Big Jack

Big Jack

Written by: JD Robb
Softcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Language: English
February 2010, $7.99
Genre: Series/Mystery/Crime/Thriller

In New York City in 2059, someone is pursuing missing gems from a decades-old heist...someone who's willing to kill for them. Sharp-witted and sexy, NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas is used to travelling in the shadowy corners outside the law. And in a future where crime meets cutting-edge technology, she will attempt to track down the diamonds once and for all-and stop the danger and death that have surrounded them for years.

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Its odd. I am a total die hard romantic, mushy to a fault and still dreaming of my geeky knight in tarnished armor to share the zombie apocalypse with. But I’m not a fan of romance novels as a whole. In fact I hate that so much urban fantasy is now nothing more than heaving bosoms and chiseled chests. Granted the heaving bosoms belong to a snarky and possibly supernatural heroine and the chiseled chest most likely belongs to an equally snarky, to die die for vampire, werewolf, etc.

Don’t get me wrong when I was a teenager I totally read my mother’s Harlequins and imagined my very own Room With a View where someone would grab me in a field and kiss me. Who doesn't want the happily ever after? Eventually the bodice rippers and smut got a bit old though. Lets face it you don’t read romance novels for the plot, the character development or even amazing prose.

So where am I going with this you ask? Trust me I am getting there. Slowly. There are some authors out there who try to do something more than the boy meets girl, they fall in love, one of them does something stupid to separate them, maybe add some tears, then of course the reconciliation and happily ever after (all of this sprinkled with heavy amounts of snogging and smut). These authors, though rare, have managed to strike a balance between the lovey-dovey, hot and heavy bits and then the action/adventure, intrigue, horror, thriller aspects. Nothing really overpowers the other. I dot feel like rolling my eyes every other page.

This is where the Eve Dallas book surprised me. I remember picking a few of them up at a garage sale many years ago at a garage sale. I didn't know then that they were written by non other than Nora Roberts romance novelist extraordinaire. I had a little bit of everything, kind of like a really good episode of Burn Notice or something. Amazingly they really haven't got old, even after like 30 books which is kind of amazing. I still love Eve. And also can I have a Roarke clone please? Just asking.

The books are set in 2059 in New York City. CSI and crime fighting in general have become a bit more sophisticated, tech is everywhere, cars fly and prostitution is now legal. Its the world of the future, but people still kill people and for the simplest things. This time its for diamonds. Thankfully Lt.Eve Dalls is good and she always gets her man/woman.

Things I loved: As I said I picked up my first Eve book at a garage sale. It sounded interesting. I liked the characters. The mystery was fun and did I mention I want a Roarke of my very own? One of the cool things about these books are the crimes, the plots, the tech and watching two characters mature, develop and fall in love just a little bit more each time despite all of the crime and mayhem. It makes my girly parts go all soft and warm and fuzzy and did I mention having a Roarke would not be bad at all?

As much as I like the series, I will admit they are nothing profound and deep. But then again I am not reading them expecting them to be. Its like reading a futuristic version of a CSI episode. They’re quick, but entertaining reads. With some of that aforementioned snogging thrown in every now and again. But it doesn't overpower the plot. Its more of a hi honey, how was crime fighting, lets go hit our bedroom because I missed you. You’re reading about a cop who happens to be in love, is quite surprised by it all sometimes, and we just follow her life.

I really love the world that Nora has created. Its relatable and not too far out there. I means its only 40 years from now and I can imagine the changes. Look at where our tech has changed in just the past decade. I never thought that there would be 3-D televisions, video game systems without controllers or...kindles. Though still waiting for my personal robot and jet pack.

Things I didn't love so much: For some reason the killer was a bit too one dimensional for me. Spoiled rich kids who do things because they feel they are entitled is a bit cliche. Though maybe that is just my mood today. Its still a fun read despite this.

Yeah thats all I have. It wasn't a horrid outing at all, but it also wasn't the best of the series. Cannot nail what was missing in particular, but it was one of those entertaining, just ok books not one that I would pick up again any time soon though.

Buy or Borrow: Buy. If you are fan of the Eve Dallas series, this is a great little addition. Although if you have already read Remember When it is one half of that story, so be wary. At least grab it from the library.

Part of: The Eve Dallas Series.

Also Recommended: For strong female protagonists: the rest of the Eve Dallas series by JD Robb. Or for crime with an urban fantasy twist, I would recommend Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series. For another take on the crime genre Elizabeth Peters and her Egyptian mythos with none other than Amelia Peabody.

3 out of 4 happy bibliosnark bookmarks