Review: Possession in Death

Possession in Death
The Other Side anthology
J. D. Robb
In Death/Book 39
Jove/November 2010

Very Brief Blurb ~

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has always sought justice for the dead, but now a victim will seek her own vengeance - through Eve.

The last In Death Challenge review of 2010. Thanks to Christine for hosting! It's fun to read other readers reviews and their takes on Eve, Roarke, Peabody and the gang. I'm caught up on the series but I do like going back and doing some re-reading, getting a different perspective of some of my favorite cases. I think this is a great way for readers new to the series to get that boost to start. Since it is a long series it can be overwhelming to contemplate starting but having others join it can be just the motivation to start.

The woo-woo is loose in this In Death installment and it's heading straight for Eve. Being part of an anthology, this was a quick read, coming just under 80 pages. Possession picks up right after Indulgence in Death with Eve closing that case and heading to the BBQ that she and Roarke are hosting. Can I just say, Nadine is right when she said how Eve and Roarke's parties are interesting because of the eclectic group of people they know? Well, I guess I can because I did. :) Initially the gathering was to help Morris who is slowly recovering from the death of his lover (Promises In Death). But I think it also helped Eve set aside her difficulty dealing with the cruel waste of life caused by her latest case.

Eve catches her next case literally when it happens. Or at least she thinks she does. Then things take an odd turn and Eve begins experiencing some very woo-woo-ish happenings that she can't explain using her cop logic. I liked that Eve, "I think magic is bullshit" was willing to believe in the possibility. That doesn't mean she sets aside her cop instincts, she merely becomes a bit more flexible. Which was nice since it's usually Peabody who has the open mind and has to nudge, shove, push, Dallas in that direction.

The mystery surrounding the victim's death flows swiftly in this fasted paced story. Eve does have a unique advantage in this case which helps bring the criminal to justice. Roarke is involved once again as civilian consultant. And the rest of the gang are all present and accounted for but it's Eve that takes the spotlight this time around.

Possession in Death was a quick read but can easily be skipped without losing out on any character or plot development in the overall series.

Rating: B