DESPERATION IN DEATH, the 55th novel featuring the much-loved Lt. Eve Dallas of the homicide division of the New York Police and Security Department, is one of the most emotional stories in J. D. Robb’s series.

The murder of a teenager strikes at Eve’s heart, reminding her of the trauma she survived at a similar age. Well-clothed and well-groomed, Mina is also in very good physical shape. What could have happened to this pretty girl from a good family in one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia? Blood on her clothes is the first solid lead. DNA connects her to another teen, Dorian, who appears to be missing.

"A difficult story delivered with compassion, DESPERATION IN DEATH is fast-paced and suspenseful. Readers will want to cheer on Eve and her team as they race to bring down the criminal conspiracy behind the Pleasure Academy."

Eve quickly begins to suspect that the two cases aren’t only connected, but are part of a sex-trafficking operation. It’s not unheard of for attractive young ladies to be kidnapped and held against their will, to be sold or rented out to ultra-rich customers. Eve and her husband, Roarke, are motivated to find out as both are survivors of childhood abuse. The team begins to dig deeper, and when they get wind of an auction on the dark web, more potential victims are discovered from many different states.

When a friend of Eve offers to set up a meeting with Dorian, Eve and Roarke jump at the opportunity to get more information. They learn about a nefarious place known as the Pleasure Academy, where girls are groomed for the sex trade. But it won’t be easy to take down this highly complex and sophisticated organization and free the innocent victims still being held there.

As always, Eve Dallas is an indomitable force for justice. She brings her skills, talents, intelligence and even her own painful experiences to every investigation. This time, she is especially tested due to her personal history. However, she has the strength, smarts, support of her colleagues and love of her husband to get her through, and she never loses sight of her goal, no matter how tough a case is for her.

A difficult story delivered with compassion, DESPERATION IN DEATH is fast-paced and suspenseful. Readers will want to cheer on Eve and her team as they race to bring down the criminal conspiracy behind the Pleasure Academy.