In ENCORE IN DEATH, Lieutenant Eve Dallas of the NYPSD is called to a crime scene on the Upper East Side. At a star-studded celebration for the opening of a theatrical revival, celebrity entertainer Brant Fitzhugh takes a drink and collapses in front of 200 guests. He dies in the arms of his famous wife, Eliza Lane, before help can arrive. It is later revealed that he was poisoned.

A high-profile murder is a top priority for the NYPSD, and Eve is under pressure to wrap up her investigation quickly. From all accounts, Brant and Eliza were in love and devoted to each other. It doesn’t seem like they were experiencing any financial difficulties, and both had all the work they could handle. So who wanted him dead?

"Eve and her extraordinary colleagues return for a tour de force performance.... This story also might put readers in mind of the value of love and justice in their own lives."

Brant was well regarded by everyone who knew or worked with him, and he didn’t have any enemies. Eliza, though, has a less stellar reputation. She has long been the focus of a stalker’s unwanted attention, and her peers and colleagues have unflattering things to say. When Eve and her team dig deeper, they learn that the original run of the play Eliza was reviving has a scandalous past. Twenty-five years ago, the young actress first cast to star in “Upstage” overdosed, and her understudy was given the opportunity of a lifetime. That role was Eliza’s big break. Eve can’t help but wonder if the intended victim was actually Eliza.

It isn’t long before Eve discovers at least two prime suspects with strong motives. The mother of the actress who overdosed all those years ago has been holding a grudge against Eliza ever since. Another family member is the choreographer on the new production. When it turns out that the former was at the party the night Brant died, it appears the culprit may have been found. Perhaps the revival of the play tore open old wounds. But Eve isn’t so sure she’s the killer.

In this 56th installment of J. D. Robb’s long-running futuristic detective series, Eve and her extraordinary colleagues return for a tour de force performance. With the help of her supporting cast, Eve’s instincts about people eventually lead her to the truth and some realizations about the importance of her own relationships. This story also might put readers in mind of the value of love and justice in their own lives.