Framed in Death

In Death #61

By J. D. Robb

A WELL-CRAFTED AND INVENTIVE STORY

   ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY

Early one morning, Lt Eve Dallas is called to the front doorsteps of the owners of an art gallery.  There, Eve is horrified by the murder scene on display.  A woman has been costumed and painstakingly arranged to duplicate the model in the famous portrait "Girl with a Pearl Earring," painted by Johannes Vermeer in 1665. The unfortunate victim is a licensed companion. Evidence is collected and the family is notified. Eve and her team work tirelessly throughout the day, following every lead they can find.

But the next morning, another large and famous portrait is staged and left in front of an art gallery.  This time, the oil portrait is Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough, painted in 1770.  This victim is also a licensed companion.  They now know they only have less than 24 hours before the narcissistic killer will strike again. Can they find the murderer before an victim is found?

REVIEW

Framed in Death is an intriguing murder mystery set in 2061.  Even with the advances in forensics, flying cars, and communication devices, it still takes time to solve the crimes, and there is always paperwork to be done.

The writing was well-crafted, and the story is inventive and suspenseful.  The star of this thriller is the experienced and delightful homicide detective Eve Dallas.  Eve is married to the handsome and charming Irish billionaire  Roarke. Eve’s partner is the energetic and loyal Sergeant Delia Peabody.  The writing evokes the anxiety felt by the homicide team and the bumpy pace of the investigation.

The author effectively captures the reader's attention from the outset. And doesn’t let go until the last page is turned. Readers will appreciate the race to find the killer, great dialogue, and interesting characters.  The narrator was Susan Ericksen, who delivered a strong performance with clear voice differentiation.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this audiobook.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Publisher    Macmillan Audio

Published   September 2, 2025

Narrated     Susan Ericksen

Review       www.bluestockingreviews.com