Episode 295 is another “Review the Reviews” adventure—where AJ and Tara dive into reader reactions to Leverage in Death and discover (again) that some people leave one-star reviews like it’s an extreme sport.

We kick off with a real-world reminder that criminals can be spectacularly dumb (yes, someone basically left a calling card), then jump straight into the Pretentious Reviewer Olympics: the folks who start on Book 48, complain about the existence of coffee and profanity, and seem personally offended that a long-running series… is still itself. We also tackle the discourse around that tasteless joke (you know the one), plus the eternal debate: is the Eve/Roarke fight contrived drama or believable couple nonsense?

Along the way, we celebrate the things that actually make this book fun—character moments, Bella + Eve scenes, Whitney’s best “go home, I’ll handle it” energy, and the Oscar chatter that sends certain reviewers into orbit. Tara also confesses her weakness for terrible short-form drama clips, and yes… Tara says “hot whoopie” out loud, which is now part of the canon.

Listener mail includes an Elevator Encounters callback (the frying-pan-arrest woman is from Framed in Death) and a fantastic suggestion for a future episode: Eve’s legendary rants. Plus, AJ talks transcripts—making the show searchable on the website—because we’re building an In Death internet empire one document at a time.

We’re five episodes away from 300… and plotting accordingly.

AJ and Tara needed a topic right now, so they did what any responsible adults would do: panic-text each other, crowdsource the fandom, and then deep-dive into the most chaotic “In Death” micro-genre of all time—the Elevator Encounter.

Turns out, elevators in New York, 2061 are basically:

1. foreplay chambers

2. think tanks

3. nightmare boxes full of strangers who want to talk to you about movies
   …and Eve Dallas is spiritually allergic to all of it.

• Peabody & McNab’s elevator “we’ll arrest each other after” moment (romance trope + city ordinance violations = true love)

• Eve going feral in a public elevator… and Roarke being Roarke (and yes, the stolen sex-toy detail is still weird)

• Somerset vs. Eve: “Take the elevator.” Eve: “I would rather perish out of spite.”

• Roarke casually clearing the elevator like it’s nothing while Eve insists she enjoys having a pissing match with a machine

• Peabody & McNab fighting, making up, and getting caught mid-grope (Eve: “there goes my appetite”)

• Origin in Death: a ticking-clock escape + a screaming baby + Eve and Roarke arguing about who has to HOLD THE BABY while they’re about to die

• “You look just like Marlo Durn.” Eve, trapped in Oscar talk hell, being mistaken for… herself (but movie version)

• Dark in Death: Eve meets a tinfoil-hat conspiracy guy and immediately chooses STAIRS

• ALSO Dark in Death: the infamous flying dwarf / creepy garden gnome attack, complete with “boobies!” and the bullpen going full trauma-care mode

• Lying Liars Unite: a random elevator group therapy session about exes who lie like breathing

• Fruicki’s undercover stink strategy (“Do you bathe in piss?”) and Eve’s immediate refusal to share air with him

• Cromwell’s elevator blubber-fest: “What’s his problem?” “Love.”

• Murder Face: Eve jokes about arresting someone for “murder face,” and suddenly every cop in the elevator has a personal brand of murder-face analysis

• Jenkinson’s tie crimes in a small enclosed elevator space (Eve’s corneas may never recover)

• AJ’s Vegas story: two extremely drunk guys, a Michael Jackson show, and the wise decision to wait for the next elevator

• Tara’s elite catchphrase moment: “Words are hard.” (and they were, in fact, hard)

• Surprise sports talk, delivered with maximum confidence and minimum accuracy (“the sports are really going at it”)

• AJ reflects on turning 60 and how 59 feels real but 60 sounds like a fake age people made up as a prank

• A voicemail from Sky, who uses every second of voicemail time like it’s an Olympic sport

• Listener Sally not understanding how Earthquakes could be part of "California Casual"

• Huge thanks to Beverly for upgrading to an annual Detective-level Patreon membership (AJ is working on new trading cards!)

• Reminder: the show is no longer on TikTok (terms of service gave AJ the ick), but you can still find them elsewhere.

Did we miss a legendary elevator moment? Send it in and we’ll happily do Elevator Encounters Part 2—because the only thing more dangerous than homicide is a confined space with strangers and a conversation starter.

Contact:

• Email: [email protected]

• Voicemail: 205-476-2753 (aka 205-4ROARKE)

• Website SpeakPipe: podcastindeath.com → Contact Us

• Socials: Instagram + BlueSky + Facebook group

In Episode 293, AJ & Tara recap (and absolutely pick apart) the case of Paul Rogan: a devoted husband and dad forced into a suicide vest at a corporate conference aimed at tech powerhouse Rosalind Pearson. From there, the pattern escalates—hostages, compromised security, and another “father-as-bomber” hit that drags Eve from sleek boardrooms into the art world (Jordan Banks, bad decisions, and a gallery situation that’s basically a neon sign screaming: FOLLOW. THE. MONEY.). We dig into the motive: stock manipulation, leverage plays, and profit built on other people’s bodies.

As the net tightens, suspicion lands on Lucius Eiler—generational wealth, a heavy military family legacy, and a brother (Terry) whose “hero story” becomes the excuse for a whole lot of murder. The endgame? A partner with training, tactics, and explosives (Oliver Silverman) and Eve doing what she does best: methodical, relentless, and utterly done with everyone’s nonsense.

And because this is an In Death book, the personal stuff hits just as hard:
• Eve’s guilt spiral + Roarke in full “I can be your Peabody” support mode
• Nadine’s The Icove Agenda gets an Oscar nomination—and Peabody & McNab are READY to go (transport + accommodations, and Roarke calling in Leonardo for wardrobe because of course he does)
• The epilogue Oscars coverage is pure delight: Peabody on the red carpet, Mavis on camera, and Nadine hauling in awards (including Best Adapted Screenplay… and then multiple wins that have Eve quietly begging the universe to make it stop)

Also in this episode:
• AJ’s “Ghostwriter Experiment,” where ChatGPT gets dragged into the fandom debate
• A real-life earthquake hits mid-recording (yes, you can literally hear us react in real time)

Spoilers ahead—come for the case, stay for the Oscars hype and the seismic interruptions.

AJ and Tara are back for Episode 292—only 8 episodes away from #300—and since it wasn’t quite time to jump into the next book, they go delightfully off-script with a listener-inspired topic: “Bimbos in Death.” They unpack the term (making it more about naive/gullible/foolish than the old stereotype) and then read/riff on scenes featuring some prime Eve-eye-roll candidates, with plenty of love for Susan Ericksen’s “bimbo voice” work. Highlights include Bambi Pettibone (Reunion in Death), Silk/Satin/Linen/Polyester plus the return of Maxia (Ritual in Death), Rini “Pike” Pajkowski (Purity in Death), Camilla Jane Lester (Echoes in Death), Oola Pence (Salvation in Death), and Felicity Prinz (A Festive in Death)—ranging from “painfully clueless” to “tragically manipulated,” with Eve’s patience tested accordingly.

REMINDER: AJ is collecting listener submissions for Episode 300—send your favorite moments from the last 100 episodes. ALSO: Send us your “small scene wishlist” ideas (like seeing a full Mavis performance or a takedown from a non-cop POV). Email [email protected] or call/text 205-476-2753 (205-4-ROARKE).

We’re nine episodes away from #300, and AJ needs your help building a “best of the last 100-ish episodes” compilation — send in your favorite moments!

This week, AJ brings in a special guest: Caitlin (AJ’s daughter) for another round of newbie questions—but with a thoughtful twist as Caitlin and Tara talk about the In Death series through an LGBTQ+ lens, plus chosen family, therapy/Dr. Mira, and which books Tara would skip (yes, Chaos gets roasted).

Also: the dogs are loud, the vibes are chaotic, and Caitlin casually drops that she’s getting a disco snail tattoo. Because of course she is.

AJ and Tara spend this episode reading (and roasting) reader reviews of Dark in Death—including the ones that confidently misunderstand how books work, how math works, and how being a police works.

• The 1-star novel-length review that required a hydration break

• “YOU DON’T KNOW HOW BOOKS WORK” becomes the unofficial slogan of the episode

• The “GHOSTWRITER!!” drama, served with peak theater-kid energy

• Someone thinking Nadine’s boyfriend calling her “Lois” is… a real identity scandal (media literacy, party of 0...?)

• AJ’s unexpected recommendation: Halls Minis (tiny cough drops, big opinions)

• AJ’s dog Lily insisting the pack must be together at all times

Next Book Review: Leverage in Death
Also: Episode 300 is coming fast—send AJ your favorite moments from the past year for a “Best Of”!

Email: [email protected]
Voicemail: 205-476-2753 (205-4ROARKE)
Socials: @podcastindeath on FB / IG / BlueSky / TikTok

Highlights (a.k.a. the funniest chaos)Up next

In this very special (and very chaotic) holiday episode, AJ went full Roarke-level genius and built a working White Elephant Exchange game from scratch (with the help of ChatGPT and possibly a little magic).

Here’s what you’re in for:

• A real-time virtual White Elephant exchange featuring 34(!) of your favorite In Death characters.

• Hilarious chaos as characters like Mira, Roarke, Peabody, Baxter, and Crack open or steal gifts like pizza scissors, lava lamps, chocolate fondue sets, and the most cursed liqueur in the galaxy: Malört.

• Roarke gets a Mini Inflatable Tube Man. It’s art. No one steals it. We’re all shocked.

• Dickie loves the Malört. Everyone else is grateful.

• Summerset’s secret hobby may or may not be bonsai tree gardening.

• Peabody steals with no remorse. Baxter gets stuck with a Chia Pet. Whitney gets a hot dog toaster. Eve gets popcorn. All is right with the world.

• Shelby and Mira get stolen from approximately 83 times each.

• AJ and Tara cackle throughout the whole thing. A LOT.
  

There’s laughter, betrayal, sparkly syrup, and the most on-brand gifts ever.

🎁 Want to try the simulator yourself? Find it here: NYPSD White Elephant Gift Exchange Simulator!

✨ And if you're curious about what went down visually during this episode... let’s just say our supporters over at Patreon got the full experience. 😉

Merry Christmas from Podcast in Death!

AJ and Tara discuss Dark in Death by J.D. Robb, where Nora Roberts delivers a not-so-subtle warning to obsessive fans: Don't be like the killer!

This 2018 release is clearly Nora addressing fans who:

• Accuse her of having a ghostwriter
• Demand characters hook up on their timeline
• Complain about the word f*ck
• Tell her how to write her own books

The hosts LOVED this clap-back disguised as a mystery novel.

Victims: Three women killed according to murders in author Blaine Delano's mystery seriesKiller: Annalise Smith, a failed writer who believes Delano "stole" her manuscript and wants to rewrite the books so "the villain wins"

The Ballroom Scene: Eve and Roarke slow dance before sex, and Eve reveals: "No one ever made me the reason before him."

Vending Machine Battle: Eve accidentally charges Detective Hargrove's account with violations while fighting a machine for Pepsi. Poor Hargrove!

Sampson the Puppy: A mini-horse-sized dog with "terrifying crazy love" meets Eve, who commands him to sit/stay like the alpha she is.

Fabric Store Horror: Eve describes a craft store like a haunted house while Peabody nearly melts down over Egyptian cotton.

Felicity LaMarc: The intended fourth victim is a former counterintelligence agent who elbows the killer in the face and breaks a mirror. Icon behavior.

Commendations:

• Jake Kincaid (AJ): Nadine's rock star boyfriend who helps sketch the killer and is basically Rourke's clone
• Felicity LaMarc (Tara): Absolute badass who didn't need rescuing
• Nadine Furst (Secondary): Journalistic integrity on full display

Other Highlights:

• McNabb's Mexico vacation paid off: "We had lots and lots of sex!"
• Roarke reveals he contemplated stealing some emeralds just weeks before meeting Eve
• Roarke buys Eve a 16-acre farm in Nebraska (not small!)
• Galahad is furious Eve smells like dog

Podcast Business:

Welcome Ann who discovered the podcast months ago and binged all 287 episodes at 1.5x speed(?) Her daughter introduced her to In Death at age 7 by buying her "Remember When."

• Next Week: Christmas special!
• After That: Review the Reviews for New Year's
• Future Episode: Nicknames in the In Death series

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 205-4ROARKE
• Social: Facebook, Instagram, Blue Sky, TikTok

Leave us a 5-star review to help other fans find the show!

In this week’s episode, AJ and Tara embrace chaos, caffeine, and questionable Google Sheet scripts as they attempt something completely new: Cards Against In Death — our homemade, wildly unofficial, definitely ridiculous In Death-themed version of Cards Against Humanity.

Tara showed up technically at work (muted meeting, webcam off, priorities firmly in place), AJ threw together a game at 11:30pm the night before, and together they dove headfirst into a half-hour of absolute nonsense that somehow still made perfect sense in the In Death universe.

• We discover Tibbles’ secret Urban Wars codename. (It might be Galahad. Honestly? It works.)

• Eve bribes Dickhead… and no one is surprised by the method.

• Mira’s Excellent Legs™ become a therapeutic tool.

• Rourke contemplates tech breakthroughs powered by soy dogs.

• The bullpen’s betting pools escalate into utter stupidity.

• Feeney’s computer crashes because… of course it does.

• And the recurring answer of the episode: “Meat. Both kinds.” It haunts us. It defines us. It is Podcast in Death lore now.

Listeners, you're welcome.

• Chaotic energy from the jump

• Truly unhinged prompt/answer combos

• AJ desperately trying to keep the spreadsheet alive

• Tara discovering prompts in real time

• A surprisingly sweet moment involving Dennis Mira

• The dawning realization that we absolutely need a live version where YOU submit cards

This is one of our shortest episodes in a while, but it’s packed with laughs, references only In Death fans will understand, and moments that made us cackle out loud.

We also hear from:

• Kimberly, our newest Patron (Detective Level—thank you!!)

• Sarah, who got her patron mug and immediately filled it with Seattle’s Best because Eve’s blend remains tragically unavailable

• Leah, whose listener questions inspired an entire episode

• Sarah (again!), who sent us a pair of purple boots that Eve would absolutely wear… zipper mechanics aside

Plus:
A discussion about futuristic crime tech (because Nora keeps predicting the future), some talk about upcoming episodes, and plans for future guests when Tara is unavailable… or in a meeting again.

Send us:

• New black-card prompts

• New white-card answers

• Anything absolutely bonkers that fits the In Death world

We WILL do a Round Two — and probably a live version.

💬 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call/Text: 205-476-2753 (that’s 205-4-Rourke)
📱 Find us on social: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, BlueSky — just search Podcast in Death.

If you want to be a guest (or know someone who should be), reach out!

This week, we took on a topic that absolutely demanded visuals… which is hilarious, because you’re listening on Spotify.
But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Ian McNabb’s truly unhinged wardrobe across the entire In Death series. AJ put together an actual McNabb Look Book PDF (yes, really) using every outfit description Nora Roberts ever threw at us — neon pants, zigzag jackets, plaid air boots, the legendary orange tux, ALL of it.

Tara reacts to each outfit in real time, and while you can absolutely enjoy the audio version… trust us, you’re going to want the visuals for this one.

📄 Download the McNabb Look Book PDF here: http://podcastindeath.s3.amazonaws.com/IanMcnab_LookBook.pdf

🎥 Want to WATCH the full video episode?
Find it on our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/145185704⁠

• McNabb’s Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer “collections,” because yes — he is a man who owns collections.

• The many lives of the air boot (now available in every color known to science).

• Why Nora Roberts was clearly entertaining herself while writing these outfits.

• How AJ accidentally became McNabb’s digital stylist.

• Tara discovering that… wait… are these outfits actually good??

• ChatGPT diagnosing McNabb as a flamboyant futuristic maximalist and being 100% correct.

• The fuchsia vest + Christmas green jumpsuit combo that defies physics.

• The surprisingly classy full-periwinkle ensemble.

• Chili pepper pants. Chili pepper shirt. Chili pepper EVERYTHING.

• Roarke’s custom tartan air boots, which McNabb apparently treats like sacred relics.

• The orange tux that would give Eve Dallas temporary color-induced trauma.

• Tara accidentally smelling phantom pizza and derailing the show.

• A deep philosophical debate about toeless air-sneaks.

• AJ referencing a Porky Pig cartoon for reasons that are still unclear.

• Both hosts admitting they have no idea what McNabb actually looks like anymore.

Since Spotify sadly cannot beam the outfits directly into your brain, make sure to:

1. Download the McNabb Look Book PDF — seriously, it makes everything funnier: http://podcastindeath.s3.amazonaws.com/IanMcnab_LookBook.pdf

2. Check out the video episode on Patreon if you want the full “fashion show chaos” experience: https://www.patreon.com/posts/145185704

Whether you’re here for the neon, the nostalgia, or the strangeness of McNabb’s entire aesthetic… this episode is a ride. Enjoy!