Shifting Sands

Ceremony In Death is the fifth book in the popular In Death series by American author, J.D. Robb. When a highly-respected Detective Sergeant dies unexpectedly of heart problems and an undercover cop produces some disturbing information about him, Lieutenant Eve Dallas is tasked by Commander Whitney with a confidential investigation to clear his name.

Frank Wojinski's granddaughter, Alice Lingstrom confides to Eve that she is certain her grandfather was murdered by Satanist club owner, Selina Cross. Before Eve can find out much more, the desperate young woman steps in front of a cab and is killed. As a witness, what Officer Peabody relates, and what they find in Alice's home indicates foul play.

Interviews with Selina Cross are unsatisfactory, but two of the woman's acolytes die soon after Eve questions them, by means of a ritual knife. By the time Eve has four murders to solve, she has several suspects in mind and not enough officers to watch them all. A fifth victim directs her attention to local Wiccans and, but for a clever teen, she herself might be the sixth. Or seventh?

Throughout, the words of a fortune teller consulted by Eve on a whim resonate with Roark: he postpones his appointments and arrangements to keep a close watch over his new wife. Handily for Eve, he helps out with IT when she's been forbidden to include police IT whiz, Ryan Feeney, something that doesn't go down well with her old mentor when he finds out.

Mavis Freestone, always good for light relief, and her hair-stylist friend, Trina delight in doing some undercover work; Peabody proves that her instincts are very good; the palm reading that Eve allows is uncannily accurate; there's plenty of action leading up to a dramatic climax; and the banter between the characters is always fun. A further fifty-five (so far) books in this hugely entertaining series are bound to keep fans happy.