Review of VISIONS IN DEATH by J. D. Robb (see her website)

G. P. Putnam's Sons, August 2004

A killer has struck New York. His violence and rape are escalating as he stalks women, murders them, and removes their eyes before posing them in some ritual pose. Futuristic cop Lieutenant Eve Dallas, along with her partner Detective Peabody, are assigned the case. But even futuristic science can do little to cope with a man who leaves nothing of himself behind, covers his face with dark glasses and sealant, and is so brutally strong that his victims have no chance against him.

When a psychic contacts Eve and claims that she has had visions of the murders, Eve is initially reluctant. Sure there are registered sensitives, but there are also people who just want to be at the center of attention. Still, the psychic's visions check out--and her early warning allows Eve to be first on the scene in the killer's latest murder. Because the murders are escalating. Between the psychic and Eve's own detective work, the noose gradually tightens around the killer--but Eve's threats make him anxious to act first, to strike against Eve and her team. Finding the killer isn't enough--Eve needs to stay alive through the process.

Author J. D. Robb (see more BooksForABuck.com reviews by Robb) (Robb is a pseudonym for best-selling Romance author Nora Roberts) integrates Eve's own abusive past into the story, increasing the reader connection to the events. By putting Even and Peabody in danger, Robb further increases the reader stakes in the outcome of the adventure. Eve's perfect boyfriend Roarke plays a supportive but not overwhelming role, allowing the focus to remain on Eve, her issues, and her detective skills.

VISIONS IN DEATH is a compelling combination of adventure, futuristic police work, and emotion--with just a hint of romance. Although the futuristic aspects are a bit lightweight for hardcore SF fans, the combination, together with Robb's strong writing, makes for a highly enjoyable read.

Four Stars

Reviewed 9/25/04

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