An unknown bomber stalking New York City sends Eve Dallas taunting letters promising to wreak mass terror and destruction among the "corrupt masses." And when his work of destruction threatens those she cares for most, Eve fights back to keep him from coming to close to home. It becomes a race against the clock before the city falls.
Peabody’s brother, Zeke, figures in this. Also Greek mythology—an old group called Apollo has spawned a new group, Cassandra—the prophet to whom Apollo gave the power of prophesy. What is really amazing, to me is that this book, although set in 2059, was published in 1999. The plot has to do with a group that is targeting major landmarks in New York for destruction and the Twin Towers are even mentioned as a possible target. This book came two years before the Twin Towers and other landmarks were actual targets of terrorist attacks. That is just a little spooky! ( )

General Background
Loyalty in Death is the ninth book in JD Robb's "In Death" series of futuristic crime stories about tough-as-nails homicide detective Eve Dallas and the assorted cast of characters that surround her.

The Plot
This instalment of the In Death books has a politically motivated bomber holding the city of New York to ransom; and setting Eve up as their "arch nemesis". Eve needs to figure out who they are, what they want, and why they've chosen her as their contact point for threats and warnings.

Good Stuff
I always like Eve as a character, and what I see of her in Loyalty in Death is no disappointment. Additionally, for the first time in nine books, it looks like Roarke (who, as I mentioned in my review of Book 8 can be annoyingly and constantly mono-maniacal beyond my ability to suspend my disbelief about his love for Eve) actually appears to break the mould in this instalment. For the first time, he seems to get pissed off about something *besides* threatened or actual harm to his beloved - not to mention seriously pissed off with her in one scene - which is a balm to my cynic's soul.

Plus there's some awesome stuff happening with two of the characters whose relationship has been brewing for a few books now FINALLY getting it on (hissing and spitting at each other the whole way), some great historical worldbuilding and political backstory revelations, and some interesting crime-related twists and turns as the story unfolds

Bad Stuff
My major issue with Loyalty in Death was its predictability. I pretty much tagged the uber-badguy in this story from the moment they were introduced. That being said, there were a couple of twists and turns along the way that made me wonder if no, maybe I'd got it wrong... but in the end my first impression turned out to be the right one.

Also although far less of a major for me, the book totally dated itself (and led to a moment or two of weirdness while I processed my reactions) when Eve and co were going through all the major targets for the final climactic bombing, which they knew would be against a major New York landmark; and narrowed it down to three: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the Twin Towers. Uh huh. Sorry, Eve honey, but someone got there wayyy before your guy (although, of course, one could claim that by 2054, they had actually been rebuilt). Still, like I said, it really led to a moment of weirdness.

Ratings and Recommendations
Overal, Loyalty in Death was a good read; and one that I enjoyed, for the most part (even given the predictability) much more than the last instalment - although I couldn't tell you why exactly. Again, if you've enjoyed the previous books, you'll probably enjoy this one. I think I'd give it an 8/10, and I'll definitely be putting a reserve on the next instalment once I've got another book or two off my reading pile ( )

It had a bit of a meh flavor. I don't know. It was ah-ight, I guess.

I mean. ( )

This one felt a bit flat to me, but I think that was mostly because I didn't particularly enjoy the subplot with Peabody's brother. ( )

I’m pretty sure there’s not a bad book in this series. This one contains a complicated web of crimes that not only brings Eve and Roarke closer together, but Peabody and McNabb, too! ( )