Review: Vendetta in Death

Vendetta in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

In the past dozen books in this series, revenge is becoming a recurring theme. It never gets old because who doesn't like a good vengeance story? In this latest book in the series, Ms. Robb returns to the "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" plot device. I enjoyed it. For a bit of deviation, this story reveals the possible suspect early on. Instead of trying to figure out "who done it", it is more a "how do we prove they did it" journey. I liked this change up in writing. This can come across a bit more heavy handed because it feels as if the reader is being beaten over the head, again and again on who committed these atrocious crimes.

The villain in this story is interesting because they seemed to have lost touch with reality. Or I should say, they have reinterpreted the world in accordance to their morals. I am mixed on this because I understand the motive for the killings. I also can see why they tortured and killed so brutally. For those who are squeamish, the violence may be a bit too much or graphic. For those who enjoy black humour and the darker side to life, they will appreciate the poetic justice in the slayings. Lady Justice, punishes men who have dark secrets of abuse. She is taken on the role of "Karma can be a bitch" and she is the one bringing "what goes around, comes around" saying. She also leaves some slightly painful poetry to explain the justified death sentences. Whilst I applaud the research she performed to select these heinous males, her execution method places her on the wrong side of the law. As much as it pains me to say it.

The conflict I have is because these powerful and wealthy men are getting away with horrendous crimes. No one is bringing them to justice. In fact, no one cares for the victims. There are no consequences for these evil men wearing the "good guy" façade. How is this acceptable? It isn't. One woman decided to take it upon herself to bring them down. Make an example out of them for others to see as a warning. But really, will it do that? These men who abuse their authority and victimize women, they are more or less above the law. Money can do many things and one of the downsides is the ability to force otherwise good people to turn a blind eye to crime. So whilst I condemn the killings Lady Justice doles out; I also feel like she is performing a much needed public service. Perhaps this is just my jaded lack of faith in our justice system talking.

Ms. Robb clearly explains the problem with taking the law into one's own hands. She also postulates that the original intent of justice will be too seductive and Lady Justice may start including innocent men. This is a definite concern. I can only imagine the powerful rush in putting down a bad man is addictive. Pretty soon, any little slight could be cause for termination. Still, I'm kind of glad a few men were sacrificed as an object lesson.

Throughout this investigation. Eve stays steady to her morals. Whilst she is no longer black and white by the book, she still stays entrenched on the side of lawfulness. Even when questioned, she still firming believes in checks and balances, law and order. This consistency is what makes Eve such a great character. She is dependable and a trustworthy authority figure. Her little quirks of questioning idioms and fear of girly girly things balances all the death she is surrounded by. Her family of the heart keeps her grounded. I admire Eve and she is one of my favourite book characters. Her strength of character is something to aspire to and her flaws only make her more relate-able. This suspense is recommended to readers who enjoy questionable ethics.

*provided by Edelweiss