I know that these little novellas within the In Death series are not necessary for completing the series, but I find them fun little interludes. Interlude in Death is a fantastic break between the darkness of the previous novel, allowing fans the chance to catch their breath. To make it even more of a break, the story occurs off-planet.

Interlude in Death is a fun locked-door/planet mystery. At its heart, however, are Eve and Roarke. While we have seen them work together in the past, this is the first story where we see them wholly reliant on each other. There is no fuss, no arguing. Nothing but cooperation and collaboration. As I said before, it is a nice reprieve from the intensity of the past novels.

Interlude in Death
4 Stars

At an off-planet law enforcement conference, Lieutenant Eve Dallas finds herself investigating the violent death of a man with whom she had a previous altercation . The case becomes even more fraught when it becomes clear that Roarke is being framed for the crime.

This is the 2nd novella in the series and is, despite its shorter length, a self-contained story.

Even though the motive for the crime is never in doubt, the investigation is still compelling mainly due to the insights into Roarke's backstory and a couple of very suspenseful moments. There are also some hints at deeper connections between Eve and Roarke that are very tantalizing and it will be interesting to see the direction in which Robb takes them.

In sum, a short yet sweet addition to the series. ( )

In Death 12.5

NYPSD homicide detective Lieutenant Eve Dallas is not happy. She’s off-planet at a law enforcement conference where she scheduled to give a speech and host a seminar. And Eve is decidedly unhappy about both of those things.

Their stay at the swanky Olympus Resort [Roarke’s, of course] is supposed to be part vacation, but murder interrupts in a very personal way: Eve has a history with the victim and Roarke has a history with the killer. Can Eve untangle the off-planet crime and put an end to the cycle of revenge?

This “In Death” novella follows the events recounted in “Betrayal in Death” and finds several of the expected characters attending the off-planet conference. Despite its short length, the narrative brings readers all the things they have come to expect from an “In Depth” story: a strong sense of place, well-developed, nuanced characters, and an intriguing mystery. In addition, there’s some interesting backstory for Roarke as well as dashes of suspense, humor, and romance.

Readers, both returning and new, will enjoy the unfolding story.

Highly recommended. ( )

Eve is off planet to give a seminar for fellow officers, when a man with a vendetta plots to frame Rourke for murder. Great short, great couple moments with Rourke and Eve and the obligatory references to their rough childhoods.
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