Today’s the day: Framed in Death is in stores/on e-readers/in headphones. And this is the place to discuss all your thoughts about the 61st full-length entry in the series.
The official description goes like this:
Manhattan is filled with galleries and deep-pocketed collectors who can make an artist’s career with a wave of a hand. But one man toils in obscurity, his brilliance unrecognized while lesser talents bask in the glory he believes should be his. Come tomorrow, he vows, the city will be buzzing about his work.
Indeed, before dawn, Lt. Eve Dallas is speeding toward the home of the two gallery owners whose doorway has been turned into a horrifying crime scene overnight. A lifeless young woman has been elaborately costumed and precisely posed to resemble the model of a long-ago Dutch master, and Dallas plunges into her investigation.
But the artist is passionate about his work—and prolific. Dallas has barely made a dent in the case before a second twisted masterpiece is unveiled. There are countless struggling artists in New York, but this one refuses to wait for the attention he craves. Like the geniuses who’ve come before him, he is willing to sacrifice for his art—as long as it’s someone else being sacrificed . . .
What did you think of Framed in Death? Share all your thoughts in the comments. Spoilers are very much allowed.
Laura
Just started reading the book. Can’t wait to read some more.
I won’t get to read this until I travel for Lunar New Year unless I can get my Kindle fixed. Living behind an internet Great Wall means I don’t get access to good books unless they meet the approved list… sigh. I was hoping it would come out before I left to go back. I missed it by two weeks. You all are so lucky.
I started reading last night as soon as the book dropped on my Kindle. The story line grabbed me from the beginning. Only 40 pages in and already have an update on the move into The House from Peabody. The characters introduced so far are diverse and interesting. Totally enjoying Framed in Death!
I’m picking it up today! Will reread Bonded in Death first as a reminder of where the side stories left off. I’m behind – should have already finished Bonded so I could dive right into Framed!
Sounds like it’s right out of the show, “Hannibal”!
I woke up today with my in Death fix on my kindle. Now the thing is to find a hole and indulge. Keep them coming, Nora.
I up to chapter 2 – – reminding me a bit of “Portrait in Death” – with the “taking life into me” statement of the artist…. but loving what I’ve heard so far… I’m ignoring the rest of the world for the next day or so.
I thought the Exact same thing 🙂
Same for me, it reminded me of Portrait in death 😀 instead of immortalized in pictures, this one is in paintings.
It’s still good though, I am up to chapter 6 and really love the new house party.
It deviates from portraits I think. It is all about the artist (with no talent) versus Portraits which was about the people in the portraits.
Keep reading it’s different from portraits and death. I loved it. It’s a great book. I thought the ending could’ve been a little different. But I think that she did a great job on the book. Can’t wait for the next one.
I wondered if there would be similarities to “Portrait.” Doesn’t matter, I just like to read the series. We’ve had other similarities – bad cops, murder contests, etc.
I am on the library list waiting to get the notification to pick it up
Thank you Laura for posting, thank you Nora for writing . Out of curiosity even though it’s only September , is the next In Death book title for 2026 February ready , so I can add it to my paper list before I put it on the library list
Yes, we announced it a while back: Stolen in Death. Early Feb release.
Hi Laura, can we pre-order in through Audible? Thank you
Yes!
Stolen in Death, Feb. 26, 2026
I love to pre-order my In Death audibles…. Has the novel due out Sept 2026 been announced yet? I already have Stolen on pre-order. 🙂 …. btw I’m on Chapter 8 and in the middle of the investigation. Kudos to Nora. Another great who-dunnit!
Yes, we announced it a couple of months ago. Stolen in Death.
I have that on pre-order already, just wondering if I missed the announcement for the 2nd ID in 2026 – No rush. I’m just impatient by nature.
That announcement will be later this fall.
oh you pre-order through audibles? let me check on that.Thank you
Awesome edition to the series – especially loved the House tour, all the pieces falling into place to ID the killer, and what happened after the killer was initially apprehended!
Thank you for another great read!
Loved the twist ending. I knew there was going to be some problem with the arrest because when the cops were getting close to the bust there was too much time left to the book. As to comparisons to Portrait, it never entered my mind. The cases were so different. Loved the tour of the completed houses. Can’t wait to hear more in the upcoming books…cause Mavis, Leonardo, Peabody and Mc Nab still have to have the big house warming party. Great book! As with all the other In Death books, I am sure I will pull more from it on each reread.
And i love the battle of wits between Rourke and Galahad. Any bets on who wins
Galahad of course ♡
Finished Framed in Death. It is now one of my favorite In Death books. Loved the development of the story line. Loved all the twists and turns. Can’t wait for the February release of #62, already on order. Thanks for an excellent read.
Wow, that was fast!! Good for you. I’m listening as fast as I can!!
It is a favorite of mine. I have already reread it. I loved the takedown
I did not think it was similar to portraits either.
Anyone else having issues with the audible version,with constant beeps
No, not at all. It’s working normally and Susan’s performance is as amazing as always.
Mine was fine. Did you try deleting and downloading again?
I had a loud buzzing happen in Chapter 5 but it went away very quickly and fine so far – but I’m only at Chapter 7… interesting!
Did anyone else think there was more sex scenes in this one than the other ones?
No
I have to shake my head! I get questions when a reader thinks there are too many sex scenes, questions when a reader think there aren’t enough sex scenes.
You cannot please everyone, and, frankly, I don’t try.
I write a sex scene like any other scene, when it fits, when the story and/or characters call for it. That’s how it works whether there’s one sex scene or half a dozen.
Exactly
Keep ’em coming baby! LOL They’re all good!!
Absolutely not
I actually thought there was less sex in this one than some of the others.
I agree, there were what 2 sex scenes! You can always skip over them if you’re bothered by them.
Loved the book! The completion of the GHP and tour was great. Also loved the very unusual and very twisty ending. I don’t know where it comes from but Nora has a real knack for writing disturbed, vicious, hateful mothers! I was up to nearly 2am because I could not stop reading! Always a good story from Nora. Thanks!
I’m up to chapter 12. I promised myself I would NOT rush through this one. I can picture every room in the Great House. The villain is as wacko as so many others, but the story around figuring him out is a WOW, I am thoroughly loving this book. Thanks so much Nora
Having some trouble receiving the physical book from Amazon. First delivery date was September 10, which was unacceptable. I cancelled and reordered. Now Amazon gives a delivery date of September 11-12, direct from the publisher.
I’ve never had trouble getting the book on the release date from Amazon before. What’s going on?
I’m so sorry this happened. I’ve reached out to the publisher to see if they have an answer.
Something’s missing from the new house 1st party, or better : someone is missing from that party : Summerset.
Already pre-order next In Death book .
It’ a good book but My top favorite is still Bonded in death
Since the house isn’t finished, and they haven’t had the party in Framed, I’m not sure what you mean.
I am sory, the 1st get together dinner , not party.
He said he was going to dinner later this week.
That’s what I thought at first. But he mentioned he was going there for dinner later in the week
I enjoyed this latest story very much. It’s always a delight to see what’s happening in Dallas’ world. It also made my trip to the dentist much less stressful to give my brain something else to consider. Thanks for hours of entertainment! Looking forward to the next one already, but planning to borrow the audio version from the library first.
I read it non stop as soon as I got it on my nook. Then I read again, slower… I’ve read just the ending again also. Loved it!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I more I got into the story, the less like “Portrait” it seemed. Both “artists” were loony, though :).
I’ve been a very long time reader of the ID books and it’s been interesting and fun to watch how Nora is working on putting current tech into the ID world – things that hadn’t even been dreamed of when this whole world building began back in the early 90s – things such as websites were just vague code-heavy places that only tech geeks could access, and items that seem so normal to us today, such as texting, social media, viral videos, tablets, camera phones/vids, memes, podcasts, etc. were not even blips on the horizon back then. So how to incorporate them into the ID universe while keeping the whole thing intact and true to the spirit of the world of 2060? This couldn’t have been easy and must have taken careful planning and execution. Amazing job of incorporating each item into this world where it made the most sense and helping new readers find a common ground there. I love and look forward to each new installment…
When is Mavis’ number 2 due? In which book did she announce the pregnancy?
That would be Vendetta.
Laura
First, I’ve read all of the ‘In Death’ books. I have thoroughly enjoyed and, in many cases, loved them.
Second, I’ve never read an ‘In Death’ book where after the first electronic page describing the killer, I’ve loathed the killer. Vile, vapid and vainglorious. None of the ‘In Death’ killers are sympathetic to the reader. For me, this killer is on a par with the Icove family for pure loathing.
I’m seeing a lot of people make comparisons with Portrait in Death, but Framed really is its own book, and not a remake of Portrait at all. Yes, there are some elements that are similar, just as there are some elements that are similar with Indulgence – but those are really minor echos. After 60-some books, it would be astonishing if there weren’t these echos.
Framed really is very much its own book, and I really liked the fast action ending!
If Yancy ever leaves the NYPSD, crime will be even more rampant in NY.
I have all the In Death books and have read them many times.I have only one minor issue,after every book I just have cravings for spaghetti and meatballs and pizza!
I always go for pasta! 😅
Peabody needs her own Esty page or what ever the 2061 version is.
I finally managed to savor a first read rather than gulp it down in one sitting. I don’t think I’d have had the self-control if the school year hadn’t started on the same day. as release day, but my teaching duties allowed me only small nibbles as a reward after each long day.
Nora, thank you. You never disappoint. Spending time with Dallas and the gang are a highlight twice a year. Thank you for enjoying your work. When I want happy, I reread anything you’ve written.
I loved Framed; thoroughly enjoyed many different parts; the homes tour especially, but also the search & that final locating the bad guy–laughed like a loon (like Bella!) but one thing keeps bothering me. Granted, I’m not a lawyer, by a long shot, but in this day of worrying about folk’s legal rights, it really hit me.
Spoiler Alert Spoiler Alert!!
In the interview with the spoiled brat after his 2nd capture, he has no lawyer present. He does state that he expects to have a lawyer, and Eve points out that his mother can’t find one to take the case. But she & Peabody proceed to interview him, lay out the evidence & get a confession from him. I can’t find that he stated or signed anything saying he waived his rights to a lawyer being present. Am I thinking wrong; that he did & I’ve missed it? Or did he not need a lawyer present? Like I said, I’m not a lawyer so correct me if I’m mis-interpreting! Thanks!
And keep those books coming; a group was talking about book boyfriends the other day; I, of course, claimed Roarke, unless Eve can start reading minds & might come after me, in which case, I’ll stifle my thoughts immediately!
I’m not a lawyer either but I believe that they can talk all day long until the accused says “lawyer”. Which he never did because he’s psychopath and a narcissist. That’s my 2 cents 🙂
When TTP sold the MP3/CDs of the In Death series a while back, I believe the collection only included up to book #45, with the Novellas tossed in for good measure. Question: do you know if they’re planning to release another collection, starting at #46? No biggie if they’re not (I can get them on Audible, of course), but it sure has been fun listening to them on road trips – long and short. After reading them on (or around) publication dates, and having so many other books to read, I never get the chance to reread. So listening to them from the beginning has been a blast.
The only problem: when I’m reading a new one, then get in the car to listen to an older one, I have to really think about where we are in Eve/Roarke world!
But – keep ‘em coming! And yes – sex scenes work great – whenever you can fit ‘em in, I say: fit ‘em in!!
That compilation was of the audio books produced by Brilliance. Now they are produced by Macmillan, so I don’t think another collection will happen. -Laura
Thanks, Laura. Appreciate it. And you, for doing all the stuff NR/JDR doesn’t want to do so she can keep bringing us her stories.
Nora, you are amazing! Thank you for bringing these characters to life in such a vibrant way! You never fail to entertain and to illicit feelings, laughter, and anticipation. I am re-reading the series over and over while I wait for the next release! 😉
The story was wonderful as always, so I just wanted to thank Nora for the in-depth house tour. All the detailed descriptions and a peek at literally almost every room. This was a wonderful treat. 🙂
Ok so I have never really figured out what I want to be when I grow up, which means I have spent decades as both a lawyer and and a costume designer, and this book hits it all. Love the time spent with the post arrest stuff. Nice to see things play out. Now, if the replication of historic costume appeals, there is an old BBC series called “A Stitch in Time” with dress historian Amber Butchard. It is a series detailing recreation of dress from historic paintings, down to dyeing, fabric and construction techniques. Many of the videos are available to watch for free on YouTube. I will try posting a link here, but if you liked that part of the book, I think you might enjoy checking them out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u2RM1odsf4
I enjoyed Framed in Death. it was a bit long going until the climax but finished well. I think its interesting that I observed that if one cant identify with the protagonist or want to rescue justice for someone deemed worthy the story seems to loose value somehow eg Bonded in Death their rescue was imperative and mourned.
I’m currently waiting to be notified by Libby that my library has framed in Death. I’m so looking forward to it. Currently reading the series again and I am on calculated in Death. Checking my notifications every day.
Great story and great familiar characters. Insightful take on money and power.
Oh Nora I loved this book!!! It was worth the wait. I did not even think of portrait, they had art in common but that’s it. I really enjoy how the characters have grown but not strayed from who they are. I feel like you must have an eidetic memory.
I’ve read through the series twice and plan to start reread #3 before the next book comes out. The only thing that would be better is if they were longer, LOL. Thanks!!!
I listened to the story on audio. I could not stop listening! Loved the plot.
This was a good one! I knew once I got my hands on it I would blow through it really fast so I finished reading Carolina Moon first, and just started reading Framed two days ago. Just finished tonight. I’m just trying to figure out why a shit house rat is so crazy! That was definitely a great description of the murderer by Roarke. Anyway if anybody’s got a good idea of an answer to that feel free. Really great read now I have to turn around and read it again slowly. Thank you Nora
If you were confined to a shithouse, I think you’d go crazy.
I would.
Good point Nora, wouldn’t be pretty. Of course with a two seater you could have some conversation occasionally. ; )
It dropped “early” since I was on vacation in Hawaii which was the perfect way to end my time in paradise. I sped through it once on the plane on the way home, got through a decidedly nasty return to work (I felt like Eve dealing with the dreaded paperwork) then treated myself to a more leisurely reread last weekend. Thank you, Nora! I appreciated the tour of the finished Great House Project (and am eagerly awaiting the housewarming party), loved the civilian consultants “knowledge” of the artwork, and thought the twist at the end was amazing. In the midst of some pretty chaotic and emotional times, I appreciated the rhythm and strength of the various relationships. I’m not sure if I would have been up for a storyline right now where people are at odds or fighting with each other (except for Jenkinson’s ties and those are an excellent counterpoint!!!)
I’ve read all the comments regarding this new book and several people mentioned the twist at the end….I must have missed it and will re-read it as I never noticed a twist at all? Can anyone enlighten me??
Thanks!
syl
Less of a twist and more of a detour, given how most of the stories play out.
They apprehend, we see some court proceedings (yay, loved it), a “significant plot event” occurs, and then Eve gets the accused in the box. It was quite a romp!
I found Framed in Death to be in someways similar to Portrait in Death. I found I started to get rather bored with it and didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as most of the other In Death novels. I did find it refreshing that Eve Dallas didn’t seem nearly as mentally screwed up as she normally does in most of the books.