by J.D. Robb
Part of In Death, book 25
First published 2007
A tortured woman's body surfaces in East River Park, positioned with deliberate care and bearing the marks of extended suffering. Lieutenant Eve Dallas recognizes the signature immediately. Nine years ago, a killer dubbed "The Groom" terrorized the city, murdering four women in fifteen days and adorning each corpse with silver rings. Now he has returned with a calculated message. This victim worked for Roarke, Eve's wealthy husband. The killer bathed her in products from Roarke's stores and wrapped her in fabric from his factories. Every detail points to one terrifying conclusion: The Groom has chosen his ultimate target. He wants Eve Dallas herself, viewing her as the supreme test of his twisted abilities. She represents the challenge he has been building toward throughout his career of murder. The killer believes Eve will provide him with days of torment before he finally ends her life. Eve must hunt down this methodical predator before he can complete his personal vendetta.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, detective
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: cat-and-mouse, high-stakes, obsession
Setting: East River Park, New York
Period: Contemporary
352 pages · Hardcover · Putnam
Content warnings: graphic-violence, murder, torture