I first read this cop mystery about twenty-five years ago, and, interestingly, there were things I didn't notice at the time, but do now. Written by well-known author Nora Roberts under the pen name J.D. Robb, this book is the first in a series that currently has 63 books. It was published in 1994 and takes place in 2058.
It's amazing the things she got right and the number of things she was off about. For instance, smartphones are called links, and can have a visual screen and internet access. They still have phone booths, which disappeared from New York City, where this book takes place, around 2014. Roarke, one of the main characters, is said to be the richest man in the world, with 8 billion, 600 million. This year, Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, will soon hit the trillion mark.
We've still got a little over thirty years to get cars that fly and create an Auto Chef that instantly produces food and drink. This world is nearly smoke-free, has new and more dangerous drugs, a ban on guns, legal prostitution, and the job of homemaker is a paid one. There are satellite stations in space that are constantly developing new things in entertainment.
Lieutenant Eve Dallas, the main character and a homicide detective, is investigating the murder of a Licensed Companion who is the granddaughter of a prominent Senator who is trying to get a morals law passed. Eve is named as primary for the case, the only help she has since it’s a level five case, meaning very few people will have access to the information from the case, is Feeney, her former boss and the head of the electronics division. The LC was found spread eagle and naked shot in the forehead, chest, and into her vagina with the antique gun laying between her legs. She was a high classed LC who had been doing this awhile and had a long client list and kept diaries on them.
Roarke is close friends with the young woman’s parents, who were devastated by the loss of their daughter who they couldn’t save. They had asked Roarke to see their daughter and try to convince her to come home.
According to Dallas, this makes him a possible suspect. But when Eve meets him, she finds herself attracted to him and he to her. Meanwhile, there is a serial killer out there murdering female LCs in this warped manner and Eve needs to stop him.
I loved this book the first time I read it and it was just as good time the second time around. There’s a reason there are so many books in the series. It’s an excellent book.
Quotes
Sex doesn't have to be a power trip. It sure as hell doesn't have to be a punishment. It's supposed to be fun. And now and again, if you're lucky, it gets to be special.
J.D. Robb (Naked in Death p 219)
“Hell of a lot to spend on clothes.”
“Darling, I'm going to have to corrupt you. It's only too much if they're inferior clothes.
J. D. Robb (Naked in Death p285)
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