J.D. Robb discussion

Please feel free to join us as we buddy read Visions In Death.

On one of the city's hottest nights, New York Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas is sent to Central Park-and into a hellish new investigation. The victim is found on the rocks, just above the still, dark water of the lake. Around her neck is a single red ribbon. Her hands are posed, as if in prayer. But it is the eyes-removed with such precision, as if done with the careful hands of a surgeon-that have Dallas most alarmed.

As more bodies turn up, each with the same defining scars, Eve is frantic for answers. Against her instincts, she accepts help from a psychic who offers one vision after another-each with shockingly accurate details of the murders. And when partner and friend Peabody is badly injured after escaping an attack, the stakes are raised. Are the eyes a symbol? A twisted religious ritual? A souvenir? With help from her husband, Roarke, Dallas must uncover the killer's motivation before another vision becomes another nightmare...

Oh, this is a good one!

I love this one, this is one of my favorites. I just hope I can get caught up...I just started Big Jack because I got so into the Karen Rose series. Now that I am caught up on that series I can focus on the buddy read. Of course I am also currently reading the Montoya and Bentz series by Lisa Jackson but I have to wait for the next book to become available at the library. That should allow me to catch up a little bit with you guys

No worries, Sheri. I'm behind myself. We'll get there! :)

Lol. I am caught up on every series I am reading so am now listening to the entire series over again. I forget so much if I do not do this every year. Normally it is before the release of the fall book, but I laxed this year. Up to vengeance, one of my absolute faves

I hope I can get caught up...I am working a full time job now so that cuts my reading time in half...but I am determined to catch up....Vision in death is one of my favorites

I have a gazillion series I'm in the middle of and will never be caught up:)

Lol. I am ignoring all series I have not already started. Faces of Evil is my current obsession. BDB is the next one and she is just now writing the next book. Of course there is Outlander, but again she is just starting the next book. KA's 'Burg series seems done for now. Still waiting for Maya Banks' next highland book but I forget about it mostly since she has put it off several times.

Works keeping me pretty busy now. But I think I'll wait for the weekend to start this one. One of my favorites and I don't want anything to interrupt my reading!! ;-)

This is another book that I really like in this series. I say that a lot but for the most part these books are among my all time favorites and they keep me company when I'm on the road. It is the only series that I have every book on audio.

I've finishing up Divided & then I'll get to my reread of Visions. I'm with you, Sharon...I know I can always turn to the books in this series for a good read...and especially, a great audio.

Sharon wrote: "This is another book that I really like in this series. I say that a lot but for the most part these books are among my all time favorites and they keep me company when I'm on the road. It is the..."

I sometimes feel so silly saying this is a favorite. I've made peace with the fact the the whole series is my favorite. They all lead you on the life that is Eve Dallas. One couldn't possibly be left out. Cases may be flawed but the growth of her as a person, not to mentions those around her , is what keeps me clued to the pages.

Revisiting these through the buddy reads is like one big, giant "Oh, yeah!" as I recall the stories.

So many favorites as we journey through thr series:)

Starting Visions this weekend. Another favorite! See, I agree Michelle. I feel like I say that over & over!

I just re-read this one, but I love it! Nice to join here and see y'all picked a favorite!

Oh, great, Amy! Looking forward to you participating in the discussion.

We're buddy-reading our way through the series, Amy. Happy to have you join our discussions.

Love the scene between Eve and Peabody after they we're are Dochas.

Me too Michelle. Peabody is so supportive even when Eve lashes out. She knows Eve suffers but still stands strong for the dead even when it opens her old wounds.

Then her scene with Roarke that night after her nightmare. These are the scenes where their love for one another really shines through.

In listening to these series, you really get the drift of the dynamics between Eve & Peabody. And I love that with each book, Peabody has gotten braver about speaking up to Eve - love her snark! And love her as a detective but even now, it sometimes seems like Eve still tends to treat her as an aide. Then she'll turn around and do/say something that shows she views Peabody as an equal. Really interesting dynamics between these two.

So true. I want to call it the pains of a growing relationship.

Love the new profile pic Sandra.

Thanks Michelle. I needed something new for October!

And Summerset is back. Missed him a bit in DiD.

And yes Sharon that scene later on was so traumatic.

Yeah, but Dallas didn't!

I've forgotten about Roarke also feeling about about being Mavis' birthing coach! Some how I didn't expect it from him.

Michelle wrote: "I've forgotten about Roarke also feeling about about being Mavis' birthing coach! Some how I didn't expect it from him."

Roarke doesn't have experience with babies. It is a little strange for a non-medical man to coach his wife's friend. It was funny how Roarke was laughing when he thought Eve was going to go alone then when the tables turned he was dumb struck. I loved it.

Even better when Eve kept on giving him some crazy mental images...

Was wondering what everyone's thoughts were about sensitives. For or against ?

I have a healthy respect for things I don't know or understand. And, I've met one who blew me away. So, I don't disagree. But, I'm also a skeptic about many who claim to have "skills."

I think they exist. But like anything else there are many frauds. I especially understand why cops would have a healthy disrespect. For every hour that an investigation goes on... is an hour for a criminal to destroy the evidence. So, of course, the cops don't want to waste their time with a potential fraud.

Must say that I myself do belief that they exist but I wouldn't want to be one. The randomness of it all. Would drive me to drive. Well more that I drink on the weekend.

I definitely think that there are some who are more in tune with what lies beneath the surface. Call it intuition, a sixth sense, or what you will.

Madam Lieutenant Lol

Just love it when they do that. And this after the multi layer of friendship speech with Peabody ;-)

Michelle wrote: "Madam Lieutenant Lol

Just love it when they do that. And this after the multi layer of friendship speech with Peabody ;-)"

Lol! Better than Mrs. Roarke:)

I believe in "sensitives" but truly gifted people are rare. A good friend should me how you can ask a few questions and that can turn into a very good reading.

I love this interaction with Summerset.

“You’re earlier than expected, and appear to have gotten through the day without destroying any article of clothing. I must note this event down on my calendar.”

“Bitch when I’m late, bitch when I’m early. You could go pro on the bitching circuit.”

“Your current offensive mode of transportation has not been properly garaged.”

“Your current offensive face hasn’t yet been beaten to a pulp by my fists either. Mark that on your calendar, Creepshow.”

These two make me laugh

This is the second book where Summerset hears her scream during a dream. As much as he teases her he does sympathize.

I know, Sharon, I love those two! And how several different times, Summerset gauges Eve's mood and needs by how their interactions go, even so far as sending Galahad up after her or keeping him close depending on the day.

Love Peabody.

Amy wrote: "I know, Sharon, I love those two! And how several different times, Summerset gauges Eve's mood and needs by how their interactions go, even so far as sending Galahad up after her or keeping him clo..."

It really pointed out to me how bad it was , the nightmare. If Summerset came at her scream you know. But sending Galahad. . . ? Priceless. These two that antagonize each other yet when the chips are down they turn to each other in shuttle ways. How many times has Eve not told Summerset to keep an eye of Roarke. And as you just said Amy Summerset uses their word sparring as a gauge of her well being. Loved the bit where Mavis came over to ask them to be birthing partner and Summerset had this big smile for Mavis and Eve gets creeped out about it. He is just so sweet towards Mavis. Makes me think that when or if Roarke and Eve has a baby that baby will have the best grandpa ever !!!

Ok I must say it again. I love Peabody. When Eve tells her in the park about her past . . . Both of them so relaxed , the park. I was so glad that she finally told Peabody. And yet I was smiling at Peabody's " power of observation". That scene just showed how far they really have come. They knew each other well enough to know what, how and when to do or say anything to and for the other. Kudos to Robb for the setting btw.

Michelle,

I like when Eve shares with Roarke her talk with Peabody. She is so surprised that Peabody was emotional. Then they move on and talk about the hypnosis therapy. Eve still isn't ready to deal with her past. It is sad that she suffers so.

When Peabody gets hurt. My heart broke for McNab and Eve. Eve takes so much responsibility on herself.

When Roarke said to McNab "I know what it is to have the one you love, the only one, hurt. There's a war within your belly, and your heart’s so heavy it doesn’t seem as if your body can hold it. This kind of fear doesn’t have a name. You can only wait with it. And let us help.” That is one of those really touching scenes.

That's one of Roarke's finest speeches.

Sharon,

One of the reasons that this is such a slow read for me is these moments. That scene just about had me in tears. Yes Roarke has mentioned what it feels like when Eve goes out, or get injured , but it's when he talk about it to others that it really touches you. It feels so much true as it wasn't thought through. I might be saying this wrong. When his with Eve it's an ongoing thought process usually but still true. This however is off the cuff as it were, and for me that much more heartfelt.

The friendship theme in this book is overwhelming.

I'm brought to tears every time I read the part where Peabody is hurt, especially when it reverts to her point of view. It's what makes me despise Celina.

I've often said Peabody is one of my favorites - I mean very favorites. She really is such an intricate part of this series - it would not be the same without her.

Agree with you, Sharon. Roarke's talk with McNab is so special.

Jonetta wrote: "That's one of Roarke's finest speeches."

I agree. Roarke can really express his feelings.

Oh my when Peabody wakes up and Eve breaks down in the bathroom. I love that Mavis comforts her and then gives Eve her crazy sunglasses.

There are several parts where I break down. I remember the first time I read the book I had to step away a couple times because I was so emotional.

Sharon wrote: "Jonetta wrote: "That's one of Roarke's finest speeches."

I agree. Roarke can really express his feelings.

Oh my when Peabody wakes up and Eve breaks down in the bathroom. I love that Mavis co..."

Same for me, Sharon.

This is my first time listening to this book. Of course, the narrator is awesome as always, but it's also a little different experience vs. reading it the first time. Very emotional.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "This is my first time listening to this book. Of course, the narrator is awesome as always, but it's also a little different experience vs. reading it the first time. Very emotional."

I completely agree. Sometimes the narrator adds a different meaning with the inflection in her voice. I liked the interaction between McNab and Eve when her computer acted up but listening I chuckled.

All the conversations with Peabody and Roarke are more intense (not sure that's the correct word) listening to Susan Ericksen reading them.

Does anyone know if a narrator meets with the author to get input? Some are so much better than others.

I agree, @Sharon! I've gotten so the books are just so much flatter without Susan.

Sharon wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "This is my first time listening to this book. Of course, the narrator is awesome as always, but it's also a little different experience vs. reading it the first..."

From what I understand, it's rare for the narrator to have interaction with the author. I wonder if that's true between Susan and Nora. I'll see if there are any interviews out there that pose this question.