J.D. Robb discussion

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Michelle wrote: "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 fl..."
(view spoiler)[ I know I'm jumping the gun but then later the other revelation of Patrick Roarke and Eve's father. (hide spoiler)]. Robb really has a fan for life in me.

Michelle wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Michelle wrote: "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 wha..."

Me too, Michelle! Really amazing how Robb can weave it all together.

Roarke/Webster - if I had a playlist of best scenes loaded as MP3s that'd be there!

Kirsten *Don't Be A Grinch* wrote: "Roarke/Webster - if I had a playlist of best scenes loaded as MP3s that'd be there!"

lol - me too!

Kirsten *Don't Be A Grinch* wrote: "Roarke/Webster - if I had a playlist of best scenes loaded as MP3s that'd be there!"

Me too!

Finished this morning and it is one of the best both in terms of the case, which was very compelling, and the character development.

Roarke and Eve's developing dynamic is particularly interesting in this one as he struggles to reconcile his ego and need to protect Eve with the knowledge that she too is trying to protect him. Their power plays led to some intense and also funny moments.

My favorite scene was Eve's conversation with Dr. Mira who gets all hot and bothered by Eve's revelations about her and Roarke's sex life. Mr. Mira is going to be one very happy man, lol!

Mara wrote: "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..."

I didn't know what to make of Webster in the previous books with him, but his character really shines through in this one. I also appreciated both his willingness to admit being at fault about coming on to Eve and his apology to Roarke. So glad he didn't end up dead.

I may be the only one, but I'm not a fan of Mavis. She's just too over the top for me, and she comes across as frivolous and shallow so much of the time that it is difficult to take her insights into Eve (which are definitely there) seriously.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Arguably, there are some "Right" vs. "Wrong" situations between main characters in this book. Let's discuss some of them one at a time."

It annoyed me that Eve lied to Roarke. I thought that their relationship had developed sufficiently for her to trust him and not go behind his back. I understand that she did it out of fear for him but it was wrong. Consequently, I was more accepting of Roarke's overreaction because he was obviously very hurt by her lies.

Have to go to work. Will come back and answer other comments when I get back. *sigh*.

Lauren wrote: "Finished this morning and it is one of the best both in terms of the case, which was very compelling, and the character development.

Roarke and Eve's developing dynamic is particularly interestin..."

I agree...this is one of my favorites! The continuing relationship development is so evident and well written in this one. I, too, am a fan of Dr. Mira's...good to see her embrace the role of friend and even "mother" to Eve in this one.

Lauren wrote: "Mara wrote: "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..."

I didn't know what to m..."

I enjoy Webster - thought this was a great scene that drove home several points. I can't fault Roarke at all as he steps up to claim and protect what he considers his. Especially on his home turf...though he would have done the same anywhere, I think.

Lauren wrote: "I may be the only one, but I'm not a fan of Mavis. She's just too over the top for me, and she comes across as frivolous and shallow so much of the time that it is difficult to take her insights in..."

I remember feeling like Mavis was a bit too over the top in my first read of these early books...wasn't always sure what to make of her. But I do think she's a great character as a best friend with ties to their past and the polar opposite of Eve. Sometimes amazing that they became so close.

Lauren wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Arguably, there are some "Right" vs. "Wrong" situations between main characters in this book. Let's discuss some of them one at a time."

It annoyed me that Eve ..."

Very much agree...lying was a poor choice even if done in the spur of the moment. And she had to know that it wouldn't sit well with Roarke at all - that's his line in the sand.

Lauren wrote: "I may be the only one, but I'm not a fan of Mavis. She's just too over the top for me, and she comes across as frivolous and shallow so much of the time that it is difficult to take her insights in..."

I struggled with Mavis initially, not understanding Eve's devotion to her. Down the road, it becomes clearer and I've now a completely different opinion of her.

Thanks for the input on Mavis, Sandra and Jonetta. I look forward to seeing her grow as a character as well.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "How does this case and/or villain stack up against the previous ones for you? What worked or didn't work in your eyes?"

Max Ricker was a truly despicable miscreant. I'm kind of disappointed that he gets to spend the rest of his days in the looney bin rather than as someone's punching bag.

Clooney was the obvious choice for the killer. I guessed it was him from the first. While I did sympathize with the death of his son, vigilantism is never the answer.

Lauren,

Yes, Mavis comes a cross very frivolous, but to me a lovable frivolous. Wait till you either read or listen to CONCEALED IN DEATH, if you haven't already.

I think you will see that there is more to Mavis than most people thought or gave her credit.

Thanks Mara. I'll keep an open mind about her.

Idea, is there going to be any tracking of what temporary tattoos Trina gives Eve?

I just got past the 'girls primping party' in Origin and am laughing about what and where Trina gave Eve a temp tattoo.

I recall 2 other instances for sure of temp tattoos (between books 1-20)...one I think was on Eve's butt, the other on her breast. A heart and a police shield?

I think it's a butterfly, but I may be wrong. Or it's something that Roarke secretly asked Trina to put on.

Myst wrote: "Idea, is there going to be any tracking of what temporary tattoos Trina gives Eve?

I just got past the 'girls primping party' in Origin and am laughing about what and where Trina gave Eve a temp t..."

We haven't gotten to most of them yet. The first was in Ceremony in Death where Trina put one on her butt. There's one coming up in the next book.

Would definitely be a good thing to track.

We can track anything you all want to track! Great idea, Myst! We can add them to a list as we go. Would anyone like to volunteer to track & list them? We'll only list them as this br reads each book in order to protect new readers from spoilers.

Lauren wrote: "Thanks Mara. I'll keep an open mind about her."

The thing with this series is that we get snippets of all the side characters but us loong timers know to be patient because somewhere down the line something is going to be revealed about them that either explains or answers questions about how they are there in the first place.

So hang in there and as you say keep an open mind because I can't tell you how many times I said why is this person even in the story and few books later back stories emerge.

Lauren wrote: "Thanks for the input on Mavis, Sandra and Jonetta. I look forward to seeing her grow as a character as well."

I'm with you, Lauren, with respect to Mavis. I'll withhold judgment for a while longer :)

Hi Charlene! Welcome back. Hope all is well.

My favorite scene in this book was Mavis and Eve getting plastered. I really enjoy how the narrator portrays Mavis so bubbly and then in contrast, Eve is so serious. They are perfect friends.

I found myself cringing throughout this book when Roarke was so pissed at Eve. It really came through that she loves him so much, she can't stand when he's upset with her.

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..."

I loved that scene! But it got a little nerve wracking when she pulled her gun out! I thought, uh oh, you're in trouble now, Eve! I wasn't surprised at all at how Roarke reacted. I would expect nothing less from our hot Irishman...

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "What are your thoughts on Peabody "dating" both Charles & McNab? And the fact that Peabody doesn't admit to McNab that she & Charles are just friends?"

I LOVE Peabody and McNab. I think she's trying to save face by not telling him what her relationship really is with Charles. You go, Peabody! Next to Eve, Peabody is my favorite female character.

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..."

I found myself shivering when Roarke told Ricker what he would do to him...

I've never listened to this book but I can just imagine Susan doing a great job.

Michelle wrote: "I've never listened to this book but I can just imagine Susan doing a great job."

If you like audio books, give one of these a try. She is fantastic!