With Calculated it is more about greed. The CEO of a company was already doing well financially but he just wanted more. Marta (an auditor, hence the title) just so happened to be the one assigned to audit their company and even with bribery she refused to give in and doctor the books for the megalomaniac and ended up dead. Of course, the CEO didn’t do the deed of the actual killing but hired someone to do it. He attempts to take out Peabody and Eve as well making Eve come out as a hero when she saves a two-year-old. In this attempt, the gun for hire fails miserably further aggravating the murderer. Here Eve sets up a trap him at their movie premier and gets him to admit and turn on the CEO while at it.

Way back when, I was crazy enough to read all 35 books back to back. Yes, I was crazy. And still til this day this series continues to grab my attention. It was a good thing our local library had every single one otherwise I wouldn’t have. There just so many elements that keep on grabbing my attention in this series. First, it’s the romance between Roarke and Eve. From book 1 all the way down to book 36 their relationship remains monumental. Eve has been guarded and so independent her entire life and when Roarke enters, it takes her awhile to get comfortable with him in her life. Even as they’re married she continues to struggle and tries not to constantly depend on him. But that is what makes their relationship beautiful. They compliment each other well. While she thinks that his helping in her cases is causing her to become too dependent, it’s not. It’s just one more aspect of their marriage they can share together. Basically, instead of them going to the movies and dining together they crack cases together instead. They constantly challenge each other, keep each other on their toes and remain a powerhouse together. I can’t imagine them ever being apart. And if that does happen the series would most likely be over.

The mystery is another thing that keeps this series strong. Honestly, when I read them all together I never got tired of the intrigues. Every mystery was different although somewhat similar. After a while, they do become predictable but it still doesn’t deter me. The way she handles every case and uses the resources around her most especially Roarke still remain interesting to me. The fact that the series is set in the future also grabs my attention. It has a science fiction feel to it. And who doesn’t want or need a little sci-fi in their life.

For someone who has been closed off and resistant to people, she develops strong relationships over the years. Even if the people who care have to force themselves on her and when she appears irritated deep inside she loves it. Her constant bickering with Peabody about McNab almost has a sibling feel to it. It is delightful. I always love to read more about the supporting characters and how they affect the story.

A lot of the fans mention this series becoming a movie or a TV series. In my opinion, we should leave it as it is. You know most books turned into movies are very disappointing. I think if this was turned into the big screen it will be as well. Think Sookie Stackhouse. After it went all Hollywood the storyline in the later books just got worst and worst and now all the loyal fans are begging for it to just end. I don’t want that to happen to this series. So just leave it alone, please!

Another question is can you read these separately or as a stand alone? I’m convinced that you can’t. There are so many cross-references made in the past books that get mentioned in the later stories that if Ms. Robb had to explain it all it would take multiple chapters. There are also certain histories and relationships among the characters that can’t be explained in just a few sentences so I really think you have to read all of them all. Especially about the Icove case, McQueen and also the stuff about Eve’s parents. I don’t know if there is an In Death Campanian book out there but that would be a good idea to have. Where every single book gets summarized.

What I would like to see in the future books? I want to see Eve promoted. She deserves it! I keep on wondering why hasn’t she been promoted yet. Is it because she’s a woman? Or because they’re afraid that people will say she was promoted because of Roarke’s influence. But how can anyone even think that when all her cases are solved and after all the publicity she gets with every case solved. I also want to see another very high-profile case. Someone political or maybe even a high-ranking military official.

Now the question is when will it ever end? I don’t think it ever will. I for one will be depressed if Ms. Robb killed off one of the main characters. I will boycott and probably never read another novel by her ever again! I for one recommend this one. If you are into mystery this is one of those series that you just can not NOT read. Kudos to you Ms. Robb another great mystery. I don’t know how you do it… manage to write bestsellers in multiple genres. You truly are fantastic!

The Verdict:

 

My Casting Picks: