J.D. Robb discussion

Yeah...I remember it now. The nectar from the Immortal Blossom is used in Immortal in Death. It's a very rare plant.

And you had to have a license to use it.

Aaacccckkk. Now I'm going to need to go back and re-read it lol.

Lol! I was tempted. Here's the Wiki reference:



Venus Bloom (Legal) – Hybridized flower "with certain properties that enhance and heighten sensation;" grown on a colony on Green One. It's been tested, approved, and licensed, though it's a bit tricky to acquire; Roarke used it on Eve as a sexual stimulant.

References:
↑ Survivor in Death (ISBN 0-425-20418-9), pp. 270, 271; Survivor in Death (ISBN 978-0-399-15208-5), pp. 283, 284

Just started Seduction in Death

Should I know the character, Dr Dimatto? Does she appear in any previous books? (This has probably been mentioned before but I don't want spoilers so I thought I'd ask here.)

Beeg wrote: "Just started Seduction in Death

Should I know the character, Dr Dimatto? Does she appear in any previous books? (This has probably been mentioned before but I don't want spoilers so ..."

Yes, she was introduced in Conspiracy in Death. She runs the Canal Street Clinic.

Maybe you would just recognize her as Louise.

Question for Indulgence in Death. Eve knew who the killers were, why didn't she have some of her men tail them and catch them in the act? She could have saved the a couple of people...

Lisa, it's been a long time since I read Indulgence and the only thing I can remember is she didn't have the evidence to back up her gut about these two. You can't establish surveillance without sufficient reasoning to justify the resources.

Anyone else have anything to add?

I remember thinking that Eve spends a lot of time working through this case in her head during this book. I think a couple of us mentioned that in our BR's of Indulgence. I also remember these two villains as being very arrogant with a feel of entitlement. I know Eve spent so much time trying to make sure she had everyone else protected, that she missed the fact that (view spoiler)[she was the big grand prize in their scheme. (hide spoiler)] I agree with Jonetta as I assume it was a matter of following the letter of the law while she built her case against them.

I don't think surveillance requires much evidence. It's not like a warrant. In other Death books, Eve had certain people watched without much evidence, for example Witness in Death (had Trueheart watching a suspect).

Good point, Lisa. I don't remember thinking much about it when I was reading it.

I do believe they do need a warrent to establish surveillance because the criminals could always sue for harassment if they don't have enough evidence to put someone under it. Especially since they were dealing with men who were rich and had no prior criminal charges. In other books this was the case as well. They had to get a warrent and they always go to the commander and Cher Reo too. The commander I believe also has to approve the use of the manpower for a surveillance or op.

I think the Urban Wars may be starting. Cops are being shot more and more (at least in the news). And, of course, a week doesn't go by without some cops shooting and killing alleged criminals (bypassing that pesky trial).

Any thoughts?

It's THROWBACK THURSDAY at the AUDIO GALS website, and this weeks Throwback artical was on INNOCENT IN DEATH by J. D. Robb.

Until reading the article I did not realize that Susan Ericksen was not the orginial narrator of the first 12 books. She narrated book 13 which is BETRAYL IN DEATH.

Appparently the publishers and author must have liked her work, because she went back and rerecorded the first 12 books, and that's how I fell in love with her narrating when I listened to NAKED IN DEATH.

To me she is EVE DALLAS & COMPANY.

Does anyone know who the first narrator of IN DEATH series before Susan became the principal narrator? I'm just curious.

It's my understanding that the first audio recording of the series was timed with the release of this book. Ericksen then was contracted to go back and record the earlier books.

Just finished Imitation in Death and now l'm listening to the audio of Remember When, (the 2nd half). Iirc I'm reading them in the right order because in previous book Peabody (view spoiler)[ had just made detective and Sunmerset had come back from his 3 week holiday. Yet in this book he's still on holiday but Peabody is starting her first days on the job as detective. (hide spoiler)]. Am I missing something?

Also, SE's narration sounds different here. Anyone else find that?

Beeg wrote: "Just finished Imitation in Death and now l'm listening to the audio of Remember When, (the 2nd half). Iirc I'm reading them in the right order because in previous book P..."

Yes, that's the correct reading order. I don't know what you mean by "Iirc"...sorry, but I've wracked my brain trying to figure out that abbreviation:)

I don't remember much from Remember When/Big Jack. (view spoiler)[Maybe Summerset was still on vacation. (hide spoiler)]

Jonetta wrote: "Beeg wrote: "Just finished Imitation in Death and now l'm listening to the audio of Remember When, (the 2nd half). Iirc I'm reading them in the right order because in pr..."

I don't remember exactly either, but I do remember a novella where I thought Summerset was home from vacation - and the novella he wasn't - and then I think the next book mighta mentioned that he extended?

I don't remember exact details but I remember thinking something along those lines myself.

I remember it that way also...about him extending his vacation. It's hard to hold on to exact details with so many books. I hope to do a better job of documenting things during our next buddy read of the series.

Yes, Penny and Sandra, you're right, I see now that Summerset came back from 3 weeks vacation in Imitation and its mentioned further along in Remember When that Roarke sent him for a further 10 days. It's amazing how Robb keeps track of these things....

Jonetta - iirc is the acronym for "if I remember correctly"

Thanks for sharing the "iirc" meaning...I was missing that too! lol

Thank you!! It was really bugging me:)

Innocent in Death - ******SPOILER QUESTION*******

If I skip this book do I miss out on any major stuff?
I really, REALLY don't want to listen to it (I'm doing this series in audio) cos of the Magdalena issue. I don't want to skim either.

I already know, from skimming through it before:
- that Eve and Summerset share an important moment
- that the mystery/thriller plot is good
- that Eve and Roarke have it really hard.
- that I will be missing out on some great narration here.

Anything else I need to know before I move on - pls spoil for me - only the stuff not pertaining to Magdalena? I know everything there is to know about her already.

ETA - I also already know the problems Eve and Roarke have to deal with so I really only want to know about the other characters, I suppose

Beeg, not sure why you're reluctant to read the Magdalena scenes. All I can say is what happens in Roarke and Eve's relationship as a result of this is pretty powerful and is one of the reasons it's in my top five favorites. It's not just what happens but how it happens and is resolved. What you miss is a very integral part of their relationship development.

The case also has a very chilling climax.

Just my opinion.

I agree with Jonetta. There are some major defining moments in Innocent...including the ones with Magdalena. So much else hinges on some of those scenes, imo, and leads to some major character growth.

I agree with Jonetta and Sandra. This is one of my favorite books in the series because the E & R relationship grows and solidifies in some very intense scene. The outcome is beautiful.

Sharon wrote: "I agree with Jonetta and Sandra. This is one of my favorite books in the series because the E & R relationship grows and solidifies in some very intense scene. The outcome is beautiful."
And deeply satisfying (view spoiler)[ I was so ready for that punch in the face (hide spoiler)]

Beeg wrote: "Innocent in Death - ******SPOILER QUESTION*******

If I skip this book do I miss out on any major stuff?
I really, REALLY don't want to listen to it (I'm doing this series in audio) c..."

Personally, I can't imagine skipping ANY of the books but ESPECIALLY the first 3 , even the first 10.

When you say Magdalena, I am assuming you are referring to Marlena? If so, why skip that? What is the issue? It is incredibly important to the development of the series... Especially when you move on to VENGEANCE IN DEATH.

I find that Innocent In Death should not be skipped. It pushes Eve and Roarke in the marriage department. This book pulls you in different directions, feeling for both Eve and Roarke. As well there's one scene with Eve and Roarke and Magdalena that shouldn't be missed, especially with Summerset's reaction afterwards.

Marlena was Summerset's daughter - Magdalena is an old girlfriend of Roarke's.

*****SPOILERS*****

In my initial post above, I was asking for spoilers on the other characters, because I had skimmed over that and the homicide case portions when I first got the eBook. I wondered if anything major occurred with them that would be carried over into the next books. (I've since been sorted out on that front.)

Jonetta-
I’m reluctant to read the M scenes because I’d be re-reading them.
Like I said above, I already know everything there is to know about her and don't want to now have to hear her in the audio version as well.
I’d read every single scene in which she features and all the ones where she’s referred to: spoken about, thought about, by every character in this book. I already know how (view spoiler)[Magdalena, past and present, affects Roarke and Eve as individuals and them as a unit. And because of the massive impact she and the consequences arising from her presence and place in Roarke’s life before and after Eve, and their reactions to it, (hide spoiler)] every scene is boldly imprinted on my mind. (Even now, months later)


Sandra-
Sharon-
Chill-
Quynh-
I’m content with where their relationship (and their own personal growth) is at the end of the book because (view spoiler)[ I was privy to each word, tear and emotion connected to them as a married couple in Innocent, so I didn’t want to re-visit the harrowing arguments, confrontations and the eventual profound resolution, as intense and defining as they all were, you know?
I won’t mind re-reading that 2-beautiful-punches-she-threw-scene but I didn’t want to experience Eve’s utter devastation, anger, sense of inadequacy and brokenness in Innocent again. I don’t want to deal with Roarke’s memories and his blindness to M’s manipulations, nor how he finally comes to terms with M’s betrayal of him. 10 years later. (Mostly, I didn’t want to have to hear that Eve filled the gap which M left in him, although I won’t mind hearing him repeat just HOW Eve filled it. She really rocked his world. LOL) (hide spoiler)]


Kirsten *Dogs Welcome - People Tolerated-
I have no issue with Marlena.
Already finished Vengeance (book 6).
I’m referring to Magdalena in Innocent (book 24).

Beeg, I didn't realize this was a re-read.

I guess I just don't understand. The personal interactions are the best part of re-read/re-listens. I wouldn't skip anything.

In my humble opinion, this is the best book of the series. I love the Eve, Roarke and Maggie interactions.

If it's a re-read Beeg, then feel free to skip over parts that you don't like. If it was a first time reading, I wouldn't skip anything. :)

I think that Magdalena was the first of Roarke's old girlfriends that Eve actually wanted to pound into the ground. I couldn't blame her. I wanted to crawl into book and help her.

I can't remember which book or which girl where Eve says "you're one of many, I'm the only" and taps her wedding ring.

Is that from Innocence?

Beeg wrote: "*****SPOILERS*****

In my initial post above, I was asking for spoilers on the other characters, because I had skimmed over that and the homicide case portions when I first got the eBook. I wondere..."

Sorry, Beeg. I, too, didn't realize this is a reread for you. I misunderstood your question.

It's from imitation in death

Lol, Mara I wanted to do the same thing

The answer is for Kirsten

Thanks, Jules!

Quynh wrote: "I find that Innocent In Death should not be skipped. It pushes Eve and Roarke in the marriage department. This book pulls you in different directions, feeling for both Eve and Roarke. As well there..."

I have just finished listening to Innocent; I had read it last summer. It's one of my favorites now but when I read it, I was mad. I also wanted to just jump into the book and help Eve....OMG! Loved that Summerset was on Eve's side in this one too...great moments between them. Curious, do you think Roarke deserved what he got from Eve during the last scene in which Magdalena appears?

I think Roarke deserved it.

(view spoiler)[He's usually so intuitive and perceptive, so the fact that M got past his defenses to that extent really ticked me off. I felt it undermined Eve's concerns and that was a no no for me. I disliked how he (10 years later) was in a space where M still held a certain power over him - to the point where he was irritated and offhand with Eve when she voiced her worries. Eve isn't the jealous type - how he managed to reduce her fears to that just sucked for me.
I've since been enjoying their growth and am aware that by that stage in the series some growth had to take place for them to settle more solidly in their marriage. While the "irrational-jealous-wife" arc didn't work for me, in the long run it did work for them as a couple.
I now only have to get over the fact that he's not prepared to assist with the law taking its course as far as M's illegal activities go, especially as he's very much an eye for an eye kinda man.
That, and the fact that even months later, Eve still harbors a very deep dislike of M as I've just seen a few books ago. (hide spoiler)]

Yep.

Absolutely!

Yah.....I agree too. Great analysis Beeg!! There are a couple of stories where I found myself really upset with/mad at Roarke. This was one of them. The other was Reunion. Even Peabody was mad at him. Roarke: "It's me she wants to blast into small, bleeding pieces, but you could get caught in the stream and you've had a good day until now." Peabody: "From where I'm standing you deserve a blast. Don't you think she took enough of a pounding yesterday?" To Roarke's considerable surprise, Peabody turned on her heel and marched in the opposite direction. With his temper notching up from slow burn to fast simmer, he strode after his wife.

The one where he pissed me off the most is the one where (view spoiler)[discovers the truth about his mother (hide spoiler)]. He shut her out for no reason. It was ridiculous and unnecessarily hard on her.