Strangers In Death by J.D.Robb

They don't like her. What they liked, with the exception of Leopold who liked nothing about her, ever, was filtered through Anders. Tommy. With him not there as filter, the smudges are coming through. She doesn't care about being liked. Or cares only because being liked is a stepping-stone to being admired. Being admired, now that's important, and it's a stepping-stone to being influential. ~ Strangers in Death, page 175 ~

It doesn't surprise Lieutenant Eve Dallas that Thomas Anders' scandalous death is a source of titillation and speculation for the public ~ and humiliation for his family. While everyone else in the city is talking about it, those close to Anders aren't so anxious to do so. Fortunately, because Dallas' billionaire husband, Roarke, happens to own the prime real estate where Anders' sporting-goods firm was headquartered, she has some help with access. Before long, she's knocking on doors ~ or barging through them ~ to look for answers she needs.

I love this series. I've loved it since the very first book, Naked in Death, and it's still going strong 28 books later. Picking up and reading a book in the "In Death" series feels like meeting up with old friends. Eve, Roarke, Peabody, McNab, Feeney, Summerset, Mavis, et al. have become some of my favorite characters and I love spending time with the gang. Every book is always a new adventure and though I'm never quite sure where we're headed it'll be fun getting there. Eve's biting, sarcastic, no holds barred attitude along with her conviction of "standing for the dead" drives this series. She kicks ass and asks questions later. Several main characters make appearances repeatedly throughout this series and it's been interesting to watch these relationships develop. For Lt. Dallas this is her strongest story line in terms of trusting herself with those relationships. She's finally coming to terms with her feelings of letting others into her life. Don't get me wrong she's not going soft. There will always be the gritty cop we've come to love. Those who believe they can murder and get away it had better watch their backs.

The writing style of these story lines is harsher (language) than a typical Nora Roberts book but appropriate. Also, I find the writing witter and interaction between the characters more playful. There are times when Eve drops her cop face and just lets loose. This series is just plain fun. And trying to imagine who'd play Roarke if there is ever a movie isn't a bad way to daydream.