J.D. Robb discussion

In his career as one of America’s elite warriors, Lt. Sam Starrett can do no wrong. In his private life, Sam–the king of one night stands–has done little right. Now, he’s waiting for a divorce and determined to stay active in his young daughter’s life. But when Sam shows up at the door of his ex-wife’s home in Sarasota, Florida, he makes a grisly discovery. His daughter is gone and the body of a woman lies brutally murdered on the floor.

FBI agent Alyssa Locke’s relationship with Sam has been overwhelmingly intense and nearly catastrophic, yet it refuses to end. The last time she saw Sam was six months earlier, when they worked together to stop terrorists from assassinating the U.S. President. Much to her dismay, Alyssa is assigned to lead the murder investigation and once again the two are face to face. When explosive information surfaces linking Sam to the still unsolved assassination plot, the stakes are raised. With her reputation hanging in the balance, and her loyalties in question, Alyssa is faced with an impossible dilemma: arrest a man she believes to be innocent, or risk her career.

While Alyssa tries to fight their intense attraction, Sam is determined to heat things up between them once again. And the complex case pushes them both to the wrong side of the law–and on the run to discover the truth. As more agents step into the chase, and with Sam’s daughter still unaccounted for, neither Alyssa nor Sam can predict just how deadly hot this situation is about to become. . . .

A thrilling novel that ranges back into the days of World War II, into friendships, families, liaisons, betrayals, and the code of honor that binds the U.S. Navy SEALs, Gone Too Far is an electrifying experience in suspense–and a brilliant tale of lives lived on the edge.

Character Descriptions
(view spoiler)[
Sam Starrett: Navy SEAL lieutenant and member of Team Sixteen. Real name is Roger, but everybody calls him Sam. When he was a child, he had another nickname, Ringo. He's married to Mary Lou and father of two-year old, Haley.
Alyssa Locke: FBI Agent working in Counterterrorism.
Mary Lou Starrett: Sam's wife, mother of their daughter, Haley.
Haley Starrett: Sam's two-year old daughter.
Max Bhagat: FBI Agent in charge of the Counter-terrorism unit.
Gina Vitagliano: Former hostage rescued by Max's team.
Manuel Conseco: FBI special agent in charge of the Sarasota office.
Roger Starrett: Sam's father.
Jules Cassidy: FBI Agent and Alyssa's partner. He's openly gay.
Tom Paoletti: Former commanding officer of SEAL Team Sixteen and founder of Troubleshooters. Engaged to Kelly.
Kelly Ashton: Tom's fiancée, a pediatrician.
Janine Morrison: Mary Lou's sister.
Amanda: Young girl Mary Lou hired as Haley's nanny.
Whitney: Amanda's older sister
Clyde Wrigley: Janine's ex-husband
Ihbraham Rahman: Gardener and Mary Lou's friend.
Noah Gaines: Sam's friend. Married to Claire and father of their two children, Dora and Devin.
Claire Gaines: Noah's wife and mother of their two children.
Walter Gaines: Noah's grandfather.
Dot Gaines: Walter's wife and Noah's grandmother.
Luke Duchamps: Former classmate of Sam and Noah.
Laronda: Max's assistant.
Ric Alvarado: Police detective.
Stanley Wolchonok: Senior Chief of SEAL Team Sixteen. Navy SEAL.
Frank O'Leary: Chief of SEAL Team Sixteen and Navy SEAL. Sniper who was killed during an op.
Jolee: Walter's daughter
Lyle Morgan: Former classmate of Sam and Noah.
Don (Donny) DaCosta: Sam's neighbor.
Mrs. Downs: Housekeeper.
Darlene: Mary Lou's mother.
Cosmo Richter: Navy SEAL and member of Team Sixteen.
Hopper: Car salesman.
Jay Lopez: Navy SEAL and medic. Member of SEAL Team Sixteen.
Larry Tucker: Navy reader admiral and base commander.
Beth Weiss: Motel desk clerk.
Mario: Gina's cousin.
(hide spoiler)]

Discussion Question #1
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I must confess I couldn't wait until June to read this one...I read it as soon as I finished Into The Night. I love the way Gone Too Far is an continuation of the story in ITN. This one is my favorite of the series so far!

I know!

Me too Sandra!!

makes me want to start it right away....just have to wait a little longer...it is on hold on OverDrive

I loved Sam and Alyssa's story! Will be joining the discussion for this one hopefully.

Whew. Lots of 5 Star ratings. I'm glad everyone who has read this book likes it. I feel like I've been waiting so long for Sam & Alyssa's story, I'm half afraid I'm going to be disappointed. I'm going to be on vacation the first few days of June. If I don't have a chance to read it before vacation, I'll definitely be picking it up when I get back.

Robin, this is one of those truly 5-star reads.

I am looking forward to this one also. I may be out of internet range first few days of June, too, so I'll chime in when I'm back in contact after family get together.

Finished it. Loved it as much if not more the second time around. Sam's past broke my heart my a few times. Looking forward to the discussions once people finish.

I just finished this and absolutely loved it....I think it is my favorite thus far....I loved hearing more about sam. looking forward to the discussion

I'll get started with some discussion topics this weekend.

Finished. Really liked this one. Id put it up as one of my favorites of the series so far.

Have it from library. Am trying to wait a few more days on this one to catch up with other books up for discussion sooner. What a problem.....

Why don't we go ahead and get started! ***This is now a spoiler zone.***

We learn a lot about Sam's childhood. What did you learn that helped you understand the man?

Jonetta wrote: "We learn a lot about Sam's childhood. What did you learn that helped you understand the man?"

I think his rocky foundation where he learned things on his own and relied on himself with the mix of his aunt and uncle instilling some values explains a lot about him. How he gets "doing the right thing" all wrong. It shows why he is always trying so hard and when he gets it wrong, tries hard to fix his mistakes.

Hope to join in once I catch up. It has been a busy month and a half. Looking forward to discussing this.

Vera wrote: "Jonetta wrote: "We learn a lot about Sam's childhood. What did you learn that helped you understand the man?"

I think his rocky foundation where he learned things on his own and relied on himself ..."

Vera, this is an excellent observation. He's still trying to do the right thing...for someone else.

Agreed. He did what he thought was right because that's what he assumed his cousin did. Sam made a lot of mistakes, but his intentions for them had been altruistic in doing the right thing. The true part of Sam was shown when he learned that his father was Dot's brother, and he went to Walt and apologize by not taking those flying lessons. That scene (one of many) broke my heart. His father was a monster in more ways than one. Walt was/is his uncle and father figure more than his biological father ever will be.

Quynh wrote: "Agreed. He did what he thought was right because that's what he assumed his cousin did. Sam made a lot of mistakes, but his intentions for them had been altruistic in doing the right thing. The tru..."

100% agree! Walt was an amazing role model for Sam.

I loved this book in the series. I liked that there was more of Gina and Max in this one too. (Their book was actually the first one I read in the series). I have read this one 3 or 4 times. I just did a reread of books 1-15 last summer.

I need to buy and read: #12.5, 16, 16.1, 16.5, 16.6, & 17

I really liked this story, and Sam's childhood was a large part of understanding his speed in marrying as a misunderstanding of his Uncle Walt, etc. Well said, above!

I finished the book and I really liked book

Just started this and will join in with the discussion when I finish :)
I am loving it!

Finally finished and this is another of my favourites of the series!!!

Tom Paoletti's career was sidelined because of the actions he took during the SEAL demonstration at Coronado. While it was a violation of law, he saved the President's life. Your thoughts?

Were you caught off guard when Sam discovered Mary Lou's body? Did you think Haley was dead, too?

What do you think of Max's feelings for Alyssa?

Jonetta wrote: "Tom Paoletti's career was sidelined because of the actions he took during the SEAL demonstration at Coronado. While it was a violation of law, he saved the President's life. Your thoughts?"

I think Tom represents a dying breed of American Hero who places service to his country above the politics. Tom reminds me of heroes like Atticus Finch. He does the jobs that no one else has it in them to do. He makes those decisions that others don't want to make because they can't deal with the repercussions.

But Tom also makes some of those decisions based on traits that make him the perfect scapegoat. His gut instinct and his faith in the judgment of the men serving under him are really perfect for men like Tucker to take advantage of when someone has to point the finger away from themselves and their lack of acuity.

So of course, for saving the life of the President, his career is jeopardized.

Jonetta wrote: "Were you caught off guard when Sam discovered Mary Lou's body? Did you think Haley was dead, too?"

I was caught off guard initially when Sam thought Mary Lou's body was in the house. After taking off to Florida after Muldoon's story, I thought that was anticlimactic. I wanted her and Ibrahim to actually reunite, but was uncertain how that would happen. I did not think Haley was dead, but I thought maybe she had been kidnapped to use as leverage against Sam.

Max's feelings for Alyssa, described as they are before she leaves for Sarasota, are kind of confusing to me. He seems to care for her as a friend with a constant potential for something more. He is drawn to her, but as with Gina, there are parameters in place that seem to be lines he and she can't really cross. For example, she kisses his cheek before she leaves his office but he is drawn by her scent to demonstrate that he truly is attracted to her on some level which is enhanced by his respect and friendship for her. While his feelings for Gina and her feelings for Sam incited the idea of the two of them spending time together, they also have prevented the two from maybe truly accepting the possibility that they could be together. Then there is also Sam's valid question: How could you have an intimate relationship with your boss?

Emerson wrote: "Jonetta wrote: "Tom Paoletti's career was sidelined because of the actions he took during the SEAL demonstration at Coronado. While it was a violation of law, he saved the President's life. Your th..."

You have so eloquently stated a point of view I share. It's frustrating when lesser men are given the kind of power to abuse the way the admiral has in thus situation.

Tom had a split second to consider his action and did the right thing. For that, he tanked his career. He's still my hero.

Emerson wrote: "I was caught off guard initially when Sam thought Mary Lou's body was in the house. After taking off to Florida after Muldoon's story, I thought that was anticlimactic...."

I was floored! But, we really got to see both an unfiltered Sam and Alyssa in those moments.

I never thought Haley was dead but didn't have a clue as to what was going on.

Emerson wrote: "Max's feelings for Alyssa, described as they are before she leaves for Sarasota, are kind of confusing to me. He seems to care for her as a friend with a constant potential for something more. He i..."

I think this was a case where Max's head was trying to manipulate his heart. The idea of Alyssa would make his life work as this is a man who doesn't like complications in his personal life. He has a physical reaction to her that's instinctive but I never believed he ever was in love with her. Especially after Gina.

Jonetta wrote: "Emerson wrote: "Jonetta wrote: "Tom Paoletti's career was sidelined because of the actions he took during the SEAL demonstration at Coronado. While it was a violation of law, he saved the President..."

Maybe Tom is a bit too much a maverick for an institution like the Navy. But as an independent operative, I feel like he can definitely maximize his potential. And yes, he is still one of my favorite Troubleshooters.

Jonetta wrote: "Emerson wrote: "Max's feelings for Alyssa, described as they are before she leaves for Sarasota, are kind of confusing to me. He seems to care for her as a friend with a constant potential for some..."

I think Max's intellect is always trying to superimpose itself over his heart. Compartmentalizing is sort of his professional forte, but also a personal weakness for him. By the time he tries to rationalize that things might actually work with him and Alyssa professionally and maybe personally, Sam is nearly a free agent again and maybe that is the reason why he starts to panic. Losing Alyssa would mean losing his cover as well, potentially opening the door for Gina to enter his life again.

Emerson wrote: "Compartmentalizing is sort of his professional forte, but also a personal weakness for him...."

Perfect analysis of him!

I never thought Haley was dead, I wasn't sure where she was, but I knew Sam and/or Alyssa would find her.
I never thought Max loved Alyssa as anything more than a friend. He loves Gina, forever, wether they end up together or not.

Agreeing with Jonetta, Emerson, I applaud your cogent remarks and insights about Tom's heroism and lack of political expediency by virtue of his honor.

About Max, I agree that his brain is trying to compartmentalize his life into acceptable and comfortable parts. Gina wipes those distinctions away. I want to see whether this May-November romance becomes reality in future books.

Walter and Noah Gaines figured significantly in Sam's life. Your thoughts about their relationship?

I loved Alyssa's bewilderment at the fact that Sam's childhood best friend was black. I think it was the start of obliterating every prejudice she ever had against him.

Walter and Noah were both positive male influences on Sam. Walter served as the father figure Sam wanted and needed. Noah was the sibling Lainey could not be because she was so much older, according to Sam.

I loved Walter. He was a calm port for Sam and Noah and it could not have been easy to try to temper the hotheadedness of two adolescents. Although Noah was more calm than Sam, he probably also had his moments as well. And I can't not mention Dot either. In some ways, Sam did get a better childhood than Alyssa because of the three of them. The part where Sam realizes who his father is to Dot and Walt was just heartrending. And his attempt to give back the instructional flight book? That was a pivotal moment for Walter and Sam.

Emerson, you hit the nail on the head. The family relationships, apparent and not apparent, are really an integral component of Sam's story.

Were you hoping Mary Lou would have a future with Ihbrahim?

Definitely. I still didn't quite understand why Mary Lou was bewildered by the fact that Sam's cousin was black, in light of the fact that she had opened her mind and heart up to Ibrahim. Did it make a difference to her that Sam had a black cousin? Though Brockmann doesn't elaborate further on this conversation between Mary Lou and Alyssa, it still cast a shadow on her character development, for me. But, overall, given the fact that over a six month time span, she went from being egocentric to trying to keep her daughter and Ibrahim safe, in the face of losing the only person who had been like a mother to her, I felt that she and Ibrahim definitely deserved a chance at happiness and stability, especially given the fact that both are recovering alcoholics.

I actually also enjoyed the irony of Mary Lou applying a lot of what Sam had said to her, over the course of their two year marriage, in order to survive. I bet she never figured that would be of benefit to being the wife of a Navy SEAL.

Let's finish up by talking about Sam & Alyssa. Did their story live up to you expectations? What was the best scene(s) for you?

Yes. Their story lived up to my expectations. My favorite scenes were when Alyssa phoned Lainey, when she outsmarted Sam at the time of the FBI takedown of him, when he envisioned himself being noble and not sleeping with her until they could get everything sorted out so that she could misinterpret nothing, and finally when he proposed to her after being medicated by an EMT towards the end. And finally, actually seeing that scene Sam described about Haley falling asleep on his chest as seen through Alyssa's eyes. We finally got to see him as a father as opposed to just hearing it from him and others.

Their story absolutely lived up to my expectations!! I loved when Sam was out of it and saw Alyssa talking to Max, then he started yelling Max. Very funny! I also liked when Haley feel asleep on Sam's chest.