REUNION IN DEATH uses the game of Julianna vs. Eve as a backdrop for many reunions that deals mostly with Eve and her past, but also in a lighter and poignant side, with Peabody and her reunion with her Free-Ager parents. The scenes with Peabody's parents are both funny and moving as another familial tie is attached to Eve whether she wants it or not, and knowing her these past 13 chapters, she'd rather face a Zeus-hopped addict unarmed than have to deal with the growing relationships with her aide and her close knit of friends.

But the reunion with the most impact in this chapter is Eve's reunion with her dark and violent past. Due to a circumstance of having to visit Dallas, Texas about her current case involving Julianna, Eve must finally confront what happened to her that fateful night in Dallas, Texas when she was just eight years-old and still unnamed. The scenes where she confronts these ghosts of her past are hearthwrenching and not just for her and the reader, but for Roarke as well who has accompanied her for support. It is not everytime we see Roarke unhinged, and it is a surprise to see him off-balanced during this visit to Eve's past.

REUNION IN DEATH answers much about Eve's past and also helps build on the current relationships that has sprung from the previous 13 books. Eve and Roarke are still hopelessly in love with each other and doesn't seem to be slowing down any but actually heating up, if that's possible. Peabody and McNab are still working on their budding one-on-one romance and always with hilarious results. We also see the direction of Charles and Louise's relationship.

The action and clever dialogue between Eve and Roarke, between Eve and Peabody, and just plain between Eve and everyone else are still there. The sex between Eve and Roarke is just plain hot and never cools down. Eve gets beat up again. For fans of Mavis Freestone, this book may be of a disappointment since she only makes a quick cameo; same goes for Nadine.

REUNION IN DEATH is another wonderful read and won't disappoint fans of the series. I am looking forward to the next book in the series which is going to be titled:
PURITY IN DEATH.

EXCELLENT

Jo Anderson

A.L.R. Reviews