J.D. Robb discussion
In Death Buddy Reads 2016 - 2021
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Judgment In Death Buddy Read - December 2016
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Hope everybody had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!!!
Well I commented on this book somewhere. I'm happy I didn't jump in too soon. This is one of my favorites even though I'm not happy with the characters all time.
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I was starting to go into withdrawal. Can't wait to start on the 6th. Yes so late because I hate waiting for open discussion.
Michelle wrote: "I was starting to go into withdrawal. Can't wait to start on the 6th. Yes so late because I hate waiting for open discussion."Start it but try and read slowly:)
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I know the feeling, Michelle. I'd say we'd start sooner, but I feel like we have to give everyone adequate time to read each book. Patience, my dear! lol
I hear you Sandra. Patient and I are just distant friends. Lol. But over the year that distance shortens. Besides we keep adding to our group of buddy readers. I love the new insights and POV's.
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Besides we keep adding to our group of buddy readers. I love the new insights and POV's."
Me too, Michelle. Love our brs.
Put on hold at the library. 1 person ahead of me :0)
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I started today too. And I can remember already that this is a good one. But then they all are:)
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I most enjoyed all the developing relationships between Eve and her friends. Loved the scene with Mavis, the alcohol and the ice cream.Not so good as usual was the Roarke relationship. For me this one teetered dangerously towards Roarke being arrogant and controlling. I did not like the way he interfered in Eve's case behind her back.
it always surprises me when Mavis and Eve get together. Add that Mavis makes a great friend. And seeing Eve do something so girly , I just love it.
I loved it when Eve went to Mavis's and poured her heart out about her problems with Roarke, and got a bit tipsy. I always knew that Dr. Mira thought of Eve as an adopted daughter. That was sort of established in NAKED IN DEATH.
Though Don Webster had been ever so slightly in many of the books past and present, I always thought that Roarke & Webster fought it out in an earlier book. But I'm glad that all three made up and forgave each other. I know it took a lot for Webster to go to Roarke and apologize. That was very good of him.
I think that we saw in this book, that even though Eve can be a HARD A**, she does care about her about people in her own way and does have a HEART.
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I'd forgotten about the Ricker connection to Eve. Just when you think that her past is staying there she has this flashback. And hen Roarke ambushes her right after that. Bad timing. I wonder if it would have been as bad if she hadn't been avoiding Roarke. . . . ? But this book was all about how far their relationship has come or not in some cases. For the most part they both were at fault. And that's what I like. No One person is at fault. They are both having to learn all the time about who or what the other person is. And though both know each other sometimes you have to be faced with it front and centre.
Also loved how Summerset complimented Eve on the flower incident.
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Ricker sends Eve flowers - and she panics knowing what Roarke's reaction will be. She tells Summerset to get rid of them and not to tell Roarke. Summerset does it. Why didn't Eve just trust Roarke with the truth right then? Why hide the flowers? Right or Wrong?
Why does Summerset keep her secret? What kind of personal game is Ricker playing with Eve? With Roarke?
Ricker sends Eve flowers - and she panics knowing what Roarke's reaction will be. She tells Summerset to get rid of them and not to tell Roarke. Summerset does it. Why didn't Eve just trust Roarke with the truth right then? Why hide the flowers? Right or Wrong?I think about this every time I read/listen to this book. I think Eve feels a little guilty that she had the meet with Max and didn't give Roarke a heads up. She justifies it to herself as part of the job but deep down she promised Roarke. Then when Ricker sends her flowers she knows it was done to stir Roarke up and she is afraid that he will go after Ricker. There is no doubt in Eve's mind that Roarke can kill Max and she is afraid of how she will have to deal with it. I often think Eve is afraid that she will need to choose between Roarke and the badge one day.
Why does Summerset keep her secret? What kind of personal game is Ricker playing with Eve? With Roarke?
Summerset keeps the secret because he knows Max is evil and trouble for Roarke. Ricker doesn't have a high opinion of women and thinks he can intimidate Eve. As far as Roarke, Ricker wants to beat him and take Roarke down.
This is one of the few books that really makes me angry with Roarke. I always hate when he goes over Eve's head to her bosses but this one is the worst. In my opinion, I know Roarke can convince Eve to let him in but he didn't want to even try before he pulled out his macho overprotective coat. I always feel like Eve lets him off too easy. I know she realizes he is tired but he went way over the line. There needs to be a fight of some kind. Roarke realizes he did ambush her after she shares her dream but that isn't enough for me. Maybe it is because I would slug him good. Eve often gives in where Roarke is concerned. I'm not sure why she doesn't give him at least some verbal battle in these situations.
I think this is one of the things that is gotten rid of after they've been married a while. I think he grows and learns.
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In this case, at this time and point in their relationship, I understand what both of them did...understand the reasons they both "went behind the others back". Doesn't make it right - but I feel like this book showcases Roarke & Eve still finding their way as a couple. Both have grabbed on to each other and finally - finally have someone who loves them more than life itself. Both have been loners for so long. Both hurt & damaged in their past. Both relying on survivor instincts. They did what they did to protect the other because I think they both realize they can't live without the other. Character relationship develop continues in a big way for this couple.
What other character relationship/development to you see as huge in this book? Any surprises?
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Whoa! As soon as he walked in, I knew this was not going to end well. It was disrespectful of Webster to make a move in the man's home let alone with his wife. Despite Roarke's beautiful and cultured exterior, the man grew up in the streets. Webster was gonna be history.
I definitely think Roarke's anger with Eve about the lying was justified. He was out of line, however, in telling her what she couldn't do on the job.
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Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "One of my favorite scenes occurred when Roarke walked into Eve's home office to find Webster with his hands on Eve! Talk about ice cold fury! Was anyone surprised at Roarke getting violent and figh..."This is one of my favorite scenes too. What I didn't understand is when Roarke said he wouldn't apologize. Why? I understand his anger toward Webster; it is justifiable. He admits to Webster that he didn't blame Eve (love that scene too). I don't understand his justification for not apologizing. He said if he did he wouldn't mean it. Why? He hurt Eve emotionally.
Kirsten *Don't Be A Grinch* wrote: "I think this is one of the things that is gotten rid of after they've been married a while. I think he grows and learns."I agree, however, I remember back many years when I first read this book. I think I turned red. Who marries a cop and then tells her how to run an op by going to her boss. That is so wrong.
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Ricker sends Eve flowers - and she panics knowing what Roark..."
Eve's not used to having to explain herself to anyone and that takes adjustment. Roarke was wrong to tell her how to do her job and she handled it by ignoring him. When the proverbial %#?! hit the fan, she chose to try and hide it. They both share the blame for what happened here.
Summerset agreed to help with the coverup because he shared the same fear that Roarke would go after Ricker.
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As far as going after Webster - Roarke roared MINE loud & clear. Webster definitely crossed a line making a move in Roarke's home. And - I think Roarke was upset with Eve over the use of the stunner - not because of Webster. He couldn't believe she actually did that. (Oh, to have been a fly on the wall!! lol)
I forgot how dark Roarke is in this book. I have to say I don't like this side of him even if you take his past into consideration. It is kind of scary how he basically attacks Eve after the incident with Webster. I know Eve finds a way to rationalize it to herself but it was like Scarlett and Rhett. She says no but then she gives in. It makes me a little uncomfortable and then Dr. Mira gets a bit randy hearing the story retold...I do like this series but these types of scenes bug me.
How is it I didn't get any of my notifications for this thread!! Anyway. I agree what what has been said about Eve and the flowers. For me the main theme of this book is the manipulation of ones love for, be there child, parent, lover past and present etc. as for those flowers I had an Aahhh moment with Eve's reaction to them. It's not often that you see her panic. And that Summerset also kinda listens to that panic and follows her instructions!? Well that was a first. I think their relationship is growing just as much as Eve doesn't acknowledge it.
Another relationship I want to mention is Eve and Dr Mira. That was also a first i think where Dr Mira really uses her mother voice on Eve. If I'm remembering correctly then she's been motherly before but here that mother voice came into use. I'm so happy for Eve that she finally gets to see what a mother is (view spoiler) We all need a mother in our lives and who better than Dr Mira . Loved how she asked Eve to stop as she can only handle so much!
Sharon wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "One of my favorite scenes occurred when Roarke walked into Eve's home office to find Webster with his hands on Eve! Talk about ice cold fury! Was anyone surprise..."Sharon sometimes I think we tend to look at it only from one side. Eve's . Yes Roarke hurt Eve emotionally but what about his emotions. He was also hurt. It was a building up of emotion and that scene was just the last straw as it were. And I much prefer him saying that and being honest. Why say something and you don't mean it? And besides he'd do the same thing no matter what. I think when they do talk about it you really see the where, the what and the how of their emotions .
Roarke and Eve are such widely different people and yet they are the same. But life experiences is part of the whole that makes up the person. I always find it interesting how differently people react to situations. What might be difficult to understand and uncomfortable for one person is perfectly natural for another.
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Eve and Dr. Mira! Yes, I agree, Michelle. We see Mira stepping into the role of mother here - something Eve sorely needs.
Dr. Mira has been doing that since NAKED IN DEATH. She's done it one step at a time to gain Eve's trust in really trusting her.
Just finished my re-read. Forgot a lot of what happened near the end since the last time I read in 2010. There are lots of judgements going on in this book besides the crime involved. Cops judging each other of course as well as Eve and Roarke...Satisfying conclusion, really good story.
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"Listen to me now, and carefully. Touch her, put your hand on what's mine again, and I'll follow you to hell and peel the skin from your bones. I'll feed you your own eyes. I take an oath on it. Remember what I was, and you'll know I'll do it. And Worse."
Oh my!
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Anyway. I agree what what has been said about Eve and the flowers. For me the main theme of this book is the manipulation of ones ..."
I was wondering where you were?!! lol Was getting ready to come after you.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Michelle wrote: "How is it I didn't get any of my notifications for this thread!! Anyway. I agree what what has been said about Eve and the flowers. For me the main theme of this book is the mani..."
I was wondering what's happening and finally came hunting myself. Lol. This was a book with lots to talk about. The case was good but the rest was even better. We haven't even really mentioned that glimpse into her past. Just when you think that her past in settling into a sort of comfort zone and by this I mean yes it's horrible but one's learned to look at it more objectively and say it Is my past, something gets remembered and you wonder how small is this world not ? Then you wonder how is Robb spinning this to connect and actually make sense? I mean it could be too much but it's not.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "One of my favorite quotes occurs near the end when Roarke tells Ricker he has been setup...Ricker backhands Eve. Roarke grabs Ricker and reminds him of who took him down and says:"Listen to me no..."
Oh my indeed . Roarke is really scary when called for. I have to admire his restraint. hearing that you wonder what has he done in his past. I mean it's always hinted at and then he says something like " you know me and know I will do it". How freaking bad**s was he?
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Exactly! Robb reveals just enough to make you wonder - to get your blood pumping - but not too much, if you know what I mean. That's true of every aspect of this book/series. She really "controls" the situation/s without stifling the character & the case development.
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Anyway. I agree what what has been said about Eve and the flowers. For me the..."
Seriously! Ricker/Eve's father/Eve/Roarke - a past connection revealed.
Eve: "It's a circle, a circle. Link to link. Ricker to my father, my father to me. Ricker to you. You to me. I don't believe in stuff like that. But here I am."
Roarke: 'They won't touch you through me...They'll never get through me to hurt you...WE'll break the circle. We'll do that together. I'm more inclined to believe in such things as fate."
Synopsis:
Set in the New York City of 2059, this futuristic mystery opens in an uptown strip club where a cop has been bludgeoned to death for his most intimate and secret sins. Detective Eve Dallas opens an investigation that plunges her straight into hell.
Timeline:
Approximate Story Start Date: April 2059
Judgement In Death Map - Warning: Possible Spoilers
Additional Judgement In Death Covers
Character List:
Eve Dallas
Roarke
Ryan Feeney
Mavis Freestone
Nadine Furst
Leonardo
Ian McNab
Charlotte Mira
Delia Peabody
Laurence Summerset
Jack Whitney
David Baxter
Dickie Berenski
Caro Ewing
Morris
Harrison Tibble
Donald Webster
Minor & Peripheral Characters (Under spoiler to save space)
(view spoiler)[
Boyd Bayliss
Canarde
Detective Carmichael
Art Clooney
Mrs. Clooney
Rue MacLean
Julianna Martinez
Alan Mills
Max Ricker
Eileen Roth
Jeremy K. Vernon
Thadeus Clooney
Taj Kohli
Alex Ricker (hide spoiler)]
Quotes:
Eve and Roarke as they're going to visit "someone" in the hospital:
Eve: "Do we take him flowers or something?"
Roarke: "I think not. If you did that, the shock would likely put him back in a coma."
Eve: "You're such a funny guy, and so early in the morning, too."
Roarke to Eve: "Can you imagine what I wouldn't risk for you? You can't, because there's nothing. There's bloody nothing."
Roarke: “Well, now, let me think. It might be nice to have the little woman puttering about the house and meeting me at the door of an evening, after a hard day’s business, with a smile and a drink. That’s a lovely image, isn’t it?” He turned to see her snarling at him and laughed. “How long before we’d be bored brainless with it, do you figure?”
Eve: “It’s a good thing you said that before I wasted this very nice coffee by pouring it into your lap. But I’m still not sharing it.”