I would have expected that J.D. Robb’s Encore in Death, a police procedural set in the world of Broadway and Hollywood, would have been one of my favorites in the series. But, it wasn’t quite up to the tension of Desperation in Death, the previous book in the series. Oh, it was good. Robb never disappoints. There just wasn’t quite as much at stake in this police procedural.
Eliza Lane and Brant Fitzhugh seem to have it all. They’re still in love after ten years of marriage. They’re celebrating their success and their love with a party. Brant’s about to leave for six months in New Zealand, shooting and starring in his new production. Eliza’s returning to Broadway where she’ll take on the starring role, the mother, in the revival of Upstage. Twenty-five years earlier, she debuted and won a Tony Award in that same show when she stepped in after the overdose death of Leah Rose, the young woman who was supposed to play the part.
Eliza and Brant invited a couple hundred friends, celebrities and media to enjoy their success. And, as Eliza started singing at the piano, Brant saluted her with a champagne cocktail, took a sip, and dropped dead. Now, it’s up to Lieutenant Eve Dallas to find the killer. It seems that everyone loved Brant. Eliza has a little harder side to her, and that cocktail was made for her. Who was the intended target of that cyanide cocktail, Brant Fitzhugh or Eliza Lane? As much as Dallas hates the spotlight, the Fitzhugh murder investigation is more than a one-day story.
Encore in Death is a solid police procedural. Robb doesn’t disappoint with a surprise, but not surprising, villain of the piece. And, fans who read for Roarke and Eve will be satisfied. What is the greatest surprise though, is that Summerset, the butler, has my favorite line in the entire book. “Art without heart is hollow.” Eve might not appreciate him, but he’s so much better than she gives him credit for. I enjoy the glimpses of Summerset, and the glimpses of home, where it “smelled like peace”.
J.D. Robb’s website is https://jdrobb.com/
Encore in Death by J.D. Robb. St. Martin’s Press. 2023. ISBN 9781250284082 (hardcover), 384p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley to review for a journal.
Jackie has read them all from the beginning (some more than once) and is looking forward to this one too.
Jeff, I know Kaye Barley liked this one better than the last. It was just the reverse for me. I’ll be curious to see what Jackie says.
I’m one book behind on this series. I have Desperation in Death, but haven’t read it yet. Guess I need to get busy. You’ve tweaked my interest wondering if I will be happier with that one or with this one….hmmm…
Perfect! I love it that I tweaked your interest, Kay. I can see why Kaye Barley wasn’t fond of the last one, though. Just a matter of preference.
Like you say, Lesa, simply a matter of personal preference. I will never not read, or not finish reading a J.D. Robb novel.
My favorite Eve and Roarke novels are the ones that have the whole gang involved. I love how Eve has evolved from a solitary soul to someone who now has a group of deeply devoted friends whose loyalty to Eve is reciprocated.
And i think she has come to appreciate Sommerset since learning about the past he shares with Roarke. Their snipes at one another now are, I think, just for show, and they both know it. There have been a few incidents in recent books where she has actually expressed concern for his safety.
Those books have evolved so much, Kaye!
You’re right about her relationship with Sommerset. I think I saw it most in the last two novels. He’s revealed just a little more. I think he’s part of home, and smelling of peace.
Jackie said she agreed with every word you said.
Thanks, Jeff!