This was my first J. D. Robb book. I know, it hardly seems that I could have actively read books in the Noughties and totally missed Ms Robb's offerings-- but I did. (I also admit I have managed to avoid reading any books by her alter ego, Nora Roberts.) But still I like sf and I like police procedurals so I gave this one a try when I found it in a thrift shop.
The book starts with a pretty horrific event, a home invasion and the slaughter of a family. The only person who escapes is the young daughter who had woke up and gone to the kitchen for a snack-- an "orange fizzy" whatever that is. She witnesses the murder of their housekeeper, calls for the police then goes up to her parents' bedroom to hide and wait for the cops.
Given the horrific events and the description of the scene found by the police, this book seems remarkably detached. I don't mind Dallas' professional detachment. It's impossible to deal with the messy bits without professional detachment, it's just that bad things happen and there is no real menace. More time is spent on Dallas' past as an abused child, than the killers.
The book is undemanding, goes down smooth, and Probably pleases her fans. Had I paid full price for it though, I would be feeling a little cheated at this point.
As a side note I was kind of struck by the possibility of product placement since there was a scene involving the search for a Pepsi. Also, the orange fizzy thing was odd because I grew up in the age of Fizzies-- tablets with fruit flavoring that fizzed when dropped in water. Apparently after a long absence, they are back again.
Get more detail about Survivor in Death (In Death #20).
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