FRAMED IN DEATH, the 61st installment in J. D. Robb’s futuristic crime series starring Lt. Eve Dallas, takes readers into the New York City art scene. A licensed companion (a paid escort) is found murdered, dressed in a period costume, wired to a painted backdrop, and posed to replicate Girl with a Pearl Earring, a classic painting by Johannes Vermeer. The entire disturbing display is dramatically staged in front of a gallery owner’s home. 

Eve’s husband Roarke, an unofficial member of her investigative team at the Homicide Division of the New York City Police and Security Department, knows the art world well. His perspective helps Eve with the scope of the investigation. The costume, the paints, the victim, and how the victim died are all integral factors in the case. But what did the intricately designed scene represent for the killer? Before they have time to find any answers, a second eerily similar murder occurs. Another famous painting has been replicated, this time with a male victim, and in front of an art gallery.

"J. D. Robb delivers a gripping police procedural that blends suspense, character insight and a satisfying resolution."

Eve and her colleague, Peabody, begin by interviewing the families of the victims, the staff of the galleries, and paid escorts. They follow leads to fabric stores and other places where the killer might have collected the items that were used to replicate the paintings. Meanwhile, forensics reveals that both victims were drugged with the same substance shortly before they were strangled. As Eve and Peabody gather more information about the crime scene, they learn that the paints and fabrics used by the killer are very expensive.

A profile of the murderer begins to take shape. Eve believes that the culprit is a wealthy male who is highly organized and pays attention to detail. She suspects he is likely a frustrated, rejected, angry artist who probably has been turned down by gallery owners to show his work. He wants the art world to recognize his genius, one way or another.

Eve realizes that it isn’t the victims who matter to the killer. He is trying to immortalize his art. When a third licensed companion is found on display in yet another recreation of a masterpiece, she becomes even more determined to find this deranged individual before he strikes again. The media attention is just what he wants, and it’s feeding his frenzy, but Eve and her team have very little to go on. Unless the killer makes a mistake, they already may be too late to save the next unsuspecting person from a ghoulish death.

J. D. Robb delivers a gripping police procedural that blends suspense, character insight and a satisfying resolution. The mix of the art world, intrigue and chillingly staged murders makes FRAMED IN DEATH a standout in the series. The signature scene in every Eve Dallas book where the criminal confesses to the crime is one that this reviewer always anticipates. Eve’s unrelenting mission to serve justice brings readers back to her stories again and again.