Dreadful, cliche ridden book

I accept that thrillers are by definition written to some sort of formula, but this book carries it to extremes - characters, plot, narrative and language, every cliche however hackneyed seems to be used. I gave up after a particularly laughable sex scene between the two main characters, which completely destroyed any credibility the book might have had claim to. I think this is only the fourth or fifth audiobook that I've not finished - out of nearly 500. It was that bad.

To make matters worse, the narrator was not very good; as the previous reviewer comments, she has a lot of difficulty with the Irish accent of one of the main characters, and generally was a tad melodramatic for my taste.

I see J D Robb has written nearly 40 books in this series, so some people must like them. Not me I'm afraid.

28 people found this helpful

The best in death book - The first is always the b

What did you like most about Naked in Death: In Death, Book 1?

Where Eve and Roarke first meet you can't beat that.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Favorite is difficult but in this one book Eve makes it she always does and with her realising that she just might be able to be part of a couple, and have some friends.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Where feeney and roarke come face to face. after Eve has took the test where she has been trying to clear him, and come to terms with being late for the little girl who did not make it.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Eve and Roarke the start of a complicated life together

Any additional comments?

The In death books would not be the same without Susan Erickson narrating. Its nice to here one voice through the series. The other characters that add later on make it as well. Some of the things Eve comes out with are really classic - my all time favorite "BITE ME"

8 people found this helpful

The start of a great series

Eve Dallas is the 'Jack Reacher' of the 21st Century, and I'm completely hooked on this series. This series is full of life, and Eve has the right kind of attitude for a 'kick-ass New York cop'.

Normally my wife is badly allergic to cliches, but for some reason the 'In Death' series carries off the occasional cliche with great aplomb and humour, and we both thoroughly enjoy the series.

7 people found this helpful

By the numbers crime fiction

What disappointed you about Naked in Death: In Death, Book 1?

First of all, I suppose if you are looking for a bit of very light beach reading and you don't mind annoyingly controlling poorly developed he-man billionaire chauvinist love interests à la Christian Grey, by all means, give this a go. Also he has a stupid name, just going to throw that out there. Roarke is not a name, Rourke is, not Roarke. Also Rourke is a surname.

In fact characterisation throughout the whole book is pretty underdeveloped and underwhelming but as I said if you are looking for a by the numbers, crime page-turner you can't go too wrong. It was far from the worst book I've ever read but it wasn't exactly surprising or particularly compelling. It shocks me that there are like another 40 books in the series!

Has Naked in Death: In Death, Book 1 put you off other books in this genre?

It wasn't the genre that was the problem, it was everything else.

What didn’t you like about Susan Ericksen’s performance?

If you are Irish and are planning to listen to this audiobook, let me tell you, the narrator's interpretation of an Irish accent is more of an assault on the ear's that Gerard Butler in P.S. I Love You and Julia Roberts in Michael Collins combined. You've been warned.

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Robb's 1995 vision of what a mid 21st century New York would be like is interesting enough and fairly understated which was refreshing although it is funny to see how dated that vision feels in the 20 years since she imagined it.

6 people found this helpful

cardboard cutout fiction

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

An naive 14 year old.

What could J. D. Robb have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Create believable characters with depth rather than shallow stereotypes.

Would you be willing to try another one of Susan Ericksen’s performances?

Possibly, maybe to check how much she contributes to this being a lifeless yawn of a book

What character would you cut from Naked in Death: In Death, Book 1?

I would cut all the characters from the book and replace them more realistic ones. No-one worth salvaging.

Any additional comments?

A truely awful book - a total cliche of a story peopled by stereotypical characters lacking depth and realism. Formulaic writing offering zero opportunity for empathy with the characters. I really did not care what happened to anyone or anything in the story.
Why did I listen to it? Well, I was busy working to begin with and then it's awfulness became mesmeric. . . . . . .I did not listen quietly and sighs and ecpletives filled the air.

6 people found this helpful

Excellent story.

Slightly let down for me by the narrator's Irish accent for Roarke - just didn't sound quite right.

5 people found this helpful

A mistake I unfortunately repeated

For some strange reason I bought books 1 to 3 on a whim and after reading the first few chapters of book 1 I bitterly regret my purchasing decision. This is dull and cliche ridden and I can almost believe it was written by a robot. Given there are something like 40 books in this series I think that might be a real possibility.

4 people found this helpful

Great first book in fab series

Have read a few of these books and find them entertaining and page turning. Doesn't matter if you read out of sequence although it was good to learn their history by reading the first book. Well written and a potential glimpse into the future !

4 people found this helpful

A Poor story

Dull story line - sassy attractive female cop falls for richest man in country who team up to solve the murder - you couldn't write it, only someone did, I wish they hadn't. The narrative is poor, the male voices are truly awful, and watch out for the Irish accent - pure comedy

3 people found this helpful

This book is so good

Would you listen to Naked in Death: In Death, Book 1 again? Why?

Yes, I feel like listening to it again right now. I miss the characters already. Eve Dallas's character is so vulnerable yet strong and Roarke is just brilliant.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favourite character is Roarke. Who wouldn't want a guy like that.

What does Susan Ericksen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

She brings the character to life. I wasn't too sure about the Irish accent at first but I got used to it and it was easy to tell the difference between the characters.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes there was a scene that I found very powerful just after Eve had to go to testing. I won't spoil it by elaborating but you could feel the mood. Also the sex scene was extremely good.

Any additional comments?

I don't know whether to re listen to this one or go straight onto the second one but I'm hooked.

2 people found this helpful