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In Death
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 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (August 2022) |
The ...in Death series of novels and novellas is written by Nora Roberts under her pseudonym J. D. Robb. Set in a mid-21st-century New York City, they feature NYPSD ("New York City Police and Security Department") lieutenant Eve Dallas and her husband Roarke. The stories also regularly feature other characters, including Captain Ryan Feeney, Detective Delia Peabody, Detective Ian McNab and Dr. Charlotte Mira.
The series was first published in 1995, and, as of 2025[update], includes over 60 novels. Roberts has stated that the series will never contain one of Eve and Roarke's children,[1] as this would end the series.[2]
Deaths
[edit] | This section's plot summary may be too long or excessively detailed. (July 2012) |
 |
Below are all deaths – murder victims, murder investigations and others – that occur in the span of the In Death books, including weapon, cause of death and the perpetrator. This list does not include any attacks on persons that do not result in death.
| Book | Victim | Cause of Death | Weapon | Perpetrator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naked in Death | Sharon DeBlass | shot in head, chest and groin | Smith & Wesson Model 10 | Gerald DeBlass |
| Lola Starr (Alice Williams) | SIG 210, 1980 | Derrick Rockman | ||
| Georgie Castle | Ruger P90 | |||
| Gerald DeBlass | gunshot | suicide | ||
| Joseph Finestein | poisoned | custard pie | Hetta Finestein | |
| Glory in Death | Cicely Towers | slash across throat | long-bladed knife | C. J. Morse |
| Yvonne Metcalf | ||||
| Louise Kirski | ||||
| C. J. Morse's mother (pre-book) | ||||
| C. J. Morse | stabbed in throat | own knife | Roarke | |
| Immortal in Death | Boomer (Carter Johannsen) | strangulation & blunt trauma | thin baseball bat | Lt. Jake Casto |
| Hetta Moppett (pre-book) | blunt trauma to the head | |||
| Pandora | excessive trauma | cane | ||
| Cockroach (Lament Ro) | blunt trauma to the head | iron pipe | ||
| Jerry Fitzgerald | drug overdose | Immortality, morphine and Zeus | ||
| Rapture in Death | Drew Mathias | hanging | suicide by mind control via subliminals found in virtual reality goggles | Dr. Reeanna Ott |
| S. T. Fitzhugh | slashed wrists | |||
| Senator Pearly | jumping | |||
| Cerise Devane | ||||
| Dr. Reeanna Ott | electric shock to the throat | police stunner | suicide | |
| Ceremony in Death | Det. Sgt. Frank Wojinsky | cardiac arrest by drugs | Digitalis and Zeus | Selina Cross & Alban |
| Alice Lingstrom | chased into street and hit by car | paranoia | ||
| Lobar (Robert Allen Mathias) | removal of heart | athame | ||
| Thomas Wineburg | stabbed in heart | |||
| Louis Trivane | stabbed in throat & disembowelment | Mirium Hopkins | ||
| Selina Cross | slashed throat | Alban | ||
| Alban | stabbed in heart | Jamie Lingstrom | ||
| Vengeance in Death | Thomas X. Brennen | disembowelment, amputation | Liam Calhoun | |
| Shawn Conroy | exsanguination | |||
| Jennie O'Leary | slow hanging | rope | ||
| Liam Calhoun | overload of nervous system | stunner | Roarke | |
| Holiday in Death | Marianna Hawley | rape, sodomy, strangulation | Christmas garland | Simon Lastrobe |
| Sarabeth Greenbalm | ||||
| Donnie Ray Michael | ||||
| Brent Holloway | ||||
| Midnight in Death | 8 victims | unknown; torture | unknown | David "Dave" Palmer |
| Judge Harold Wainger | torture and hanging | nylon strapping rope (hangman's noose) | ||
| Carl Neissan | ||||
| APA Stephanie Ring | ||||
| David Palmer | electrocution | stunner; electric cage | Eve Dallas and misadventure | |
| Conspiracy in Death | Snooks (Samuel Petrinsky) | removal of heart | surgical instruments | Dr. Michael Waverly |
| Erin Spindler (pre-book) | removal of kidneys | |||
| Jilessa Brown | removal of liver | |||
| Officer Ellen Bowers | blunt trauma | metal pipe | ||
| Dr. Tia Wo | injection of barbiturates | drug overdose | ||
| Jan the nurse | blunt trauma to head, single blow | |||
| Dr. Westley Friend (pre-book) | injection of barbiturates | drug overdose | ||
| Loyalty in Death | J. Clarence Branson | drilled to the wall through the heart | Branson 8000 Drill | Lisbeth Cooke |
| Colonel Howard (Fixer) Bassi | beaten and drowned in river | Droids | Cassandra (Clarissa & B. Donald Branson) | |
| 300+ unlisted victims | bomb explosion in Tea Room of Plaza Hotel | terrorist bombs | ||
| Lieutenant Anne Malloy and "less than 400" unlisted victims | bomb explosions and panicked stampede for exits in Madison Square Garden | |||
| B. Donald Branson | fall from crown of Statue of Liberty | gravity | misadventure | |
| Clarissa Branson (Charlotte Rowan) | jump from crown of Statue of Liberty | suicide | ||
| Witness in Death | Richard Draco | stabbed in heart during stage performance of Witness for the Prosecution | butcher knife | Areena Mansfield |
| Linus Quim | coerced suicide | hanging | ||
| Judgment in Death | Detective Taj Kohli | blunt trauma to head | metal baseball bat | Sergeant Arthur Clooney |
| Lieutenant Alan Mills | chest cut, from neck to stomach; disembowelment | knife | ||
| Captain Boyd Bayliss | drowning | taped-down to bathtub | ||
| unnamed former NYPSD officer (pre-book)[3] | hanged | originally ruled self-termination | ||
| unnamed NYPSD officer (pre-book)[3] | drowning after slipping in bathtub | originally ruled accidental | ||
| Lewis | unknown drug | pressure syringe to heart | unknown female assassin | |
| 'Clarence Haggerty' Yawly | shot in the head | police issued weapon | Eve Dallas | |
| Officer Thad Clooney (pre-book)[3] | exsanguination | unspecified | unnamed (orders from Max Ricker) | |
| Betrayal in Death | Justice Thomas Werner | raped, beaten and strangled | two-foot sterling silver wire | Sylvester Yost |
| Monique Rue | ||||
| Nigel Luca | ||||
| Britt Hague | ||||
| Joseph Hague | ||||
| Winifred C. Cates | ||||
| Darlene French | ||||
| Jonah Talbot | ||||
| Sylvester Yost | slashed across throat | mug shard | suicide | |
| Mick Connelly | stabbed in stomach | knife | Michel Gerade | |
| Interlude in Death | Reginald Weeks | bludgeoned to death | metal bat | Bryson Hayes |
| Zita Vinter | suicide drugs | drugged in wine | ||
| Douglas Skinner (former Commander) | suicide | drugs | voluntary suicide | |
| Seduction in Death | Bryna Bankhead | rape and drug overdose | rape drugs Whore & Rabbit | Kevin Morano |
| Grace Lutz | Lucias Dunwood | |||
| Dr. Theodore McNamara | bludgeoning, drowning | lamp | Lucias Dunwood & Kevin Morano | |
| Kevin Morano | poisoned | unidentified drug | Lucias Dunwood | |
| Lucias Dunwood | suicide | |||
| Reunion in Death | Marsha Stibbs (pre-book) | hit to the head | glass table | Maureen Brighton |
| Julianna's three husbands (pre-book) | poisoned | cyanide | Julianna Dunne | |
| Walter C. Pettibone | ||||
| Henry Mouton | ||||
| Eli Young | ||||
| Spencer Campbell | ||||
| Purity in Death | Ralph Wooster | bludgeoned | baseball bat | Louis K. Cogburn |
| Louis K. Cogburn | police stunner(s) | light & sound frequencies, severe inter-cranial pressure driving victim to suicide | The Purity Seekers | |
| Detective Kevin Holloway | tranqed | |||
| Chadwick Fitzhugh | slit own throat | |||
| Mary Ellen George | hanged self | |||
| Nick Greene | stabbed self in heart | |||
| Hannah Wade | stabbed repeatedly | kitchen knife | Nick Greene | |
| Dru Geller | light & sound frequencies | The Purity Seekers | ||
| Portrait in Death | Rachel Howard | stabbed through heart | stiletto | Gerald Stevenson (Steve Audrey) |
| Kenby Sulu | ||||
| Alicia Dilbert | ||||
| Siobhan Brody (Roarke's mother, pre-series) | beaten to death | Patrick Michael Roarke | ||
| Imitation in Death | Jacie Wooton | slit throat, massive blood loss (killed à la Jack the Ripper) | scalpel | Niles Renquist |
| Lois Gregg | sexually assaulted and strangled (killed à la Boston Strangler) | robe sash/belt | ||
| Remember When | Andrea Jacobs | slash across throat | stiletto | Trevor Whittier |
| Tina Cobb | severe trauma to head, torso, set on fire | baton | ||
| Divided in Death | Felicity Kade | stunned, 14 stab wounds to chest | bread knife | Blair Bissel |
| Carter Bissel | stunned, 18 stab wounds to chest | |||
| Chloe McCoy | suicide pills | drugged | ||
| Joseph Powell | laser to carotid artery | military laser | ||
| Visions in Death | Jasper K. McKinney (pre-book)[4] | fall from apartment building | gravity | misadventure |
| Elisa Maplewood | beating, rape, strangulation, removal of eyes | red ribbon | John Blue | |
| Lily Napier | ||||
| Marjorie Kates | ||||
| Breen Merriweather | ||||
| Ineza Blue | ||||
| Lena Greenspan (pre-book)[5] | ||||
| Sarie Parker (pre-book)[5] | ||||
| 8 unnamed women (pre-book)[6] | ||||
| Annalisa Sommers | Celina Sanchez[6] | |||
| Survivor in Death | Inga Snood | slash across throat | combat knife | Sergeant Roger Kirkendall, Sergeant Isaac Clinton, Corporal Jilly Isenberry |
| Grant Swisher | ||||
| Keelie Swisher | ||||
| Coyle Swisher | ||||
| Linnie Dyson | ||||
| Meredith Newman | ||||
| Detective Owen Knight | ||||
| Detective James Preston | ||||
| Dr. Jaynene Brenegan (pre-book, 2055)[7] | multiple stab wounds | unnamed | ||
| Judge Thomas Moss and son Evan Moss (pre-book, 2057)[7] | explosion | car bomb | ||
| Karin Duberry (pre-book, 2058)[7] | strangulation | manual | ||
| Corporal Jilly Isenberry | broken neck | fall down stairs | ||
| Origin in Death | Dr. Wilfred B. Icove | stabbed in chest | scalpel | Deena Flavia |
| Dr. Wilfred Icove, Jr. | Avril Icove | |||
| Evelyn Samuels | Deena Flavia | |||
| Deena Flavia | laser blast | laser | Jonah Delacourt Wilson (clone) | |
| Dr. Wilfred B. Icove (clone) | ||||
| Jonah Delacourt Wilson (clone) | Eve Dallas and Roarke | |||
| Memory in Death | Rosie O'Hara and 150+ unlisted victims (pre-book)[8][9] | explosion in nightclub | bomb | unnamed terrorists |
| Max "Tubbs" Lawrence | jumped out of window under the influence of drugs | Zeus | misadventure | |
| Leo Jacobs | crushed by falling body | Max Lawrence | ||
| Trudy Lombard | fractured skull by multiple blows | sap | Zana Lombard (Marnie Ralston) | |
| Haunted in Death | Radcliff C. Hopkins III | bullets to torso, arm and head | 9mm Smith & Wesson | Maeve Buchanan |
| Bobbie Bray (pre-book) | single bullet to head | Radcliff "Hop" C. Hopkins I | ||
| Born in Death | Sophia Belego (pre-book) | unknown | unknown | Winfield Chase (all except the last on orders on conspiracy with Madeline Bullock) |
| Emily Jones (pre-book) | head trauma | |||
| Natalie Copperfield | strangulation after torture | manual | ||
| Bick Byson | ||||
| Randall Sloan | hanging | tranquilized then hanged | ||
| Madeline Bullock | broken neck | manually | ||
| Innocent in Death | Trevor Straffo (pre-book) | broken neck, head trauma | push down stairs | Rayleen Straffo |
| Adele Versy (pre-book) | overdose | sleeping pills | ||
| Craig Foster | poisoned | ricin | ||
| Reed Williams | paralyzed by poison, drowned | surgical paralytic substance | ||
| Creation in Death | Edwina Spring (pre-book) | torture, exsanguination by cut wrist | rope, knives, scalpel, needles, sap, blow torch, laser, dry ice, electric shock and drugs | Robert Lowell Sr. |
| Corrine Dagby (pre-book) | Robert Lowell Jr., a.k.a. The Groom | |||
| Melissa Congress (pre-book) | ||||
| Anise Waters (pre-book) | ||||
| Joley Weitz (pre-book) | ||||
| 18 unnamed women and unknown number of other victims (pre-book) | ||||
| Sarifina York | ||||
| Gia Rossi | ||||
| Eternity in Death | Gregor Pensky (pre-book) | exsanguination from twin puncture wounds in neck | artificial vampire fangs | Dorian Vadim |
| Tiara Kent | ||||
| Allesseria Carter | ||||
| Strangers in Death | Reginald Thomas Anders (pre-book) | fractured skull | shoved in the shower and slammed head into Italian marble | Ava Anders |
| Ned Custer (pre-book) | slit throat and castration | knife | ||
| Thomas Aurelius Anders | strangulation | tranquilized then strangled by rope | Suzanne Custer | |
| Salvation in Death | Nick Soto (pre-book) | multiple stab wounds | knife | Lino Martinez and Penelope Soto |
| Ronni Edwards (pre-book) | bombing at a school auditorium in 2043 | bomb | The Soldados/Lino Martinez & Penelope Soto | |
| Kobie Smith (pre-book) | bombing at convenience store in 2043 | |||
| Quinto Turner (pre-book) | ||||
| Three unnamed minors (pre-book) | ||||
| Joseph Turner (pre-book, year 2044) | hanging | Suicide | ||
| José Ortega (pre-book) | drug overdose | unnamed drugs | unintentional suicide | |
| Miguel Flores (pre-book) | stabbed | unknown | Steve Chávez | |
| Steve Chávez (pre-book) | unknown | unknown | Lino Martinez | |
| Lino Martinez | poisoning | potassium cyanide | Juanita Rodriguez Turner | |
| Jimmy Jay Jenkins | Billy Crocker | |||
| Ritual in Death | Ava Marsterson | ritual killing, slit throat, multiple stab wounds | multiple drugs, knives | Silas Pratt, Ola Pratt, Lawrence Collins, Bria Collins, Leah Burke, Kiki, Rodney, 6 others |
| Brian Trosky | hammer to cave in his own skull | drugged and hypnotized | ||
| Promises in Death | Amaryllis Coltraine | full impact to throat | police issue stunner | Detective Cleo Grady (on command of Max Ricker) |
| Rod Sandy | stabbed through torso | stiletto | ||
| Kindred in Death | Deena MacMasters | raped, beaten, sodomized, strangled | Darrin Pauley (masterminded by Vance Pauley) | |
| Karlene Robins | ||||
| Missing in Death | Dana Buckley | slit throat | bone dagger | Ivan Draski |
| Fantasy in Death | Bart Minnock | beheaded | sword (holo game) | Levar (Var) Hoyt |
| Indulgence in Death | Holly Curlow | strangled | manually | Kevin Donahue |
| Melly Bristow (pre-book) | broken neck | manually | Winston Dudley IV and Sylvester Moriarity III | |
| Sophia Ricci (pre-book) | unknown (body never found) | unknown | ||
| Linette Jones (pre-book) | beaten | tire iron | ||
| unnamed architect (pre-book) | garroted | wire | ||
| Larinda Villi (pre-book) | stabbed through heart | unknown | ||
| Jamal Houston | bolt through neck | crossbow | Sylvester Moriarity III | |
| Ava Crampton | stabbed through heart | bayonet | Winston Dudley IV | |
| Luc Delaflote | impaled through heart | harpoon | Sylvester Moriarity III | |
| Adrianne Jonas | hanged | bullwhip | Winston Dudley IV | |
| Possession in Death | Gizi Szabo | stabbed | dagger | Sasha Korchov |
| Vanessa Warwich, Allegra Martin, Lucy Quinn and five others (pre-book) | slit throat | |||
| Treachery in Death | Charlie Ochi | electrocution | homemade Jammer | Bruster Lowe, a.k.a. Skid; Leon Slatter, a.k.a. Slash; and Jimmy K Rogan, a.k.a. Smash |
| Rickie Keener, street name "Juicy" | poisoned | apparent (manipulated) overdose | Detective Carl Bix (on orders from Lieutenant Renee Oberman) | |
| Detective William Garnet | slit throat | military knife | ||
| Detective Gail Devin (pre book) | broken neck | unknown | unknown (on orders from Lieutenant Renee Oberman) | |
| Detective Harold Strumb (pre-book) | stabbed | unknown | unknown, possibly Detective Marcell) (on orders from Lieutenant Renee Oberman) | |
| New York to Dallas | Alice McQueen (pre-book) | slit throat | knife | Isaac McQueen |
| Carla Bingham (pre-book) | ||||
| Patricia Coppley (pre-book) | ||||
| Nancy Draper (pre-book) | ||||
| 4 unnamed victims (pre-book) | ||||
| Riker's Nurse (pre-book) | ||||
| Sylvia Prentice (a.k.a. Stella) | ||||
| Officer Malvie | laser scalpel | Sylvia Prentice (a.k.a. Stella) | ||
| Chaos in Death | Jennifer Darnell | strangulation | manual | Dr. Chaos (alter ego to Ken Dickerson) |
| Coby Vix | bludgeoned | pipe | ||
| Wilson Bickford | multiple stab wounds | 4-inch, jagged-edged knife | ||
| Eton Billingsly | multiple stab wounds and bites | knife and teeth | ||
| Celebrity in Death | Cecil Silcock | head trauma | cast-iron skillet | Paul Havertoe |
| K. T. Harris | head trauma, drowned | pushed, dragged into pool | Joel Steinburger | |
| A. A. Asner | smashed skull | Maltese falcon statue | ||
| Bryson Kane (pre-book) | broken neck and other injuries | fall/pushed down stairs | ||
| Marlin Dessler (pre-book) | internal bleeding and other injuries | fall/pushed off cliff | ||
| Angelica Caulfield and unborn fetus (pre-book) | overdose | drugs | ||
| Jacoby Miles (pre-book) | beaten | ten-pound dumbbell | ||
| Sherri Wendell (pre-book) | fall, drowned | drugs, pushed | ||
| Buster Pearlman (pre-book) | overdose | drugs and alcohol | ||
| Allys Beaker (pre-book) | fractured skull | slipped in shower | ||
| Delusion in Death | Lance Abrams, John Burke, Joseph Cattery, Paul Garrison, D B Graham, Travis Greenspan, Evie Hydelburg, Wendy McMahon, Cherie Quinz, Cate Simpson, Hilly Simpson, Macie Snyder, Amie Stewart, Gwen Talbert, Brenden Wang, Katrina and 68 unnamed victims. | multiple and varied injuries from weapons of opportunity | psycho-active chemical warfare gas | Lewis Callaway |
| Jeni Curve, Brenda Deitz, Carly Fisher, Allison Nighly and 40 unnamed victims. | ||||
| Calculated in Death | Marta Dickenson | broken neck | manually | Clinton Frye (on orders from Sterling Alexander) |
| Chaz Parzarri | asphyxiation | manually | ||
| Jake Ingersol | blunt head trauma | claw hammer | ||
| Thankless in Death | Barbara Reinhold | multiple stab wounds | kitchen knife | Jerald "Jerry" Reinhold |
| Carl Reinhold | blunt trauma | baseball bat | ||
| Lori Nuccio | strangulation | cord | ||
| Edie Barrett Farnsworth | asphyxiation | taped plastic bag | ||
| Taken in Death | Darcia Jordan | multiple stab wounds, slit throat | ritualist knife | Maj Borgstrom |
| Concealed in Death | Linh Carol Penbroke, Shelby Ann Stubacker, Angel West (Jane Doe), Lupa Dison, Mikki Wendall, Iris Kirkwood, Merry Wolcovich, Crystal Hugh, LaRue Freeman, Carlie Bowen, Kim Terrance and Shashona Maddox | drowning | bathtub | Montclair Jones |
| Festive in Death | Trey Ziegler | blunt head trauma | trophy | Natasha Quigley |
| Catiana Dubois | fractured skull | marble ledge (pushed) | ||
| Obsession in Death | Leanore Bastwick | strangled | garrote | Lottie Roebuck |
| Wendall Ledo | stabbed | pool cue | ||
| "Wonderment in Death", Down the Rabbit Hole anthology | Marcus Fitzwilliams | stabbed | scissors | Darlene Fitzwilliams |
| Darlene Fitzwilliams | fall from height | defenestration | suicide | |
| Devoted in Death | Robert Jansen (pre-book) | blunt trauma | tire iron and fists | Ella-Loo Parsens and Darryl James |
| Melvin Little, Noah Paston, Ava Enderson, Jacob Fastbinder and 24 unnamed victims (pre-book) | torture then exsanguination | variety of tools | ||
| Samuel Zed (pre-book) | blunt trauma | |||
| Dorian Kuper | torture then exsanguination | variety of tools | ||
| Brotherhood in Death | Edward Mira | hanged | chandelier/torture | Women assaulted by "The Brotherhood" |
| Jonas Wymann | ||||
| Frederick Betz | ||||
| William Stevenson (pre-book) | hanged | suicide | ||
| Apprentice in Death | Susann Prinz Mackie (pre-book) | hit | car | Brian T. Fine |
| Ellissa Wyman | shot | tactical laser rifle | Reginald and Willow Mackie | |
| Brent Michaelson | ||||
| Alan Markum | ||||
| Fern Addison | ||||
| Officer Kevin Russo | ||||
| Nathaniel Jarvits | ||||
| David Chang | ||||
| Jonah Rothstein and 17 unnamed victims at Madison Square Garden | Willow Mackie | |||
| Echoes in Death | Anthony Strazza | blunt force trauma | vase | Daphne Strazza |
| Xavier Carver | slit throat | scalpel | Kyle Knightly | |
| Miko Carver | strangled | rope | ||
| Secrets in Death | Larinda Mars | stabbed in arm | scalpel | William Hyatt |
| Kellie Lowry | stabbed in leg | |||
| Dark in Death | Rosie Kent | strangled | white ribbon | Ann Elizabeth Smith |
| Chanel Rylan | stabbed in the neck | ice pick | ||
| Loxie Flash | poisoned | cyanide | ||
| Leverage in Death | 12 people including Paul Rogan | suicide bombing (Rogan forced to commit attack) | bombs | Lucius Iler and Oliver Silverman |
| Jordan Banks | broken neck | manually | Oliver Silverman | |
| 5 people including Wayne Denby | suicide bombing (Denby forced to commit attack) | bombs | Lucius Iler and Oliver Silverman | |
| Connections in Death | "Low-Rent Illegals Dealer" | stabbed in throat | knife ("sticker") | "Dobber," a junkie |
| Stuart Adler | broken neck, knife to abdomen | pocket knife, trip and fall (down stairs while peeling apple with knife while intoxicated) | Self, Accidental | |
| Lyle Pickering | apparent (staged) drug overdose | tranquilized, then forcibly injected with "Go," "Out" | Dinnie "Banger" Duff, Barry "Fist" Aimes, Denby "Snapper" Washington and Burke "Ticker" Chesterfield (performed the injection); performed on the orders of Kenneth "Bolt" Jorgenson (and recommendations of Samuel Cohen) | |
| Dinnie Duff | beating, gang-rape, manual strangulation | manual | Barry "Fist" Aimes, Denby "Snapper" Washington and Burke "Ticker" Chesterfield; performed on the orders of Kenneth "Bolt" Jorgenson (and recommendations of Samuel Cohen) | |
| Barry Aimes | slashed throat | knife | Denby "Snapper" Washington, Burke "Ticker" Chesterfield and Kenneth "Bolt" Jorgenson; (performed on the recommendations of Samuel Cohen) | |
| Vendetta in Death | Nigel B. McEnroy | torture/electrocution, castration | various tools (torture), ceremonial blade (castration) | Darla Pettigrew (as "Lady Justice") |
| Thaddeus Pettigrew | ||||
| Arlo Kagen | ||||
| Golden in Death | Lucas "Loco" Sanchez (pre-book) | stabbed | kitchen/steak knife | Stephen "Steve" Whitt and Marshall Cosner |
| Dr. Kent Abner | poisoned | mix of sarin and sulfur trioxide (gold plastic egg filled with chemically engineered nerve agent (aerosolized sulfur trioxide and sarin gas, with additive for quick death and minimal dispersal)) | ||
| Elise Duran | ||||
| Marshall Cosner | drugged and poisoned | mix of sarin and sulfur trioxide (drugged, then convinced to handle improperly sealed nerve gas egg) | Stephen "Steve" Whitt | |
| Shadows in Death | Smuggler, unknown name | beaten to death | manual | Frankie Nalley |
| Galla Modesto | slashed throat | knife | Lorcan Cobbe, (professional hit; hired by Jorge Tween) | |
| 443 murders (pre-book) | stabbed or slashed throat | knife | Lorcan Cobbe (professional hit) | |
| Ellen and Thaddeus Solomen (pre-book) | slashed throat | knife | Lorcan Cobbe and Thomas "Big Tom" Ivan, (professional hit; hired by Colin "Boss" Boswell) | |
| Adam Solomen (pre-book) | tortured, gutted | |||
| Thomas "Big Tom" Ivan (pre-book) | stabbed | knife | Lorcan Cobbe | |
| Sweetie (cat) | slashed throat | knife | ||
| Ingrid Frederick (pre-book) | unknown | unknown | ||
| Kaylee Skye | beaten, manual strangulation | manual | ||
| 400+ (unknown number of) murders (pre-book) | unknown | unknown | Lorcan Cobbe | |
| Faithless in Death | Ariel Byrd | blunt force trauma | mallet | Mirium Wilkey (daughter of Stanton Wilkey, head of Natural Order) |
| Keene Grimsley (pre-book) | unknown | unknown; cremated post-mortem[10] | Unknown (on orders of Natural Order) | |
| Karyn Keye (pre-book) | suicide by hanging | unknown | Suicide (Guilt from involvement with Natural Order's human trafficking, etc.) | |
| Marcia Piper | blunt force trauma/beaten to death | manual | Lawrence "Larry" Piper | |
| Forgotten in Death | Alva Quirk (Alva Elliot, Alva Wicker) | head trauma | crowbar | Alexei Tovinski |
| Carmine Delgato | apparent (staged) suicide by hanging | tranquilized with Dexachlorine, then forcibly hanged with rope | ||
| Johara Murr, pregnant with male viable fetus (pre-book) | shot | 32-caliber handgun | Elinor Bolton Singer | |
| Abandoned in Death | Lauren Elder | slit throat | pocketknife | Andrew "Andy" Dawber
(John McKinney, John Church) |
| Anna Hobe | ||||
| Dr. Joseph "Joe" Fletcher (pre-book) | car accident | "drunk driver" | Unknown, DUI | |
| Violet Fletcher (Lisa McKinney)
(pre-book) |
overdose | prescription medication, "sleeping pills" | Self, Suicide | |
| Desperation in Death | Mina Cabot | Speared in chest | Plank of old wood | Devin Kunes (night security) |
| Jonah K. Devereaux | stabbed in throat | Knife | Amara Gharbi (aka: Luna) | |
| Marlene Williamson (Matron) | unknown | body disposed via cremation | ordered by "Auntie" Iris Beaty/Iris Swan | |
| Unnamed Nurse | unknown | |||
| Encore in Death | Brant Fitzhugh | poison | cyanide in glass of champagne | Eliza Lane |
| Debra Bernstein | poison | cyanide in glass of vodka | ||
| Rose Bernstein
(pre-book) |
accidental overdose | pills placed in bottle of vodka | Assisted by Eliza Lane | |
| Payback in Death | Captain Martin Greenleaf, Retired | Electric Shock to the throat | Police Stunner | Denzel Robards
(Planned and ordered by Elva Arnez) |
| Brice Noy
(Pre-Book) |
Hanging | Rope | Suicide | |
| Captain Louis Noy
(Pre-Book) |
Electric Shock to throat | Police Issue Stunner | Suicide | |
| Random in Death | Jenna Harbough | Overdose | Drugs/STDs cocktail injected while distracted at concerts | Francis Bryce |
| Arlie Dillon | ||||
| Passions in Death | Erin Albright | Garroted | Piano wire | Greg Barney |
| Bonded in Death | Giovanni Rossi aka Wasp | Poison | Toxic Gas Phosphine | Conrad Potter aka Shark |
| Leroy Dubois aka Hawk (pre-book) | Shot | Gun | ||
| Alice Dormer aka Fawn (pre-book) | Bomb Explosion | Terrorist Bomb | ||
| Framed in Death | Leesa Culver | Strangulation | tranquilized with barbiturates and then strangled with hands | Jonathan Harper Ebersole |
| Robert Ren | ||||
| Janette Whithers |
Note: "stunner" and "laser" are both terms used interchangeably for the fictional weapons that the NYPSD carry in the In Death books; they release a strong electrical, laser-like stun that can do anything from incapacitating to killing the victim.
Bibliography
[edit]In Death series
[edit]| # | Title | Publication
Date |
Included
In |
ISBN | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Naked in Death | Jul 1995 | ISBN 978-0-425-14829-7 | ||
| 2 | Glory in Death | Dec 1995 | ISBN 978-0-425-15098-6 | ||
| 3 | Immortal in Death | Jul 1996 | ISBN 978-0-425-15378-9 | ||
| 4 | Rapture in Death | Oct 1996 | ISBN 978-0-425-15518-9 | ||
| 5 | Ceremony in Death | May 1997 | ISBN 978-0-425-15762-6 | ||
| 6 | Vengeance in Death | Oct 1997 | ISBN 978-0-425-16039-8 | ||
| 7 | Holiday in Death | Jun 1998 | ISBN 978-0-425-16371-9 | ||
| 7.5[11] | Midnight in Death | Nov 1998 | Silent Night | ISBN 978-0425219713 | |
| 8 | Conspiracy in Death | Apr 1999 | ISBN 978-0-425-16813-4 | ||
| 9 | Loyalty in Death | Oct 1999 | ISBN 978-0-425-17140-0 | ||
| 10 | Witness in Death | Mar 2000 | ISBN 978-0-425-17363-3 | ||
| 11 | Judgment in Death | Sep 2000 | ISBN 978-0-425-17630-6 | ||
| 12 | Betrayal in Death | Mar 2001 | ISBN 978-0-425-17857-7 | ||
| 12.5[11] | Interlude in Death | Aug 2001 | Out of this World | ISBN 978-0425210628 | |
| 13 | Seduction in Death | Sep 2001 | ISBN 978-0-425-18146-1 | ||
| 14 | Reunion in Death | Mar 2002 | ISBN 978-0-425-18397-7 | ||
| 15 | Purity in Death | Sep 2002 | ISBN 978-0-425-18630-5 | ||
| 16 | Portrait in Death | Mar 2003 | ISBN 978-0-425-18903-0 | ||
| 17 | Imitation in Death | Sep 2003 | ISBN 978-0-425-19158-3 | ||
| 17.5[11] | Remember When | Sep 2003 | ISBN 978-0-399-15106-4 | with Nora Roberts | |
| 18 | Divided in Death | Jan 2004 | ISBN 978-0-399-15154-5 | ||
| 19 | Visions in Death | Aug 2004 | ISBN 978-0-399-15171-2 | ||
| 20 | Survivor in Death | Feb 2005 | ISBN 978-0-399-15208-5 | ||
| 21 | Origin in Death | Jul 2005 | ISBN 978-0-399-15289-4 | ||
| 22 | Memory in Death | Jan 2006 | ISBN 978-0-399-15328-0 | ||
| 22.5[11] | Haunted in Death | Apr 2006 | Bump in the Night | ISBN 978-0749958480 | |
| 23 | Born in Death | Nov 2006 | ISBN 978-0-399-15347-1 | ||
| 24 | Innocent in Death | Feb 2007 | ISBN 978-0-399-15401-0 | ||
| 25 | Creation in Death | Nov 2007 | ISBN 978-0-399-15436-2 | ||
| 25.5[11] | Eternity in Death | Nov 2007 | Dead of Night | ISBN 978-0749958480 | |
| 26 | Strangers in Death | Feb 2008 | ISBN 978-0-399-15470-6 | ||
| 27 | Salvation in Death | Nov 2008 | ISBN 978-0-399-15522-2 | ||
| 27.5[11] | Ritual in Death | Nov 2008 | Suite 606 | ISBN 978-0749958497 | |
| 28 | Promises in Death | Feb 2009 | ISBN 978-0-399-15548-2 | ||
| 29 | Kindred in Death | Nov 2009 | ISBN 978-0-399-15595-6 | ||
| 29.5[11] | Missing in Death | Dec 2009 | The Lost | ISBN 978-0-399-15595-6 | |
| 30 | Fantasy in Death | Jan 2010 | ISBN 978-0-749-94078-2 | ||
| 31 | Indulgence in Death | Nov 2010 | ISBN 978-0-399-15687-8 | ||
| 31.5[11] | Possession in Death | Nov 2010 | The Other Side | ISBN 978-0349400563 | |
| 32 | Treachery in Death | Feb 2011 | ISBN 978-0-399-15703-5 | ||
| 33 | New York to Dallas | Sep 2011 | ISBN 978-0-399-15778-3 | ||
| 33.5[11] | Chaos in Death | Sep 2011 | The Unquiet | ISBN 978-0349400563 | |
| 34 | Celebrity in Death | Feb 2012 | ISBN 978-0-399-15830-8 | ||
| 35 | Delusion in Death | Sep 2012 | ISBN 978-0-399-15881-0 | ||
| 36 | Calculated in Death | Feb 2013 | ISBN 978-0-399-15882-7 | ||
| 37 | Thankless in Death | Sep 2013 | ISBN 978-0-399-16442-2 | ||
| 37.5[11] | Taken in Death | Oct 2013 | Mirror, Mirror | ISBN 978-0349400563 | |
| 38 | Concealed in Death | Feb 2014 | ISBN 978-0-399-16443-9 | ||
| 39 | Festive in Death | Sep 2014 | ISBN 978-0-399-16444-6 | ||
| 40 | Obsession in Death | Feb 2015 | ISBN 978-0-399-17087-4 | ||
| 41 | Devoted in Death | Sep 2015 | ISBN 978-0-399-17088-1 | ||
| 41.5[11] | Wonderment in Death | Sep 2015 | Down the Rabbit Hole | ISBN 978-0515155471 | |
| 42 | Brotherhood in Death | Feb 2016 | ISBN 978-0-399-17089-8 | ||
| 43 | Apprentice in Death | Sep 2016 | ISBN 978-1-101-98797-1 | ||
| 44 | Echoes in Death | Feb 2017 | ISBN 978-1-250-12311-4 | ||
| 45 | Secrets in Death | Sep 2017 | ISBN 978-1-250-12315-2 | ||
| 46 | Dark in Death | Jan 2018 | ISBN 978-1-250-16153-6 | ||
| 47 | Leverage in Death | Sep 2018 | ISBN 978-0-349-41791-2 | ||
| 48 | Connections in Death | Feb 2019 | ISBN 978-1250201577 | ||
| 49 | Vendetta in Death | Sep 2019 | ISBN 978-1250207173 | ||
| 50 | Golden in Death | Feb 2020 | ISBN 978-1250207203 | ||
| 51 | Shadows in Death | Dec 2020 | ISBN 978-1250207234 | ||
| 52 | Faithless in Death | Feb 2021 | ISBN 978-1250771827 | ||
| 53 | Forgotten in Death | Sep 2021 | ISBN 978-1250272812 | ||
| 54 | Abandoned in Death | Feb 2022 | ISBN 978-1250278210 | ||
| 55 | Desperation in Death | Sep 7, 2022 | ISBN 978-1250278234 | ||
| 56 | Encore in Death | Feb 7, 2023 | ISBN 978-1250284082 | ||
| 57 | Payback in Death | Sep 5, 2023 | ISBN 978-1250284099 | ||
| 58 | Random in Death | Jan 23, 2024 | ISBN 978-1250289544 | ||
| 59 | Passions in Death | Sep 3, 2024 | ISBN 978-1250289568 | ||
| 60 | Bonded in Death | Feb 4, 2025 | ISBN 978-1250370808 | ||
| 61 | Framed in Death | Sep 2, 2025 | ISBN 978-1250370822 | ||
| 62 | Stolen in Death | Feb 3, 2026 | ISBN 978-1250414533 | ||
| 63 | Fury in Death | Sep 1, 2026 |
Anthologies and collections
[edit]| Anthology or collection | Contents | Publication
Date |
ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Night | Midnight in Death | Nov 1998 | ISBN 978-0-515-12385-2 |
| Out of this World | Interlude in Death | Aug 2001 | ISBN 978-0-515-13109-3 |
| Bump in the Night | Haunted in Death | Apr 2006 | ISBN 978-0-515-14117-7 |
| Dead of Night | Eternity in Death | Nov 2007 | ISBN 978-0-515-14367-6 |
| Three in Death | Interlude in Death
Midnight in Death Haunted in Death |
Jan 2008 | ISBN 0425219712, 9780425219713 |
| Suite 606 | Ritual in Death | Nov 2008 | ISBN 978-0-425-22444-1 |
| The Lost | Missing in Death | Dec 2009 | ISBN 978-0-515-14718-6 |
| The Other Side | Possession in Death | Nov 2010 | ISBN 978-0-515-14867-1 |
| Time of Death | Eternity in Death
Ritual in Death Missing in Death |
Jun 2011 | ISBN 0425240827, 9780425240823 |
| The Unquiet | Chaos in Death | Sep 2011 | ISBN 978-0-515-14998-2 |
| Mirror, Mirror | Taken in Death | Oct 2013 | ISBN 0515154075, 9780515154078 |
| Down the Rabbit Hole | Wonderment in Death | Sep 2015 | ISBN 978-1-501-22377-8 |
Major characters
[edit]Eve Dallas
[edit]- First Appearance: Naked in Death
Eve was found in an alley in Dallas, Texas with severe injuries and evidence of extensive physical and sexual abuse. Her social worker named her and put Eve into a foster home. After reaching the age of majority, Eve has a big desire to move to New York City, where she hopes to become a police officer. Throughout the series, her memories return, mostly through a series of nightmares, revealing a history of incestual rape and the patricide of her father, Richard Troy.
Roarke
[edit]- First Appearance: Naked in Death
In his mid-thirties, Roarke is an immigrant from Dublin, Ireland; in New York City, he is the CEO of Roarke Industries. He owns an old mansion off Central Park that he remodeled to his specifications with very high-tech security. He convinces Eve to move in with him in Glory in Death and then proposes at the end of the book.
Captain Ryan Feeney
[edit]- First Appearance: Naked in Death
Eve's former partner and the man who trained her. He no longer works Homicide, but is instead the captain of the Electronics Detection Division (EDD). Feeney likes to dress a bit messily and loves his electronics. He is a dedicated cop and a good husband to his wife, Sheila. They have several children and grandchildren. He is often seen eating a bag of candied nuts, which he may offer to Eve when they are deep in conversation about a case.
Mavis Freestone
[edit]- First Appearance: Naked in Death
Mavis is Eve's best and first real friend. The two met when Eve arrested her for being a con artist and they ended up becoming friends. Mavis is described as a tiny, pale woman who radically changes her appearance daily, sporting different lengths, styles, and colors of hair with often matching or contrasting eye color. She has an almost innocent personality which belies the very real street knowledge she possesses; she is also very loyal to Eve.
Lawrence Charles Summerset
[edit]- First Appearance: Naked in Death
Summerset is the major-domo of Roarke's home, and his most trusted friend (after Eve). He used to go by the name 'Basil Kolchek' back in Ireland in the 2030s. He and Eve have an adversarial relationship.
Commander Jack Whitney
[edit]- First Appearance: Naked in Death
Eve's police commander; her immediate superior. He is one of the few characters in the series, along with the Chief of the NYPSD, Tibble, who is identified as black. Eve respects him greatly. Whitney is a solid, excellent police officer, and for the most part is always on Eve's side. He has at least one daughter (a lawyer) with his wife, Anna Whitney, and endures stoically the parties his wife loves throwing. Surprising Eve, he gets along very well with Roarke and the two have, on rare occasions, smoked and drunk together.
Nadine Furst
[edit]- First Appearance: Naked in Death
Nadine is one of the intended victims of the murderer in Glory in Death, but is saved by Eve, who is the primary investigator on the case. She is an ambitious but ethical reporter, who will always protect her source. Nadine is a sharp dresser, a fact Eve finds odd.
Dr. Charlotte Mira
[edit]- First Appearance: Naked in Death
Mira is the resident psychiatrist and profiler for the NYPSD. She has several children with her husband, Dennis, and has grandchildren as well. She is a pretty and feminine woman whom Eve often consults on her cases. Eve loves Charlotte very much but has not admitted it to her face; nevertheless, Charlotte knows. Charlotte thinks of Eve as a daughter, a fact which annoyed Mira's own daughter at one point, and throughout the series has gotten Eve to open up to her more and more.
Officer (Detective) Delia Peabody
[edit]- First Appearance: Glory in Death
- Temporary aide in Glory and Immortal in Death
- Permanent aide: from Rapture in Death through to Imitation
- Partner: Promotion to Detective, third grade in Imitation in Death
Although her first name is Delia, she is referred to by her surname 'Peabody' throughout the books, as is standard for other police officers. Peabody has a very close relationship with Eve. Peabody comes from a family of "Free-Agers", which is a fictional extension of the New Age movement from the 1980s. Her family is peaceful and pacifistic, but Delia prefers exercising justice the police way. She is a responsible officer, but as the books continue, she becomes more confident in her cases and in teasing Eve, particularly about her sex life with McNab and her sexual fantasies.
Detective Ian McNab
[edit]- First Appearance: Vengeance in Death
Of a Scottish background, Ian is a detective in Feeney's Electronics Detection Division. He is particularly good with computers, though not as good as Roarke. Ian is a flashy dresser who, in Eve's words, "prances" rather than walks. Feeney describes him as a known candy thief, and he has been caught at least once pilfering candy bars from Eve's office.
Detective David Baxter
[edit]- First Appearance: Vengeance in Death
Another detective from Homicide. Baxter enjoys teasing Eve about anything he can, usually relating to her relationship with Roarke and associated changes; despite this teasing Roarke views Baxter as a solid cop and easygoing person.
Chief Medical Examiner Li Morris
[edit]- First Appearance: Rapture in Death
Chief Medical Examiner Morris is the medical examiner Eve requests on all of her high-priority cases. He is mentioned as having 'oddly exotic almond-shaped eyes', and sports a small tattoo of the Grim Reaper on his left pectoral. He has a long black ponytail, which he often ties back with fasteners that match his clothes. He plays the saxophone and sometimes plays gigs at various clubs. He listens to music while performing autopsies and calls Eve his prize pupil for her quick-witted deductions.
Notes
[edit]- ^ Roberts, Nora (18 April 2014). "Eve And Roarke With No Body". Fall Into The Story. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
So, no babies, not now. No charming orphans of any age. No pregnancy scares, no miscarriages, no foundlings, no street-wise kid who needs a good home. Did I leave anything out? If so, fill it in, then answer no.... I'm sorry some readers are disappointed I'm not taking the series and the characters in this direction, but I'm not. Repeat: I. Am. Not. The readers who insist on telling me why this could/should work are wasting their time. I don't agree, and I write the books.
- ^ Robb, J.D. "FAQ". J.D.ROBB.
When will Eve and Roarke have a baby? Nora has said repeatedly that a baby would signal the end of the series. In her opinion, a baby changes everything (for the better) and the focus of the series would change radically. In no way does this mean Nora thinks a mother can't be an excellent police officer (or attorney or any other type of professional). It does mean that many of the things readers love about Eve and Roarke's life together would change (i.e., leaving home for hours on end only to return to continue working in their home offices).
- ^ a b c Robb, J.D. (2000). "Chapter Twenty". Judgment in Death. Penguin Publishing Group. ISBN 9781101203798.
- ^ Robb, J.D. (2005). "Chapter One". Visions in Death. Penguin Publishing Group. ISBN 9781101204979.
- ^ a b Robb, Visions in Death, Chapter Twenty-two.
- ^ a b Robb, Visions in Death, Chapter Twenty-three.
- ^ a b c Robb, J.D. (2005). "Chapter Thirteen". Survivor in Death. Penguin Publishing Group. ISBN 9781101205006.
- ^ Robb, J.D. (2006). "Chapter 21". Memory in Death. Penguin Publishing Group. ISBN 9781101205488.
- ^ Memory in Death, "Chapter 16".
- ^ Laura (2021-02-09). "Faithless in Death discussion spot". Fall Into The Story. Retrieved 2021-04-26.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Fiction DB".
Further reading
[edit]- Little, Denise, & Hayden, Laura, The Official Nora Roberts Companion (New York: Berkley, 2003). ISBN 0-425-18344-0
- Ali, Kecia, Human in Death: Morality and Mortality in J. D. Robb's Novels (Waco, Texas: Baylor University Press, 2017). ISBN 9781481306270
- Steinberg SS, Zaleski J. Vengeance in Death review. Publishers Weekly. 1997;244(34):89. Accessed January 8, 2026. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lkh&AN=9709036025&lang=ru&site=eds-live&scope=site
External links
[edit]In Death
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The In Death series is a bestselling futuristic romantic suspense franchise written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym J. D. Robb, centering on New York City Police and Security Department (NYPSD) Lieutenant Eve Dallas as she investigates murders in a near-future world marked by advanced technology and social changes.[1][2]
Set primarily in the year 2058 and beyond in a gritty, high-tech New York City, the series follows Dallas, a no-nonsense homicide detective with a traumatic past, as she unravels intricate cases involving serial killers, corporate intrigue, and off-world elements, often with the aid of her sophisticated husband, Roarke—a former thief turned billionaire entrepreneur.[2] The narrative blends police procedural elements with romance, exploring Dallas's evolving relationships, psychological depth, and ethical dilemmas in a society grappling with issues like licensed companions (prostitutes), mood-altering substances, and interstellar travel.[3]
Launched in 1995 with the novel Naked in Death, the series has grown into one of the longest-running and most commercially successful in contemporary fiction, with 61 main novels released by November 2025, including the latest, Framed in Death (September 2025), alongside over a dozen novellas and short stories integrated into anthologies.[4] Written at a pace of one full-length novel per year, the books maintain chronological continuity, allowing for ongoing character development and recurring supporting cast members like Dallas's partner, Detective Peabody, and forensic expert Dr. Charlotte Mira.[5] The franchise has contributed significantly to Roberts's overall sales, with more than 500 million copies of her works in print worldwide across all pseudonyms and genres.[6]
(ISBNs vary by edition; e.g., Naked in Death: 978-0-425-14851-4; Framed in Death: 978-1-250-37082-2.)[4][61]
Key milestones include the 10th novel, Witness in Death (2000), which commemorated five years of consistent annual releases and introduced deeper ensemble dynamics in investigations.[5] The 50th entry, Golden in Death (2020), underscored the series' longevity, with the narrative timeline advancing in near real-time synchronization to publication dates, allowing characters to age gradually amid evolving societal and technological backdrops.
These placements ensure seamless integration into the overarching chronology set in mid-21st-century New York, often bridging seasonal or thematic gaps in the main storyline.[5][62]
Anthologies featuring In Death novellas frequently involve collaborations with other romance and suspense authors, emphasizing shared motifs like suspense or the holidays. For instance, Silent Night (ISBN 978-0-451-21167-3) collects holiday-themed stories, including "Midnight in Death" alongside contributions from Susan Squires and Maggie Shayne. Subsequent collections repackage select novellas for standalone accessibility: Three in Death (2008) compiles "Midnight in Death," "Interlude in Death," and "Haunted in Death"; while Time of Death (2013) gathers "Eternity in Death," "Ritual in Death," and "Missing in Death." From 2012 onward, individual novellas were released as e-book singles by Penguin Putnam, allowing readers to access them independently of the original anthologies. This format shift reflects evolving digital publishing trends while preserving the novellas' roles as supplementary entries.
Overview
Premise and genre
The In Death series follows Lieutenant Eve Dallas of the New York City Police and Security Department (NYPSD) as she investigates complex and often brutal murders in a near-futuristic New York City, with the timeline beginning in 2058.[7][8] Each novel centers on a standalone homicide case that Eve unravels using her sharp instincts and the aid of advanced investigative tools, while grappling with the personal toll of her demanding career. The cases frequently explore dark undercurrents of society, such as the world of licensed companions, shadowy cults, or the misuse of cutting-edge technology, reflecting the series' focus on justice amid moral ambiguity.[9] The genre of the series fuses police procedural mystery with romantic suspense and science fiction, creating a distinctive narrative style that integrates high-stakes investigations, emotional interpersonal dynamics, and speculative elements like holographic communications and mood-altering substances.[7][8] This blend allows for detailed procedural depictions of crime scenes and interrogations alongside evolving romantic tension, particularly in Eve's relationship with her billionaire husband, Roarke, which adds layers of suspense and character growth across installments.[10] The tone balances gritty realism in its portrayal of violent crimes with moments of humor and warmth from ensemble interactions, ensuring each book advances overarching character arcs while delivering self-contained thrills.[7] This structure maintains reader engagement through procedural rigor and relational depth, distinguishing the series within speculative fiction.[8]Author and publication origins
The series is written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym J. D. Robb, created to allow more frequent releases given Roberts's prolific output, enabling her to reach new readers without oversaturating her primary name.[3] The initials "J. D." derive from the first names of her sons, Jason and Dan, while "Robb" is a shortened form of Roberts.[11] It debuted in 1995 with the novel Naked in Death, published by Berkley Books.[12]Setting
Mid-21st century New York City
The In Death series is primarily set in a futuristic New York City beginning in 2058 and extending into subsequent years, serving as the central urban environment for Lieutenant Eve Dallas's homicide investigations with the New York Police and Security Department (NYPSD).[12][5] This mid-21st century version of the city reflects a post-conflict landscape shaped by the Urban Wars, a fictional period of widespread urban violence and unrest in the 2020s that prompted sweeping societal reforms and heightened security measures across the metropolis.[13] The Wars' aftermath influences the city's atmosphere, with ongoing emphasis on public safety protocols that impact daily life and law enforcement operations. Key locations in the series include the NYPSD headquarters, known as Cop Central, which functions as the hub for Dallas's team and investigative activities.[5] Dallas's personal residence, a spacious estate owned by her husband Roarke, provides a secure contrast to the bustling streets, often serving as a retreat amid high-stakes cases. Crime scenes frequently span the city's diverse topography, from gleaming high-tech skyscrapers in affluent districts to shadowed undercity areas marked by lingering socioeconomic divides, underscoring the challenges of policing in a stratified urban expanse. As the series progresses, New York City's infrastructure advances with integrated global and off-planet connections, normalizing interstellar travel and complicating case logistics for the NYPSD.[14] These developments, including expanded transportation networks and self-sustaining urban complexes, evolve the city's role in investigations, allowing cases to extend beyond terrestrial boundaries while rooted in the familiar yet transformed streets of Manhattan.Technological and societal advancements
The In Death series depicts a mid-21st-century world where everyday technology integrates seamlessly into daily life, exemplified by the AutoChef, an automated dispenser that stores, prepares, and serves food on demand, often found in homes and offices for efficient meal production.[15] Communication relies on 'links, compact wearable or implantable devices functioning as video-enabled phones and data terminals, allowing instant global or off-planet connectivity, as seen in routine calls and transmissions.[15] Law enforcement employs Reco units, portable devices that generate 3D holographic reconstructions of crime scenes from recorded data, enabling precise analysis of evidence in situ without physical disturbance.[16] Societal norms reflect a blend of progress and division, with Licensed Companions representing regulated sex work, where practitioners undergo licensing, health testing, and legal protections to operate professionally.[17] Free-Agers form anti-technology communes emphasizing natural living, rejecting synthetic enhancements in favor of holistic practices, often clashing with urban tech-dependent culture.[18] Off-world colonies on Mars and orbital stations expand human habitation, fostering debates on resource allocation and isolation, while ethical controversies surround AI sentience and human cloning, questioning rights, identity, and the morality of replicating consciousness or bodies.[19] These innovations profoundly shape policing, with the Electronic Detectives Division (EDD) specializing in cybercrimes, utilizing advanced forensics to trace digital footprints and combat hacking.[20] CompuGuard, a global monitoring system, scans electronic transmissions for illegal activity, alerting authorities to unauthorized programming or breaches, though it raises privacy concerns.[21] Interrogations incorporate legal mood-altering substances like Buzz (a stimulant), alongside other illegal substances, which often complicate investigations into addiction-fueled crimes.[16] Technology evolves throughout the series, from 2058 onward, progressing well into the 22nd century, beginning with reliance on basic droids for household tasks and progressing to neural enhancements for direct brain-computer interfaces, mirroring accelerating societal adaptation to off-world expansion and AI integration.[5]Characters
Eve Dallas
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is the protagonist of J.D. Robb's In Death series, serving as a homicide lieutenant with the New York City Police and Security Department (NYPSD) in mid-21st-century New York. Orphaned at age eight following severe abuse, she was discovered unconscious in an alley in Dallas, Texas, suffering from a broken arm and amnesia regarding her life prior to the trauma; she has no recollection of her birth name or family, and was given the name Eve Dallas based on the location of her discovery and the hospital where she was treated.[22] Her early life involved foster care and a path to law enforcement, driven by a deep-seated commitment to justice shaped by her unresolved past.[23] Eve's personality is marked by toughness, sarcasm, and a workaholic nature, often compounded by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from her childhood abuse. She is known for her relentless dedication to cases, frequent polishing of her badge as a ritual, and heavy reliance on coffee to fuel long hours, evolving from an emotionally isolated detective wary of personal connections to someone who gradually embraces relationships and vulnerability. Despite the era's advanced technology, Eve relies on intuition, persistence, and street-smart investigative skills to solve complex murders.[24] Professionally, Eve begins the series as a solo detective but later gains partners, including Delia Peabody as her aide, forming a dynamic that enhances her team's effectiveness in tackling high-stakes homicides. Her career arc highlights her rise through the ranks, marked by solving intricate cases that often intersect with personal challenges. On a personal level, she marries Roarke between the third and fourth books, Immortal in Death (1996) and Rapture in Death (1996), and confronts elements of her traumatic past through therapy sessions with Dr. Charlotte Mira, fostering significant emotional growth. By the later books set around 2060, Eve mentors junior officers and navigates the balance between her demanding career and family life.[8][25]Roarke
Roarke is a central character in the In Death series, depicted as an enigmatic Irish billionaire whose shadowy past contrasts sharply with his current status as a legitimate business magnate. Born circa October 6, 2024, to Siobhan Brody and Patrick Roarke in rural Ireland, he was orphaned at just eight days old when his father murdered his mother in a fit of rage after she attempted to flee the abusive marriage.[5] Raised by the violent Patrick, who subjected him to severe physical and emotional abuse, Roarke endured a childhood marked by poverty and brutality in the slums of Dublin after running away at around age eight.[26] His father's death at age twelve—later revealed to have been carried out by the loyal butler Summerset in an act of protection—left him a street orphan, where he honed survival skills through petty theft and cons, adopting "Roarke" as his sole name, derived from his father's surname but reclaimed as a symbol of his self-made identity.[26][5] From these humble and illicit beginnings, Roarke transformed his life into one of immense wealth and influence, founding Roarke Industries, a sprawling conglomerate that dominates fields including advanced technology, global real estate, transportation, and off-world ventures such as orbital hotels and colony developments. His early criminal exploits evolved into ethical savvy, particularly in cybersecurity, where he applies former hacking prowess to safeguard his empire and occasionally assist law enforcement. Charismatic and intensely protective, Roarke is portrayed as multilingual, with a commanding presence marked by piercing blue eyes and a lilting Irish accent; he is a skilled pilot of personal shuttles and owns an array of luxury properties worldwide, from a fortified New York skyscraper to estates in Ireland.[27] Despite his formidable exterior, he exhibits deep emotional depth, balancing ruthless pragmatism from his past with unwavering loyalty to loved ones. In the series, Roarke serves as Eve Dallas's devoted husband and a pivotal ally in her investigations, leveraging his vast resources to provide critical support such as advanced tech analysis, secure facilities for evidence review, or even alibis during high-stakes operations. Their romance ignites in the first novel, Naked in Death (1995), evolving rapidly from suspicion to passion, culminating in marriage between Immortal in Death (1996) and Rapture in Death (1996), after which their partnership becomes a cornerstone of the narrative.[27] Roarke frequently aids the Electronic Detectives Division (EDD) indirectly through consultations, drawing on his expertise without compromising his civilian status, and later arcs explore his contemplation of fatherhood alongside Eve, reflecting on building a family amid ongoing threats from his past.[25] Roarke's character arc traces a profound evolution from a vengeful youth—evidenced in early plots like Vengeance in Death (1997), where he confronts repercussions from a revenge killing tied to his Dublin days—to a mature family man who channels his protective instincts into nurturing relationships and ethical pursuits.[28] This growth peaks in later installments, such as Portrait in Death (2003), where revelations about his true parentage and Summerset's sacrificial act deepen his self-understanding, and in confrontations with lingering enemies from his criminal youth, underscoring his transition to a stabilizing force in Eve's turbulent world.[29]Delia Peabody
Delia Peabody is a key supporting character in J.D. Robb's In Death series, initially introduced as an officer in the New York City Police and Security Department (NYPSD) before becoming Lieutenant Eve Dallas's trusted aide and partner. Born into a family of Free-Agers—non-traditional, environmentally conscious communalists—Peabody grew up with parents Sam and Phoebe, along with siblings including her younger brother Zeke, in a rural setting that emphasized harmony and self-sufficiency.[30] This background shaped her grounded, empathetic approach to policing, contrasting with the urban intensity of mid-21st-century New York. She joined the NYPSD prior to the events of Glory in Death (1995), the series' second novel, where she first appears as a uniformed officer responding to a high-profile murder scene and catching Dallas's eye for her competence and diligence. Dallas, impressed by her potential, assigns her as a temporary aide in that investigation and again in Immortal in Death (1996), before making the role permanent starting in Rapture in Death (1996). Peabody's personality is marked by optimism, unwavering loyalty, and a fashion-conscious flair that often injects levity into the series' grim investigations, serving as comic relief and emotional ballast to Dallas's hardened demeanor. Described as girly, sensitive, and fun-loving, she balances Dallas's cynicism with her own enthusiasm for the job and genuine compassion for victims, particularly children and the vulnerable.[31] Her relationship with EDD Detective Ian McNab begins in Loyalty in Death (1999), evolving from professional tension to a romantic partnership that adds personal depth to her arc; the couple institutes "Date Night" to maintain romance amid their demanding careers and eventually cohabitates, with Peabody absorbing some of McNab's technical savvy through their shared life.[32] This dynamic highlights her adaptability, as she navigates both field work and the interpersonal challenges of the NYPSD. In her professional role, Peabody starts by managing administrative duties, witnessing interviews, and supporting co-investigations, gradually evolving into a capable field detective under Dallas's rigorous training. She handles solo cases during Dallas's absences and contributes significantly to major probes, such as undercover operations and evidence analysis.[33] By Imitation in Death (2003), the seventeenth novel, she earns her detective stripes after intensive preparation, solidifying her position as Dallas's partner and marking a pivotal growth from aide to equal collaborator. Peabody's character arc reflects steady professional ascent and personal stability; as of the series' later installments set in 2060 and beyond, she remains a senior detective in Homicide, leveraging enhanced tech skills influenced by McNab to aid investigations in an increasingly digitized world.[34] Her enduring partnership with Dallas underscores themes of mentorship and resilience in the face of relentless crime-solving demands.Ian McNab
Ian McNab is a detective in the Electronic Detectives Division (EDD) of the New York Police and Security Department (NYPSD), specializing in cyber forensics within the mid-21st-century setting of J.D. Robb's In Death series. First introduced in the sixth novel, Vengeance in Death (1997), McNab arrives at the crime scene to assist Lieutenant Eve Dallas and Captain Ryan Feeney in tracing a jammed communication signal, marking his entry into major investigations through Feeney's mentorship. His background as an EDD ace highlights his rapid rise, having transferred to Feeney's unit at Cop Central just months prior, bringing fresh technical prowess to the team. McNab's distinctive appearance sets him apart in the department's more uniform environment: he favors baggy pants, multiple earrings, and eye-searingly colorful clothing that reflects his eclectic, non-conformist vibe. Personality-wise, he is flirtatious and geeky, with a playful demeanor that often lightens tense scenes, yet underpinned by unwavering loyalty to his colleagues and a sharp focus during crises. His expertise shines in hacking secure systems, analyzing vast data sets, and deploying innovative gadgetry, making him indispensable for unraveling digital puzzles in homicide cases. In his professional role, McNab routinely processes electronic evidence, such as recovering deleted files or tracking transmissions across global networks, frequently partnering with civilian consultant Roarke on intricate cybercrimes that demand cutting-edge solutions beyond standard NYPSD tools. This collaboration underscores his adaptability, blending official protocols with Roarke's unconventional methods to crack otherwise impenetrable digital trails. For instance, in early cases, he deciphers encrypted devices pivotal to the plot, evolving into a go-to resource for the Homicide division's tech needs. McNab's personal arc centers on his relationship with Detective Delia Peabody, beginning with flirtatious tension in Loyalty in Death (1999, book 9), where mutual attraction leads to their first intimate encounter, transitioning from rivals to partners. By Judgment in Death (2000, book 11), their dating solidifies, progressing to cohabitation and structured date nights to nurture their bond amid demanding careers. Over the series, this evolves from casual to deeply committed, with discussions of marriage and family in later entries like Celebrity in Death (2012, book 34), though they remain unmarried as of recent novels; in the 2020s installments, McNab assumes leadership of EDD sub-teams on specialized operations, reflecting his growth into a senior operative.Charlotte Mira
Dr. Charlotte Mira is the primary civilian psychiatrist and criminal profiler for the New York Police and Security Department (NYPSD) in J.D. Robb's In Death series, specializing in psychological evaluations of suspects and victims.[35] Introduced in the first novel, Naked in Death (1995), she provides expert consultations on offender motivations and mental states, drawing on her extensive background in behavioral psychology. Her role extends to testifying in court as an authoritative witness on criminal profiles, as seen in cases where her assessments influence legal outcomes.[36] Known for her empathetic and insightful demeanor, Mira maintains a composed presence amid high-stakes investigations, offering nuanced analyses that balance clinical precision with human understanding.[37] She functions as a maternal figure to protagonist Lieutenant Eve Dallas, providing ongoing therapy sessions to help process personal trauma and professional stress, fostering a deep personal bond beyond formal consultations.[38] This supportive dynamic is evident in early works like Witness in Death (2000), where Mira aids Dallas in navigating emotional fallout from a case involving a theater production gone wrong. Mira's personal life contrasts her professional intensity, as she shares a long-standing marriage with criminologist Dr. Dennis Mira and raises a family including daughter Gillian, a Wiccan practitioner, and son Anthony.[39] Over the series, her involvement deepens, occasionally placing her in personal peril, such as her abduction by a vengeful serial killer in the novella Midnight in Death (1998), highlighting the risks tied to her expertise.[27] These elements underscore her evolution from detached analyst to integral ally in the NYPSD's operations.[40]Ryan Feeney
Ryan Feeney serves as the captain of the Electronic Detectives Division (EDD) within the New York City Police and Security Department (NYPSD) in J.D. Robb's In Death series. He began his career as Eve Dallas's partner in Homicide, where he mentored her during her early years on the force before his promotion to lead EDD. An old-school detective at heart, Feeney embodies traditional policing values in a future dominated by advanced technology, often relying on instinct and basic electronics skills rather than cutting-edge immersion tools. His background includes a marriage to Sheila Feeney, with whom he has children and grandchildren.[41][42] Feeney's personality is marked by a gruff, no-nonsense demeanor tempered by reliability and a paternal warmth, particularly toward Eve, whom he treats like a daughter. He resists deep engagement with futuristic tech but excels in overseeing electronic investigations, frequently providing crucial support to Homicide cases. A notable quirk is his longstanding addiction to candy, which Eve accommodates by stocking her office with his favorites, highlighting his approachable side amid his tough exterior. As EDD captain, he manages the division's resources, including loaning Detective Ian McNab to assist Eve's team on complex cases.[37][43][42] In the series, Feeney plays a pivotal role in early investigations, such as the murder of prosecutor Cicely Towers in Glory in Death (1995), where his expertise aids Eve in navigating electronic evidence and departmental politics. He continues as a steadfast ally throughout the novels, bridging traditional detective work with the evolving demands of cyber forensics in mid-21st-century New York. His enduring presence underscores the tension between old-guard policing and technological advancement, offering guidance that grounds Eve amid rapid societal changes.[42]Lawrence Summerset
Lawrence Charles Summerset serves as the majordomo and loyal household manager for Roarke in the In Death series, having rescued the young Roarke from the streets of Dublin, Ireland, where he acted as a surrogate father figure after both endured hardships as former thieves.[44][45][46] Known for his snarky yet proper demeanor, Summerset is deeply devoted to Roarke, often displaying a grouchy and complex personality that includes sharp wit and unwavering loyalty, which initially leads to frequent clashes with Eve Dallas through verbal sparring and mutual disdain.[47][48] In his role, Summerset oversees the operations of Roarke's New York residence, handles personal security matters, and occasionally provides assistance in investigations, such as administering a medical booster to Eve during her illness in Seduction in Death (2001), demonstrating his practical support amid tense circumstances.[47][49][50] Throughout the series, Summerset's character arc shows him softening from initial antagonism toward Eve, evolving into a relationship of mutual respect forged through their shared concern for Roarke's well-being; this progression is marked by mid-series health challenges, including a broken leg in Portrait in Death (2003), which temporarily alters his routine and highlights his vulnerability.[51][48]Jack Whitney
Jack Whitney serves as the Commander of the Homicide Division in the New York Police and Security Department (NYPSD), acting as the direct superior to Lieutenant Eve Dallas throughout the In Death series.[5] As a veteran law enforcement officer, he manages high-stakes investigations while contending with political pressures from department leadership and city officials on prominent cases that attract media scrutiny.[52] Whitney's personality blends stern authority with fairness, often demonstrating a paternal protectiveness toward his detectives as he mediates between bureaucratic constraints and operational needs.[5] He approves risky procedures proposed by his team, manages public relations fallout, and provides steadfast backing during intense probes, ensuring his unit receives necessary resources. In early installments like Immortal in Death (1996), Whitney intervenes decisively in conflicts arising from Eve's personal entanglements with the case, upholding departmental integrity while supporting her lead.[5] Over the course of the series, Whitney confronts significant challenges from internal corruption investigations, exemplified in Treachery in Death (2011), where he spearheads a rigorous crackdown on graft within the Illegals unit after evidence surfaces implicating officers in criminal activities.[52] His oversight role evolves to include mentoring emerging leaders like Eve, fostering a transition in command responsibilities amid ongoing departmental reforms.[5]Mavis Freestone
Mavis Freestone is a key recurring character in J.D. Robb's In Death series, portrayed as Lieutenant Eve Dallas's loyal best friend and a dynamic performer in the mid-21st-century New York entertainment industry. Introduced in the debut novel Naked in Death (1995), she begins as a licensed companion, a regulated profession involving consensual sexual services, whom Eve arrests early in her career, forging an unlikely but enduring bond.[53] Over subsequent books, Mavis establishes herself as a celebrated singer and dancer, headlining shows at venues like the Down and Dirty Club and achieving stardom with her high-energy acts.[54] She is the mother of Bella, born to her and her husband, fashion designer Leonardo, marking a significant personal milestone in the series.[55] Her personality embodies eccentricity, fierce loyalty, and irrepressible optimism, often manifesting in her ever-changing hairstyles, eye colors, and flamboyant attire that reflect her bohemian ethos. Mavis serves as Eve's gateway to the artistic and underground social scenes, exposing the detective to vibrant, non-corporate elements of futuristic society that contrast with the rigid structure of police work.[54] This lively demeanor provides essential comic relief amid tense investigations, while her optimism bolsters Eve's emotional resilience. Throughout the series, Mavis frequently aids Eve by offering alibis, insights from her network, or simple companionship, lightening the narrative with humor during high-stakes cases. Her world intersects with several murders, as seen in Immortal in Death (1996), where she faces wrongful accusation tied to her performer lifestyle, and Creation in Death (2007), involving victims from the edgy club circuit she navigates.[54] Mavis's arc traces her growth from independent entertainer to devoted family member, marrying Leonardo in Born in Death (2006) and raising Bella while sustaining her career through sold-out performances and tours.[55] She symbolizes Eve's anchor to everyday life beyond the badge, fostering moments of levity and underscoring themes of chosen family in the non-police sphere.[55]Nadine Furst
Nadine Furst is a key supporting character in the In Death series, serving as an on-air crime reporter for Channel 75, a major New York news network in the mid-21st century setting. She first appears in Naked in Death (1995), where she establishes a tentative alliance with Lieutenant Eve Dallas by offering investigative leads in exchange for exclusive access to case details after resolutions. Over time, this relationship evolves into one of mutual trust, with Furst becoming one of the few journalists Dallas relies on for media handling without compromising investigations. Furst is portrayed as ambitious yet deeply principled, balancing her drive for high-profile stories with a strong ethical code that prioritizes source protection and factual accuracy over sensationalism. Her glamorous style—often featuring designer suits and high heels—contrasts with the gritty demands of crime reporting, allowing her to navigate competitive media environments while maintaining professional integrity. This blend of tenacity and elegance makes her a formidable figure in the series' journalistic landscape, where she frequently contends with network pressures to prioritize ratings. In her role, Furst typically covers cases post-resolution, delivering in-depth reports that highlight investigative outcomes without revealing active leads. She occasionally assists Dallas by tapping into her extensive network of contacts for off-the-record information, enhancing investigations while securing exclusives for Channel 75. A notable expansion of her contributions comes through her authorship of Deadly Perfection: The Icove Agenda (published within the series timeline around 2060), a bestselling account of the Icove cloning conspiracy case, for which she consults Dallas to ensure precision; this project is discussed in Innocent in Death (2007). Furst's character arc reflects her rising prominence amid personal risks and professional triumphs. Early on, she faces direct danger as an intended victim and kidnapping target in Glory in Death (1995), underscoring the perils of her beat and deepening her bond with Dallas. Her career advances with the launch of her own prime-time show, Now, premiering in Innocent in Death, and further elevates through Deadly Perfection's success, including a vid adaptation that secures her five Academy Awards in categories like Best Adapted Screenplay. By later installments, such as Dark in Death (2018), she holds a senior anchor position at Channel 75, solidifying her status as a leading media figure while continuing to collaborate with Dallas on high-stakes stories.Li Morris
Li Morris serves as the Chief Medical Examiner for the New York Police and Security Department (NYPSD) in J.D. Robb's In Death series. He first appears in the fourth installment, Rapture in Death (1996), succeeding the previous medical examiner—a character initially named Morse in earlier novels due to a continuity error by the author.[27][56] Morris is portrayed as a meticulous pathologist with a melancholic demeanor, often displaying a long, mournful face during examinations that reflects his empathetic engagement with the deceased.[57] Known for his precise forensic work, Morris conducts autopsies to determine the time and cause of death, providing critical evidence for Lieutenant Eve Dallas's investigations. His interactions with Dallas are marked by professional respect and a deepening personal bond forged through shared experiences of grief, as both characters navigate their own past traumas. Morris finds solace in playing the violin, a habit that underscores his introspective and somber personality.[56] Throughout the series, Morris's character arc evolves from a reliable professional contact to a trusted confidant for Dallas, particularly following significant personal losses, including the murder of his lover, Detective Amaryllis Coltraine, in Promises in Death (2009). This tragedy heightens his emotional vulnerability, strengthening his empathetic connection with Dallas while he occasionally pursues new relationships amid ongoing threats tied to high-profile cases. By the mid-series, post-2004 novels, Morris has become an integral part of Dallas's inner circle, offering not only forensic insights but also quiet support during her most challenging investigations.[58]David Baxter
David Baxter is a veteran homicide detective, second grade, with the New York Police and Security Department (NYPSD) at Cop Central, first introduced in the series during the events of Vengeance in Death. He partners with Officer Troy Trueheart, initially serving as his trainer starting in mid-2059, and their collaboration evolves into a full detective partnership by the mid-2060s. Baxter maintains a flirtatious demeanor toward female colleagues and suspects alike, earning the nickname "Detective Horndog" among peers, yet he remains strictly professional in his duties. Known for his cocky confidence and extensive street experience, Baxter exhibits a slick, smooth style—often dressed in stylish suits—that complements his cagey investigative approach. His loyalty to the department and squad is unwavering, frequently providing reliable backup during high-stakes operations while injecting witty banter to lighten tense scenes. This humor often manifests in playful teasing directed at Lieutenant Eve Dallas, particularly regarding her personal life, adding comic relief to collaborative investigations. In his role, Baxter assists on major cases under Dallas's command, coordinating with uniforms for canvasses and scene security, as seen in multiple squad efforts throughout the series. His contributions highlight a shift in the post-2000s narratives, where he demonstrates professional growth through sustained partnerships and increased responsibilities, such as handling complex fieldwork alongside newer team members. Baxter's character arc emphasizes mentorship of younger officers, notably guiding Trueheart from rookie uniform to full detective, fostering his development through hands-on training and shared cases. This evolves further in later installments, where he confronts personal vulnerabilities, including an emotionally draining investigation in Devoted in Death that tests his resilience amid a cross-country manhunt.Publication history
Main novels
The In Death series comprises 61 main novels, released annually by G.P. Putnam's Sons (hardcover editions) and Berkley Books (paperback editions), imprints of Penguin Random House, beginning with the debut in 1995.[59] Early installments typically spanned 300 pages, while later volumes expanded to 350–400 pages to accommodate intricate subplots and ensemble character development alongside primary investigations.[60] Each novel centers on a standalone homicide case investigated by Lieutenant Eve Dallas in a near-future New York City, blending police procedural elements with futuristic technology; for instance, Rapture in Death (1996) delves into virtual reality's perils in crime. The following table lists the main novels in chronological publication order:| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Naked in Death | 1995 |
| 2 | Glory in Death | 1995 |
| 3 | Immortal in Death | 1996 |
| 4 | Rapture in Death | 1996 |
| 5 | Ceremony in Death | 1997 |
| 6 | Vengeance in Death | 1997 |
| 7 | Holiday in Death | 1998 |
| 8 | Conspiracy in Death | 1999 |
| 9 | Loyalty in Death | 1999 |
| 10 | Witness in Death | 2000 |
| 11 | Judgment in Death | 2000 |
| 12 | Betrayal in Death | 2001 |
| 13 | Seduction in Death | 2001 |
| 14 | Reunion in Death | 2002 |
| 15 | Purity in Death | 2002 |
| 16 | Portrait in Death | 2003 |
| 17 | Imitation in Death | 2003 |
| 18 | Divided in Death | 2004 |
| 19 | Visions in Death | 2004 |
| 20 | Survivor in Death | 2005 |
| 21 | Origin in Death | 2005 |
| 22 | Memory in Death | 2006 |
| 23 | Born in Death | 2006 |
| 24 | Innocent in Death | 2007 |
| 25 | Creation in Death | 2007 |
| 26 | Strangers in Death | 2008 |
| 27 | Salvation in Death | 2008 |
| 28 | Promises in Death | 2009 |
| 29 | Kindred in Death | 2009 |
| 30 | Fantasy in Death | 2010 |
| 31 | Indulgence in Death | 2010 |
| 32 | Treachery in Death | 2011 |
| 33 | New York to Dallas | 2011 |
| 34 | Celebrity in Death | 2012 |
| 35 | Delusion in Death | 2012 |
| 36 | Calculated in Death | 2013 |
| 37 | Thankless in Death | 2013 |
| 38 | Concealed in Death | 2014 |
| 39 | Festive in Death | 2014 |
| 40 | Obsession in Death | 2015 |
| 41 | Devoted in Death | 2015 |
| 42 | Brotherhood in Death | 2016 |
| 43 | Apprentice in Death | 2016 |
| 44 | Echoes in Death | 2017 |
| 45 | Secrets in Death | 2017 |
| 46 | Dark in Death | 2018 |
| 47 | Leverage in Death | 2018 |
| 48 | Connections in Death | 2019 |
| 49 | Vendetta in Death | 2019 |
| 50 | Golden in Death | 2020 |
| 51 | Shadows in Death | 2020 |
| 52 | Faithless in Death | 2021 |
| 53 | Forgotten in Death | 2021 |
| 54 | Abandoned in Death | 2022 |
| 55 | Desperation in Death | 2022 |
| 56 | Encore in Death | 2023 |
| 57 | Payback in Death | 2023 |
| 58 | Random in Death | 2024 |
| 59 | Passions in Death | 2024 |
| 60 | Bonded in Death | 2025 |
| 61 | Framed in Death | 2025 |
Novellas and anthologies
The In Death series by J.D. Robb includes eleven novellas that expand on the primary narrative arcs, typically featuring Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her team in shorter, self-contained mysteries slotted chronologically between the main novels. These works were initially published in multi-author anthologies, often themed around holidays or supernatural elements, before being reissued as e-book singles or collected in author-specific volumes. By 2025, no additional novellas have been released since 2015, maintaining a total of eleven that provide interstitial glimpses into character development and ongoing series lore.[62] The novellas are positioned within the series timeline as follows, with their original anthology debuts noted:| Novella Title | Series Placement | Original Anthology (Publication Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Midnight in Death | After Holiday in Death (Book 7) | Silent Night (1998) |
| Interlude in Death | After Betrayal in Death (Book 12) | Out of This World (2001) |
| Big Jack | After Imitation in Death (Book 17) | Remember When (2003) |
| Haunted in Death | After Creation in Death (Book 25) | Bump in the Night (2006) |
| Eternity in Death | After Innocent in Death (Book 24) | Dead of Night (2007) |
| Ritual in Death | After Salvation in Death (Book 27) | Suite 606 (2008, with Mary Blayney, Ruth Ryan Langan, and Mary Kay McComas) |
| Missing in Death | After Kindred in Death (Book 29) | The Lost (2009, with Patricia Gaffney, Mary Blayney, and Ruth Ryan Langan) |
| Possession in Death | After Indulgence in Death (Book 31) | The Other Side (2010, with Mary Blayney, Patricia Gaffney, and Ruth Ryan Langan) |
| Chaos in Death | After Treachery in Death (Book 32) | The Unquiet (2011, with Mary Blayney, Patricia Gaffney, and Ruth Ryan Langan) |
| Taken in Death | After Concealed in Death (Book 38) | Mirror, Mirror (2013, with Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas, and M.J. Rose) |
| Wonderment in Death | After Devoted in Death (Book 41) | Down the Rabbit Hole (2015, with Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas, and M.J. Rose) |