Interlude in Death

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 show more them.

In sum, a short yet sweet addition to the series. show less

Eve takes a trip to Roarke's resort satellite to take part in a law enforcement convention. She is scheduled to make a presentation. Also appearing is a retired law enforcement officer that is a hero to Peabody. Unfortunately, he has a grudge against Roarke and thinks Eve sold out when she married him. When one of his aides is murdered, Eve works with Roarke, Peabody, Dr. Mira, Feaney, and Darcia who is in charge of the police on the station. Lots about the importance of fathers in this story.

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 show more 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. show less

Eve Dallas is not happy. Her commanding officer has arranged for her to do a speech at the interplanetary police conference which being held at husband Roarke’s spectacular new Olympia resort. Yep, off planet, so this involves all the things she detests most in life – attending social events, public speaking and above all space travel.

On Eve’s first night there she is ordered to meet police hero Commander Douglas R. Skinner by his thuggish body guards, and it is not a happy experience. Skinner makes it very much known that women should be at home, barefoot and pregnant; not solving murders. He also tells her that he aims to destroy Roarke and wants Eve to help him. Eve declines the offer and tries to walk away, but is prevented by show more one of the bodyguards; she punches him and leaves the reception only to have the guard turn up very dead a few hours later. Skinner immediately accuses Roarke, and indeed the evidence does point to him. Eve and her team join forces with the off-planet police to find out who is behind the murder.

INTERLUDE IN DEATH was originally released in an anthology titled Out Of This World, which is a collection of futuristic stories by four renowned female authors. Now released as a 96-page novelette it is a fast moving and engrossing story with lots of twists and turns, action and suspense. Though there are no superfluous words, Roarke and Eve both manage to learn previously unknown and interesting details concerning their fathers while figuring out whodunit. A very enjoyable short read. show less

"Interlude in Death" (5 stars)-This was part of an anthology I still own. Yes, back in the day I bought the anthologies to tied me over for the longer releases. This one includes Laurell K. Hamilton (sigh). The other two authors I never got into. I always read their stories, but never bought any of their other works. And I stopped reading Hamilton eons ago after the adeur mess. This anthology takes places in spring 2059. I bring up the timeline because as I have noted in later reviews, the timeline has gone screwy as anything. Eve and Roarke are off planet. Eve is with Roarke to give a speech at a resort called Olympus which of course Roarke owns. This was a crazy one because a Captain Skinner in this one asks to meet with Eve and tells show more her he can make her a captain if she gives him Roarke....yeah you know how this was going to go. After Eve beats the mess out of a bodyguard of Skinner's he is found dead, and then of course Eve is looked at as a suspect. The lead on this one is Darcia Angelo who we see in a later book, but I wish would appear again. This was interesting and it moves pretty fast I thought. One of the mysteries in this one though is who killed Roarke's father. Readers of the series find out later, but it is definitely a question that was brought up by Roarke/Eve in the earlier books. show less

A seminar off planet with hundreds of police personnel in attendance doesn't stop murder from being committed. A 50-year career commander with the memory of a blotched operation that cost the lives of many good cops fuels the murders along with a vendetta involving Eve and Roarke. This is a very short 88-pages but each is filled with the suspense that only J.D. Robb can weave to bring Eve Dallas and Roarke to life.