Rapture in Death (In Death, Book 4) by JD Robb

 

Rapture in Death could easily be labeled a futuristic psychological thriller. Yes, it's still a murder mystery, but it wouldn't have taken much for the author to nudge it into the psychological horror category. Thankfully, she did not. It still scares me to think that we're not far from the technology of being able to do this sort of thing, though.

Here's the blurb:

Eve’s investigation into three apparent suicides takes a dark turn, leading her into the provocative world of virtual reality games—where the same techniques used to create joy and desire could also prompt the mind to become the weapon of its own destruction.

Unfortunately, I knew who the killers were going to be very close to the beginning of the book. There were some twists and turns and detours that had me wondering if I was wrong a few times, but in the end I was right.

As for the writing elements:

• The plot was a very good plot, and I appreciated the twists and turns. However, it was pretty easy for me to figure out the killer within a few pages of their being introduced to us.
• Pacing was mostly okay -- a few issues in this book, for the first time in the series.
• Prose and dialogue were fine.
• Character development continues to be intriguing.
• World-building continues to be very well done. The plot this time added to the world building, and that was a nice touch.

Do I count off points because I knew the killer right off the bat? Or, once the killer was introduced, anyway. It was a very good book, even knowing who did it. I'm going to give Rapture in Death a 9 of 10, and I'll keep the series there as well.

• Book Rating: Rapture in Death: 9 of 10
• Series Rating: 9 of 10

1. Naked in Death
2. Glory in Death
3. Immortal in Death
4. Rapture in Death
5. Ceremony in Death
6. Vengeance in Death
   
7. Holiday in Death
8. Conspiracy in Death
9. Loyalty in Death
10. Witness in Death
11. Judgment in Death
12. Betrayal in Death
13. Seduction in Death
14. Reunion in Death
15. Purity in Death
16. Portrait in Death
17. Imitation in Death
18. Divided in Death
19. Visions in Death
20. Survivor in Death
21. Origin in Death
22. Memory in Death
23. Born in Death
24. Innocent in Death
25. Creation in Death
26. Strangers in Death
27. Salvation in Death
28. Promises in Death
29. Kindred in Death
30. Fantasy in Death
31. Indulgence in Death
32. Treachery in Death
33. New York to Dallas