|
After Craig Foster, a well-liked teacher in an exclusive private school, dies while eating lunch in his classroom, New York Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas is dispatched to the school to investigate. The forensic evidence discloses the cause of Foster's painful death. Trace elements of a lethal dose of Ricin poisoning are discovered in the cup containing his hot chocolate, which, like the rest of his meal, was prepared by his wife, who immediately becomes the first suspect.
While the forensic evidence quickly reveals what led to Foster's death, the answers to the questions of opportunity, method and motive --- who poisoned him, how they pulled it off and why they did it --- prove illusive.
Eve's investigation into the murder uncovers secrets, scandals and unseemly behavior in the elite New York City private school where Foster taught and met his untimely death. Foster's wife, the school's headmistress, teachers, parents, employees and even the students are potential suspects. As the list begins to grow, so do the possible motives for wanting the popular teacher dead. Eve's progress in closing the case is hampered by the legal posturing and interference of a high-powered defense attorney whose daughter is a student at the school and one of the two girls who discovered the lifeless Foster.
Before long, the body of another teacher, who initially was considered a primary suspect in Foster's poisoning, is discovered floating in the school's pool. What on the surface appears to be an accidental drowning turns out to be another murder. With the death of the main suspect, Eve re-examines her original suspicions and begins to think the unthinkable.
Complicating matters, on the home front, Eve's marriage is strained when a mysterious woman from her husband Roarke's past suddenly reappears. Sophisticated, elegant and drop-dead gorgeous, Magdelana Percell bumps into Eve and Roarke at an upscale restaurant. After the "chance" encounter, Magdelana tries to reconnect with Roarke. Magdelana's deceptive and cruel attempts to get Roarke to stray threaten to destroy Eve's happiness.
In trying to solve the murders and save her marriage, Eve is forced to cope with memories that bedevil her past while coming to grips with a shocking truth about human nature that is almost too painful to comprehend.
Without flinching, INNOCENT IN DEATH stares straight-on into the face of evil --- no matter what form it takes. The romantic interludes and playful humor between Eve and Roarke help lighten some of the darker elements that surround the basic murder mystery. In the end, this latest entry in J.D. Robb's In Death series examines the steps some people will take to feed their appetites, safeguard their reputations and maintain their lifestyles --- and what others will do to protect the innocent, defend their loved ones and face down their deepest fears.
--- Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt (dvolkenannt@charter.net)
 Click here now to buy this book from Amazon.com.
© Copyright 1996-2008, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved.
Back to top.
|
