Concealed in Death

After the disappointing Thankless in Death, I was relieved to find myself thoroughly enjoying the latest Eve Dallas futuristic suspense novel. The case is much more compelling than the previous book's oh-no-not-another-serial-killer, with a 15 year old cold trail and the bones of victims who can't be easily identified. The series is also enlivened by the introduction of several new characters, including a Bones-like forensic anthropologist and a very pregnant facial reconstruction expert (I love the increasing number of awkward encounters Eve is having with the issue of pregnancy and motherhood). Even Mavis, who has often bordered on caricature, shares more of her back story and reveals some hidden depths.

Although there is little to no imminent danger to Eve and those she loves, the book is still a page turner because of the interesting plot and unusual ultimate administration of justice (can't say more without spoilers). I wish Peabody and McNab had a more prominent role in Concealed, but that's just a personal peeve because they are my favorite characters. After 38 full-length In Death books, it looks like Robb still has a few surprises up her sleeve. Guess I'm still hooked.