J.D. Robb Books In Order For the In Death Series

Last Updated on September 11, 2023

When it comes to romantic suspense transcending time, J.D. Robb is the name of the New York Times bestselling author everyone should be familiar with. Her Eve Dallas futuristic romantic suspense series has captured the hearts of millions of readers all around the world since 1995. Currently, the series is still going strong with almost 60 books published to date (and many more if we consider the novellas and short stories as well).

Here are all the J.D. Robb books in her In Death series in order (I don’t know why I prefer the name ‘Eve Dallas series’) for the currently published almost 60 full-length novels and several novellas, starting with Naked In Death, to Payback in Death – her latest book in the series published in 2023.

New In Death J.D. Robb Books

Payback in Death
Payback in Death, (In Death #57) 2023

J.D. Robb Books In Order of Publication For The In Death Series / Eve Dallas Series

  1. Naked In Death (#1), 1995
  2. Glory In Death (#2), 1995
  3. Immortal In Death (#3), 1996
  4. Rapture In Death (#4), 1996
  5. Ceremony In Death (#5), 1997
  6. Vengeance in Death (#6), 1997
  7. Holiday In Death (#7), 1998
  8. Midnight In Death (#7.5), 1998 (novella) (also included in the Silent Night collection of stories)
  9. Conspiracy In Death (#8), 1999
  10. Loyalty In Death (#9), 1999
  11. Witness In Death (#10), 2000
  12. Judgement In Death (#11), 2000
  13. Betrayal In Death (#12), 2001
  14. Interlude In Death (#12.5), 2001
  15. Seduction In Death (#13), 2001
  16. Reunion In Death (#14), 2002
  17. Purity In Death (#15), 2002
  18. Portrait In Death (#16), 2003
  19. Imitation In Death (#17), 2003
  20. Remember When #17.5), 2003
  21. Divided In Death (#18), 2004
  22. Visions In Death (#19), 2004
  23. Survivor In Death (#20), 2005
  24. Origin In Death (#21), 2005
  25. Memory In Death (#22), 2006
  26. Haunted In Death ( #22.5), 2006 (also included in the Bump In The Night collection of stories)
  27. Born In Death (#23), 2006
  28. Innocent In Death (#24), 2007
  29. Eternity In Death (#24.5), 2007 (also included in the Dead Of Night collection of stories and in Time Of Death)
  30. Creation In Death (#25), 2007
  31. Strangers In Death (#26), 2008
  32. Salvation In Death (#27), 2008
  33. Ritual In Death (#27.5), 2008 (also included in Time Of Death and in Suite 666)
  34. Promises In Death (#28), 2009
  35. Kindred In Death (#29), 2009
  36. Missing In Death (#29.5), 2009 (also included in The Lost collection of stories)
  37. Fantasy In Death (#30), 2010
  38. Indulgence In Death (#31), 2010
  39. Possession In Death (#31.5), 2010 (also included in The Other Side collection of stories)
  40. Treachery In Death (#32), 2011
  41. New York To Dallas (#33), 2011 (yep, it’s the first In Death book which doesn’t have the words in the title)
  42. Chaos In Death (#33.5), 2011 (also included in The Unquiet collection of stories)
  43. Celebrity In Death (#34), 2012
  44. Delusion In Death (#35), 2012
  45. Calculated In Death (#36), 2013
  46. Thankless In Death (#37), 2013
  47. Taken In Death (#37.5), 2013 (also included in Mirror, Mirror collection of stories)
  48. Concealed In Death ( #38), 2014
  49. Festive In Death ( #39), 2014
  50. Obsession In Death ( #40), 2015
  51. Devoted In Death ( #41), 2015
  52. Wonderment In Death (#41.5), 2015
  53. Brotherhood In Death (#42), 2016
  54. Apprentice In Death (#43), 2016
  55. Echoes In Death (#44), 2017
  56. Secrets In Death (#45), 2017
  57. Dark In Death (#46), 2018
  58. Leverage in Death ( #47), 2018
  59. Connections in Death (#48), 2019
  60. Vendetta in Death ( #49), 2019
  61. Golden in Death (#50), 2020
  62. Shadows in Death (#51), 2020
  63. Faithless in Death ( #52), 2021
  64. Forgotten in Death ( #53), 2021
  65. Abandoned in Death (#54), 2022
  66. Desperation in Death (#55), 2022
  67. Encore in Death (#56), 2023
  68. Payback in Death (#57), 2023

(note: there are two novellas published: Remember When (#17.5) and Big Jack. Big Jack is part #2 of Remember When. The first part is a sequel to the book called Hot Rocks written under Nora Roberts). So if you only want to read the J.D. Robb story, read only the second part.)

J.D. Robb Books in Publication Order of the Short Stories, Novellas

J.D. Robb Standalone Novels

In Death Collections and Omnibus Editions in Publication Order

  • Silent Night, 1998 (with Claire Cross, Dee Holmes, and Susan Plunkett)
  • Out of this World, 2001 (with Laurell K Hamilton, Susan Krinard, and Maggie Shayne)
  • Bump in the Night, 2006 (with Mary Blayney, Ruth Langan, and Mary Kay McComas)
  • Dead of Night, 2007 (with Mary Blayney, Ruth Langan, and Mary Kay McComas)
  • Three In Death, 2007
  • Suite 606, 2008 (with Mary Blayney, Ruth Langan, and Mary Kay McComas)
  • The Lost, 2009 (with Mary Blayney, Patricia Gaffney and Ruth Langan)
  • The Other Side, 2010 (with Mary Blayney, Patricia Gaffney, Ruth Ryan Langan, and Mary Kay McComas)
  • The Unquiet, 2011 (with Mary Blayney, Patricia Gaffney, Ruth Ryan Langan, and Mary Kay McComas)
  • Mirror, Mirror, 2013 (with Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas, and R C Ryan)
  • Down the Rabbit Hole, 2015 (with Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas, and R C Ryan)

J.D. Robb Biography and Bibliography – About the Author

J.D. Robb is the pen name of the New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts. The JD Robb books in order focus on New York City Police and Security Department Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her sexy hubby Roarke, who solve crimes in New York in the mid-21st century.

While the series is set in the future and there are some gadgets, tools, cars (ok flying cars and spaceships), the books are really contemporary in nature. They are not sci-fi thrillers, but tried and tested futuristic romance, aka romantic suspense novel series adored by readers worldwide.

An already established author, J.D. Robb decided (at the nudging of her agent)  to start writing under a new alias to capture a different kind of audience for a new series she wanted to start – a new futuristic crime mystery series, feeling that this series will be less in line with what she’s been writing so far.

J. D. Robb

And the J.D. Robb In Death Series was born. Sometimes I believe Nora Roberts is better known under this new alias than under her real name because the series is that popular.

When I first came a cross one of the In Death novels, I’d never heard of the author before, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Of course, by now I have read almost all her books as well, but the J.D. Robb books series is still much better in my opinion. So a new star was born, on that hope will keep the light shining above her loyal readers for many more years to come.

Reading the JD Robb series in order only means reading her novels. This alias has only one series of books, which are still going strong even after close to 50 books in the series (with the latest one, Payback in Death, published in 2023).

I have to admit, I love the series. Very much so. Her books around police detective lieutenant Eve Dallas and her hubby Roarke, make my heart beat fast even now, after years of reading the first installment, Naked In Death.

The series is set some years in the future (when intergalactic travel is a very normal thing to do if you have the money for it), although to be honest, the only futuristic aspect is this travel between planets, stars, and moons.

Everything else is a typical (and very good) romantic suspense series with some very hot, clever and lovely people (especially Eve’s billionaire husband named Roarke, the cutie Delia Peabody, and many other characters that have their own charms).

Nora Roberts, aka J.D. Robb, so far sold over 400 million of her books in print (this includes both books by her real name and her alias). She is, in fact, only one of the two most influential authors out of 100 that the Times magazine wrote about in 2007. With her J.D. Robb alias alone, she sold more than one million books on Kindle. And that was only in the early year, 2011.

While the J.D. Robb series does tend to be a bit repetitive and formulaic if you read the series in order without pause, they are still some of the best romantic suspense novels of all times and people buy them as soon as the latest J.D. Robb books are out.

Even the shorter novellas like Midnight in Death are actually fully fleshed-out books with a whole complex storyline. The only difference is that they have fewer pages.

We first meet lieutenant Eve Dallas in Naked In Death as a rookie NYPD detective who meets her husband Roarke, the attractive Irish Billionaire. Their attraction to each other started from the first moment they saw each other.

Here is one of my favorite quotes from the first book, which was published years ago, one that is still relevant in the very latest J.D. Robb book as well, after well over 40 books and adventures together.

… he turned his head, looked five pews back across the aisle and directly into Eve’s eyes. It was surprise that had her fighting not to jolt at that sudden and unexpected punch of power. It was will that kept her from blinking or shifting her gaze. For one humming minute they stared at each other…

Some of the books in the J.D. Robb In Death series have violence (when the murder scenes are described) and there is sex involved (between Eve and Roarke, of course). Hot, steamy sex. So beware, if you want your books squeaky clean, the J.D. Robb In Death series might not be for you. But who am I kidding, I haven’t personally (or online) met so far anyone who said No to this awesome romantic suspense futuristic cop series, the perfect beach read.

So should we read the J D Robb novels in chronological order for her lieutenant Eve Dallas series? While each story is different in terms of solving a particular case, I strongly suggest you read them in the right chronological order. The main and secondary characters are all the same, and you will get to learn not only their interaction with each other but also their development and evolution within the settings of the books.

Just getting to know Eve and her husband Roarke and following their ongoing romance (even as a married couple) is something well worth sticking with. If only real life were the same… The In Death series is set in mid-21st century New York City and, occasionally, off-Earth, which, along with the high-tech equipment used, it gives it a nice futuristic setting.

One of the books I have reviewed in the In Death series, Festive In Death, was published in 2014 and it was the 39th book in the J.D. Robb series. Only three short years, and now we are at #20 with Golden in Death, to be published early 2020.

So far, J.D. Robb was the Rita Awards Best Novel winner in 2010 with Survivor in Death.

Who is Eve Dallas?

In the Death books by JD Robb, Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas was born in  2028. She entered the  NYPSD Police Academy (New York City Police and Security Department) in 2046.

She spent her childhood being abused by her father until one fateful night, at a hotel in Dallas, TX, she killed him, after which she ran away, wandering the streets until a  police officer found her passed out and took her to a hospital. As she had no papers with her, she went to foster care, where she got the name Eve Dallas.

Then she spent the next ten years in the system until, as an adult, she went to New York to become a police officer.

After graduating from the NYPSD academy of police, she became a patrol officer, following which she transferred to the Homicide Division. They worked and closed cases together before Feeney was promoted to Captain and transferred to the Electronic Detectives Division (EDD). Eve was also promoted to Detective and ultimately to Lieutenant, in charge of a Homicide squad at NYPSD’s Cop Central, where she worked when she met the love of her life, Rourke.

Eve is highly skilled in defensive as well as combat skills, and has no qualms in taking down the perpetrators all by herself.

Some of the other regularly appearing supporting characters are Captain Ryan Feeney, Dr Charlotte Mira, Detective Delia Peabody and Detective Ian McNab.

What Is The Latest Book in the JD Robb In Death Series?

Based on the publication order, the latest novel in the In Death series is book 57, Payback in Death, released in September 2023.

What is the Total Number of JD Robb Novels For the In Death Series?

Currently, there are 57 In Death / Eve Dallas books published, with two more on the way. There are also 12 In death short stories, and several anthologies and collections.

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83 Comments

  1. Thank you JD Robb (Nora) — I love the complexity of the murders, but I also enjoy the humor in the series. When Dallas ends up with a new friend — how did that happen?! Her fear of Trina, of dolls, of cows — when will they want to take over the world. Looking for a needle in a haystack — why would there be a needle in a haystack? Sayings that make perfect sense to us now in the early 21st century, but meanings have passed us by … she takes things so literally. Cracks me up every time.
    I eagerly await each book at the book store, and re-read them all the time.

  2. I finished all the books in order….loved them. Any chance that this will be a series on TV? Maybe in Netflix…that will be MAG!!! Thanks, J.D. Looking forward to the next one. I might start over again.

  3. Love the in Death series, but was wondering if Wonderment in Death was ever in book form? Would really like one to go with my collection. Can’t wait for the next book.

    1. Yes wonderment in death is a hardcopy formated book as well as on audio CD formats or as an ebook

  4. what is the name of the book where Eve meets Roarke?
    and
    what is the name of the book where they get married?

  5. I have reread the series so many times I have to reread form last to beginning bcuz Eves life was too sad before Roarke. I think Faithless ID is my favorite ID and Kindred is my least favorite ( its too sad). CAN’t wait for Desperation ( September CANNOT get here fast enough!!!!!!

  6. I started reading Nora Roberts back in days skinny romance novels. I have always been a voracious readerand would go to the local book swap and come home with a big paper bag full of books and I couldn’t put hers down with the first JD Robb book I met my real hero and I think of her as a real person God I want to be her. This past Christmas I started with JD Robb‘s book 1 and I’m going through the whole list so far I’m up to portrait and death I have them on my bookcase and with the sharpie I put the number on each one so I know which is next thank you JD Robb for creating a life that I crawl into each day I am in awel of your talent

  7. I have every Nora Roberts and the J.D.Robb In Death series I can get my hands on. I am 61 and disabled and have reread them all several times over the years. I have to find a way too get the rest In Death, I only have 51. But, my large bedroom is also my library.

  8. Just read through the series to book #55 – this is my second time reading through and was the first thing I had to do on my retirement bucket list.

  9. Love all the JDRobb books. Am now rereading them ALL in order. My library loves me.

  10. I have loved everyone ! Up to # 54 as I’m reading it seems like I’ve traded Abandoned in death . The only thing I can figure is another author wrote one or so close to it . Keep them coming . Loved them since the first one I picked up.

  11. Can’t wait for the next one to come out. I’m always on the waiting list. I feel I know all the characters like they were old friends. I picture each one in my mind from Nora Roberts description of each of them. Please keep writing. I look forward to the next one and I hope many more. Eve, Roake and their Family and Friends are totally believable. Please keep them coming. I live in South Australia ?? .

  12. I’d like to know in which book Rourke finds his family in Ireland and also in which one Eve goes back to Dallas.

    Thank you, Readers!

    1. Kelli :
      Roarke finds his family in “Portrait in Death” Eve goes to Dallas in “New York to Dallas”

  13. Thougherly enjoyed (and still reading) the “in death” series. They have helped me get through the pandemic lock downs, well entertained me and stopped me going mad whilst in lockdown. Thank you Nora Roberts (aka J D Robb)

  14. I recently purchased through Amazon the In Death series in order.

    I missed so much by not having read them in order from the first.

    I’m now on books 29 & 30 and really like being able to “round out” the characters by reading them (again) in order.

    I’ve the 2021 release at home (in hardcover) and waiting until I’ve gotten to that point to read it. (It’s really hard, but I can do it!)

    Thank you for Eve and Roarke, etc. I really am able to chuckle at some of their antic, interactions, etc. (By the way, I want a “Roarke”!)

    1. I absolutely love this series and have all of them in audio format. I just pre-ordered that latest one. Can hardly wait! In the past year I have listened to the entire series again.

  15. My daughter and I have read every Eve book and are amazed that we never tire of them. We do prefer the ones where Eve, Roark or someone they love is captured or in grave danger. Of course Eve and or Roark always save the day. Those seem to have more suspense and make us stay awake reading until our eyes simply won’t stay open. Long live Eve and Roark! Please keep the series going.

  16. I have been reading Nora Roberts since she started in the 1980,s Even had my picture taken with Nora when she came to a book signing in Ga. Very cool. And yes I agree that none of her books should be made into movies. It actually changes the book and isn’t want the writer wrote. I read The Color Purple and then it came on Tv and I was very disappointed.
    So lets keep reading them as fast as they hit the book stores.

    1. Sue Grafton was right about not having any of her books made into a movie. I hope her family honor her wishes. I saw Janet Evanovich’s “One For The Money”. It was very disappointing.

      I don’t think I would get hook on book series. I have read all the series. I was never disappointed. Keep up the good work, J.D. Robb. I look forward to reading new ones in the series.

  17. I HAVE to read a book series in order. My type A personality I guess. I started many years ago with Naked in death and ‘ Dark in death(46), a few moments ago. I don’t get much time to read and I like to read other authors in between, so it has taken me about 15 years to get this far. I have enjoyed every book and have not once stopped mid book without finishing. I’m also one of those people who cannot read more than one book at a time. I get too involved with the characters to do that. I do also read Nora Roberts but admit, its been a while as they were becoming predictable. I’m sure I will go back. Anyway, I have to go. On to #47, Leverage in death, here I come!! 🙂

  18. I just finished Golden In Death. When do you think the next book will come out?

    1. I have also become an addicted to this “in death series….have 3 books to go,….and I hope there are more ! Please let there be more

  19. To Noelle Holmes – February 2020
    I found taken in Death on Ebay with 2 other stories and Wonderment in Death in the compilation down the Rabbit Hole also on Ebay.

  20. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THESE BOOKS MADE INTO TV. MSRISKA HARGITAY FOR EVE AND PIERCE BROSNAN AS RORKE. THE GIRL WHO
    PLAYED ON ROBOT COP WITH THE BOWL HAIR CUT WOULD BE GOOD FOR PEABODY. FILL IN THE REST WITH WHOEVER. JUST PLEASE DON’T STOP WRITING DEATH SERIES. I ALSO DONATED THESE BOOKS TO GOODWILL AND NOW LIKE AN IDIOT I’M TRYING TO COLLECT THE WHOLE SERIES. LOVE THEM. GUESS YOU COULD SAY I’M ADDICTED.

  21. I am wondering if someone can tell me where I can purchase Taken in Death and Wonderment in Death, I’ve purchase what I thought was the Books and to my dismay had received the Audio Copies, I would like to purchase the Books if they are available.. My wife is a lover of this In Death Series, She has read every copy to date and because I have purchased them she is starting to re read them. I have these two books in Audio CDs but cannot listen to them till I buy another CD Player, I now own a copy of ever book in the In Death Series, that includes the last one 50th edition Golden in Death, which was released here on the 4th Feb, 2020. If anyone could assist me in location these 2 books in Book form would most appreciated. thank you.

  22. My wife and I started the series together in audio book format. We are almost through the entire series. We have laughed, cried and feel like we know all of these people personally. It has been an amazing adventure!

  23. Keep writing i got my daughter hook on the death series. Even if Dallas gets pregnant it shouldn’t interfere also when is Peabody getting married

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