Rating: 
Summary: Author seems to be getting better with each new Eve Dallas!
Review: If our count is correct, this is the 16th Homicide Lt. Eve Dallas murder mystery by the prolific Nora Roberts writing as J.D. Robb. While it sticks pretty close to the form of the other entries in the series -- including the futuristic setting in the year 2059; fellow cop associates Peabody, McNab, Feeney, Trueheart; and husband and billionaire Roarke -- the writing just seems to be reaching new levels, if our reader reaction (and a few tears along the way) is any indication. In addition to the serial killer Eve is hot to track down, in a side story, Roarke learns the true identity and story behind his real mother back in Ireland and the horrible fate she met at a young age. The scenes in which he re-visited Eire were moving and poignant, creating a welcome contrast to the young people being offed in Gotham City by apparently a photographer (i.e., "imager", maybe already a better title!?") who, while not brutal, is probably mad.No need to reveal more of the fine story -- the plot is entertaining til the end even though we have the insider's view and knowledge as we admire Eve's steady but slick dissection of clues. That we can conjure up some of the same sympathy Eve does toward the killer once he's caught says something about both our leading lady and the human condition. As usual, Robb's stories are satisfying, but we feel the writing skills gain more edge and emotion as we proceed. Not bad for some 16 books into a series, many others of which have long since gone stale. We were lucky to unearth a hardback copy of "Portrait" and hope that the future novels in the set will follow suit -- enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: Eve Dallas fans will enjoy this book
Review: If you're a fan of the Eve Dallas series, you'll really enjoy this book. If you haven't kept up with the series, however, you will probably notice gaps in the story. The murder mystery was fascinating as always. And a surprise from Roarke's past and the path he took because of it were both interesting and moving. Very well written.
Rating:
Summary: Super fast fun.
Review: New York in the year 2059 has its fair share of creative killers. The latest deviant that homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas must chase down appears to be getting more out of his work than the thrill of the kill or perverse sexual satisfaction. What is it that is making him pose the bodies post mortem for stylish, almost beautiful portrait shots? Eve can see that her quarry is meticulous, careful and quite the sociopath. What is driving his need to record his taking of a life?
On the home front Eve faces another challenge in that final frontier of personal, unknown territories - her marriage. Never on firm ground in her only adult relationship to date (and this, is also questionable) Eve is flummoxed when her normally affectionate and sexually charged husband is blowing her off without reason, doing his own thing and not including her in his life. Roarke has found out that his mother did not, in fact, dump him when he was a very young child. The harridan that was there for the early years was not, in fact, his mother at all.
Performing up to expectation, author Nora Roberts a.k.a. J.D. Robb delivers a screechingly fast read starring her two dynamos of the future, the super snarly Eve and the ravishing Roarke. Not at all shabby at populating her novels with an array of eccentric, interesting characters, Robb particularly excels in this department with "Portrait in Death", the 16th entry in her bestselling "in Death" series. A little realism finally creeps in, and it's a timely inclusion. Roarke is not perfect all the time and even super cop Eve can have insecurities out of the workplace. The hunt is well depicted and leaves the reader satisfied on all counts. Yes, you get your love scenes as always. If you're not already on the "in Death" wagon, "Portrait in Death" is an excellent example of just how much fun you are missing out on.
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