Navigating the literary world of JD Robb can be a thrilling yet daunting task, especially when attempting to read her popular “In Death” series in the correct order. JD Robb, a pseudonym for bestselling author Nora Roberts, has captivated readers with her futuristic crime thriller novels featuring the tenacious Lieutenant Eve Dallas.
With over 50 books in the series, it’s essential to have a clear roadmap to guide you through this dark, gripping universe. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive list of the ‘In Death’ series, ensuring you enjoy each twist and turn as the author intended.
Answer these 2 questions in-depth: J.D. Robb Books in Order
- Do I need to read J.D. Robb’s Books in Order?
- What is the In Death Series?
Do I need to read J.D. Robb’s Books in Order?
While it is not strictly necessary to read the J.D. Robb books in order, doing so is highly recommended to fully appreciate the character development and the intricate relationships that unfold throughout the series. Each book in the ‘In Death’ series follows Lieutenant Eve Dallas as she solves crimes in a futuristic New York City.
Although each novel has a self-contained plot, there are overarching storylines, character arcs, and personal growth that are best appreciated when the books are read in order.
Expert Tip: By reading the series in order, you’ll be able to follow Eve’s journey as she evolves from a dedicated, yet emotionally guarded police officer, into a more complex and empathetic character.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the development of her relationships with other key characters, such as her husband, Roarke, and her close friend and partner, Delia Peabody.
What is the In Death Series?
The “In Death” series is a collection of futuristic crime thriller novels written by J.D. Robb, a pseudonym for the prolific romance author Nora Roberts. The series is set in mid-21st century New York City and follows the life and career of Lieutenant Eve Dallas, a determined and skilled homicide detective in the New York Police and Security Department (NYPSD).
The series blends elements of mystery, suspense, romance, and science fiction, creating an engaging and immersive reading experience. It is renowned for its intricate plots, rich character development, and vivid portrayal of a futuristic society.
The “In Death” series is highly popular among fans of crime fiction and has garnered a dedicated following since the publication of the first book, “Naked in Death,” in 1995.
List of JD Robb books in order
Here is a list of the J.D. Robb books in the ‘In Death’ series in order, up until September 2021:
- Naked in Death (1995)
- Glory in Death (1995)
- Immortal in Death (1996)
- Rapture in Death (1996)
- Ceremony in Death (1997)
- Vengeance in Death (1997)
- Holiday in Death (1998)
- Conspiracy in Death (1999)
- Loyalty in Death (1999)
- Witness in Death (2000)
- Judgment in Death (2000)
- Betrayal in Death (2001)
- Seduction in Death (2001)
- Reunion in Death (2002)
- Purity in Death (2002)
- Portrait in Death (2003)
- Imitation in Death (2003)
- Divided in Death (2004)
- Visions in Death (2004)
- Survivor in Death (2005)
- Origin in Death (2005)
- Memory in Death (2006)
- Born in Death (2006)
- Innocent in Death (2007)
- Creation in Death (2007)
- Strangers in Death (2008)
- Salvation in Death (2008)
- Promises in Death (2009)
- Kindred in Death (2009)
- Fantasy in Death (2010)
- Indulgence in Death (2010)
- Treachery in Death (2011)
- New York to Dallas (2011)
- Celebrity in Death (2012)
- Delusion in Death (2012)
- Calculated in Death (2013)
- Thankless in Death (2013)
- Concealed in Death (2014)
- Festive in Death (2014)
- Obsession in Death (2015)
- Devoted in Death (2015)
- Brotherhood in Death (2016)
- Apprentice in Death (2016)
- Echoes in Death (2017)
- Secrets in Death (2017)
- Dark in Death (2018)
- Leverage in Death (2018)
- Connections in Death (2019)
- Vendetta in Death (2019)
- Golden in Death (2020)
- Shadows in Death (2020)
- Faithless in Death (2021)
- Forgotten In Death (2021)
- Abandoned In Death (2022)
- Desperation in Death (2022)
- Encore in Death (2023)
- Payback in Death (2023)
Summary of every JD Robb Book
Naked in Death (1995):
In the first book of the series, Lieutenant Eve Dallas investigates the murder of a high-profile socialite. During the investigation, she meets the enigmatic Irish billionaire Roarke, who becomes a suspect and later a romantic interest. The case forces Eve to confront her past and face her demons.
Glory in Death (1995):
Eve is assigned to a high-profile case involving the murder of a prominent prosecutor. As the body count rises, it becomes apparent that a serial killer targets successful women. Eve’s pursuit of the killer puts her in the crosshairs, and her relationship with Roarke is tested.
Immortal in Death (1996):
On the eve of her best friend’s high-society wedding, Eve Dallas investigates a series of brutal murders connected to a new and lethal designer drug. As she delves deeper, Eve uncovers a twisted web of betrayal, drugs, and murder that threatens her friends and loved ones.
Rapture in Death (1996):
When a series of bizarre suicides begin to plague New York City, Eve Dallas suspects a sinister force is at play. As she investigates, she uncovers a deadly, mind-altering technology with the power to manipulate the human brain. Eve must race against time to stop the unknown killer before more lives are lost.
Ceremony in Death (1997):
When a fellow police officer is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Eve Dallas is called to investigate. As she delves into the world of dark magic, satanic rituals, and ancient curses, Eve must face her fears and confront a powerful enemy that threatens to destroy her and those she loves.
Vengeance in Death (1997):
A brutal murderer is targeting people close to Roarke, leaving cryptic messages at each crime scene. Eve must uncover the killer’s motive and identity before anyone else falls victim. As she investigates, she discovers a deeply personal connection to the killer and a long-hidden secret from Roarke’s past.
Holiday in Death (1998):
In the days leading up to Christmas, a serial killer dubbed “The Santa Claus Killer” is targeting women dressed as holiday characters. Eve must work against the clock to catch the twisted murderer before more innocent lives are lost during the festive season.
Conspiracy in Death (1999):
Eve Dallas investigates the gruesome murders of several licensed organ donors. As she uncovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of society, Eve becomes the target of a powerful and ruthless enemy who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.
Loyalty in Death (1999):
A terrorist organization known as Cassandra threatens New York City with a series of deadly bombings. As Eve Dallas races against time to prevent further devastation, she becomes embroiled in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with a cunning adversary that challenges her loyalties.
Witness in Death (2000):
During a performance of Agatha Christie’s “Witness for the Prosecution,” a leading actor is murdered on stage. Eve Dallas must unravel the complex web of relationships and secrets among the cast and crew to find the killer, all while dealing with her growing fame and the challenges it brings to her personal life.
Judgment in Death (2000):
When a cop is found brutally murdered in a seedy strip club, Eve Dallas discovers that the crime may be connected to a dangerous drug lord. As she navigates the dark underbelly of New York City’s criminal world, she faces a ruthless enemy who will stop at nothing to protect their empire.
Betrayal in Death (2001):
A skilled hitman targets the guests of Roarke’s luxurious hotel, and it’s up to Eve to find the killer. As the investigation unfolds, she uncovers a sinister plot involving revenge and a stolen treasure that could cost Roarke everything he holds dear.
Seduction in Death (2001):
Eve investigates a series of murders where the victims are young women who have been drugged and seduced before being killed. As she races to find the killers, she must navigate a twisted game of seduction and manipulation to prevent more innocent lives from being lost.
Reunion in Death (2002):
A notorious female serial killer, who Eve put behind bars years ago, escapes from prison and seeks revenge. As the bodies begin to pile up, Eve must face her old nemesis in a deadly game of cat and mouse that threatens to destroy her career and her life.
Purity in Death (2002):
A mysterious vigilante group known as the Purity Seekers begins killing people they believe are spreading corruption and immorality. When the group targets one of Eve’s close friends, she must race against time to uncover the identities of the vigilantes and stop their deadly crusade.
Portrait in Death (2003):
The discovery of a young woman’s body leads Eve to a talented but troubled photographer who may be using his art to conceal his murderous intentions. Meanwhile, Roarke receives devastating news about his past that could change the course of his future.
Imitation in Death (2003):
A serial killer is imitating the crimes of infamous murderers from the past, and it’s up to Eve to stop him before he completes his deadly collection. As the case unfolds, Eve must confront her own fears and insecurities in order to bring the killer to justice.
Divided in Death (2004):
A double homicide at a top-secret government facility reveals a sinister conspiracy that threatens national security. As Eve and Roarke work together to uncover the truth, they must navigate the murky world of espionage, betrayal, and divided loyalties.
Visions in Death (2004):
When a psychic claim to have visions of future murder victims, Eve must determine whether the woman is truly gifted or a clever fraud. As the body count rises, Eve must use her own instincts and intuition to catch a killer who always seems to be one step ahead.
Survivor in Death (2005):
A brutal home invasion leaves a young girl as the sole survivor and witnesses to her family’s murder. As Eve and her team work to protect the traumatized child and find the killers, they uncover a web of secrets and lies that could have deadly consequences for everyone involved.
Origin in Death (2005):
Eve investigates a series of murders linked to a mysterious and controversial medical research facility. As she delves into the world of cutting-edge science and genetic manipulation, she uncovers a chilling conspiracy that could have far-reaching implications for humanity.
Memory in Death (2006):
When a woman from Eve’s past resurfaces, she brings a dark secret with her that threatens to upend Eve’s life and career. As Eve grapples with her own memories, she must also solve a series of murders connected to the woman’s arrival.
Born in Death (2006):
Eve and her team investigate the disappearance of a pregnant woman and her partner, only to uncover a twisted plot involving illegal adoptions and stolen babies. Meanwhile, Eve’s friend Mavis goes into labor, adding a personal dimension to the case.
Innocent in Death (2007):
The murder of a beloved teacher at an exclusive private school forces Eve to confront her own painful childhood memories. As she searches for the killer, she must navigate the complex web of secrets, lies, and betrayals that surround the seemingly idyllic institution.
Creation in Death (2007):
A sadistic killer, dubbed “The Groom,” is torturing and killing women in a race against the clock. As Eve hunts for the murderer, she discovers that this case has a personal connection to her past, forcing her to confront her own demons to bring the killer to justice.
Strangers in Death (2008):
A prominent businessman is found dead in a seemingly staged and provocative manner. As Eve investigates, she faces a host of suspects, all with a motive for murder. She must navigate the complex world of high society and uncover the truth behind the façade of wealth and privilege.
Salvation in Death (2008):
Eve is called to a murder scene at a church, where a priest has been poisoned during a funeral service. As she investigates, she uncovers a tangled web of religious fanaticism, revenge, and long-held grudges that threatens the lives of those she holds dear.
Promises in Death (2009):
When a fellow cop is murdered, Eve takes the case personally, vowing to bring the killer to justice. As she delves into the victim’s life, she discovers a hidden world of corruption and betrayal that tests her loyalties and endangers her own life.
Kindred in Death (2009):
The daughter of a prominent police captain is brutally murdered, and Eve must navigate the politics and personal connections of the case. As she investigates, she uncovers a dark secret that could shatter the lives of those she holds dear and bring down an entire department.
Fantasy in Death (2010):
When a popular virtual reality game designer is found dead, Eve must enter the world of gaming to catch a killer who seems to have mastered the art of murder. As she delves deeper, she discovers that the line between fantasy and reality is more blurred than she ever imagined.
Indulgence in Death (2010):
A series of seemingly random murders leads Eve to a dangerous and twisted game played by New York City’s elite. As she races to stop the killers before they strike again, she must confront her own beliefs about justice, privilege, and the true nature of evil.
Treachery in Death (2011):
Eve discovers a group of corrupt cops operating within the NYPSD, led by a high-ranking officer. As she works to bring them down, she must navigate a dangerous world of betrayal and deceit, risking her career and her life in the pursuit of justice.
New York to Dallas (2011):
Eve must confront her past when a notorious child predator she captured years ago escapes from prison and seeks revenge. As she travels to Dallas to stop him, she must face old wounds and come to terms with her own personal demons.
Celebrity in Death (2012):
A star-studded party ends in tragedy when a famous actress is found dead, and Eve is called in to investigate. As she delves into the glamorous world of Hollywood, she discovers a tangled web of jealousy, ambition, and deadly secrets.
Delusion in Death (2012):
A deadly toxin is unleashed in a popular New York City bar, causing its patrons to turn violently against one another. As Eve investigates the source of the toxin, she uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that could have far-reaching consequences for the city and its inhabitants.
Calculated in Death (2013):
A seemingly routine homicide case leads Eve to uncover a sinister plot involving corporate espionage, insider trading, and cold-blooded murder. As she navigates the high-stakes world of finance and big business, she must outwit a ruthless killer determined to protect their secret at all costs.
Thankless in Death (2013):
As Thanksgiving approaches, Eve is confronted with a brutal and sadistic killer who targets seemingly random victims, leaving a trail of terror in their wake. As she races against the clock to stop the murders, she must confront her own feelings of gratitude and the true meaning of the holiday.
Concealed in Death (2014):
When Roarke discovers the remains of twelve young girls hidden behind a false wall in one of his buildings, Eve is called in to investigate. As she uncovers the tragic stories of the victims, she must bring their killer to justice, even as she confronts the darkness within herself.
Festive in Death (2014):
As Christmas approaches, Eve investigates the murder of a personal trainer with a long list of wealthy and powerful clients. As she delves into the world of privilege and excess, she must navigate the complex web of relationships and rivalries to uncover the truth behind the festive facade.
Obsession in Death (2015):
A vigilante killer begins targeting criminals who have escaped justice, leaving a trail of bodies and a mysterious message for Eve. As she hunts for the killer, she must confront her own feelings about justice, obsession, and the line between right and wrong.
Devoted in Death (2015):
A pair of sadistic killers embark on a cross-country murder spree, with their sights set on New York City as the ultimate destination. As Eve races to stop them before they can claim more victims, she must confront the dark and twisted nature of devotion.
Brotherhood in Death (2016):
When the wealthy and influential husband of a respected colleague is found dead, Eve is drawn into a case that tests her loyalties and exposes a secret brotherhood of corruption and privilege. As she uncovers the truth, she must decide how far she is willing to go in the pursuit of justice.
Apprentice in Death (2016):
A skilled and elusive sniper is terrorizing New York City, and it’s up to Eve to stop them before more lives are lost. As she tracks the killer through the city, she must confront her own feelings about mentorship, loyalty, and the true nature of evil.
Echoes in Death (2017):
After a horrifying car accident, a woman claims that her husband has been abducted, and Eve is called in to investigate. As she delves into the case, she uncovers a series of twisted and violent crimes, forcing her to confront the echoes of her own past.
Secrets in Death (2017):
When a gossip columnist with a talent for uncovering secrets is found dead, Eve must navigate the world of celebrity and scandal to catch the killer. As she investigates, she discovers that everyone has secrets, and some will kill to keep them hidden.
Dark in Death (2018):
The novelist is stunned when a real-life murder mirrors one of her fictional stories, and Eve is called in to investigate. As she delves into the world of fiction and the dark recesses of the human mind, she must stop a killer who seems to be drawing inspiration from the page.
Leverage in Death (2018):
When a series of seemingly unconnected murders occurs, Eve uncovers a plot involving corporate sabotage and a deadly game of blackmail. As she races to untangle the web of deceit and greed, she must navigate the high-stakes world of business and the complex relationships that drive it.
Connections in Death (2019):
When a young man with a troubled past is found dead, Eve’s investigation leads her to a dangerous criminal underworld. As she fights to bring the killer to justice, she must confront the power of connections and the bonds that unite us all.
Vendetta in Death (2019):
A vigilante killer, known as “Lady Justice,” targets men accused of mistreating women. As Eve investigates, she must determine if the victims are truly innocent or if they have escaped justice. Caught between her duty to uphold the law and the desire for vengeance, Eve must face her own beliefs about justice and retribution.
Golden in Death (2020):
When a pediatrician is killed by a mysterious golden egg-shaped weapon, Eve is called to investigate. As the body count rises, she discovers a link between the victims that could have deadly consequences. As she races to uncover the truth, she must confront the true nature of greed and the destructive power it can wield.
Shadows in Death (2020):
When a notorious criminal from Roarke’s past arrives in New York City, it threatens to bring Roarke’s carefully constructed world crashing down. As Eve and her team work to protect those closest to them, they must confront the dark shadows of the past and the deadly secrets they hide.
Faithless in Death (2021):
A brutal murder with seemingly no motive leads Eve to uncover a complex web of lies, deceit, and long-held grudges. As she investigates, she must navigate a world of religious fanaticism and hidden agendas to bring the killer to justice and expose the dark underbelly of faith.
How many books are in the In Death series?
As of April 2023, there are 57 books in the ‘In Death’ series.
How many books are written by J. D. Robb?
All 57 of these books are written by J.D. Robb, which is a pseudonym used by Nora Roberts. It is important to note that Nora Roberts has written numerous other books under her real name, as well as other pseudonyms. However, the ‘In Death’ series is exclusively penned by her under the J.D. Robb name.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ‘In Death’ series by J.D. Robb is a thrilling, long-running series of crime novels featuring Lieutenant Eve Dallas as she solves various murder cases in a futuristic New York City. With 52 captivating books published as of September 2021, the series offers readers an engaging, immersive experience with well-developed characters and gripping storylines.
If you’re a fan of crime fiction or looking for a new series to explore the ‘In Death’ series is definitely worth checking out. Remember to consult the author’s official website or a reliable source like Goodreads for an up-to-date list of books in the series.