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In Death #31.5
Possession in Death
“The devil killed my body. I cannot fight, I cannot find. I cannot free her. You must. You are the one. We speak to the dead.”
Immediately after hearing these words, uttered to her by an old Romanian woman bleeding to death in the street, detective Eve Dallas begins to notice that her latest case has come with a number of interesting side-effects: visions of the deceased, instant familiarity with rooms she’s never seen before, and fluency in Russian. Likewise, there appears to be a force inside of her, a spirit other than her own, that won’t let her rest until she’s found Beata, the old woman’s great-granddaughter, whose disappearance two months prior remains a mystery. Desperate to be free of her new “gifts”, Eve pursues the facts until she discovers a link between Beata’s disappearance and the disappearance of eight other young women, all of whom attended the same dance classes, none of whom were ever heard from again.
Immediately after hearing these words, uttered to her by an old Romanian woman bleeding to death in the street, detective Eve Dallas begins to notice that her latest case has come with a number of interesting side-effects: visions of the deceased, instant familiarity with rooms she’s never seen before, and fluency in Russian. Likewise, there appears to be a force inside of her, a spirit other than her own, that won’t let her rest until she’s found Beata, the old woman’s great-granddaughter, whose disappearance two months prior remains a mystery. Desperate to be free of her new “gifts”, Eve pursues the facts until she discovers a link between Beata’s disappearance and the disappearance of eight other young women, all of whom attended the same dance classes, none of whom were ever heard from again.
3 pages, Audio CD
First published January 1, 2010
62 people are currently reading
6728 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Robb
169 books35k followersJ.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. Forgotten in Death (St. Martin's Press, September 2021) is the 53rd entry in the series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 436 reviews
March 7, 2019
This novella starts immediately where the previous book finished and we are treated to several pages set at the cookout Eve had planned for Morris in that last story. All of the gang are there right down to its smallest member, Bella. All good fun and for just a little while no murders to sully things,
Of course murder is Eve's business and pretty soon she comes across the first dead (or is she?) body. Robb often entertains herself in her novellas by indulging in the supernatural and in Possession Eve is actually possessed for a short time. Roarke, bless him, takes it all in his stride which is a little amazing since Eve suddenly starts talking to the dead.
So a bit way out and off base for the usual futuristic police drama that we expect, but totally entertaining anyway. Definitely worth a read.
Of course murder is Eve's business and pretty soon she comes across the first dead (or is she?) body. Robb often entertains herself in her novellas by indulging in the supernatural and in Possession Eve is actually possessed for a short time. Roarke, bless him, takes it all in his stride which is a little amazing since Eve suddenly starts talking to the dead.
So a bit way out and off base for the usual futuristic police drama that we expect, but totally entertaining anyway. Definitely worth a read.
October 16, 2017
4 stars - Futuristic/Paranormal/Romantic Suspense/Mystery/Crime/Science Fiction/Thriller Novella
This was a great read for Friday the 13th! I love this series!
You’re Eve Dallas. You’re the love of my life. My heart and soul. You’re a cop, mind and bone. You’re a woman of strength and resilience. Stubborn, hardheaded, occasionally mean as a badger, and more generous than you’ll admit.
This was a great read for Friday the 13th! I love this series!
You’re Eve Dallas. You’re the love of my life. My heart and soul. You’re a cop, mind and bone. You’re a woman of strength and resilience. Stubborn, hardheaded, occasionally mean as a badger, and more generous than you’ll admit.
May 7, 2018
3.5
For Eve Dallas, a BBQ with friends and family is another way to chill between two investigations. But when you're an homicide investigator, unfortunately, it's not too long before you get another call. This time, Eve come upon her next case on the street, when an injured old woman speak gibberish before collapsing and bleeding to death. But after her encounter with the Gypsy, Eve begin to experience unusual weird things.
I'm not sure how to rate this novella. Because it was entertaining but at the same time I had trouble with the supernatural aspect who's not something we usually see in this series and it's hard to believe that a character so rational and logical like Eve would accept it so easily too.
For Eve Dallas, a BBQ with friends and family is another way to chill between two investigations. But when you're an homicide investigator, unfortunately, it's not too long before you get another call. This time, Eve come upon her next case on the street, when an injured old woman speak gibberish before collapsing and bleeding to death. But after her encounter with the Gypsy, Eve begin to experience unusual weird things.
I'm not sure how to rate this novella. Because it was entertaining but at the same time I had trouble with the supernatural aspect who's not something we usually see in this series and it's hard to believe that a character so rational and logical like Eve would accept it so easily too.
December 18, 2019
Eh, this one didn't really work for me. The supernatural element of this felt really unnecessary and detracted, rather than added to, the story. The annoying thing is that this could have been a really solid story without that part of it- the mystery itself was interesting enough without the titular possession part.
November 1, 2015
This is one of the In Death’s Shorts. One thing I love reading Robb’s shorts is for she’s making this a lil bit of extra fictional by adding a bits of paranormal. In here, Eve was being possessed by a dead Romany woman. Imagine yourself enjoying or grinning about Eve talking to a ghost and Roarke tolerated it. Eve suddenly was able to speak Russian and other 5 languages and Roarke was just fascinated by it and checking from time to time for Eve to speak Russian.
Roarke is still a magic with his words to Eve despite everything.
Roarke is still a magic with his words to Eve despite everything.
"You’re Eve Dallas. You’re the love of my life. My heart and soul. You’re a cop, mind and bone. You’re a woman of strength and resilience. Stubborn, hardheaded, occasionally mean as a badger, and more generous than you’ll admit.”
March 23, 2023
Usually, I am not into paranormal plotlines in these novels or novellas. Then the fact that this is a short story doesn't help either. But this was pure and simply - excellent. I loved it so so much.
How is this series still so addicting and magnificent?! Probably because I love all the characters.
Susan Ericksen is still the best narrator ever!!!
How is this series still so addicting and magnificent?! Probably because I love all the characters.
Susan Ericksen is still the best narrator ever!!!
January 25, 2021
4 1/2 to 5 stars
January 7, 2018
Even the .5's are fabulous. Another great addition to this awesome series!! ❤️❤️
March 8, 2019
Possession in Death
3.5 Stars
A seemingly random encounter with a dying woman leaves Eve very unsettled when she begins to notice some new and quirky personality traits such as having visions and speaking Russian. Regardless, she is determined to keep her promise to the old lady and sets out to discover the whereabouts of her missing granddaughter. What she finds is enough to put terror into any young woman's heart.
Although good paranormal mysteries are often entertaining and the previous In Death novellas with this trope have been well done, this one ultimately falls flat. This is mainly due to the fact that it requires a great deal of suspension of disbelief to accept that the usually skeptical and down to Earth Eve Dallas would be so accepting of being possessed.
That said, the investigation is gripping and the reader feels strongly for the missing victims even though the story would have worked just as well without the possession aspects).
Overall, a quick and satisfying read despite the problematic paranormal elements.
3.5 Stars
A seemingly random encounter with a dying woman leaves Eve very unsettled when she begins to notice some new and quirky personality traits such as having visions and speaking Russian. Regardless, she is determined to keep her promise to the old lady and sets out to discover the whereabouts of her missing granddaughter. What she finds is enough to put terror into any young woman's heart.
Although good paranormal mysteries are often entertaining and the previous In Death novellas with this trope have been well done, this one ultimately falls flat. This is mainly due to the fact that it requires a great deal of suspension of disbelief to accept that the usually skeptical and down to Earth Eve Dallas would be so accepting of being possessed.
That said, the investigation is gripping and the reader feels strongly for the missing victims even though the story would have worked just as well without the possession aspects).
Overall, a quick and satisfying read despite the problematic paranormal elements.
March 3, 2019
March 2019 - Rereading for group buddy read!
Another great novella in this series! Loved it!
Another great novella in this series! Loved it!
July 25, 2022
I'm so glad I read this novella because it starts off exactly where the last book left off. I was frustrated we didn't get to see the cookout Eve had planned for Morris, and alas, it's in this novella.
I love that we got a glimpse of it. This case was a little different. There are some paranormal aspects in this one. Always wish there was more with these shorter ones, but still so glad I read it.
I love that we got a glimpse of it. This case was a little different. There are some paranormal aspects in this one. Always wish there was more with these shorter ones, but still so glad I read it.
October 19, 2017
Very very different from the other full length novels but I love it all the same. :)
December 3, 2016
1st read November 2013
2nd read December 2016
This is a strange one
2nd read December 2016
This is a strange one
October 5, 2020
I loved this novella (#31.5) in J. D. Robb's "In Death" series.
February 11, 2019
This short story falls in at 31.5 in the In Death romantic suspense series revolving around Lieutenant Eve Dallas, an NYPSD Homicide cop, and her gorgeous husband, Roarke.
My Take
I so appreciated the satisfying ending to the arrests in Indulgence in Death , 31. At least those jerks will get to spend a long time without their indulgent lifestyles. It's not enough though for Eve, and I doubt it would ever be enough for anyone who loses a loved one.
The In Death series is a terrifying blend of the fear and the terror of murder in so many possibilities, certainly more than I could ever imagine. I so appreciate how Robb's stories balance these horrors with joy and tears, fears and laughter, and the every day snark of life. And "Possession in Death" is no exception as the Romany magic of possession takes hold of Eve. The murder that leads to this possession is a nightmare for Eve, one that Robb finds the funny side with in the proof of possession being Eve knowing how to cook goulash, lol. Roarke adores Eve, but they both know her, um, weak areas, *more laughter*.
I do enjoy Dallas' relationships, from the supportive and loving one she has with Roarke — I love that the super-capable billionaire is still trying to conquer the grill! — to the adversarial snarking with Summerset to her fellow cops and her partner, Dr. Mira's motherliness, Morris' quiet humor… I also have to laugh at Dallas' fears. That baby Bella throws her for such a loop…or should I say slooch?
Nadine makes a lovely comment about the people at the picnic, that Dallas and Roarke always bring together the most interesting people at their parties. It's a beautiful moment, but I hafta confess I got a laugh when Feeney then Dennis Mira find out about the whipped cream, shortcake, and pie and abandon Eve.
It's a unique blend of life and death, and Robb makes good use of this series to raise those questions any cop or soldier must ask themselves, if they're as bad as those they hunt, if they take joy in the killing or in making society that tiny bit safer.
The Story
It starts with regret and anger that Roarke soothes as they head down to the barbecue Eve arranged for Morris. He may be coming to terms with his grief for Amaryllis, but Li still has a way to go.
It's that worry Eve has for Li that finds her driving Father Lopez home only to be interrupted by a dying Romanian woman whose words send a chill down Lieutenant Eve Dallas' spine. And soon Roarke notices some interesting side-effects in the Lieutenant: fluency in Russian and a peacock tattoo.
Against her better judgment, Eve is convinced the spirit of the old woman is inside her, unable to rest until she's found her great-granddaughter who vanished two months ago. Desperate to be back to normal, Eve is determined to find her.
The Characters
Eve Dallas is a lieutenant of a Homicide division in the New York City Police & Security Department. She's married to Roarke, who owns nearly the entire world in his very own gorgeous fashion. Summerset is Roarke's majordomo.
The NYPSD
Detective Delia Peabody is Dallas' partner at work while Detective Ian McNab is her partner in life. McNab's with the Electronic Detection Division, the e-geeks. Captain Ryan Feeney is Ian's boss and Eve's mentor. Dr. Li Morris is the chief medical examiner. Dr. Mira is their top profiler; Dennis Mira is her lovely absentminded professor husband whom Eve adores. Cher Reo is the assistant district attorney who has become a friend. Officer Troy Trueheart has brought his shy girlfriend, Cassie, from Records. Some of Eve's detectives are Baxter, Renicki, and Jacobson. Callendar is one of Feeney's e-geeks.
Detective Lloyd, out of the One-Three-Six, is the investigating officer for Beata's missing persons case.
Friends who come for the barbecue include…
…Mavis Freestone is Eve's best and first friend. She's a singing sensation these days married to Leonardo, a famous dress designer; Bella is their beautiful ham of a baby. Trina is a beautician whom Eve fears more than death. Nadine Furst is a bestselling author (The Icove Agenda ) and an ace reporter. Father Chale Lopez ( Salvation in Death , 27) has been talking, becoming friends with Li. Newlyweds Dr. Louise Dimatto and Charles Monroe, a retired licensed companion, show up. Crack is the six-and-a-half-foot tattooed sex club owner.
Madame Gizi Szabo is a Hungarian gypsy, a speaker for the dead, come to New York to find her missing great-granddaughter, Beata Varga, the beauty with the dream of dancing on Broadway. Zach and Karrie Morgenstern run a market. Goulash is the Hungarian restaurant where Beata worked; Mirium Frido and her husband, Jan (he's the chef), own it. Vee and David Ingall are some of their employees. Natalya Barinova teaches dance classes; Alexi Barin is her dancer son with the overweening ego; and, Sasha Korchov who now plays piano for his sister's classes. Allie Madison is Beata's replacement for the gala, Diabolique.
Rennie Foster murdered Janna Dorchester, and she's worried that he'll go after Sara Jasper next. Detective Stuben is primary on the beating death. Other dancers include Vanessa Warwich, Allegra Martin, Lucy Quinn, and more. Sylvester Moriarty and Winston Dudley are being shut up behind bars…yay!
The Cover and the Title
I can't get excited about the cover; I prefer the usual ones. This Kindle version is a peaceful scene slightly offshore and looking back at the city skyline, waves lapping the white sand. It could be ice that I'm seeing between sand and water… It's definitely a winter scene with all those bare branches forming a barrier between the beach and the city.
The title is truly accurate, for it's a "Possession in Death" that pushes Eve to find the truth.
My Take
I so appreciated the satisfying ending to the arrests in Indulgence in Death , 31. At least those jerks will get to spend a long time without their indulgent lifestyles. It's not enough though for Eve, and I doubt it would ever be enough for anyone who loses a loved one.
The In Death series is a terrifying blend of the fear and the terror of murder in so many possibilities, certainly more than I could ever imagine. I so appreciate how Robb's stories balance these horrors with joy and tears, fears and laughter, and the every day snark of life. And "Possession in Death" is no exception as the Romany magic of possession takes hold of Eve. The murder that leads to this possession is a nightmare for Eve, one that Robb finds the funny side with in the proof of possession being Eve knowing how to cook goulash, lol. Roarke adores Eve, but they both know her, um, weak areas, *more laughter*.
I do enjoy Dallas' relationships, from the supportive and loving one she has with Roarke — I love that the super-capable billionaire is still trying to conquer the grill! — to the adversarial snarking with Summerset to her fellow cops and her partner, Dr. Mira's motherliness, Morris' quiet humor… I also have to laugh at Dallas' fears. That baby Bella throws her for such a loop…or should I say slooch?
Nadine makes a lovely comment about the people at the picnic, that Dallas and Roarke always bring together the most interesting people at their parties. It's a beautiful moment, but I hafta confess I got a laugh when Feeney then Dennis Mira find out about the whipped cream, shortcake, and pie and abandon Eve.
It's a unique blend of life and death, and Robb makes good use of this series to raise those questions any cop or soldier must ask themselves, if they're as bad as those they hunt, if they take joy in the killing or in making society that tiny bit safer.
The Story
It starts with regret and anger that Roarke soothes as they head down to the barbecue Eve arranged for Morris. He may be coming to terms with his grief for Amaryllis, but Li still has a way to go.
It's that worry Eve has for Li that finds her driving Father Lopez home only to be interrupted by a dying Romanian woman whose words send a chill down Lieutenant Eve Dallas' spine. And soon Roarke notices some interesting side-effects in the Lieutenant: fluency in Russian and a peacock tattoo.
Against her better judgment, Eve is convinced the spirit of the old woman is inside her, unable to rest until she's found her great-granddaughter who vanished two months ago. Desperate to be back to normal, Eve is determined to find her.
The Characters
Eve Dallas is a lieutenant of a Homicide division in the New York City Police & Security Department. She's married to Roarke, who owns nearly the entire world in his very own gorgeous fashion. Summerset is Roarke's majordomo.
The NYPSD
Detective Delia Peabody is Dallas' partner at work while Detective Ian McNab is her partner in life. McNab's with the Electronic Detection Division, the e-geeks. Captain Ryan Feeney is Ian's boss and Eve's mentor. Dr. Li Morris is the chief medical examiner. Dr. Mira is their top profiler; Dennis Mira is her lovely absentminded professor husband whom Eve adores. Cher Reo is the assistant district attorney who has become a friend. Officer Troy Trueheart has brought his shy girlfriend, Cassie, from Records. Some of Eve's detectives are Baxter, Renicki, and Jacobson. Callendar is one of Feeney's e-geeks.
Detective Lloyd, out of the One-Three-Six, is the investigating officer for Beata's missing persons case.
Friends who come for the barbecue include…
…Mavis Freestone is Eve's best and first friend. She's a singing sensation these days married to Leonardo, a famous dress designer; Bella is their beautiful ham of a baby. Trina is a beautician whom Eve fears more than death. Nadine Furst is a bestselling author (The Icove Agenda ) and an ace reporter. Father Chale Lopez ( Salvation in Death , 27) has been talking, becoming friends with Li. Newlyweds Dr. Louise Dimatto and Charles Monroe, a retired licensed companion, show up. Crack is the six-and-a-half-foot tattooed sex club owner.
Madame Gizi Szabo is a Hungarian gypsy, a speaker for the dead, come to New York to find her missing great-granddaughter, Beata Varga, the beauty with the dream of dancing on Broadway. Zach and Karrie Morgenstern run a market. Goulash is the Hungarian restaurant where Beata worked; Mirium Frido and her husband, Jan (he's the chef), own it. Vee and David Ingall are some of their employees. Natalya Barinova teaches dance classes; Alexi Barin is her dancer son with the overweening ego; and, Sasha Korchov who now plays piano for his sister's classes. Allie Madison is Beata's replacement for the gala, Diabolique.
Rennie Foster murdered Janna Dorchester, and she's worried that he'll go after Sara Jasper next. Detective Stuben is primary on the beating death. Other dancers include Vanessa Warwich, Allegra Martin, Lucy Quinn, and more. Sylvester Moriarty and Winston Dudley are being shut up behind bars…yay!
The Cover and the Title
I can't get excited about the cover; I prefer the usual ones. This Kindle version is a peaceful scene slightly offshore and looking back at the city skyline, waves lapping the white sand. It could be ice that I'm seeing between sand and water… It's definitely a winter scene with all those bare branches forming a barrier between the beach and the city.
The title is truly accurate, for it's a "Possession in Death" that pushes Eve to find the truth.
April 15, 2019
This little novella was a nice entertaining read today as I curled up trying to get rid of the bug I have. However, the elements of the supernatural in this little read and how they were depicted, and Eve’s responses to them just didn’t completely gel/fit. I think it may have been better for
I’ve read the books that proceed this and Eve goes back to her sceptical self with no one mentioning the fact that she was for a time , for me it’s almost like this little novella is about an Eve from an alternative reality – and whilst the ride was an enjoyable one it doesn’t gel with the Eve from this reality.
I’ve read the books that proceed this and Eve goes back to her sceptical self with no one mentioning the fact that she was for a time , for me it’s almost like this little novella is about an Eve from an alternative reality – and whilst the ride was an enjoyable one it doesn’t gel with the Eve from this reality.
November 23, 2022
For some strange reason I missed this one on my first read of this series, a short one but still good. I loved seeing Eve lean on Roarke so much, their relationship just gives me all the feels
November 28, 2018
I love paranormal novellas a lot in this series. This one was about possesion like the title. Eve is possesed by a Romanian gipsy and tries to find her grand-daughter. Creepy and beautiful story.
December 24, 2019
Eve Dallas could actually SEE GHOSTS in this one...Wow..Did not see that coming...
Also a Lot of Roarke & Eve..This book was a 9/10 for me 👍🏼👍🏼
Also a Lot of Roarke & Eve..This book was a 9/10 for me 👍🏼👍🏼
August 2, 2021
A bit different from the usual cases, this mystery had Eve "looking" through another angle to the dead. Still, she didn't back down but stood for them as always.
Roarke was a bit lost on how to treat this new Eve...
"Let's get to the bottom of this, because right now I don't know if you need a doctor or a bloody priest."
"A priest?"
"For an exorcism."........
"I don't even believe this is happenig, but I know it is. I'm not sure I wouldn't rather have a brain tumor."
Oh, and the big gathering at their house for the BBQ the author skipped at the end of the previous book, is the opening in this one. I love Eve's get-togethers! How she includes anyone who she conciders a friend, from the sex-club owner Crack to father Lopez a Catholic Priest.
"You know what I like when you have one of this gatherings, Dallas?"
"The food and alcohol?"
"It's always first rate, but beyond that. It's always such an interesting mix of people. I know I can sit next to anyone here and not be bored. You've got a talent for collecting the diverse and the intersting."
Roarke was a bit lost on how to treat this new Eve...
"Let's get to the bottom of this, because right now I don't know if you need a doctor or a bloody priest."
"A priest?"
"For an exorcism."........
"I don't even believe this is happenig, but I know it is. I'm not sure I wouldn't rather have a brain tumor."
Oh, and the big gathering at their house for the BBQ the author skipped at the end of the previous book, is the opening in this one. I love Eve's get-togethers! How she includes anyone who she conciders a friend, from the sex-club owner Crack to father Lopez a Catholic Priest.
"You know what I like when you have one of this gatherings, Dallas?"
"The food and alcohol?"
"It's always first rate, but beyond that. It's always such an interesting mix of people. I know I can sit next to anyone here and not be bored. You've got a talent for collecting the diverse and the intersting."
June 13, 2017
Well, I got my BBQ scene and Father Lopez got appropriate page-time! YAY!
I really liked this one for a few reasons. The gypsies, ballerinas, possession, paranormal activity... It was a lot of fun. Throwing logic-driven Eve into any sort of supernatural business guarantees amusing results.
Wish it were a bit longer, maybe with a little more of that dead speaker business. Maybe the fact that I want more of the paranormal stuff is an indication that I should back away from this series and gorge on some fantasy novels for a bit?
I really liked this one for a few reasons. The gypsies, ballerinas, possession, paranormal activity... It was a lot of fun. Throwing logic-driven Eve into any sort of supernatural business guarantees amusing results.
Wish it were a bit longer, maybe with a little more of that dead speaker business. Maybe the fact that I want more of the paranormal stuff is an indication that I should back away from this series and gorge on some fantasy novels for a bit?
July 15, 2018
Possession in Death by J. D. Robb is a short novella in the In Death series immediately following on from Indulgence in Death. Eve is finishing off the last case and celebrates with a get together and barbecue as promised. Driving one of her guests home, she sees a woman fall off the sidewalk having been stabbed repeatedly and while waiting for help to arrive becomes possessed by the woman's spirit and urged to find her granddaughter who has been missing. Another wonderful book with a few added paranormal elements. Luckily things return to normal with the resolution of the case.
July 11, 2015
I wish it had been longer.
March 22, 2018
Here's my main problem with this book. The "In Death" world, as I see it, anyway, even though we are looking slightly into the future, it was not set up as a "paranormal" world. It was more a "true crime" series. Although, because of the future element, there is a certain amount of "fantasy" to this series, because certain elements in that future world have to be invented, it's still a world based in reality. Eve, similarly, is rooted in reality and, due to the kind of job that she does, is essentially the ultimate skeptic. She's been presented with elements that could be considered "paranormal," she has stayed fairly skeptical about that, because the conclusions that she comes to in regards to the murders she investigates have to be rooted in reality and truth.
So, to create a book where Eve herself is actually possessed, not only inserts the paranormal into this series as if it is reality, but inserts it in a way where Eve, who is a skeptic and must remain that way to do her job effectively, MUST believe in the paranormal. She has no choice now. Neither do we as the reader. The paranormal has been inserted into this world now in a way that we have no choice but to believe that it's true.
Sorry, Nora, that pissed me off, and I don't mind saying so.
This is not a paranormal series. It's a series where, as I said, paranormal elements have been introduced, but always in a way where the reader could reasonably make a decision on their own as to whether or not they actually believe that what was presented as paranormal or possibly paranormal, really is paranormal. I have no problem with Eve encountering Peabody's father and having Sam Peabody "read Eve's mind," although that is also technically "paranormal," but I can still reasonably justify that as something not paranormal, since there are several other ways he could have known what he claimed to have found out about Eve's past. Though it's a paranormal element, it fits in slightly better with the series. It still allows Eve to be skeptical about the situation.
If, for example, a peripheral character had become possessed, and Eve just had to deal with that person with a question in the back of her mind as to whether or not that person had actually been possessed, I would have had no problem with that. It adds the paranormal element, but still allows Eve to be skeptical about the situation. But making EVE the one possessed, as I said, completely obliterates the skeptical element of Eve. She now HAS to let go of her skeptical side, because she has now experienced the paranormal first hand. It now makes no sense for Eve to be skeptical about the paranormal (or "woo" as she would call it) because she has personally been in contact with it.
Regardless of this, the series goes on, and Eve is her same skeptical self, and everyone carries on acting like Eve was never possessed by someone's spirit. Really? That happens, and the next book she just carries on like nothing happened?
Nope. Not buying that.
So, to create a book where Eve herself is actually possessed, not only inserts the paranormal into this series as if it is reality, but inserts it in a way where Eve, who is a skeptic and must remain that way to do her job effectively, MUST believe in the paranormal. She has no choice now. Neither do we as the reader. The paranormal has been inserted into this world now in a way that we have no choice but to believe that it's true.
Sorry, Nora, that pissed me off, and I don't mind saying so.
This is not a paranormal series. It's a series where, as I said, paranormal elements have been introduced, but always in a way where the reader could reasonably make a decision on their own as to whether or not they actually believe that what was presented as paranormal or possibly paranormal, really is paranormal. I have no problem with Eve encountering Peabody's father and having Sam Peabody "read Eve's mind," although that is also technically "paranormal," but I can still reasonably justify that as something not paranormal, since there are several other ways he could have known what he claimed to have found out about Eve's past. Though it's a paranormal element, it fits in slightly better with the series. It still allows Eve to be skeptical about the situation.
If, for example, a peripheral character had become possessed, and Eve just had to deal with that person with a question in the back of her mind as to whether or not that person had actually been possessed, I would have had no problem with that. It adds the paranormal element, but still allows Eve to be skeptical about the situation. But making EVE the one possessed, as I said, completely obliterates the skeptical element of Eve. She now HAS to let go of her skeptical side, because she has now experienced the paranormal first hand. It now makes no sense for Eve to be skeptical about the paranormal (or "woo" as she would call it) because she has personally been in contact with it.
Regardless of this, the series goes on, and Eve is her same skeptical self, and everyone carries on acting like Eve was never possessed by someone's spirit. Really? That happens, and the next book she just carries on like nothing happened?
Nope. Not buying that.
December 23, 2023
This was awesome. Such a clever idea and I love love love how Roarke was right there with her.
April 13, 2017
This is the first of the novellas that I really enjoyed.
July 29, 2025
4.5 stars.
July 2025 - re-listened.
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May 2024 - re-listened. I would have loved to see some reference to Eve's possession in the next books but it seems JDR decided to forget everything that happened in this novella and have Eve just go back to her pragmatic self. I think it would have been very interesting to hear that conversation Eve was supposed to have with Morris.
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Mar 2023 - re-listened. I know a lot of people don't like this one. I find it weirdly compelling because it's so not what Eve is.
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Jan 2022 - re-listened.
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April 2020 - re-listened during self isolation...
Another one of those woo-woo novellas that threatens Eve's normally pragmatic self.
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Re-listened Dec 2019
This is the one with the BBQ / Cook-out.
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I liked that these novellas deal with some "woo-woo" stuff not usually found in her full length books. Those tend to involve technological or crazy killers. It would be good to see some more of these paranormal stuff because I think it shows Eve's progression as a person.
July 2025 - re-listened.
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May 2024 - re-listened. I would have loved to see some reference to Eve's possession in the next books but it seems JDR decided to forget everything that happened in this novella and have Eve just go back to her pragmatic self. I think it would have been very interesting to hear that conversation Eve was supposed to have with Morris.
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Mar 2023 - re-listened. I know a lot of people don't like this one. I find it weirdly compelling because it's so not what Eve is.
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Jan 2022 - re-listened.
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April 2020 - re-listened during self isolation...
Another one of those woo-woo novellas that threatens Eve's normally pragmatic self.
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Re-listened Dec 2019
This is the one with the BBQ / Cook-out.
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I liked that these novellas deal with some "woo-woo" stuff not usually found in her full length books. Those tend to involve technological or crazy killers. It would be good to see some more of these paranormal stuff because I think it shows Eve's progression as a person.
December 27, 2022
A cruel mystery with a dash of freaky thrown in…definitely wasn’t prepared for this particular combo! But I like how in this universe there’s a dash of “magical” realism that is widely accepted and considered normal.
July 22, 2021
Loved the paranormal aspects! Also loved seeing eve lean on Roarke.
June 14, 2023
Possession in Death picks up the day after the conclusion of Indulgence in Death. As I stated in its review, the crimes enraged me, and learning more intensified that rage.
The much anticipated BBQ leads to the case in this story, and as in many of the bonus tales before, we delve into the supernatural and the occult; however, this time, it's on the side of the cops.
I thought J.D. Robb would skirt around the edges, but in the end, she did well.
It was an entertaining story.
The much anticipated BBQ leads to the case in this story, and as in many of the bonus tales before, we delve into the supernatural and the occult; however, this time, it's on the side of the cops.
I thought J.D. Robb would skirt around the edges, but in the end, she did well.
It was an entertaining story.
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