I know it’s early, but I already have my first 5-star 2016 book. I just recently reread the ENTIRE JD Robb In Death series, and I loved being able to see how well JD Robb has progressed the series and the characters. These books never remain stagnant. There is always some sort of character development, even if you don’t recognize it at first. I loved rereading them all, and especially my favorites like Loyalty, Midnight, Survivor, etc. But, oh, Brotherhood. *happy sigh* Brotherhood in Death has rocketed to the top of my Favorites list.

Let me just start by saying my love for Dennis Mira (or Mr. Mira, as I call him in my head) is pure and true and strong. I have been DYING for this book since I first heard he was going to be one of the primary characters. So I did what any obsessed reader good reviewer would do. I e-mailed my contact at Berkley and shamelessly begged for an ARC. I’m sure you all heard the squeals of joy when it showed up at my house.

The “cast” in this book was on the smaller side, which totally worked. Some books need all the characters, and those are usually the more fast-paced books, and I love them, but MR. MIRA! He needed as much page time as he could get, and he did. We got to see him with Dr. Mira, his daughter, Eve. I love seeing him with his “Charlie” and I just want to cuddle him.

He had one particular scene with Eve that was one of my favorites. I won’t give you spoilers, but I WILL tell you it made me cry. And apparently the man makes the best hot chocolate ever, so I’m warning you know, you WILL be craving it while reading.

Eve and Roarke took some steps forward in this book as well. Not without some growing pains, of course, because it IS Eve and Roarke, but it’ll be fun to see what comes of it. I’ve also enjoyed the new Battle of the Ties in the homicide department. And now they’ve added socks! Speaking of advancements, go Trueheart! I’ve loved watching him grow up in homicide, but he hasn’t lost any of his Trueheartedness, if you get my drift.

Like I said above, this book gets a 5-star rating from me. It had everything I love best about the In Death books: Great Eve and Roarke scenes, Peabody, McNab, Baxter, Trueheart, good banter, an intriguing mystery, and Mr. Mira. What else do we need?

He’s a quiet hero, Eve, but he’s steadfast and he’s true.

*happy sigh* I think it’s time for a Re-Read.

Lynda the Guppy
aka President of the Mr. Mira Adoration Society
aka The Fish With Stick