Bonded in Death

The #1 New York Times bestselling author J. D. Robb weaves an epic tale of loyalty, treachery, murder, and the long shadow of war. His protagonist's passport read Giovanni Rossi, but decades ago, during the Urban Wars, he was part of a small, secret organization called The Twelve. Responding to an urgent summons from an old compatriot, Rossi landed in New York and eased into a waiting car, only to die within minutes.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas finds the Rossi case frustrating. She's faced with an elderly victim who had just arrived from Rome, a widow who knows nothing about why he had left, an unidentifiable weapon, and zero results on facial recognition. However, when she discovers a connection to the Urban Wars of the 2020s, she suspects that Summerset—the fiercely loyal, if somewhat grouchy, major-domo who had rescued her husband from the Dublin streets—may have knowledge from his stint as a medic in Europe back then.

When Summerset learns of the crime, his shock and grief are palpable, for he himself was one of The Twelve, a part of his past he does not like to revisit. But now he must, not only to assist Eve's investigation, but because a cryptic message from the killer has boasted that others of The Twelve have also died. Summerset is one of those who remain, and the murderous mission is yet to be fully accomplished.

The narrative seamlessly weaves between the present-day investigation and the events of the past, providing a rich tapestry of intrigue and suspense. As Eve and Summerset delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a web of secrets and betrayals that stretches back decades, to a time when the world was in the throes of a devastating conflict.

The author's masterful storytelling skills are on full display, as she effortlessly blends action, character development, and the exploration of complex moral dilemmas. The reader is drawn into the lives of the protagonists, their motivations and struggles, as they race against time to uncover the truth and prevent further loss of life.

Ultimately, "The Twelve" is a gripping and multilayered tale that explores the enduring impact of war, the bonds of loyalty, and the lengths individuals will go to protect their secrets and achieve their goals. J. D. Robb has once again delivered a captivating and thought-provoking narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

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