Framed in Death by J. D. Robb

An artist has decided that he needs new inspiration. His idea? To take licensed companions and pose them in the manner of old paintings. Then, he paints them. And, in doing so, he will surpass the masters.

Eve is off on a new murder. This time, while we do see in the mind of the killer, we don't know who he is from the beginning. 

As with other books in this series, the personal lives of our favorite characters are moving ahead. Mavis, Leonardo, Bella, Peabody, and McNab have moved into their house. Jenkinson is settling into being a detective. And there are glimpses of all the characters we expect to see. 

Four stars

In Death #61

Follows Bonded in Death

Followed by Stolen in Death
This book comes out September 2, 2025

Ebook ARC kindly provided by St. Martin's Press and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Reread as playaway May 2026

Bonded in Death by J. D. Robb

We get to learn more about Summerset in this book which is always fascinating. It was sort of easy to tell where this book was heading when an older gentleman, one who was part of a super-secret group during the Urban war, arrives in New York. He has been summoned by an old friend and he wants to uphold the promise he made to that friend. Though they have not spoken in decades, they are bonded by war. So when that gentleman dies, and the case is handed off to Eve, the fat is in the fire. 

This book felt a little more formulaic than most and I'm not sure why. Maybe there was less of their lives outside of the mystery. I still enjoyed the story. 

Four stars

In Death #60

Follows Passions in Death

Followed by Framed in Death

This book comes out February 4, 2025
Audiobook ARC from Macmillan Audio and NetGalley

Ebook ARC kindly provided by St. Martin's Press and Edelweiss

Opinions are my own

Reread as playaway May 2026