TEST
This was a relief. After the dark intensity of the last book, the opening chapters of this book read almost like a cozy mystery set in the future. In addition to its lighter tone, all of the characters I’ve come to know and love – mostly MIA in the last book – are back. I enjoyed this one a great deal.
It’s been said before but bears repeating: If you haven’t read the series do not start here. In addition to missing all of the character development that has occurred over the series, this caries forward numerous threads from previous books.
Nadine Furst’s hit book about the Icove Murders (Origin in Death) is being turned into a movie featuring all of the key people in Eve’s life. Eve is less than thrilled to have to put in an appearance on the movie set while Peabody is almost giddy.
Eve is rather unsettled when she meets the actress playing her; she’s at times a bit too close for comfort. Peabody’s excitement is dampened somewhat when she meets the rude, arrogant actress (or Fake Peabody as the real Peabody and Eve call her) who is playing her. Fake Peabody suggests that the real Peabody needs to take an assertiveness class unless she always wants to be an underling. Fake Peabody has also tried to change the script to get more of a starring role.
Although they’re called away from the set to work on a murder, Eve is soon back with the movie crew. She and Roarke, as well as most of their friends, attend a special showing of outtakes at the director’s home. The party atmosphere soon changes when Fake Peabody is murdered. With a whole party-full of people who despised the dead actress, Eve isn’t at a loss for suspects.
I’m normally not a fan of romances featuring Hollywood types, but the actors are presented as real people with flaws and foibles. And let’s be honest, in this world, Roarke – and now Eve by extension – is far glitzier than any of the Hollywood types.
This book brought a return to many of the things I enjoy about the series. There’s humor interspersed with the seriousness of the investigation. I enjoyed watching Eve and Peabody interact as they work together to solve this case.
There are a number of minor adjustments and changes in long-standing relationships. Eve and Roarke are treating each other with care after the horrors they went through in Dallas in the previous book. The events surrounding the death of Fake Peabody cause Peabody and Ian to examine their relationship. And Eve and Peabody look at their relationship a bit too, in the midst of the open hostility Fake Peabody had for movie Eve.
I had a few minor problems. At times Eve and Peabody’s extensive use of acronyms pulled me out of the story and left me scratching my head. Once the full extent of the murderer’s past was laid out, I found it a bit odd that the killer hadn’t previously been a suspect.
Despite these minor problems, I really liked the book. It was a pleasure to visit again with all of Eve’s friends and colleagues. After the intensity of the last entry in the series, this one was a delight.
Grade: B+
Book Type: Futuristic Romance
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 20/02/12
Publication Date: 2012/02
My first memory is sitting with my mother on a blanket in our backyard surrounded by books and she is reading one of them to me. My love of reading was encouraged by my parents and it continues to today. I’ve gone through a lot of different genres over the years, but I currently primarily read mysteries (historical mysteries are my favorites) and romances (focusing on contemporaries, categories, and steampunk). When I’m not reading or working, I love to travel, knit, and work on various community projects.
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.