I mentioned Theresa Carle-Sanders book, The In Death Cookbook, several months ago. The foreword is by J.D. Robb, who writes the wonderful In Death series featuring Eve Dallas and her husband, Roarke. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the photographers who shared photos of New York City and the food featured in the recipes, Al Douglas and Jessica Emin.
The cookbook is formatted in a typical way, Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and ‘Appetizers, etc. But, each entry features a related quote from one of the In Death novels. For fans of the series, this makes the cookbook more enjoyable. Robb’s humor and Eve’s snarkiness is evident. Readers know that Eve lacks food knowledge, and that’s evident in some of the titles of food.
Roarke often prepares meals for Eve, with the hope he can entice her to eat because she forgets or would skip meals if it was up to her. But, he knows her favorites. In a quote from Random in Death, he mentions there’s bacon in the Bacon and Spinach Frittatas. “She swore she saw Galahad’s ears twitch at the word bacon. Since she shared that affection, she sampled.”
In Secrets in Death, Eve asks, “Why do they call it a waffle iron?”…What sort of name is waffle – were they just not sure what it was, so they, you know, waffled? Or does it mean something?” “The question will haunt me now.” There’s a comment just before Carle-Sanders’ recipe for Overnight Waffles. “A delicious, stress-free breakfast the next morning, which leaves us all more time to ponder the most important of life’s questions.” I like that the author sometimes reacts to the quotes from the In Death books.
In the comments about Cauliflower and Smoked Cheddar Soup, Carle-Sanders says, “The perfect way to warm up and calm down after working a cold autumn day filled with terror.”
There are recipe titles that reflect Eve’s lack of food knowledge; “Chicken Stuff with Dumpling Things” or “Salmon Thingy with the Stuff”. And, of course, there are favorites from the characters in the books. “Nadine’s Jelly Doughnuts”, “Summerset’s Sweet Cherry Pie” and a drink called “The Roarke”.
As much fun as it is to read The In Death Cookbook, it’s more than a tribute to J.D. Robb’s futuristic novels. It’s an enticing cookbook with interesting recipes. If I was a cook, I’d be sampling some of the recipes. As it is, I enjoyed them as a background to Robb’s writing.
The In Death Cookbook: To-Die-For Recipes fro the World of J.D. Robb by Theresa Carle-Sanders. St. Martin’s Griffin, 2025. 209p.
FTC Full Disclosure – The publicist sent me a copy of the book, with no promise of a positive review.
I LOVE this book so much! I have a very favorite character in the series – Dennis Mira. it made me smile to see the Dennis Mira Hot Chocolate recipe. Perfect! just. perfect.
I never would have guessed Dennis Mira is your favorite character, Kaye.There are a few recipes in there that I thought I’d enjoy, but a few more that I thought you might actually cook. From a non-cook to a comfort food cook.
Dennis Mira reminds me of Joe Maron, who i miss.
Yep – some definite recipes here I plan on trying! Eve’s meatballs, for one.
One reason to love Dennis Mira. Mmm, meatballs!
No luck here with the Dallas Public Library. Hope that changes.
Would have been nice if Amazon or somebody had made the Auto Chef cheaper this week. I really need one.
Guess I should not be surprised as my READ FASTER, DAMN IT! implant remains backordered at Amazon with no date for shipping.
I totally agree, Kevin. I might even eat a vegetable or two if it came out of the Auto Chef. Why hasn’t that been invented yet? The heck with beam me up, Scotty. There’s really no place I need to go except to visit my Mom.
Couldn’t resist. Just ordered mine. Hardcover, which is a Big Thing for me. Will have to squeeze room for it on my cookbook shelf.
I don’t order a lot of hardcovers either, Terry. Sometimes those books just call to me.
Thank you so much for your review.
My sister loves that series (I stopped after a few books)
and her birthday is in November.
I plan to buy her a copy.
You’re welcome, Karen! I love it when I stumble across the perfect gift for someone, and I’m guessing you do, too. I know she’ll enjoy all the blurbs featuring comments by the various characters.