J.D. Robb
Pseudonym of Nora Roberts for futuristic police procedurals.
J. D. Robb is the pseudonym of American author Nora Roberts, under which she writes a series of futuristic science fiction police procedurals. The series, known as the 'in Death' series, features detective Eve Dallas and her husband Roarke and is set in a mid-21st century New York City. Roberts adopted the pseudonym in 1995 at the suggestion of her publisher, who could not keep up with her prolific output under her own name.
- born
- Eleanor Marie Robertson, October 10, 1950
- field
- Author
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Futuristic science fiction police procedurals (in Death series)
- pseudonym_origin
- Initials from sons Jason and Dan; 'Robb' shortened from Roberts
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Roberts had long wanted to write romantic suspense in the vein of Mary Stewart, but her agent urged her to focus on contemporary romance while building a readership. After moving to Putnam in 1992, the publisher realized they could not keep up with her output and suggested a second pseudonym. Her agent, Amy Berkover, convinced the publisher to allow Roberts to write romantic suspense under the new name. She initially chose D. J. MacGregor but discovered it was already in use, so she adopted J. D. Robb instead. The initials come from her sons Jason and Dan, and 'Robb' is a shortened form of Roberts.
Reader's Guide
The J. D. Robb pseudonym allowed Roberts to publish a separate series of futuristic science fiction police procedurals, the 'in Death' series, which began in 1995. Despite the emphasis on solving crimes, the overall theme is the development of the relationship between detective Eve Dallas and her husband Roarke. Initially, neither Roberts nor her publisher acknowledged she was the author, hoping the series would stand on its own merits. The nineteenth novel in the series, 'Divided in Death', was the first published in hardcover and became Roberts' first bestselling novel of 2004. As of March 2022, Roberts has published 54 novels plus ten novellas in the series. The series has achieved significant commercial success, with 'Seduction in Death' reaching number two on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list in September 2001.
Did You Know?
- The initials 'J. D.' come from Roberts' sons Jason and Dan, and 'Robb' is a shortened form of Roberts.
- Roberts initially chose the pseudonym D. J. MacGregor but discovered it was already in use by another author.
- The nineteenth novel in the in Death series, 'Divided in Death', was the first published in hardcover and became Roberts' first bestselling novel of 2004.
- As of March 2022, Roberts has published 54 novels plus ten novellas in the in Death series.
- In September 2001, 'Seduction in Death' reached number two on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is J.D. Robb?
J.D. Robb is the pen name American author Nora Roberts uses for her futuristic science fiction police procedural novels. The name blends the initials of her sons Jason and Dan with a shortened form of her birth surname, Roberts.
Why does Nora Roberts write under the J.D. Robb name?
Her publisher proposed the pseudonym in 1995 because they could not keep pace with her prolific output under her own name. It also let her publish a distinct genre—futuristic crime fiction—separate from her romance work.
What is the 'In Death' series about?
It is a long-running set of police procedurals set in a technologically advanced New York City in the mid-21st century. The books center on Detective Eve Dallas of the NYPD Homicide division and her husband, the enigmatic Roarke.
Who is Eve Dallas?
Eve Dallas is the lead homicide detective in the In Death novels, known for her sharp instincts and no-nonsense attitude. She is married to Roarke, a wealthy and mysterious partner who grounds her emotionally.
When did the J.D. Robb series begin?
The first In Death novel, In the Night, hit shelves in 1995. The franchise has continued with new installments for nearly three decades, making it one of the most enduring crime fiction series in publishing.
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