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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!

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. 🍷🥩

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!!

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.

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