Chaos in Death
4 Stars

In the aftermath of her ordeal in Dallas, Eve investigates the horrific murders of three homeless people with a connection to a research laboratory dedicated to finding treatments for drug addiction.

Like many of the novellas in the series, this feels like an epilogue to the full length New York to Dallas as we see characters coping with the consequences of the McQueen case. It was particularly satisfying to gain some insight into Roarke's feelings and how difficult it is for him not to wrap Eve up in cotton wool to keep her safe - not that she would allow it anyway...

The mystery itself is intriguing and enjoyable mainly due to the focus on issues related to the morality of technological developments and the field of genetic engineering. These always remind me of the notion of scientists doing something because they can rather than because they should.

In addition, the literary allusions to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Frankenstein and The Picture of Dorian Gray appeal to the academic in me and add an extra layer of enjoyment to the story.

All in all, definitely one of the best novellas in the series thus far. ( )

I usually enjoy all the In Death books. But not so much this one. For a short, 95 page novella, it seemed endless. It took me forever to read. And it was just a bit too out there for me. I didn't care for this one which is such a disappointment because I love all the other books in the series so much. ( )

This go round, Eve is battling a murderer who is also some sort of weird monster! This novella is classic Eve Dallas: she finds three dead bodies, looks for clues, gets some help from Roarke, and ultimately saves the day. Who doesn't love a good Lt. Dallas story? This is another 5 stars, of course. ( )

In Death 33.5

Three recovering addicts, found murdered in their apartment, has New York Police and Security Department homicide Three recovering addicts found murdered in their apartment have New York Police and Security Department homicide detective Lieutenant Eve Dallas chasing a monster. Described by an eyewitness as red-eyed and green-skinned, the murderer leaves his “Dr. Chaos” signature, written on the wall in the victims’ blood, and then dances away.

The trail takes Eve and Peabody to the Whitwood Center, a preeminent rehabilitation clinic where there’s no shortage of suspects. Will Eve be able to put the cuffs on the culprit before there’s another murder?

This novella, following “New York to Dallas” and preceding “Delusion in Death,” follows the pattern for these short stories and brings a hint of the paranormal to the telling of the tale. There’s a nice balance between the murder investigation, and Eve’s interactions with Mavis and Bella as well as with Nadine and Trina. And there’s some delightful banter between Eve and Peabody.

The reference to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is perfect and while astute readers may identify the culprit early on, the pleasure is in watching Eve get the bad guy and find justice for the victims.

Highly recommended. ( )