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

Payback in Death
Author: J. D. Robb
Series: Eve Dallas/In Death (Book 57)
Publication: St. Martin's Press (September 5, 2023)

Description: A retired colleague's suspicious death puts Lt. Eve Dallas on the case in Payback in Death, the electrifying new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author J.D. Robb.

Lt. Eve Dallas is just home from a long overdue vacation when she responds to a call of an unattended death. The victim is Martin Greenleaf, retired Internal Affairs Captain. At first glance, the scene appears to be suicide, but the closer Eve examines the body, the more suspicious she becomes.

An unlocked open window, a loving wife and family, a too-perfect suicide note—Eve's gut says it's a homicide. After all, Greenleaf put a lot of dirty cops away during his forty-seven years in Internal Affairs. It could very well be payback—and she will not rest until the case is closed.

My Thoughts: Eve is just back from a well-earned vacation and not even scheduled to go back on duty until morning when she receives a dispatch directing her to an unattended death. She arrives to finds Lieutenant Donald Webster, who has requested her, and the body of retired Internal Affairs Captain Martin Greenleaf. Greenleaf's death appears to be a suicide at first glance. But on a second glance, it seems obvious to Eve that the scene was a setup, and the death was murder. 

She didn't like Greenleaf but now he is hers and those who murdered him will be found. The main problem is that he put away a lot of dirty cops during his many, many years in internal affairs which leaves a massive pool of suspects for Eve and her team to sort through. 

I liked this story very much. Eve's relationship with her colleagues is always great to see. I also love her relationship with Roarke. This story occurs just after their third wedding anniversary which was why they were on vacation to Italy and to Ireland to see his family. 

It is also great to see how Eve is still pushing Peabody to be a better cop by having her take the lead on interviews and interrogations. We even get a chance to catch up with Mavis and family as Eve and Roarke visit the house they are renovating with Peabody and McNab. 

This was an enjoyable police procedural since we see how the police investigate and clear suspects or dig really deep to find out who committed the crime. 

Favorite Quote:

He thought of Elizabeth Greenleaf, facing the first day of her life without the love of it. And slipped his hand in his pocket, rubbed the gray button he kept there as he watched the love of his leave. 

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.