Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Series: In Death #60
Published by St. Martin's Press on February 4, 2025
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 400
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple





His passport read Giovanni Rossi. But decades ago, during the Urban Wars, he was part of a small, secret organization called The Twelve. Responding to an urgent summons from an old compatriot, he landed in New York and eased into the waiting car. And died within minutes…
Lieutenant Eve Dallas finds the Rossi case frustrating. She’s got an elderly victim who’d just arrived from Rome; a widow who knows nothing about why he’d left; an as-yet unidentifiable weapon; and zero results on facial recognition. But when she finds a connection to the Urban Wars of the 2020s, she thinks Summerset—fiercely loyal, if somewhat grouchy, major-domo and the man who’d rescued her husband from the Dublin streets—may know something from his stint as a medic in Europe back then.
When Summerset learns of the crime, his shock and grief are clear—because, as he eventually reveals, he himself was one of The Twelve. It’s not a part of his past he likes to revisit. But now he must—not only to assist Eve’s investigation, but because a cryptic message from the killer has boasted that others of The Twelve have also died. Summerset is one of those who remain—and the murderous mission is yet to be fully accomplished…
I love the In Death series. I am always so happy to have a new book in this series. The characters have become beloved to me, and their circle of friends with comfortable connections. The smart way the police work the cases and try to get a vision of what happened and what makes sense is always exciting. In addition to the case, I enjoy the personal growth of the characters. There’s nothing realistic about the stories but the characters’ emotions.
Bonded in Death is the 60th in the series. I have read every one. Each book is a comfort read with much loved characters. I love police procedurals and the technology which Roarke and EDD use. The characters and their progress is fun with their wide group of friends.
I was very excited for the story of the Twelve and more on Summerset’s past. It was thrilling to learn about each of his compatriots and what happened to his wife. I don’t recall very much information about the Urban Wars in the series and the knowledge added on it is limited. But we meet each of the Twelve and gain an understanding what their skills and roles were.
The murderer is quickly determined but it is a big task to prove it and collect evidence while protecting the remaining members of the Twelve. Luckily, they immediately like and trust Eve so they are convinced to provide support without running about on their own. They stay together in Roarke’s home with exceptional security and Summerset sees to their needs.
As usual Eve gathers facts and information quickly and deduces some of the culprit’s plans. Her ability to narrow down the options to capture him is an incredible talent. She is also adept at managing her team to track down information and evidence. I felt a great connection to the intellectual aspects.
On the other hand, the emotional aspects was less than usual. There seemed less time for the couple or the collection of friends. Most of the story was focused on the action of the case. The reunion of the Twelve was heartwarming but they aren’t highlighted other than as aids to the investigation.
I’ll always read these and love them. I would start at the beginning if you haven’t read them, as all the books are excellent and the personal relationships and careers develop as you progress in the series. I can’t wait for Framed in Death in September.
Rating Breakdown | |
---|---|
Plot | |
Writing | |
Characters | |
Overall: | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
- 🎧 Nemesis by Gregg Hurwitz @gregghurwitzbooks.bsky.social @ScottBrick @macmillanaudio.bsky.social @stmartinspress.bsky.social #LoveAudiobooks @GreggHurwitz@MinotaurBooks @StMartinsPress @MacmillanAudio - February 11, 2025
- Sunday Post – 9 February 2025 @caffeinatedreviewer.com @kimbacaffeinate @readingreality - February 9, 2025
- Series on Saturday: Jill Shalvis Edition @JillShalvis #SeriesOnSaturday - February 8, 2025
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
We twin posted today! Great review, Anne💜
Thank you Jonetta. This one really had a great development of Summerset.
I can’t believe there are 60 books in this series. I read a few and then never continued. Happy to see you’re still enjoying the series after such a long run!
I love them all so much.
This sounds really good! I haven’t read this series for some reason but I’ve been collecting the books and really should start soon. I love all her books under the Nora Roberts name and I really like how the series is still going strong.
I love this series so much. When I started reading there were probably already 30-40 books and I mowed through them getting them at the library. Every book is a gift and I love the characters.
One of my stepmom’s favorites! Even though she always says J B Robb, lol
They are such great characters. A police case with real tech talent, a couple learning how to make love and marriage work. I love them.
Wow, sixty! And, you’ve read them all. I’m only on number 12, but I plan to keep going at some point. Great series!
I love them. The police case, the development of the main couple but also their found family around them.
Dang 60? I feel like would I never catch up BUT the series sounds really good.
It’s excellent and they are so easy to read and love.
This one is on my list. I still have to read the one before this book.