Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Concealed in Death: by J. D. Robb -- Review

Rate this book
THIS IS NOT THE NOVEL, BUT A BOOK REVIEW.

J.D. Robb's 38th installment in her In Death series, Concealed in Death delves
deep into Lieutenant Eve Dallas' past while she unravels the mystery surrounding the bodies of 12 girls, hidden behind a wall 15 years ago. Check out our in-depth, expert review of this suspense novel Concealed in Death for everything you need to know before you pick up the book.

J.D. Robb is one of several pseudonyms that famed romance novelist Nora Roberts publishes under. Although Concealed in Death is a fast-paced suspense novel set in a futuristic New York City, it has plenty of steamy scenes and enjoyable characters to appeal to fans of Roberts' other work. In this review, you'll find interesting facts about the author and recommendations for similar books.

This review deftly points out where the author succeeded, as well as where she fell short. Readers will love the cast of strong but diverse female characters, but anyone familiar with the In Death series may feel let down by the comparative lack of action. Tucked within the review you'll also find an analysis of the most memorable scene, an alternative outcome that may have worked better, and plenty of eye-openers to take away.

Lastly, discover what "those in the know" think about this book, as you read quotes from expert critics and reviewers. Despite its shortcomings, Concealed in Death is still a wonderful installment in a series that seems to get more popular each day.

51 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2014

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Expert Book Reviews

61 books120 followers
Expert Book Reviews is an imprint of BookScribed, an independent digital learning company with a mission to bring the joy of reading and insightful discussion of great literature to readers everywhere. Expert Book Reviews provides reviews of today’s hottest novels.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,398 (67%)
4 stars
519 (24%)
3 stars
131 (6%)
2 stars
15 (<1%)
1 star
22 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Vicky.
85 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2014
This episode of the "In Death" series was far quieter than any of the others. It doesn't have Eve kicking butt like she usually does. She is still working to solve the deaths of the victims, but because they have been dead for 15 years, it seems more detached. Concealed in Death is much sadder than the earlier books. Probably because the victims were children, who for the most part didn't have good lives to begin with. I did enjoy Eve's relationship with the Mira's. Dennis Mira, is such a sweet character, and his fatherly personality is so charming. I am a big fan of J. D. Robb's work and look forward to the more from Eve and Roarke.
Profile Image for C.A..
Author 1 book26 followers
March 3, 2014
It's a case that hits close to home. While tearing down a building (in order to create a center for at risk youth) Roarke takes out a wall, and revealing the remains of two bodies. Before it's done, they take the bones of twelve girl out of the building. Turns out the building has a past as a youth center about 20 years before. The family that ran it moved out, but still work at helping troubled youth. It turns personal for Eve, Roarke and even Mavis as we learn about her past and she discovers knew some of the girls. The mystery is never as interesting as the effect on the players and this one hits home, with more than a few realizing just how lucky they are to have made it. In addition, one of my favorite character combos, Eve and Mr. Mira, have a few nice scenes together. A solid addition to the series
1,937 reviews
March 27, 2014
A slightly different twist to this series. When Roarke begins demolition on a new purchase, he finds 2 sets of bones. After the building is inspected there are 12 sets of remains. Learning that the building was a home for troubled and street children, Eve begins to investigate the family who ran the shelter and continues to do so in a new facility. With minimal clues, she gradually pulls the story together. I always like this series. While the investigations are the centre, the continued development of the relationships keeps it interesting
Profile Image for Rita Boehm.
Author 9 books18 followers
March 25, 2021
I've read at least 45 of the 51 (or is it 52) books in this series and I eagerly await each new release. I feel like Eve, Roarke, Peabody, et.al. are personal friends and I look forward to finding out about what is going on in their lives as much as I enjoy the complex murder mystery that Eve Dallas must solve.

I hope Nora Roberts (aka JD Robb) never stops writing!
Profile Image for Mim.
504 reviews23 followers
June 10, 2014
My sister sent this book to me but needed it back so I read it in a weekend. It was good enough for this kind of detective novel. The writing was good, the story okay, I guessed the killer early on, but not the end, so that was okay. This is a nice vacation read if you like detective stories. It was supposedly set in the future, but I didn't really get the feel for it. Maybe in some of her earlier books in this series, when they set it up.
Profile Image for Janice Antonia .
141 reviews
November 22, 2021
Eve's back and this time it's in a case that's very close to home. In the course of demolishing a recently acquired building, Roarke discovers two bodies wrapped in plastic and hidden in the wall. At the end of the day, the count is up to twelve, all identified as teenage females who have been behind those walls for fifteen years. Now it falls to Eve to find their identities and also find and bring their killer or killers to justice.

This case reminds Eve of her past and the similarity to the experiences of some of the girls and her investigation begins with the various occupants of the building, especially focusing on the shelter that occupied the building fifteen years ago. Digging to the backgrounds of the people running the shelter does not yield any clues and even though Eve is determined to get justice for the girls, she may have to give up on the case. However, help comes in the form of her best friend, Mavis. Turns out Mavis was well acquainted with some of the girls from her time on the streets and she provides Eve with the connections that help solve the case.

CONCEALED IN DEATH was more laid back than other books in the series and highlights the fact most police work involves research - following leads, running searches, interviewing witnesses and so on. There were no bad guys to chase and take down here and it made for an interesting change of pace. I've got tell you, I was a little bummed that there was going to be no take down of a bad guy. What can I say? I live vicariously through Eve Dallas!

Once again, we see Eve stepping away from the work to enjoy her time with people in her life, especially her husband, Roarke. She is getting comfortable with expressing her feelings for him and I just enjoy every personal moment they share. Some of my other enjoyable moments include the times she spends with the Miras, especially Dennis and her crush on him.

The end was bittersweet for me. I found myself wondering if there was enough justice for those girls.
Profile Image for R.E. E. Derouin.
Author 9 books7 followers
November 6, 2023
Concealed in Death by J. D. Robb 9/28/2023 Kindle

When renovating an old New York City building, two wrapped skeletons are discovered behind a wall. The contractor calls his wife, Lieutenant Eve Dallas. While it’s understood the project will be on hold, there are further surprises when more bodies are discovered, twelve in all. The murders date back to a time when the building was a home for troubled youth. Prior owners are found and the memories of those involved with the times are questioned. Slowly, the victims are identified and the police work begins in earnest. Each of the deceased girls has a story to tell as their pasts are unraveled. Amid illegal trafficking and a cluster of street thieves Eve gets to the bottom of the baffling mass murder.

I had not read this series so I had a small problem adjusting to period as the story takes place in the future. This element seemed to have little do with the story. While I wasn’t overwhelmed the book held my attention and I enjoyed the police work. Yes, I’d read more and recommend the book.
Profile Image for Mary Clark.
25 reviews
January 22, 2022
This is the 2nd time around reading this book. I'm not an impartial reader of J. D. Robb. I love all of her books and highly recommend all of the In Death Series starting with Naked in Death. You want a kick ass woman? Eve Dallas is your girl. You want a good murder mystery/future police procedural, the In Death Series should be a go to read.
285 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2023
I have read all the books by J.D. Robb and loved them all. Besides horrible murders and evil wrong-do'ers, these books are fun to read. Interaction is funny, with a dry sort of humor, that I really like. Looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Kissani Suite.
4 reviews8 followers
August 19, 2020
Had a few weeping moments even though this was a re-read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ann Weaver.
7 reviews
August 24, 2020
I love the characters and relationships in this series. The story is engaging, and it's funny at times. Very light and entertaining. Well written brain candy!
58 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2021
First I've read of the series and I loved it. Now I have to go back and get the first book in the series.
9 reviews
September 6, 2021
A wonderful book that opens your mind to what deceives will have in the future to help find killers. Love reading about the colorful characters and this lives
2 reviews
March 21, 2023
Love this book as I do all the other J.D Robb books.
Love the story line and suspense.
Love the interaction between Eve and Roark.
279 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2014
This was another great Death book. I was not able to get even close to figuring it out. Loved the new character of the ore sic anthropologist. Maybe she will show up in more books. It was a nice twist for Roarke to be the one to find the body first. Eve & Peabody are still great together. In the foreseeable future I would love foe Eve & Roarke to have a baby. Even though she once again with Bella says she isn't good with children. But I think she would be a great mom. This book will draw you in fast. Make sure you have time to read it all when you start, I couldn't put it down until I had read it all.
Profile Image for Cardyn Brooks.
Author 4 books29 followers
September 13, 2016
The strong premise is relevant to present-day elements of urban revitalization, troubled youth, and the social hierarchy. Although the mystery is easily solved long before the conclusion, the crime-solving steps framed by the deep interpersonal relationships between Eve, Roarke, Peabody, etc. make Concealed in Death is a cozy entry in the series. It's not gruesome like Thankless in Death.
Profile Image for Roxanne Hylton.
12 reviews
July 23, 2014
Robb has good books great books and wonderful books. This one is a mix of all three. Instead of Eve going in with guns blazing, she must rely on thoughts and gut instinct as well as intuition. I have everything written as Robb and look forward to the next book. For those who prefer the action books, the first chapter mahes this one look promising.
46 reviews
March 6, 2014


Unlike many of some of my favorite authors that seemed to fall down with their last books, Robb (aka Nora Roberts), holds her own. Again she does suspense in a manor that holds one's attention. I look forward to her next Eve Dallas book
This book is Concealed in Death,,by J.D. Robb
68 reviews
August 25, 2014
There is always something comfy and cozy about reading a detective novel that has characters you are familiar with and feel like friends....Eve Dallas is the detective in this series...and along with hubby Rourke solves a gruesome serial killing....Easy, enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Debra Shapiro.
4 reviews
March 3, 2014
How do I Let them know all the error in the last chapter? 3 And for a bonus the other error. I did enjoy the book and thought the end had a surprise twist.
Profile Image for Trish.
224 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2014
enjoyed this installment because it was more diversified with the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.