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In Death #12.5

Interlude in Death

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In early spring of 2059, Lieutenant Eve Dallas is called off planet to face a grueling ordeal - giving a seminar at the largest police conference of the year, to be held in a swanky resort. A resort which just happens to be owned by her husband, Roarke, of course. Even though Eve can't quite see it that way, it's supposed to be at least partly a vacation. But work intrudes in the form of a bloody homicide, and Eve is off and running. The case is complicated by Eve's personal history with the victim - and by the killer's history with Roarke. As danger closes in and the body count rises, Eve must find a way to stop the cycle of violence and revenge, and shove the past back where it belongs.

88 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

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About the author

J.D. Robb

175books34.7kfollowers
J.D. Robb is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling In Death series and the pseudonym for #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts. The futuristic suspense series stars Eve Dallas, a New York City police lieutenant with a dark past. Initially conceived as a trilogy, readers clamored for more of Eve and the mysterious Roarke. Forgotten in Death (St. Martin's Press, September 2021) is the 53rd entry in the series.

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5 stars
9,372 (47%)
4 stars
6,859 (34%)
3 stars
3,133 (15%)
2 stars
363 (1%)
1 star
50 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 638 reviews
Profile Image for Phrynne.
3,853 reviews2,593 followers
February 6, 2017
The first time I read this series through I skipped all the novellas and now I ask myself why? It turns out that , being such a very nifty writer, can produce a short story which is every bit as good as any of her full length books.
takes place off planet while Eve and Roarke are attending a conference and supposedly having a bit of a holiday. Of course one or two murders take place and they are personally involved in solving them.
As is normal for this author the story is good and action packed. Many of our favourite characters from the series are present and poor Peabody probably has the worst time of her life! Eve and Roarke are in top form and there are a million quotable quotes even in such a short book.
Very enjoyable but of course - too short! Ready for the next full length novel now.
Profile Image for Kat.
Author14 books577 followers
April 11, 2022
In this IN DEATH novella, Eve Dallas and her husband Roarke are off-planet so that Eve can make a presentation at a law enforcement conference. While there, murder intrudes and Eve soon learns the case is tied up in Roarke’s past. Lots of great scenes with Eve and Roarke, and also Peabody, one of my favorite secondary characters.
Profile Image for ˥S󲹰Dz˥.
985 reviews140 followers
February 22, 2017

I am waiting for that moment when I’m going to sigh deeply and say, “This one just wasn’t as good as the others�. But to my utter delight this moment has not come. And I hope it never does because I am LOVING this series.

Another wonderful read in the In Death Series that centers on the lives of Dallas, Lieutenant Eve and Roarke. We also have a colorful collection of side characters that make each and every one of these books that much better. I appreciate the familiarity of all of them and as relationships build I’m curious as to what paths JD will take them down.

Interlude in Death was a short story. Eve and Roarke are at a police conference where Eve is required to give a speech (which she dreads). It is being held off planet at fancy resort owned by you know who and they hope to sneak in some holiday time.

That would have been nice for these two but there is no escaping murder for Eve or Peabody for that matter! As all the piece’s fall into place, Eve realizes that Peabody is in danger and hopes she isn’t too late.

I have to say, Peabody is a shining star in these books. Her relationship with Eve is great. I love that she has a huge crush on Roarke and flaunts it out front of Eve. She makes me laugh. I’m trying to draw a visual of her. Here is my first pass. :)



Though it was too short for me, it was still thrilling and it still had the R & E moments I have come to love.

~I love how he loves her. Typical Roarke



“You saved me, Eve.� He watched her blink in absolute shock.

“What you are, what I feel for you, what we are together saved me.�

He kept his eyes on hers as he kissed her.

“Darling Eve. I adore you.�


~ And I love Eve. She always struggles with her words. She does have her sweet moments but it is moments like this that I love the most.



“Oh, Christ. Men. Look, you don’t need to hide behind me or anybody. You’re a tough, badass son of a bitch with a really big penis and balls of titanium steel. Okay?�


I don’t see myself tiring of these two anytime soon. I’m looking forward to the remaining 31 books. �



“We’ve made each other in the end, haven’t we, Darling Eve? Two lost souls into one steady unit.� “Guess we have. It’s good.� He stroked his cheek against hers, and felt the fatigue wash away. “Very good.�

Profile Image for Chan.
781 reviews49 followers
October 18, 2020
I'm not a fan of novellas, but this one worked.

I have enough history with Eve an Roarke, that a short story with them was very enjoyable. I wasn't left confused or feeling like the author rushed it.
Profile Image for Poonam.
618 reviews540 followers
September 15, 2016
A very short and fast read with a simple mystery but lot's of angle to it.

In this story Eve is attending a off-planet conference in Olympus and instead gets roped in to solve a murder.
But it's not just one murder but two murders that take place and a

The Olympus has a female head of police and Eve come's to loggerheads as they both have their own style of investigation. In the end they have to work together for it to work.

There are heavy undertones of feminism in this book and I really enjoyed reading it.
Profile Image for Hulya Kara Yuksel.
1,063 reviews1,283 followers
July 10, 2018
J.D.Robb never disappoints me... Ahhh this story was short but still it was so damn good. 😍
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Profile Image for Lena.
1,202 reviews326 followers
January 8, 2019
On Olympus...
Boring boring
Crazy old man...
Boring boring
Misplaced revenge...
Boring boring
Eve’s not in charge...
Boring boring
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,486 reviews159 followers
November 3, 2018
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.
Profile Image for Cyndi.
2,443 reviews109 followers
July 15, 2018
Reread July 2018 � every time I read this novella I always think its out of sequence. The last book ends with a trip scheduled for Ireland that picks up in Seduction. Instead this little off planet gem happens.
Eve, Peabody, and some of the gang (sans McNab) are on Roarke’s space station for a police conference. Poor Eve has to face two of her biggest fears...space travel and public speaking. Meanwhile a well decorated cop is also in attendance. He has 50 years in the force and carries along all his prejudices. Women should be care givers and children must respect their parents and carry the sins of their fathers. Since we know about Eve and Roarke’s fathers, that’s a lot of sins.
This is the story where Roarke begins to think his father and Eve’s met in Dallas, Texas. *shudder*
My advice is that when you read through this series try not to skip the in-between stories or you’ll miss overall plot developments.
Profile Image for Mo.
1,398 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2017


I've not read a bad one yet in this series and from reviews that's not going to change anytime soon. Hopefully.

Eve is off planet, with Roarke, in a swanky resort, owned by you know who! But, its never going to be a holiday or any downtime for Eve, is it?

“You saved me, Eve." He watched her blink in absolute shock. "What you are, what I feel for you, what we are together saved me." He kept his eyes on hers as he kissed her.�


This one was short. Think it was originally included in some other anthology.


Her breathing was short, shallow and he heard it catch, release on a strangled gasp when he drove her over the first peak. His own blood raged as he crushed his mouth to her again, and plunged inside her.



She heard him murmuring something -- the language of his youth, so rarely used, slid exotically around her name.



I seriously want to be Eve. She is one of the best heroines I have ever read. And Roarke's not too shabby either!!

"Darling Eve, I adore you."


6,369 reviews6 followers
October 25, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

This is a novella kindle e-book from the local library.

I first read this novella in 2017 before my eye sight damage and issues developed to where they are now. I did not write a review.

Eve and Rourke are at a off world 🌎 conference at one of Rourke's hotels. Then there is a murder. Rourke and Eve are suspects. Then a body is found by Rourke and Eve which appears to be suicide but is murder. The investigation leads to the truth and arrest of the killer.

I would highly recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships murder mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀💘😕😡
Profile Image for Shawna.
3,722 reviews4,728 followers
September 12, 2017
4 stars � Futuristic/Romantic Suspense/Mystery/Crime/Novella

He was tall and had an innate sort of grace. Like a cat did, she thought. A big, dangerous cat that only pretended to be tame when it suited his mood.

His hair was black and thick and longer than her own. It spilled nearly to his shoulders and provided a perfect frame for a face that made her think of dark angels and doomed poets and ruthless warriors all at once.

“You saved me, Eve.� He watched her blink in absolute shock. “What you are, what I feel for you, what we are together saved me.�

“We’ve made each other in the end, haven’t we, Darling Eve? Two lost souls into one steady unit.�
Profile Image for Adi (Reading in the Windowseat).
379 reviews161 followers
July 22, 2011
How Robb manages to make the In Death novellas as good as the novels, I do not know, but she does.

This was fast and enthralling, funny and with a hint of exotic, what with the stage being set off-planet and on the Olympus Resort. The characters were a good surprise and put Eve to the test - whether she's good at fighting those pesky little vices called prejudice and personal disdain, which plague everyone at one point or another. She came out the victor, putting her issues aside and going through the hoops of an investigation with clear thought and poise.

It makes one admire a fictional character enough to wish all cops were like her - human, but smart and loyal.
Profile Image for Obsidian.
3,108 reviews1,105 followers
July 5, 2022
"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 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.
Profile Image for Allison Brennan.
Author104 books4,977 followers
December 4, 2024
A very sharp, tightly written novella-length story. One of the better shorts.
Profile Image for Anita.
2,500 reviews211 followers
January 14, 2018
At always a good plot, romance and a story that builds our knowledge of both Roarke and Eve. The novella format can be tricky for some authors, but this great.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas is all set to give a seminar at a conference of cops. Roarke has managed to get them to book this conference on his fantastic resort planet of Olympus and is interested in stealing some time away with Eve. Alas, murder takes the center stage, or staircase in this case, and Eve decked the guy just hours before he is killed. Roarke also has a connection to him and someone wants both Eve and Roarke to take the fall for this murder.
Profile Image for Alisa.
444 reviews36 followers
June 20, 2024
Even novellas in the In Death series are just as good as full-lenght novels. Blows my mind, how does Nora Roberts do this!
Profile Image for Carol Jones-Campbell.
1,876 reviews
January 28, 2019
Second Read: Like the review for Interlude in Death and the rest of the series, it takes place in the year 2059, and 2060 and features New York Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas. This case she is being urged by her boss into a situation she hates--public speaking. Further adding to her stress, she's being asked to lead a seminar she's being asked to lead in public plus travel all of which leave her very cranky.

She barely has time to worry about her speech before she is dragged right into a murder investigation. The off-planet Commissioner warns assistants is found dead, with evidence pointing straight to Roarke. Of course Eve knows Roarke is innocent; but proving it is another matter. Especially as another body turns up, and again Roarke looks guilty. The investigation proceeds smoothly.

First Read: If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm smitten with this series. This is a novella (88 pages), and even though it is much shorter, she still does a very complete story in short order. They are at a police convention on another /work/editio..., and Eve is a speaker. The plot gets tangled, and she has a few cases to solve. Good old Roarke owns the hotel/convention center where they are staying and that creates some plot variety too. Enjoy!

It was an enjoyable read, Recommend with short read.
Profile Image for Diane.
677 reviews31 followers
April 19, 2017
This is my favourite novella - great case - get to meet Chief Angelo and also get to see a bit more of Roarke's vision - Olympus.

Plus another tie-in - Roarke's father and Eve's!

2 thumbs up and 5 stars!
Profile Image for Stacee.
2,951 reviews748 followers
January 7, 2022
A quick read that had some great scenes, but not quite a plot line that captivated me.
Profile Image for Francesca ❆.
502 reviews97 followers
July 29, 2022
Cute novella, I very much enjoyed the change of setting and watching Eve not having to rely 9n her badge and its limitations.
Profile Image for Sarah.
3,356 reviews1,234 followers
February 12, 2019
I own this story as part of a bind up with Midnight In Death

Interlude In Death is available either as an individual ebook, or, as a bind up in print or ebook, that also includes the novella Midnight in Death. I read it as part of the bind up but I've reviewed both stories separately as I read them months apart so I could read the whole In Death series in order.

In Interlude in Deathwe see Eve and Roarke travel off planet so that Eve can host a seminar at a police conference. It would already be her idea of hell just for the journey but add in public speaking and having to socialise and Eve really isn't happy about the whole deal. It's made even worse when a well respected Commander offers her a promotion, all she would have to do is help him convict her husband. Commander Skinner has seriously underestimated Eve though, nothing would convince her to betray Roarke and the minute it looks like someone is setting him up to take the fall for a murder Eve goes into full on Lieutenant mode. Nothing will stop her from solving this case, even if she does have to work against one of her own to do it.

Even with the shorter novellas in this series J.D. Robb manages to write stories that have me hooked from beginning to end. Eve and Roarke are such a fantastic team and there are some wonderfully heartfelt moments between them in this story where they are both forced to face some uncomfortable facts about their fathers. It was great that Feeney, Peabody and Mira were also attending the conference and that they all instantly had Eve and Roarke's back too. We all know Roarke has a chequered past but nobody believes he would risk Eve's career by committing cold blooded murder, not unless her life was in danger anyway! Another great story in this series that left me wanting more.
Profile Image for Belles.
453 reviews27 followers
January 6, 2024
I'm so glad I'm reading the novellas in this series. They're very satisfying.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 638 reviews

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