In Episode 293, AJ & Tara recap (and absolutely pick apart) the case of Paul Rogan: a devoted husband and dad forced into a suicide vest at a corporate conference aimed at tech powerhouse Rosalind Pearson. From there, the pattern escalates—hostages, compromised security, and another “father-as-bomber” hit that drags Eve from sleek boardrooms into the art world (Jordan Banks, bad decisions, and a gallery situation that’s basically a neon sign screaming: FOLLOW. THE. MONEY.). We dig into the motive: stock manipulation, leverage plays, and profit built on other people’s bodies.

As the net tightens, suspicion lands on Lucius Eiler—generational wealth, a heavy military family legacy, and a brother (Terry) whose “hero story” becomes the excuse for a whole lot of murder. The endgame? A partner with training, tactics, and explosives (Oliver Silverman) and Eve doing what she does best: methodical, relentless, and utterly done with everyone’s nonsense.

And because this is an In Death book, the personal stuff hits just as hard:
• Eve’s guilt spiral + Roarke in full “I can be your Peabody” support mode
• Nadine’s The Icove Agenda gets an Oscar nomination—and Peabody & McNab are READY to go (transport + accommodations, and Roarke calling in Leonardo for wardrobe because of course he does)
• The epilogue Oscars coverage is pure delight: Peabody on the red carpet, Mavis on camera, and Nadine hauling in awards (including Best Adapted Screenplay… and then multiple wins that have Eve quietly begging the universe to make it stop)

Also in this episode:
• AJ’s “Ghostwriter Experiment,” where ChatGPT gets dragged into the fandom debate
• A real-life earthquake hits mid-recording (yes, you can literally hear us react in real time)

Spoilers ahead—come for the case, stay for the Oscars hype and the seismic interruptions.

AJ and Tara are back for Episode 292—only 8 episodes away from #300—and since it wasn’t quite time to jump into the next book, they go delightfully off-script with a listener-inspired topic: “Bimbos in Death.” They unpack the term (making it more about naive/gullible/foolish than the old stereotype) and then read/riff on scenes featuring some prime Eve-eye-roll candidates, with plenty of love for Susan Ericksen’s “bimbo voice” work. Highlights include Bambi Pettibone (Reunion in Death), Silk/Satin/Linen/Polyester plus the return of Maxia (Ritual in Death), Rini “Pike” Pajkowski (Purity in Death), Camilla Jane Lester (Echoes in Death), Oola Pence (Salvation in Death), and Felicity Prinz (A Festive in Death)—ranging from “painfully clueless” to “tragically manipulated,” with Eve’s patience tested accordingly.

REMINDER: AJ is collecting listener submissions for Episode 300—send your favorite moments from the last 100 episodes. ALSO: Send us your “small scene wishlist” ideas (like seeing a full Mavis performance or a takedown from a non-cop POV). Email show@podcastindeath.com or call/text 205-476-2753 (205-4-ROARKE).

We’re nine episodes away from #300, and AJ needs your help building a “best of the last 100-ish episodes” compilation — send in your favorite moments!

This week, AJ brings in a special guest: Caitlin (AJ’s daughter) for another round of newbie questions—but with a thoughtful twist as Caitlin and Tara talk about the In Death series through an LGBTQ+ lens, plus chosen family, therapy/Dr. Mira, and which books Tara would skip (yes, Chaos gets roasted).

Also: the dogs are loud, the vibes are chaotic, and Caitlin casually drops that she’s getting a disco snail tattoo. Because of course she is.