Nearly a decade ago, Nora Roberts' alter ego J.D. Robb introduced a
series with an interesting combination of genres. More than just an
old-fashioned romance, it is a romance with a twist: It's a
futuristic murder mystery too. And the damsel in distress is
tough-as-nails Lt. Eve Dallas. NAKED IN DEATH is the first in a
stream of more than a dozen tales involving the steamy/steely
lieutenant.

In J.D. Robb's future world --- the world in another five decades
--- there are myriad changes, as one would expect, but she suggests
that human nature will remain what it has always been, and will
continue to be: flawed.

The murder that gets the story rolling isn't committed with a fancy
techno-weapon, but an old-fashioned, messy handgun. While banned in
the future, they are legally collectible. Multi-billionaire Roarke
has an enviable collection of them. Naturally, the detectives
question him immediately. But would a man with the wherewithal and
wit to achieve Roarke's position be so cocky as to callously toss
the murder weapon down next to the body and figure he can escape
police scrutiny? He comes under even more suspicion when it is
learned the victim's building security tapes have been tampered
with. Roarke is an unequaled expert in the field. To complicate
matters, the victim is the granddaughter of powerful Senator de
Blass, an ill-tempered politician screaming for justice and decency
--- and the capture of the person who killed his precious
Sharon.

Then a second body turns up, the setting a mirror image of the
first. This involves another "licensed companion" (the euphemistic
term applied in 2058 to a prostitute). And another antique gun is
casually dropped at the scene. When a third "companion" is found in
identical circumstances, the powerful senator cranks up the heat on
the already-overworked detectives. Eve fears her job may be in
jeopardy without a quick capture of the murderer.

The investigation throws Roarke and Lt. Dallas together almost
daily, much to her dismay --- and occasional delight. As Eve
eliminates him as a viable suspect, she finds herself drawn to the
man. Against her will and her better judgment, she surrenders to
her own desires. The pair vibrates with electricity that says this
attraction is more than just sexual.

The series, starting with NAKED IN DEATH, is instantly likable,
readable and full of enough action to satisfy all but the most
intellectual of readers. Bedroom scenes come often enough for the
romance lovers among the mystery buffs. And a bagful of twists will
keep you guessing, right to the very end.