ArtsBooksExplicit

Podcast in Death

Amy Ryan and Tara Corkery

The podcast for fans by fans of the "In Death" series of books by J.D. Robb, aka Nora Roberts. Your hosts, AJ, Jen and Tara are "In Death" fandom veterans who will read each book in order and discuss each one in detail. In between book discussions we will deep dive into topics about the books, the futuristic world of Eve Dallas and Roarke and talk about "In Death" fandom. We also bring on special guests who are also fans of this series to talk about their love for the books.

Play

Open in

21 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 1 hr 36 min
English

Episodes 21

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

S6 · E321
Saturday · 1 hr 59 min
Perfection Personified: We Review the Reviews of: "Glory in Death"
It’s time once again to Review the Reviews, and this time Glory in Death is on trial. And wow. People have feelings about early-series Roarke. We start at the bottom of the Goodreads barrel with reviewers calling Roarke toxic, controlling, boundary-stomping, and desperately in need of therapy. And… okay. We’ve criticized plenty of Early Roarke Behavior ourselves. But AJ and Tara dig into something these reviews often miss: both Eve and Roarke are traumatized people who learned completely opposite survival strategies. Eve survived by telling herself: Don’t need anyone. Don’t let anyone too close. Roarke survived by deciding: If I want something, I grab on and don’t let go. Put those two people in love for the first time and, congratulations, you have Glory in Death. From there, the reviews somehow get even wilder. We meet readers who are horrified that Eve is beautiful, thin, successful, and yet somehow still has the audacity to be traumatized. Someone informs us that we're all “disgusting horny morons” for finding Roarke attractive. Several people are shocked—SHOCKED—that a book written by Nora Roberts contains romance and sex. Friends. Google was available. Then we meet a gentleman with sixteen hundred reviews, thirteen followers, and one really impressive vocabulary word who would like Nora Roberts to know that he has some concerns about her verisimilitude. Yes, he uses it twice. No, Tara is not impressed. We also tackle complaints about the futuristic setting, Nora's infamous head-hopping, Eve's police work, sex scenes that apparently contain an unrealistic number of orgasms, and one reviewer who thinks the series would make much more sense if Roarke eventually turned out to be a mastermind serial killer. Sir. This may not be the series for you. Things improve considerably once we hit the four- and five-star reviews, where readers finally start appreciating what makes this series work: Eve and Roarke figuring out how to love each other, the growing cast of Peabody, Nadine, Mira and Feeney, solid mysteries, snark, romance, and—of course—the absolute brilliance of audiobook narrator Susan Ericksen. And then we find perhaps the ultimate Roarke review. Forget the murder. Forget the investigation. Forget all those pesky details. This reviewer would simply like to discuss: “Perfection personified. A wet dream of a man.” Panties: apparently gone. Finally, we have some Podcast Business! Listener Sally proposes an Ultimate In Death New York City Tour, complete with Cop Central coffee, an Eve-and-Peabody murder mystery, Does Roarke Own This?, Galahad Easter eggs, the Down and Dirty, and enough Roarke money to make the whole thing happen. Tara is, unsurprisingly, ready to go to New York. AJ has never been. We may need to fix that. Also in this episode: DNFed? Did not finished? Whatever. Apparently we're making words now. “Show us on the doll where Eve hurt you.” Early Roarke: therapy recommended. Why being attracted to a fictional man is apparently now a moral failing. The difference between criticizing problematic behavior and completely misreading a scene. Why your personal relationship boundaries are not automatically Eve Dallas's relationship boundaries. Eve has childhood trauma. She's not just “moody.” “If I want a sex book, I'll look for one.” Straight people fucking again. Verisimilitude. No, seriously: verisimilitude. Why setting a book in the future does not require hitting readers over the head with FUTURE! every five minutes. Susan Ericksen remains flawless. Roarke had sex with women before Eve. Everyone remain calm. No, he does not need to buy a new mansion every time he gets a new girlfriend. Somerset is still a shithead. (At least at this point in the series.) The rare and beautiful five-star review that reminds us why we actually love doing this. And finally: “I can't stop thinking about Roarke.” Honestly? Same.
S6 · E320
September 12 · 1 hr 58 min
Glory in Death: The Tara Edition
We’re heading back to Glory in Death, and this time Tara is along for the ride! There is A LOT happening in the second In Death book: we meet Peabody! We meet Crack! We meet Chief Tibble! We get more Nadine! Mavis meets Summerset! Eve tells Roarke she loves him! Roarke proposes! And somewhere in there, Eve is also supposed to solve a series of murders. We start by trying to figure out the actual theme of this book. Is it strong, opinionated women pissing men off? Is it parents doing questionable things in an attempt to protect their children? Is it simply Eve and Roarke desperately needing to learn how to communicate? Honestly... it’s not not all three. And speaking of Roarke: Tara has some feelings. Roarke starts the book strong—quietly divesting himself of his illegal holdings because he knows they could eventually cause problems for Eve—and then somehow arrives at: “Here’s an enormous diamond. Commit to me immediately or we’re done.” Sir. We love you. That is not how you handle this. Of course, Eve isn’t exactly winning awards for healthy communication either, so we spend a good portion of this episode watching two emotionally damaged, stubborn people slowly figure out how relationships work. Fortunately, they eventually get there—with the Giant’s Tear, Eve’s replica apartment/office, an “I love you,” some office-floor makeup sex, and finally... a marriage proposal. Meanwhile, there’s an actual murderer running around New York killing powerful women. We talk about Eve and Nadine’s growing friendship, the introduction of Peabody and just how quickly she makes an impression, Crack trying to recruit Eve for the Down and Dirty, Mira opening up about her own childhood, Whitney struggling with his personal connection to the case, and Mavis immediately charming Summerset while helping Eve get spectacularly drunk. Also: CJ Morse remains the absolute worst. By the end, Nadine has been kidnapped, Eve has once again discovered that using herself as bait is a TERRIBLE PLAN, Roarke is fighting a murderer in a park, and somehow all of this ends with: “Hey, while we’re here covered in blood and waiting for the medics... wanna get married?” Romance! We also ask one of the most important unanswered questions in Glory in Death: When Eve, Roarke AND Chief Tibble suddenly leave the giant party at Roarke’s mansion... who the hell is hosting? Our money is on Mavis and Summerset. And frankly, we would attend that party. Tara: Peabody — who makes an immediate impression, does excellent police work, finds crucial evidence and proves almost instantly that she is destined for much more than traffic duty. AJ: Nadine — who helps Eve throughout the investigation, gets unwillingly drafted into the role of murder bait, survives CJ Morse, and, most importantly, never has to know that Eve seriously considered eating the fruit in her AutoChef. We love you, Nadine. And Eve did not eat your fruit. That’s friendship.
S6 · E319
August 29 · 1 hr 23 min
Urban Wars Code Name Generator
What would YOUR Urban Wars code name be? After Bonded in Death revealed the Urban Wars code names Fox, Hound, and Lightning, we knew there was only one responsible thing to do: Give everybody else one. But instead of simply sitting around trying to come up with clever names ourselves, AJ did the most AJ thing possible and built an entire Urban Wars Code Name Generator. Tara knew what the general topic of the episode was. She did not know what AJ had planned. And thus began an hour-plus journey through the personalities, skills, quirks, strengths, weaknesses, and questionable life choices of our favorite In Death characters. We run some of our favorite characters through the generator, choosing traits from categories like Leadership & Strategy, Personality & Vibe, Skills & Talents, Combat & Toughness, Team Role, and Weaknesses & Flaws. Among those getting the Urban Wars treatment: Roarke, Peabody, Mavis, Baxter, Trueheart, Mira, McNab, Jenkinson, Morris, Reo, Nadine, Jake, and, of course, Eve. Some results are hilarious. Some are weirdly perfect. And some require us to hit DECLASSIFY again because...no. Along the way, we discuss: Whether Roarke can actually be overconfident if he's good at everything Roarke vs. THE GRILL Peabody's storytelling and snack obsession Why Mavis is tiny but terrifying Trueheart's approximately six million forms of anxiety McNab's questionable stealth abilities Jenkinson's ties and general legend status Why Morris needs to GO ON VACATION Nadine's inability to leave a good story alone Eve's stubbornness, workaholism, and coffee addiction And why nobody somehow qualified for Villain Energy Obviously, after assigning code names to the characters, AJ and Tara have to run themselves through the generator. Tara gets called charismatic and doesn't know how to handle it. AJ gets called a "weird genius" and is perfectly fine with that. And somehow the generator produces results for both of us that are alarmingly accurate. We're not spoiling ANY of the final code names here. You'll have to listen. We welcome our newest Patreon supporter, Julie! Thank you! Next up, we're talking about Nora Roberts' Glory, followed soon after by the release of Fury in Death. AJ has also posted links on InDeath.net to the Fury prologue/first chapter—including the audio excerpt. Try the Find Your Urban Wars Code Name generator for yourself—or run your favorite In Death character through it—and tell us what you get. And remember: If you hate your code name... Just hit Declassify again.
S6 · E218
August 15 · 1 hr 37 min
The Big H: We Review the Reviews of "Naked in Death"
This week AJ and Tara dive headfirst into the wild, weird, and occasionally unhinged world of Goodreads reviews for the very first In Death novel. From "this book is liberal propaganda" to "Roarke is my new literary boyfriend," nothing—and no reviewer—is safe. Tara bravely soldiers through the episode despite feeling under the weather, while AJ becomes increasingly fascinated (and occasionally horrified) by people who apparently hate romance...while reading romance. ⭐ The one-star reviews that made us question humanity. 📚 "Authors" reviewing Nora Roberts...and why AJ immediately checked their reviews. ☕ The greatest romantic gesture in the series? (Hint: It's coffee.) 💰 Why Roarke continues to ruin fictional men for everyone else. 😂 The many, many people confused that a police procedural contains...police procedures. 🐈 An unexpected debate over whether Galahad is "cat enough." 🎧 Yet another reminder that Susan Ericksen is an absolute audiobook legend. ❤️ Readers who started skeptical...and accidentally fell completely in love with the series. "People need to stop reading stuff they don't like." Simple. Elegant. Surprisingly difficult for Goodreads. A huge thank you to everyone who's been sending messages and catching up on the back catalog! Special thanks to: Monica, for letting us know we're still producing "pee your pants funny" episodes. Lisa, whose SpeakPipe suggestion inspired a future episode all about every time Eve and Roarke feed the squad (because apparently food is one of Roarke's love languages). Tara has officially started Glory in Death, so Book Two is on the horizon...assuming AJ gets caught up. No promises. 🎧 Join the conversation! Visit InDeath.net, where Patreon members can log in using their Patreon account and automatically gain access to the patrons-only forum. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, or leave us a SpeakPipe message through PodcastInDeath.com. Until next time... Keep reading, keep laughing...and maybe stay away from the Goodreads one-star section. 😉
S6 · E317
August 1 · 2 hr 7 min
Justice for Sharon!! We Re-Review "Naked in Death"
Thirty years after Naked in Death first hit shelves (and after 300+ podcast episodes), Podcast in Deaeth returns to the book that started it all. Is it everything we remembered? Does Roarke still sweep us off our feet? Did we discover new layers after reading the entire series? But perhaps most importantly, we now believe there needs to be: Justice for Sharon de Blass!! 📖 Going back to Naked in Death with 60+ books worth of perspective ❤️ First impressions of baby Eve, baby Roarke, and why they're both so different from who they become ☕ Why coffee might actually be the greatest love language in the series 🐈 The glorious first appearance of Galahad, who immediately begins stealing the show 🕵️ Looking at the book's surprisingly deep themes of trauma, survival, and found family 🏛️ Why Naked in Death was political from page one (and always has been) 😂 AJ and Tara accidentally spend an alarming amount of time discussing how awkward Sharon's trip to Mexico with Roarke must have been 📞 AJ discovers Roarke committed the ultimate crime... calling Eve at midnight 🎯 Commander Whitney reminds everyone why he's always been one of the best characters in the series 📚 A fresh appreciation for Nora Roberts' long-game storytelling and character growth ✨ Revisiting the origins of Eve and Roarke's relationship with completely new eyes. ✨ Realizing that many of Eve's "later-book quirks" actually make perfect sense when viewed through the lens of her trauma. ✨ Watching Galahad literally save the day... and earn Tara's Commendation. ✨ Charles Monroe continues proving that he's one of the MVPs of the entire series. ✨ AJ develops an unexpected campaign for Justice for Sharon, while Tara wonders if Roarke accidentally traumatized her simply by not sleeping with her. (We promise this somehow becomes an actual conversation.) 🏅 Tara: Galahad (because heroes deserve recognition... and somebody still owes him caviar.) 🏅 AJ: Charles Monroe, whose memory—and sister's safe deposit box—ultimately cracks the case. We're not leaving Naked in Death just yet... Next time, AJ and Tara dive into one of everyone's favorite traditions: ⭐ Reviewing the reviews of Naked in Death. Prepare yourselves. The internet has opinions. 📞 Leave us a voicemail or text: 205-4-ROARKE (205-476-2753) 💻 Join the discussion at InDeath.net ❤️ Support the show on Patreon for bonus content and early access. As always... Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time!
S6 · E316
July 18 · 1 hr 5 min
Complainers in Death
Apparently if you don't like Eve Dallas doing her job, there's only one logical solution: Go complain to Commander Whitney. This week we're celebrating the long, glorious tradition of politicians, billionaires, dirty cops, diplomats, federal agents, grieving relatives, and professional whiners marching straight up the chain of command because Lieutenant Dallas dared to investigate them. Spoiler alert: It almost never works. Senator Gerald DeBlass kicking off the series by proving hypocrisy is an Olympic sport. The many, many people who discover that complaining about Eve usually just makes her investigate you harder. Officer Ellen Bowers weaponizing the complaint system (and why Conspiracy in Death remains one of our favorite books). Leo Fortney, Nile Renquist, Renee Oberman, Gina McEnroy, Quinn Sparrow, and an entire parade of people convinced they're more important than the investigation. Whitney's unbelievable patience while sitting through endless "I'd like to speak to your manager" meetings. The satisfying moments when complainers discover Eve was right all along. AJ and Tara repeatedly stop to remind everyone exactly which characters absolutely suck. Tara campaigns for the legal right to backhand rude suspects (purely hypothetically... mostly). Roarke continues being the husband everyone deserves by escorting obnoxious guests directly out the front door. We discover that chronic complainers are apparently just another recurring villain in the In Death universe. Next Episode: Naked in Death. Six years after our original review, we're returning to Book #1 with fresh eyes, new perspectives, and plenty of observations we completely missed the first time. It should be a lot of fun.
S6 · E315
July 4 · 1 hr 1 min
Fireworks have Entered the Chat
Just in time for the Fourth of July, AJ and Tara celebrate America's favorite pastime: Fireworks but also explosions, namely, all the things that have exploded in the In Death series. And wow... there have been a lot of explosions. From car bombs and exploding robots to suicide vests, hotel bombings, military attacks, and enough boomers to make a bomb squad nervous, AJ and Tara dive into the surprisingly extensive history of things going very wrong in Eve Dallas's vicinity. Along the way, they discover: 💥 Which In Death novel deserves the prestigious title of Boomiest Book in the Series 💥 How many jackets Eve has sacrificed to the explosion gods 💥 Why Madison Square Garden may actually be cursed 💥 Just how many bombs Roarke has personally disarmed over the years 💥 Whether Eve has experienced more explosions in three years than most people do in a lifetime The conversation takes a trip through Vengeance in Death, Conspiracy in Death, Loyalty in Death, Leverage in Death, Bonded in Death, and several other books where Nora apparently decided that murder simply wasn't dramatic enough. Meanwhile, AJ and Tara revisit memorable moments like: Peabody accidentally becoming responsible for a bomb in Rapture in Death The exploding robot that claimed one of Eve's jackets The heartbreaking losses in Loyalty in Death Roarke repeatedly proving he could probably run the Bomb Disposal Unit if he got bored being a billionaire The realization that explosions seem to follow Eve around with alarming dedication Listener favorite Lisa Davis returns with another SpeakPipe message, leading AJ and Tara down a rabbit hole of strange birthday coincidences and ex-spouse astrology. AJ also introduces her newest project: Canon of Nora, a community-built wiki dedicated to the entire Nora Roberts universe. With more than 300 Nora Roberts and J.D. Robb books to catalog, AJ has apparently decided that sleep is optional. If you've ever wished there was one place to find information on every Nora book, character, family, and series, this may be the project for you. So grab your sparklers, keep the bomb squad on speed dial, and join us for an episode that proves one thing: In the In Death universe, fireworks don't just happen on the Fourth of July. Podcast Business
S6 · E314
June 20 · 1 hr 35 min
Six Years, 314 Episodes, and Absolutely No Plan
Happy Anniversary to us! 🎉 For our sixth anniversary episode, we did what any responsible podcasters would do: showed up with absolutely no plan and started talking. What followed was a trip down memory lane as AJ and Tara revisited some of their favorite Podcast in Death moments from the last six years. From the nerve-wracking first time reaching out to audiobook legend Susan Ericksen, to beloved guest appearances, to the episodes that somehow turned discussions about gift rooms, truck nuts, and laundry machines into comedy gold, this episode is a celebration of everything that makes this podcast so much fun. The story behind getting Susan Ericksen on the podcast for the very first time How Tara went from guest host to permanent fixture after Episode 7 Favorite guest appearances, including discussions with listeners, authors, and fellow podcasters Why "We Review the Reviews" remains one of the most entertaining things they do The joy of talking about murder, friendship, character growth, and occasionally truck nuts A look back at some of the funniest and most memorable moments from the show AJ's surprise trivia game featuring ridiculous out-of-context quotes from past episodes "They're Both Dicks: The End" The infamous gift room discussion White elephant gifts in the In Death universe Summerset vs. Eve debates Roarke's occasional bouts of dickishness Why Barney was, in fact, a dick The luxury of having a washing machine in your apartment "Get that woman some birthday cake!" Mostly, though, this episode is about gratitude. Six years ago Podcast in Death was just an idea. Today it's a thriving community of readers, listeners, and friends who love talking about these books almost as much as Eve loves coffee and Roarke loves Eve. Thank you to everyone who has listened, emailed, commented, joined us live, disagreed with us, laughed with us, and helped make Podcast in Death what it is. Here's to the next six years. 🥂📚💀 Because apparently there's still plenty of murder left to discuss.
S5 · E313
June 13 · 1 hr 38 min
Danger, Headlines, & Unexpected Challenges - In Death Astrology
This week on Podcast in Death, AJ and Tara tackle a topic they openly admit they know almost nothing about: astrology. Which, naturally, makes it the perfect Podcast in Death episode. 😂 Armed with questionable expertise, several internet rabbit holes, and a surprising amount of AI-generated research, they attempt to answer one of the most important questions in the In Death universe: ✨ What are Eve and Roarke's zodiac signs? ✨ The only canon clues? Peabody proudly declares herself a Sagittarius, and Roarke vaguely claims he was born in early October. From there, all bets are off. Along the way, AJ and Tara debate: Why Peabody being a Sagittarius actually makes a frightening amount of sense Whether Roarke is truly a Libra... or secretly a textbook Scorpio Why Eve Dallas might be the most Aries person to ever Aries Which signs fit (and absolutely do not fit) Eve's personality Whether Mavis is basically a walking Leo stereotype Astrological compatibility between Eve, Roarke, Peabody, and the rest of the gang How deep down the astrology rabbit hole two non-astrologers can fall before things get weird The discussion quickly turns into a spirited mix of literary analysis, character psychology, and complete speculation—and honestly, that's half the fun. Also in this episode: ❤️ AJ shares the difficult news of saying goodbye to Lily after nearly fifteen years, and talks about the compassionate in-home veterinary service that helped make her final day peaceful and comfortable. 📚 Listener Anne sends in some fantastic future episode ideas, including review-the-reviews episodes, headcanon deep dives, and exploring possible connections between the In Death universe and Nora Roberts' other series. 🔍 AJ introduces his brand-new project, FindANora.com, a tool designed to help readers discover their next Nora Roberts book based on themes, genres, settings, and moods. (Because sometimes you need a Nora recommendation and Emily can't be available 24/7.) And finally, AJ and Tara discuss the upcoming sixth anniversary of Podcast in Death and the show's eventual move to an every-other-week schedule. So grab your birth chart, your murder board, and maybe a glass of whatever they're serving at the Aquarius Bar, because this week we're putting the entire In Death cast under the astrological microscope. What sign do YOU think Eve Dallas is? 🌟
S5 · E312
June 6 · 57 min
Eve Accidentally Stood Out: A PID Lost Episode
This week's episode is a little of an… archaeological find: we recorded it exactly two years ago, started editing it, then completely abandoned it and let it fade into obscurity… until now. Peabody is the MVP: she’s the best pick for a desert island situation and the most likely to lead a protest. Roarke gets crowned “most likely to quietly take over the world” (because… obviously). Mavis wins the easiest calls: “run off with the circus” and “star in her own reality show.” Nadine gets the “most likely to be President” vote—pure big-deal energy from day one. When it comes to High School Sports, Tara says that Eve most likely "Accidentally stood out," and if that isn't the story of Eve's life, we don't know what is. Bonus chaos: they pitch Charles Monroe as “most likely to end up on Broadway” (with a very specific Grease mental image). Highlights
S5 · E311
May 30 · 2 hr 28 min
How Has it Been Four Years?? We Talk to Heidi & Emily of Romancing the Shelf
Four years is a long time in real life. In podcast time? It’s basically an Urban Wars era. So when AJ & Tara welcomed back Heidi & Emily from Romancing the Shelf, the energy was instantly: HOW has it been four years?! Last time RTS visited, they’d only read the first three In Death books and were cautiously optimistic. This time they arrive with full “we’re in it” confidence—plus the kind of joy that leads to singing a Nora Roberts riff like Gaston (“No one knows how to hook you like Nora Roberts…”), which is both chaotic and painfully true. The Big Topic: They Made It to Portrait in Death AJ & Tara basically admit they’ve been waiting for this moment, because Portrait in Death is a major series milestone—especially for the deep lore that detonates in the best way. Heidi calls it what it is: a Roarke lore bomb. What’s fun is how RTS explains why it works: the reveal doesn’t feel like a random twist or a retcon. It feels natural—like the story has been quietly lining up puzzle pieces for ages, and Portrait finally turns the box over so you can see the full picture. Roarke + Feelings (and the feral cat metaphor) Emily drops an all-timer description of early-series Roarke: he’s basically trying to adopt a feral cat. Gentle voice, offering scraps, trying not to startle Eve into biting. And then Portrait hits, and you see how far he’s come: his old instinct is to isolate and armor up, but the new truth is that Eve is inside the circle now—he needs her, not distance. Eve’s Answer: “He said don’t come… so I came anyway.” Heidi talks about Eve doing what Eve does—trying to investigate the emotional situation by asking people around her what to do. And then we get the grand romantic gesture: the helicopter arrival. Roarke says stay away, Eve says absolutely not, and everyone melts. Emily even frames it like a futuristic Pride & Prejudice fog-field moment—except it’s Eve landing and Roarke’s romantic Irish heart short-circuiting. Trust: the glow-up you can measure They point out how huge it is that early Eve had to talk herself into trusting Roarke… and now she’s at the “laugh in your face” stage when someone implies he’s unfaithful. It’s not blind faith—it’s earned, lived-in trust, and it’s one of the most satisfying relationship evolutions in the series. Bonus chaos: names are hard, okay? In between all the emotional depth: the universal podcaster struggle of saying a name confidently…and being wrong. Pepper Franklin, Webster—RIP accuracy. Emily realizes mistakes later (sometimes at bedtime) and panic-texts Heidi; Heidi’s response is basically: too late. AJ & Tara, of course, tease with love. Closing thoughts This episode is a delight because it’s veteran readers who know where the landmines are, paired with smart, enthusiastic newer readers who just stepped on a few and need to yell about it immediately. There’s swoon, laughter, growth, and the comforting certainty that In Death will keep hooking you—and you’ll be happy about it.
S5 · E310
May 23 · 1 hr 3 min
Huzzah to the New Reader! WRTR "Golden in Death"
This week AJ and Tara dive back into the chaotic wonderland that is Goodreads reviews, and honestly? The reviewers gave them plenty to work with. From people dramatically announcing they’re “done” with the series (while continuing to read every single book), to complaints about Peabody’s “cringe” badass moment, to someone somehow claiming Somerset wasn’t even mentioned in the book… the chaos level is HIGH. Highlights include: AJ discovering that one reviewer who swore they were quitting the series absolutely did not quit the series. Tara defending Peabody with her entire soul. A surprisingly passionate discussion about whether Roarke’s financial digging is actually illegal. AJ going on an unexpectedly deep tech rant about disks, cloud storage, privacy, and why the In Death universe may actually make more sense now than it did in 2020. Multiple reviewers acting personally victimized by recurring character traits like Feeney eating candied almonds and Eve drinking coffee. The phrase “pleasantly free of interior decorating” making AJ completely lose it. Tara discovering AJ has apparently transformed into a Renaissance Faire character after saying “Huzzah.” Also discussed: Miracle on 34th Street Maureen O’Hara appreciation GIFs or JIFs… the debate continues) Why people on the internet insist on hate-reading things they clearly don’t enjoy Plus, podcast updates! AJ and Tara talk about upcoming episodes, including their upcoming crossover with the ladies from Romancing the Shelf, plans to revisit early books like Naked in Death, and the upcoming move to a bi-weekly release schedule as they navigate life near the end of the series. Basically: if you enjoy sarcastic commentary, passionate defense of fictional detectives, and two hosts slowly losing their minds over Goodreads reviews, this episode is for you.
S5 · E309
May 16 · 2 hr 20 min
Normal Eve & Roarke Shit: We Review "Golden in Death"
Episode 309 is here, and apparently the theme of Golden in Death is: “What if entitled men simply accepted consequences?” Unfortunately for literally everyone in this book… they do not. This week AJ and Tara tackle one of the most detail-heavy cases in the entire In Death series, complete with poison-filled golden eggs, rich private school drama, cheating scandals, bullying, terrible people with too much money, and Eve Dallas slowly reaching the end of her patience with humanity. Which, honestly? Fair. Along the way, they uncover a murder plot built entirely on resentment, privilege, and the absolute inability of certain men to hear the word “no.” The discussion dives deep into the “teachers and lessons” theme running throughout the book — from Dr. Rufty trying to clean up a corrupt academy, to Eve reluctantly realizing she might actually be capable of teaching people something herself. There’s also some surprisingly sweet Eve/Roarke content, including tree planting, money arguments that somehow become emotional growth, and Eve realizing maybe she should kiss her husband goodbye before storming off in annoyance. Character development? In THIS economy? Meanwhile, Peabody absolutely earns MVP status after verbally launching herself at one of the most infuriating characters in the series. Seriously, Dr. Grange may be one of the most universally hated people ever discussed on the show. AJ and Tara are fully united in their rage as Peabody finally says what everyone — including the readers — has been thinking. Respectfully: what a nightmare woman. Also included in this episode: AJ's photo appearing on the Golden in Death inside cover (if you have a magnifying glass and know where to look) A discussion about why Dennis Mira is basically a human cinnamon roll Rich people behaving badly (again) A naked man sprinting through New York like a “gazelle” The continuing mystery of where exactly the DLE stores all that AutoChef food Tara repeatedly losing patience with spoiled rich boys Eve Dallas in leather, once again reminding everyone she’s the coolest person alive Plus, AJ and Tara announce upcoming plans for another crossover episode with the ladies from Romancing the Shelf and discuss the bittersweet future of the podcast as they approach the end of the currently released In Death books. Basically: murder, rage, emotional growth, Eve & Roarke kicking each other's asses then having sex (Normal Eve & Roarke Shit), rich people nonsense, and Peabody finally getting to tell someone off. What more could you want?
S5 · E308
May 9 · 1 hr 13 min
Such Language! We Review the Reviews of "Vendetta in Death"
This week on Podcast in Death, AJ and Tara dive into the wild review section for — and somehow the reviewers may be more chaotic than Lady Justice herself. From complaints that the book is “too political” to readers shocked that an In Death novel contains… police procedure, the hosts are left wondering if everyone read the same book. Along the way, they defend Eve Dallas from accusations of being both “too mean” and “too soft,” debate revenge versus justice, and question why people continue reading a 49-book series they apparently hate. There’s also plenty of appreciation for the thoughtful reviews that actually understood the assignment — and for the readers who still love spending time with Eve, Roarke, Peabody, and the gang. Plus: podcast updates, bi-weekly schedule talk, Galaxy Quest enthusiasm, Morris appreciation, and an unexpectedly relatable side conversation about handheld fans, hot flashes, and surviving summer. Because no Podcast in Death episode is complete without at least one completely unhinged tangent.
S5 · E307
May 2 · 1 hr 1 min
The Wit and Wisdom of Li Morris
This week, we’re trading murder boards for morgue humor as we dive into the wit, wisdom, and perfectly timed sarcasm of Chief Medical Examiner Morris—because honestly, no one delivers a one-liner over a dead body quite like he does. From his very first joke (yes, the iconic “Abbey Normal” moment) to his ongoing commitment to mixing brains, banter, and just enough pop culture to confuse Eve, we’re celebrating everything that makes Morris one of the most underrated MVPs of the In Death series. We revisit some of his best moments across the books, including: His dry, deadpan humor (pun fully intended) His habit of turning autopsies into stand-up routines Eve didn’t ask for His surprising depth—because behind the jokes is someone who feels every case And of course, his ability to make Peabody blush, Eve roll her eyes, and all of us laugh Along the way, we also spiral (naturally) into: Whether Eve actually understands any pop culture references Why Morris absolutely rehearses his jokes before Eve walks in The ongoing debate: Is Eve clueless… or just messing with everyone? And while this episode leans into the funny, we also touch on the moments where Morris reminds us that his job isn’t just about science—it’s about humanity, loss, and the quiet weight of standing between the living and the dead. 💬 Got a favorite Morris quote we missed? Tell us—we’re already considering a Part 2. Also: quick heads up—Podcast in Death will be shifting to a bi-weekly schedule starting in June as we approach the end of our current book run. Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of fun content planned to keep things going strong!
S5 · E306
April 25 · 2 hr 5 min
Distracted by Steak and Wine: We Review "Vendetta in Death"
Apparently this week’s case comes with a side of moral crisis and a full-bodied red. Because nothing says “let’s unpack systemic injustice and vigilante murder” quite like Eve and Roarke pausing mid-investigation for a romantic steak dinner. Priorities, people. This episode dives headfirst into Vendetta in Death, aka: “What if the worst men alive got exactly what they deserved… but also, no, absolutely not like that.” We spend a lot of time wrestling with that uncomfortable gray area where the victims are monsters, the killer thinks she’s the hero, and Eve is stuck yelling into the void, “MURDER IS STILL WRONG, DAMMIT.” It’s complicated. It’s messy. It’s… honestly kind of satisfying in a deeply concerning way. Meanwhile, the investigation uncovers layer after layer of truly horrific behavior—hidden recordings, drugging, blackmail, and a whole lineup of men who make you question humanity as a concept. And yet, somehow, the book still manages to remind us that not all men are trash (hi, Roarke, Feeney, and Jake—you may pass). The contrast is doing a lot of heavy lifting here, and frankly, we needed it. Also: can we talk about Darla? Because wow. Full villain monologue energy, elaborate costumes, themed murders, and a curated collection of… trophies (no thank you). She’s out here running a one-woman revenge operation like it’s a theatrical production, and honestly? If she’d just stopped after the first guy, we might be having a very different conversation. But no—she had to go full Lady Justice cosplay and ruin it for everyone. And through all of this chaos, Eve is just trying to do her job, process trauma, and maybe—maybe—eat something that isn’t coffee and spite. Roarke, as always, is there to emotionally support, hack security systems, and remind her to consume actual food like a human being. Love that for them. So yeah—justice, revenge, moral dilemmas, horrific crimes, and somehow we still found time to get completely distracted by steak and wine. Because if you’re going to spiral into existential dread… you might as well do it with a good meal. 🍷🥩
S5 · E305
April 18 · 55 min
That's LIEUTENANT Bitch to you!
If there’s one thing Eve Dallas will always do, besides survive on caffeine and sarcasm, it’s correct your tone, your attitude, and your entire life choices with a perfectly timed “That’s Lieutenant [insert insult here] to you.” Episode 305 dives headfirst into one of the funniest recurring bits in the In Death series: Eve absolutely refusing to let even the smallest disrespect slide. Call her “lady,” “bitch,” “sister,” or anything remotely out of pocket, and she will pause the situation, no matter how chaotic, to remind you exactly who you’re talking to. And honestly? The range is incredible. Sometimes it’s a suspect getting verbally drop-kicked during an interrogation. Sometimes it’s Peabody jumping in like Eve’s personal defense attorney, ready to escalate things to “Lieutenant Bitch” on her behalf. And sometimes it’s between friends, where somehow “Lieutenant Skinny Bitch” becomes a term of affection. It’s chaotic, it’s unhinged, and it’s one of the most consistently funny threads running through all 60+ books. This episode turns into a greatest-hits tour of those moments. We pull quotes from across the series, including books you remember vividly and others where you’re like, “Wait… have I read this??” (Vendetta, we’re looking at you). But no matter the book, the vibe is always the same: Eve will chase you, fight you, interrogate you… and then circle back to make sure you respect her rank. Because priorities. And just when you think it’s a quick, tidy episode, it spirals (in the best way) into side tangents about true crime, questionable life choices, and the general chaos of humanity. It’s very on brand. But through it all, one truth remains constant: Eve Dallas does not play about her rank. And she shouldn't. Because like we always say: Respect the Rank, Motherfuckers!!
S5 · E304
April 11 · 1 hr 30 min
Eve's Good Deeds!
Episode 304B is the redo with better vibes, and this time AJ and Tara tackle a long-awaited topic: all the ways Eve Dallas quietly does good in the In Death series. Sparked by those baffling “Eve is mean” reviews, they break down how Eve consistently helps victims, supports friends, mentors younger officers like Peabody and Trueheart, and changes lives—without ever calling attention to it. Whether it’s arranging jobs and housing, standing by people in their worst moments, or just showing up when it matters, Eve’s kindness is constant… just subtle. The key takeaway? Eve doesn’t make a big deal out of doing good—she just does it and moves on, which is exactly why so many readers miss it. From big moments like taking in Nixie or guiding Peabody’s entire career, to smaller gestures like backing up her team or making sure victims are remembered, this episode highlights the depth of Eve’s character and why we love her. Plus, there’s a little podcast business, a revived InDeath.net plug, and proof that sometimes a re-record really is the better episode.
S5 · E303
April 4 · 1 hr 58 min
Practically Fashionable: The Eve Dallas LookBook!
Following the success of the McNab Lookbook, AJ has done it again. Armed with ChatGPT, an unhealthy amount of free time, and a two-page wiki entry on Eve Dallas's outfits, AJ assembled the Eve Dallas Lookbook — a visual tour through the fashion evolution of New York's most reluctant style icon. Yes, Eve Dallas. The woman who once owned one gray suit (button missing), a leather jacket, and a couple pairs of jeans. The woman who now has an actual section of red jackets. Because she married Roarke, and that man will not rest until every color on the spectrum hangs in her closet whether she asked for it or not. (Spoiler: She never asked for it.) AJ built a custom ChatGPT app — the "Eve Dallas Lookbook Studio" — to maintain a consistent model. The AI did its best. We are choosing to be charmed. The Basics (Naked in Death Era): A worn leather jacket. A gray suit. Possibly the same shirt in both. Pre-Roarke Eve, dressing accordingly. The Cop Looks: Outfits spanning Witness through Stolen — bronze jackets, copper-soled boots, celadon green (yes it's a color, Tara), and one pair of green boots both hosts are prepared to commit crimes for. Highlights: AI pants perpetually too loose (the hosts take this personally); one outfit that looked like a Disney cast member until AJ fixed it; AI spontaneously adding Eve's badge and handcuffs without being asked (A+); a debate about what a "topper" is (a long suit jacket — Tara was vindicated). Also: Eve owns a SECTION of red jackets. A SECTION. The Formal Wear: The bronze wedding dress from Immortal. The silver-panel "Leonardo" from Holiday ("Why don't I just go naked and save time?"). The gold column dress from Festive. The black-and-silver skin suit from Reunion that both hosts want immediately. The ombré purple gown from Stolen — THE ONE WITH POCKETS. Sylvia was right. Everything should have pockets. At-Home Wear: The NYPSD sweatshirt. That's the section. New patrons: Welcome to Megan and Mona! (Mona — AJ is sorry it took two episodes. You were there in spirit.) Romancing the Shelf crossover: They've read Portrait — scheduling can commence! Except Tara will be in Iowa on both available dates. Iowa is non-negotiable. May or June it is. Listener voicemail from Lisa: Lisa argues that Morris paved the way for Roarke — his calm, composed presence gave Eve a template for connecting with a man her own age before Roarke arrived. The hosts found this compelling. Morris is always welcome. The full PDF lookbook is available to download
S5 · E302
March 28 · 1 hr 28 min
Perfection! Three Stars: We Review the Reviews of "Stolen in Death"
This week, AJ and Tara dive into the wild world of reviewing the reviews for Stolen in Death—and wow, people on the internet really said some things. From baffling one-star takes by readers who jumped into book 62 with no context, to deeply confusing three-star “perfect” reviews, this episode is a glorious mix of rage, laughter, and “do people know how books work?” moments. Along the way, AJ and Tara defend Eve, side-eye bad-faith reviewers, and absolutely lose it over complaints that make no sense—especially the now-iconic “Perfection as always. Three stars.” They also talk about why some readers seemed determined to be mad no matter what, why Stolen in Death worked so well for longtime fans, and why Magdalena getting punched in the face did not exactly inspire much sympathy in this house. And because the good reviews deserved their flowers, the second half of the episode highlights the readers who got it—including praise for the book’s emotional depth, its satisfying twists, and of course, the incomparable Susan Ericksen, whose narration once again earns the kind of love usually reserved for royalty. Plus: listener comments from Facebook, theories about the reveal, love for Whitney’s role in the takedown, Roarke’s criminal past, and one very patient dog named Lily waiting for the episode to wrap up after 69 comments. If you enjoy sharp opinions, chaotic reviewer logic, deep In Death fandom, and AJ and Tara being hilariously real about all of it, this episode is for you.

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes