Author: J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts)

Title: Indulgence in Death

Publisher: Putnam

J.D. Robb's romance-mystery "In Death" series provides readers a picture of what police work might look like in 50 years. People set their cars to auto-pilot to their next destination which cuts down on DUI's and the need for traffic cops. Most meals consist of vegetable products and are prepared by machines called "Auto Chefs" (which really should be a crime). Communication "Links" have replaced cell phones and leave data tracks that can help provide the authorities with clues to their owner's whereabouts and illegal behaviors. Security, especially after the urban war that preceded this era, has become such a priority that the NYPD has changed their name to the New York Police and Security Department (NYPSD).

It is in this setting that Lt. Eve Dallas battles the bad guys like a galactic cowboy. Her name comes from the city she was found wandering in as an eight-year-old child without any memories. Her passion for justice exists because she gained some of those memories back. Her lifestyle as a cop is one of the ways she protects herself from those who have hurt her and is a means to control much of her life. The chink in her armor is that she has a deep need of trusting relationships and not many people have proven themselves to be safe. One person she has opened her life to is her husband Roarke. Even though he was a suspect in the first book of the series, Naked In Death, the two of them are drawn together, fall deeply in love, and have become each other's confidant and protector.

In Indulgence In Death, the 32^nd book in the series, more of Roarke's background is exposed when he and Eve travel to Ireland to vacation with his long, lost family. He grew up a poor orphan on the streets of Dublin but has now become one of the richest, most powerful men in the world. Though his finances are an added benefit in her crime fighting ways, Eve isn't drawn to Roarke's money, which is one of the reasons he, in turn, trusts her.

This story really kicks off when the two return to New York City from their vacation to a rash of senseless murders. Service providing professionals (chauffeurs, cooks, and high class hookers) are being killed in public places, with antique weapons, all of whom have no apparent enemies. Eve is given the job of trying to link the murders together, anticipate who the next victim could be, and flush out the killer(s).

Robb (a pseudonym of author Nora Roberts) has developed interesting characters, tight dialog, and entertaining story lines aided with the futuristic setting. Those readers who enjoy romance novels will get swept up in the chemistry that envelopes Eve and Roarke (there are some sultry bed scenes with this married couple). Those readers who revel in mysteries will be fond of this fast paced "who done it?" and will be glad when they are finished with this climatic confrontation that there are more Eve Dallas books available. Go ahead—indulge yourself!

**This Review First Published Nov. 12, 2010