I acknowledge that I am likely the last person on this planet to have started the In Death series by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) but now that I have started, I cannot stop. I have been listening to them on audio and I think that is one of the things I have liked the most about the books. Susan Eriksen is simply fantastic. I would love to be able to find another series like it but it doesn’t have to be on audio. So I will tell you what I love and maybe you can help me with some suggestions on similar series?
Eve and Roarke- Ok, yes this one is obvious. I love their relationship. It is real. They fight, they argue, they pick at the each other even knowing they are picking at the one they love the most. They understand each other. Roarke can see when Eve has worn herself down on a case and he knows just when to step in and make her take a break. He loves to buy her things and I love her reaction when he gives them to her. They are solid even when the very dark pasts that both of them carry steps into the here and now.
The secondary characters- Peabody, Mcnab, Feeny, Dr. Mira, Commander Whitney, Mavis, Leonardo, Nadine, Summerset, Trina, Crank, Jamie, Trueheart, Charles, Baxter, Dr. Dimatto, Webster….see how I could go on and on? All of these are recurring characters that seem to play a part in each book. It is masterful that Robb works so many people into the story and does it so seamlessly. Each of them has had their own little story also. I would love to have another continuous series like this one that also features all of the secondary characters. While they might be secondary they are pivotal to each and every story.
The plots- Robb has to do some seriously plotting for each book. I am on book 18 right now and I have yet to see read a murder that was even similar to the one I read last time. 18 books and no overlap? Better yet, the series is at 33 books…will there still be no overlap. I know there are a lot of crimes out there but man that is creativity at its finest. The story is also set in 2058 and forward. The imagination Robb has used to create a world we have yet to experience is pretty cool. I don’t think we will be quite close to her vision in 2058 but it would be nice! The technology part would be great!
Roarke- I mentioned Eve and Roarke as a couple but Roarke deserves his own section. He is simply fabulous. I want to read about someone else as perfect as he is. And that is all I have on Roarke.
So based upon what I listed above are there any similar series that you have read? I would love to give them a try! Please help me if you can!
Fill in the blank: If you like J.D. Robb’s In Death series, then you should read ___________.
And after 18 books, I will leave you with my favorite quote:
For once, he slept first. She lay in the dark, listening to him breathe, stealing a little of his warmth as her own body cooled. Since he was asleep, she stroked his hair.
“I love you,” she murmured. “I love you so much, I’m stupid about it.”
With a sigh, she settled down, closed her eyes, and willed her mind to empty.
Beside her, Roarke smiled into the dark.
He never slept first.
About Jen
I agree Jen! I would love to find another series like this and with such and incredible narrator on audio! Karen Erickson is what brings life to this series! I have always listened to audio for the In Death series. Erickson’s Roarke voice alone is *melt in your pants swoon worthy* with the Irish accent! Looking forward to seeing suggestions from people for this post! And that quote is epic Roarke!
I think that quote is like book 8 or something early and it is still the best!
I read the third book because I couldn’t get my hands on the audio fast enough and it just wasn’t the same. Since then I have only listened to them.
Oh really? That’s funny. You actually prefer the audio over the print book. I have to admit though, the audio books are really good. I love the narrator.
Even when I was reading it I was ‘hearing’ their voices talk in my head. And it is never good to hear voices.
It’s not? o_0
That’s why they say anyway.
But really, who are ‘they’?
I read the second book instead of listening, too. I was impatient to see what would happen next. It made me realize that I enjoy this series a lot more in audio. I think this is the first time that has been the case for me.
Make that the second-last person on the planet.
I’ve been curious about the idea of a sci-fi tinged series of mystery thrillers, but haven’t taken the plunge. Got a favourite to recommend, or do you need to read them in order?
I would say read in order. The mystery can be stand alone however the development of characters and relationships is not.
I haven’t read this series yet. I hear so many good things about them, but I am not a huge mystery fan. Romance yes, but not mystery. Are they like Agatha Christie books?
I am all about romance and thinking it was only mystery was what kept me away from the series for so long. I would not compare them to AC. Eve and Roarke are a wonderful, fascinating couple and there is very much romance (and hot stuff) in each book. I was totally hooked after reading only the first book, Naked in Death.
I am also one of the last beings on Earth to read this series and I only read the first book a few months ago and really enjoed it. I’ll be continuing with the series. The upside is I won’t have to worry about running out of books to read in this series – there’s so many!
The “In Death” series is great! I’ve never listened to the audio – sounds like I need to try that – but have loved everyone I’ve read (I’m up to #25 I think). It’s a hard act to follow. But, Richard Castle’s Nikki Heat series (Heat Wave, Dead Heat, and Heat Rises) comes close. Yes, THAT Castle. I have no clue who really writes these, but they do have much the same flavor as Robb’s books.
Thanks! I will have to look those up. I have never heard of them.
Just so you get the reference – these are tie-ins to the ABC TV show Castle. The main character is an author, and these are the books he supposedly wrote. You don’t need to have seen the show to enjoy the books – it’s just an interesting bit of business.
Oh thanks for the recs!!
I haven’t started them yet either but they are on my TBR list.
I’m listening to the audiobooks right now actually. I dont know any other books that can really live up to these ones. Like you said, they are always fresh. I don’t know of another series who have such endearing characters and such great plots. Only Robb can do it.
You forgot Galahad Eve’s cat. I have been reading the series for years, I stay up to date with it and always get the new release as soon as I can. I have yet to find another series or couple that can compete with Eve and Roarke.
Ah, Galahad!! How could I forget him? He is always there!
I’ve read them, listened to them and still never get tired if them.
I love this series, and have read them all, and re-read most of them (reviews are on my blog). No matter what I am reading, when the new book arrives home, everything else drops out of my hands, the Robb book comes first. I personally hate audiobooks, so never tried that, but I love the print books.
I can add my recommendation to yours. And no, never found a series that could be compared to this one.
I’ve not found a series to compare to Robb’s In Death series – I just love it. Thanks for the info on Richard Castle’s series.
Me neither. Seems like we all agree
but I sure wish there was another series out there for when I’m in withdrawals …
It needs to be a series with an established couple, strong mysteries and very strong supporting characters. Oh and the hero must be a sex god and the heroine must be strong, stubborn and totally lovable.
Yeah – I don’t think there is another one out there
I’ve been disappointed a couple of times when the cover blurb said something like “if you like Eve Dallas, wait until you meet …” These other characters were sort of like Eve, but the books did not have all the elements that make the “In Death” series a hit.
I think it will be hard to find another series that has all of the strong elements that is found in Robb’s book. Especially the continuing romance of Eve and Roarke. Roarke’s character is not diminished and kept in the backround, but is actively involved in what Eve does.
What I like also is the evolving dynamics of Eve and Roarke and also her friends. When the series began Eve was pretty much alone except for her best friend and mentor and the reader sees how much her life has expanded to include others.
I’m still wondering who the candy thief is! That always gets me laughing. I thought maybe it was Roarke keeping his skills fresh, but now I’m not too sure.