Purity in Death

Author: J.D. Robb
Published: August 27, 2002 (Berkley)
Category: Romantic Suspense
Series: In Death #15
Rating: 8/10

The killers in Purity in Death choose the computer as their weapon of choice, sending a virus to the user that makes the brain swell and drives the victim crazy. If there are other people in the vicinity, the victim will act out on them in the most violent of ways. The vigilante group responsible, called Purity, is meting out justice as it sees fit, seeming to target criminals who have slipped through the system, like drugdealers and child molesters.

Eve then has to fight with Roarke, who doesn't regret the deaths of the bad people. He thinks that the victims deserved it, and the system was flawed because they weren't punished, thanks to money or trivialities. At the same time, Eve is right that Purity must be punished because the system isn't perfect, but we have to trust in it, otherwise Purity will start offing anyone they choose because they weren't "good" enough, and the deaths caused to bystanders is inexcusable.

One thing I really didn't understand: Roarke wants to test the shield he and the e-team have put together to resist Purity. However, he could go berserk from exposure to Purity if the shield fails, so he figures he'll hide a gun at the console and kill himself if it gets that far. But why would he place an illegal weapon in his reach if he is exposed to a mental bug that can make him violent and irrational, hurting people indiscriminately. Seemed rather cocky of him in a "Yeah, this virus could make me crazy and violent, but I'll use this gun on myself instead of the team in the next room" way.

Peabody and McNab have some drama, with McNab being paralyzed in the line of duty. He tries to break up with her, but you know Peabody won't have any of that!

Good read, not too romancey though.