Midnight in Death by J. D. Robb is a novella that occurs just days after the previous book in the In Death series. You never know what you are going to get with novellas. Some authors use them as essential parts of the series, while others use them for plot or character development. It appears that Ms. Robb uses them to emphasize the changes in her detective, and I am a fan.

Let's face it. Eve Dallas is not a likable character. She is brash, awkward, stubborn, determined, single-minded, demanding, mean, and ignorant of the most basic social niceties. She is a miserable friend and a clueless wife. But she's getting better, and that's the most important thing. She recognizes that friends are important even if the idea continues to make her uncomfortable. Moreover, she's improving at showing love and affection for her friends and chosen family.

While Midnight in Death is a stand-alone murder mystery in its own right, what it does most is explore Eve's growing humanity. It's a bit like a character summation, showing how far she has come in the past seven novels. It might not be necessary for the canon, but it proves that Eve can and will heal with the right support. For me, Midnight in Death made me want to continue to see what other changes are in store for the lieutenant. ( )

Midnight in Death
4 Stars

The first novella of the series, Midnight in Death begins in the aftermath of the events of Holiday in Death when a killer from Eve's past escapes and begins taking revenge on those he holds responsible for his conviction. He starts with the judge and prosecutor, but it is Eve who is his ultimate target.

A solid and comprehensive read, but it fails to answer some of the questions left unanswered after last book; especially the aftermath of the attack on Peabody, which is glossed over very quickly.

The case is well developed despite the shorter length and the information revealed about Eve prior to the beginning of the series demonstrate her growth both as an investigator and as a woman. Nevertheless, the climax and resolution are somewhat anti-climactic given the build up of tension surrounding the killer's motivations and actions.

In terms of character development, Eve and Mira's relationship is taken to another level as finally Eve admits just how much Mira means to her and there are some wonderfully sweet and humerous moments as Eve shares Christmas gifts with Roarke and Peabody. Looking forward to the next full length installment.



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In this IN DEATH novella, detective Eve Dallas is on the hunt chasing a notorious serial killer who has escaped prison. She put him behind bars years before, and now he wants revenge on her and all the other people involved in his case. This was an interesting novella, though one of her more graphic ones. I definitely had to skip ahead in a few places where the murders were described. I love the main characters and side characters in this series. Peabody, Sommerset, Mavis. Such great characters! ( )

This mini-story gives us something we haven't yet seen in the In Death series: a killer Eve has already locked away, escaped and bent on continuing his work, but with the people who put him away (chief of which is Eve) on his hit list.

The story gives us a deeper look into Eve's loyalties and family, and glimpses of what she was like in the past, and how she deals with it all. ( )

In Death 07.5