Fear, revenge and deadly superstition collide in these two exclusive J. D. Robb short stories.
Haunted in Death
Lieutenant Eve Dallas doesn't believe in ghosts. But when a very recent corpse shows up in a haunted abandoned nightclub, alongside the bones of the famous missing singer, Bobbie Bray, everyone is spooked - especially the new owner.
Did Bobbie's ghost finally get her revenge, or is there a more earthly explanation?
Eternity in Death
When notorious it-girl Tiara Kent is found dead in her plush Manhattan apartment, the murder looks to everyone like a vampire attack - everyone but the ever-practical Lieutenant Eve Dallas. As the hysteria spreads, Eve must act fast.
Discovering Tiara's secret lover, a Dark Prince, Eve and her team are led on a chase into the darkest corners of the city and deep into their own fears.
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. Stolen in Death (St. Martin's Press, February 2026) will be the 62nd entry in the series.
This book contains two novellas in the In Death Series, Haunted in Death (book 22.5) and Eternity in Death (book 24.5).
Haunted in Death:
In this story Eve is investigating a murder at a supposedly haunted nightclub, a very old skeleton was discovered at the same time as the fresh body and it looks like the two murders might be connected even though they happened decades apart.
This was a fun and quite spooky little story and a great addition to the In Death series. With all the strange goings on at the nightclub Peabody and the others, even Roarke, start to suspect it could really be haunted. Eve is far too practical to believe in anything supernatural but even her nerves are tested a time or two and there were some hilarious conversations where she is bemused by the people around her suddenly talking about ghosts and life after death.
Eternity in Death:
This novella sees Eve investigating the murder of a wealthy socialite who died after spending time at an underground nightclub called Bloodbath. The fact that she died of exsanguination with two puncture wounds to her neck has everyone joking about vampires but the charismatic and creepy club owner just adds to the weird vibe around the case.
I love these extra In Death stories, it's always funny to see how the ever logical Eve acts to cases with potential supernatural elements, especially when those around her seem much more willing to believe in the impossible. The murderer here is very skilled at creating a spectacle but Eve knows exactly what she's got to do to catch him in the act.
1st read - August 2019 2nd read - November 2021 3rd read - February 2023
Novella 1: Haunted in Death: 3 Really Lacklustre Stars
Practical Lieutenant Eve Dallas has a new case that sees her pitted against what appears to be a ghost when a body turns up at a haunted abandoned nightclub alongside the bones of a famous an long missing singer – but this is Eve and whilst everyone including Peabody freak out Eve is adamant that ghosts do not exist.
Not my favourite plot in the series, but I did find some small moments of amusement as Eve interacted with Peabody and Roarke. An ok one time read, but it lacked that energy that has made previous novellas/books in the series so enjoyable.
Novella 2: Eternity in Death 3 Happy Stars
My preferred read of the two novellas, this was overall an enjoyable short/quick read. Good interactions between Eve, Peabody and Roarke. I also really liked the plot of this and can see myself re-reading it.
Also, whilst I like reading this series in order, reading this novella prior to the full length book that comes before it, I didn’t feel like I had missed anything – the story is nicely self-contained.
A perfect little lightweight pair of short stories. One with a ghost idea and one with a hint of vampire. Perfect to read just before Samhain. All you'd expect from Eve and Roarke.
A very short novella in the In Death series. It was short but very entertaining. A psychopath who is insane believes himself a vampire. He's killing women by drinking their blood. The problem is he's insane but intelligent as well. Lieutenant Eve Dallas can gather any evidence leading back to the guy. She has to get creative to con a con ang get him to slip up. Very goid short read.
Overall impression: Haunted in Death is a short and mostly satisfying addition to the In Death series that blends police procedural, light suspense, and emotional reflection.
While it doesn’t carry the weight or complexity of a full-length novel, it works well as a character-focused interlude—especially for long-time fans of Eve Dallas and Roarke.
What works well: Atmosphere: The novella leans into a slightly eerie, introspective tone that fits the title. It’s more about emotional “haunting” than outright horror, which suits Robb’s style.
Character depth: Eve’s internal struggles and growth are front and center. The story reinforces how her past continues to shape her instincts, vulnerabilities, and relationships.
Eve & Roarke: Their dynamic remains a highlight—supportive, grounded, and quietly intimate. Even in a shorter format, their relationship feels meaningful and authentic.
Pacing: As a novella, it’s tightly written and easy to read in one sitting, without feeling rushed. Though I read it over several days/several weeks, perhaps, because it wasn’t as in depth as her other ‘in death stories’.
What to keep in mind: Lighter mystery: The investigative element is present but not especially intricate. Readers looking for a complex, twist-heavy case may find this one more subdued.
Best for series fans: While it can be read on its own, it will resonate more if you’re already familiar with Eve’s backstory and emotional arc.
Who will enjoy it most: Fans of the In Death series who appreciate character development
Readers who enjoy reflective, emotionally driven stories
Those looking for a quick but meaningful return to Eve Dallas’s world
Final verdict: ⭐ 3.5–4 out of 5 Haunted in Death is a thoughtful, atmospheric novella that prioritizes character over plot. It may not be a standout mystery, but it’s a rewarding, emotionally grounded read that complements the larger series beautifully—especially for devoted fans.
Two stories of Eve Dallas vs the supernatural. Short, but entertaining. First, a ghost story which the ever-pragmatic Eve is not buying, no matter what. Second, a young socialite is murdered by someone who appears to have drained her blood in an attempt to give her eternal life. I suppose Eve vs Dracula is too much to hope for, but this is as close as we get.
The one thing missing from these shorter stories is the detail you get in the longer ones. There is still the interplay between the characters, but not quite so much of it, and it's often that world and the characters that make an 'in Death' book more than the crime being investigated so that takes away from the stories a little. Still quite readable and entertaining, however.
The vampire one did have something of an obvious conclusion, however. Not that it wasn't satisfying.
I started reading this installment with two short stories back in December so I only can say I enjoyed Haunted in Death more than Eternity in Death!
Eternity in Death even though had the element of the supernatural for some reason the villain and plot felt flat but I enjoyed every other aspect of the story... Eve's banter with Peabody and Baxter, her confession to Roarke and part of the investigation. In the end the conclusion was a bit underwhelming as to how the perpetrator was captured.
They just keep getting better and better! This is my all time, numero uno, favorite series! I own and have read or am in the process of reading every book in this series. From Naked in Death when you get sucked into Eve's raw and gritty world and then teased with Roarke's world of glitz and glam to every heartbreaking crime after, they are all marvelous. I devour every word and I'm not ashamed or embarrassed to admit that I reread the series twice a year every new book is published.
Two short stories in this book. The first was okay, but not great. It kind of lost direction part way thru, then tried to tie up loose ends in the end. The second was a bit better, although vampires or folks pretending to be vampires, is not really my thing. I thought this was a mystery novel. Not quite.
I love the JD Robb books! Eve & Roarke are awesome together. I have read all the books consecutively then found out there were the .5 books, had to go back for them!
Two of the In Death supernatural short stories. Haunted in Death - Number Twelve, a hot nightclub in the 1960's, where the owner became a recluse following the "disappearance" of his protégé, Bobby Bray, now a deserted rundown hulk of a building. Dallas is called in when the current owner, the recluse's grandson, has been murdered, up close and personal. While checking the building (strange things happening), Dallas finds, behind a brick wall, the body of Bobby Bray. How, why was Bobby murdered and who, why was the grandson murdered. Dallas and company are on the case. Eternity in Death - Tiara Kent, rich, entitled, wants to live forever, so, she lets someone in who promises her just that. Dallas and company are on the case and the suspect in someone who presents himself as a vampire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Very good but not as good as the In Death novels. The novellas had the elements of the much more developed books: the relationships of the principal players, the quick dialog generated by their interaction, and the complexity of the crime. What I missed was the gradual development of all of these as well as other elements which hold the reader in thrall of the book. In other words, more like a snack than a meal--pleasant but not satisfying.
two short stories on the mystical side: a ghost and a vampire not one of the bests but good enough to be occupied, especially if you read all the other books and waiting for a new release :}
I like the story 'Eternity in death' more than the 'Haunted in death'