Two innocent people who worked for Roarke have been killed and Eve has to find their killer before he claims his next victim. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is one of NYPSD's finest cops. Eve and Roarke are attending an exhibition cum auction of actress Magda Lane's collection of art, jewellery and entertainment memorabilia at Roarke's luxurious Palace Hotel when one of the hotel maids is brutally raped and killed in a hotel room. All evidence points to Sylvester Yost – a career criminal who is suspected of killing more than 40 people over four decades. Yost's involvement draws the attention of FBI agents James Jacoby and Karen Stowe who try to take over Eve's case.
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Roarke is surprised when one of his old childhood friends – Mick Connelly – turns up and invites him home. Soon, another murder occurs. This time, the victim is a book editor working for one of Roarke's companies and also a personal friend. Eve fears that the killer is coming closer with every kill and may soon target someone very close to her husband. Meanwhile, Dallas' aide Peabody and EDD cop McNab have a fall-out over her supposed relationship with licensed companion Charles.
Eve tracks down Yost and are about to spring an operation to bring him under arrest when the FBI intervenes and allows Yost to escape. Roarke uncovers classified data about one of the agents which helps Eve get the FBI off her back and also uncovers new leads about the case. One of Yost's victims was a close friend of Stowe and she was killed while working as an interpreter for a diplomat with a shady background and two suspected smugglers. Meanwhile, Yost tries to kill Roarke's butler Summerset but misses. Eve and Roarke realize that Magda is a common factor linking the first two murders – while the first victim worked at the hotel where Magda was staying, the second victim was working on a book based on her auction. They quickly arrive at the fact that the actual target may not be Roarke but Magda's art and jewellery collection worth millions of dollars. But such a major heist cannot take place without an inside man – are Eve and Roarke being betrayed?
Best part of story, including ending:
Betrayal in Death is yet another gripping novel with a good dose of mystery and suspense along with intense interaction between the main characters – Eve, Roarke, Peabody and McNab. Peabody and McNab's relationship hits a hurdle with him feeling jealous of her friendship with Charles. Eve's disapproval of Roarke's friend Mick puts a strain on their relationship.
Best scene in story:
Roarke catches Mick flirting with the wife of his friend's son and reprimands him. Mick mocks him saying that he himself would have done so in the past. Roarke asks his friend whether he remembers them talking about the one thing in their lives that they wanted the most. Mick remembers that while their other friends had spoken about making a lot of money or travelling, Roarke had said nothing. Roarke tells Mick that Eve is that one thing which he cannot live without.
Opinion about the main character:
Eve's loyal to her friends, no matter her dislike of their personal inclinations. Her dismay at Peabody and McNab's breakup is amusing to say the least! She hates ‘girl-talk' but she understands that she has to support her friend Peabody through the difficult time. She volunteers to go out with Peabody, gorge on ice cream and criticize men in general.