion to Captain. Once, Eve would have jumped at it. Marrying Roarke of the questionable past slowed down her path to advancement because of politics. Choosing to marry Roarke was right for her. She doesn't hesitate very long before turning down the promotion. She knows that her strength is as an investigator. She doesn't want to become an administrator. At first, Roarke is surprised that she turned down the promotion but quickly understands Eve's reasoning. 

I love this series. I eagerly anticipate each new episode because I really like all the recurring characters. I think Eve and Roarke have a great relationship. I also like catching up on the lives of many of the secondary characters too. In this one, few secondary characters beyond Peabody had more than walk-on parts. 

Favorite Quote:
She couldn't stop their grief, and knew she couldn't take it on.

What she could do, would do, was pursue and catch the man who'd taken their daughter and forever changed their lives.
I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

1 comment:

I love getting comments. Let me know what you think.

This blog is now officially declared an Award Free zone! I do appreciate your kindness in thinking of me and I am humbled by your generosity.

Your comments are award enough for me. Comment away!