Crime

Thankless in Death
4.5 Stars

Jerry Reinhold is a ne'er-fo-well who blames all of his misfortunes on the people who have wronged him throughout his lifetime - his parents, his teachers, his friends and every woman who ever rejected him. Suddenly Jerry decides to avenge himself on these 'enemies' in the most brutal of ways - torture and murder. Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her team must stop his rampage before he claims more victims.

This is one of the more violent books in the series, so readers who prefer their mysteries with fewer gory descriptions might want to keep that in mind.

There is no mystery in this installment per se, rather readers accompany Eve and Peabody as they track a truly malicious sociopath via the carnage that he leaves behind. It is one of the most gripping books so far and kudos to Robb for successfully balancing the horrific acts of a killer with the love, loyalty, respect, and even humor, of Eve and Roarke's growing collection of friends and family.

In sum, another excellent addition to the series. ( )

This one was good. The killer was just so cruel and violent and disturbing. He was doing way too much. A lot of good moments for Eve and Roarke. It's Thanksgiving and this one was all about family. I enjoyed seeing a slightly nicer and more emotional Eve. ( )

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. ( )

Dear JD Robb,

Thank you for changing it up a little! I was starting to get frustrated with this series but the past two books have renewed my faith in your abilities to tell me a good story. I especially liked that in this one, we know who the killer is from the begin and we get to see his mind unravel. We also get a killer captured without the usual Eve/Roarke getting hurt dynamic. And we get Eve having all the feels. Plus anytime Roarke's family shows up, it's fun. I really enjoyed this one and hope you keep up the momentum! ( )