J.D. Robb discussion
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The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann (Troubleshooters #1) - January 2016 (Spoiler Zone)
Agnieszka wrote: "BTW I don't understand the Sam-hype ;-) "Shoot, it is kind of a shame that you come into the series knowing the hype around Sam. That never bodes well because it might actually raise expectations too much.
I will only say that this book does neither Sam nor Alyssa real justice. Their personalities get fleshed out more in the next book and really jump out in Book 3 (my personal favorite of the entire series).
Tina, that's a good observation. When I first read the series, it was as it was being published so there was no hype. I loved discovering more about the characters as I went along.Tina wrote: "Agnieszka wrote: "BTW I don't understand the Sam-hype ;-) "
Shoot, it is kind of a shame that you come into the series knowing the hype around Sam. That never bodes well because it might actually ..."
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Links to the discussion questions are in the first message.
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I had forgotten that it opened up with the rescue of the diplomat's wife so I was pleasantly surprised by the reintroduction to the team. My first thoughts about Team 16 were that Tom had a deeply embedded sense of humor but also a strong streak of practicality, leadership, and flexibility. From their attempt to extract their charge to "jettisoning" the cargo, I got the sense that they worked almost like a well-oiled machine who could anticipate and read each other's signals because they had been in life-threatening situations together many times. Because it was all told through Tom's perspective, it did make me curious about the other members of Team 16.
Tina wrote: "Agnieszka wrote: "BTW I don't understand the Sam-hype ;-) "Shoot, it is kind of a shame that you come into the series knowing the hype around Sam. That never bodes well because it might actually ..."
No worries Tina,
usually I'm kind of anti-type. If there's hype I usually stop to expect anything. And if there are books you are expected to read - if I read them at all it happens ages after the hype dies because I'm convince I want to read them :-)
I think it's just the result of a life full of shit and abuse and people telling you it's always your fault you ended up in the crap they put on you. You just stop to believe anything at all people say and start to count more on your own convictions and just test and question everything :-)
I loved the loyalty and they way they could depend on each other even if like in Tom's case they were no more sure if he could depend on his own sanity - the team still believed in him and trusted his judgment without doubt.I loved the one sentence from Alyssa when she arrived - something like 'I'm here to protect you from any shadow even if it's your own.' It puts it perfect together.
BTW What dows SO stand for I wasn't able to find out about this abreviation but it appear really often (SO squad, SO SEAL team, etc). Can it be something like special-ops/special operations something in that kind?
This is a very slow read for me so far, it's not holding my attention; I started it 3 days ago and have only gotten to pg 62. I'm hoping it picks soon, my goal is to have it read by Monday afternoon.
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This series had me at page one. At first, I was certain if I would be interested in this kind of storyline but I'm not kidding when I say it hooked me from the first paragraph. I could tell there was something special about Tom, which made Team 16 pretty extraordinary, given his leadership.
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It does pick up, Maggie. Hope you can hang in there!
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SO stands for special operations. She referenced it once and then began using the abbreviation.
I've just started this book actually. I'm already at the spot where Tom has spotted The Merchant. I think he really did see him. It seems like his head injury is still bothering him but I'm doubtful that it's affected him to that degree at this point.
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Jonetta wrote: "Tom is on a forced 30 day vacation after his head injury and heads home to Baldwin's Bridge. He doesn't plan to stay long and is itching to get his team reassembled and back to work. Then he spots ..."No, I did not doubt Tom had spotted The Merchant. But Brockmann only had me believing this after the opening sequence where we saw the team work together. If I had not had the opportunity to see Tom in action, I probably would have doubted him as he doubted himself.
I really enjoyed this book. I was intrigued from the start. I liked the dynamics of team 16 and look forward to getting to know the rest of the team.From the Start I never doubted that Tom saw the merchant. loved how his team backed him up and was there for him when he called.
I think what frustrated me the most was Tom and Kelly. I knew they would both come to there senses but they took to long lol.
I enjoyed all the different back stories and how they all came together.
Sheri wrote: "I really enjoyed this book. I was intrigued from the start. I liked the dynamics of team 16 and look forward to getting to know the rest of the team.From the Start I never doubted that Tom saw th..."
I agree, Sheri. Tom and Kelly did frustrate me at times. I tried to understand where Kelly was coming from but it sometimes seemed as though she was drawn to be emotionally distant just to parallel Charles' character as opposed to her true personality.
I really liked David and Mallory's storyline the best because it developed sweetly and I also appreciated how their storyline integrated into the Merchant plot because of the photographs Mallory took. It did not feel forced or tacked on, but a piece of an overall puzzle.
And the irony of Tom and Kelly having to learn from Joe, Charles, and Cybele's tragedy as well as David and Mallory's developing relationship was rather humorous and poetic.
I really enjoyed David and Mallory's storyline as well. it was very sweet and David was finally able down that wall that Mallory has. that tough persona. and how it came together at the end. I really there are some updates about them in the series
I think the first chapter showing the dynamics of the team and their trust and faith in Tom -- as well as his no-nonsense, tactical leadership -- was critical in establishing our trust in Tom. Hence I never doubted at all that he saw The Merchant.
I haven't read the book this month as I already read it previously for a group book of the month read. I will really enjoy when the group goes on to the next one in the series. Look forward to reading and talking about it then. You are bringing back all the good memories of the book. I might have to ask you to fill in some of the details when I get to the next book as I am not doing a re-read. ;-) Looking forward to next month!
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All you're going to need is a memory jogger!
Jonetta wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I haven't read the book this month as I already read it previously for a group book of the month read. I will really enjoy when the group goes on to the next one in the series. Look f..."Really looking forward to the next read.
Jonetta wrote: "Agnieszka wrote: "I loved the loyalty and they way they could depend on each other even if like in Tom's case they were no more sure if he could depend on his own sanity - the team still believed i..."Thanks, I must missed it though in my copy the abbreviation appears from the first page perhaps thats why overseen it :-)
Sometimes I just think I'm too cynical - I would never doubt he saw the Merchant what would be the point in writing the book - that's my way of looking at it.
5% in just past the first scene - this is my first Brockman and it has grabbed me straight away, I loved the jettisoning of the luggage and the understated humour of Tom's POV. The team was exactly that, a team. Each was confident in their individual role and trusted the others to carry out theirs. At this stage I want to know how they each came by their nicknames.
Q2... On spotting "The Merchant" at the airport. I think the phrase "..turning to hoist it (the bag) up onto his shoulder in a strange twisting move..." is the key. Tom has watched and re-watched all the footage. It is this mannerism that made Tom take notice.. so yes I am confident he saw The Merchant
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if it had been me, I would have said it was a bad idea to take such a huge risk. That said, however, considering Tom's future already was hanging in the balance given the nature of his injury, he probably felt he had nothing to lose. By taking such a huge risk, he really did come out on top, redeemed himself, eradicated any doubt of his capability, and also saved his team. And the cherry on top had to be getting that apology from Tucker.
Agnieszka wrote: "I finished the book today and to be honest struggled with it pretty much. The odd thing is I kind of liked it but I still needed ten days to read it (usually if I like a book it would take two max...."I barely noticed Sam in the first book the first time I read it, but he keeps showing up and grows on you. Before I knew it he was/is my favorite.
Glad I stuck with it, I'm enjoying it more now.I don't know why, but until Mallory went to David's apartment, I thought he was about 16. I like their storyline as much as Tom and Kelly's.
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Of the three, David and Mallory's storyline was my favorite. I have a tendency to prefer secondary characters.
Maggie wrote: "Glad I stuck with it, I'm enjoying it more now.I don't know why, but until Mallory went to David's apartment, I thought he was about 16. I like their storyline as much as Tom and Kelly's."
Jonetta wrote: "Yay! I liked their storyline, too."
I felt similar :-)
I'm glad I read the book on book so I wasn't tempted to tear the pages with Charles out :-) than Tom and Kelly sometimes I thought are we back in high-school?
In the beginning the Mel/David story I feared another drama - please not - but in the end this was the plot I couldn't put the book down. Chales/Cybele/Joe-Drama I was really tempted to chuck my iPad against the next wall - but then I couldn't read my ebooks anymore so I let it be ;-)
I haven't read this book in years so it was nice to go back and revisit. I forgot most of the secondary storylines, reading again was great. Like most of you, I really liked Mallory and David's story, it was sweet and innocent. I skimmed the flashbacks of Joe/Charles/Cybele story. Tom and Kelly had a history so I didn't mind them going back and forth about how one felt about the other. It was a risk on Tom's part going to his superior about his suspicions but considering his job to protect the country, he couldn't let doubt take over even though he felt like he was going crazy. It's better to be wrong than not take actions that would put lives at stake.
Having read most of the series and now going back, this first book isn't the strongest so that just means better things to come in the next books. :)
I loved the David/Mallory story because it didn't feel like typical teenage angst stuff you see in 100 YA/NA novels these days. But they also didn't feel like they were too old for their age either. It was a strong, age appropriate secondary romance that had just enough drama to keep it interesting but not so much to put it in eye-roller territory. Plus both David and Mallory were so likeable.I also love how nuanced different relationships were. I liked that even though Joe and Charles were in love with the same woman, their relationship forged by the war, loss, heroism and their shared experience transcended anything so mundane as jealousy over Cybele. They actually were the true (b)romance from the WWII story, moreso than their relationship with Cybele. She actually seemed very incidental to me in the end.
Also, Kelly's relationship with her ex. Again it would have been so simple to cast him in the role of eeeevil ex because he cheated her on with Miss Tits. Sure Kelly has coined a catty name for her replacement, but Kelly and her ex-Gary still maintain a cordial relationship even making a point to lunching each week, even if it is only to brag professionally to each other. But she respects and still trusts him enough to put Tom's medical well being into his hands.
This is my first time reading this series. Not quite finished, but so far I like it. I almost like the side stories of the kids and the flashbacks a little more right now. Tom letting his superiors know what was going on was a risk, but because of his job and mindset a risk he was willing to take with a superior he trusted most. I think if he didn't have one he thought would be in his corner he may just contact people on his own team and leave it at that.
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Competely forgot the question.Perhaps because I was raise to always do the right thing first and than - if I have some spare time ;-) - to think about the consequences it was so self-evident it was his only real choice.
A man of integrity and someone in his position of responsibility knew about the risks of such a high-profile threat and his possibilities. Not to report would mean he gave up on being a member of his elite team and he would prove the medical discharge is correct. (Hope it makes sense - I'm pretty tired)
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With Tom notifying his superiors - I don't think there was ever really another choice for him. He is well aware of the consequences if, as he believes, the threat is real. Tom's not the type of man who could live with himself if lives were lost because he did nothing. I don't think there was another choice for Tom, even knowing it could end his career if he's wrong.
I think another thing to think about with Tom notifying his superiors about The Merchant, is that Tom is in the military and has been his entire adult life. They are conditioned to work within a chain of command. The military takes that stuff pretty seriously. I think Tom's real struggle was the instinct to NOT to report since something like that has been drummed into him to the point it is almost second nature.
Thank you Sandra & Tina you both expressed exactly what I had in mind but struggled to find the words for :-)
Tina wrote: "I think another thing to think about with Tom notifying his superiors about The Merchant, is that Tom is in the military and has been his entire adult life. They are conditioned to work within a ch..."That is a very good point. Looking at it that way it does seem like a struggle against not to report it. It was more of a question of how he could report it without screwing up his career if he was wrong, instead of a question of should he report at all.
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I really liked the introduction to Team 16, but if there had been more dimension to the description of their history and friendship, like the conversations they had at the tire swing, I would not have minded that. And I probably would have not been as frustrated with Kelly's obstinacy because I would have understood better the emotional impact Tom's leaving had on her. I liked that Charles kind of voiced what I felt as a reader. It is pretty idiotic to say you choose not to love someone. I'm glad she got over that mentality even if it meant accidentally revealing everything to his volunteer on-site team. I was excited for them to relocate to CA.
Regarding how much and how long they both were attracted to each other it's on one side surprising they never tried to stay in touch and on the other hand it's understandable - would be too hard.It was partly amusing to see how they struggled to keep they thoughts and emotions at bay but than constantly played with fire - not the best idea or at least it couldn't work very good if they wanted to success in both areas :-)
Their relationship was very ambivalent - as soon as they kissed - but I had the felling it was never really ballanced. The mutual attraction made it immpossible for them to stay away from each other but also kept them already apart in the time they acted as friends after Tom helped Kelly the first time with her father and she finally found a person she could speak about his alcohol issues / addiction.
After his injury and with all the external factors the relationship was changed again and both struggled to find their place. I think it's once again a great example how much harm lack of communication can do to a relationship.
I always thought a long lasting friendship should usually make it much easier to find a common ground to start to talk with each other - but it shows how wrong I am.
Agnieszka wrote: "I finished the book today and to be honest struggled with it pretty much. The odd thing is I kind of liked it but I still needed ten days to read it (usually if I like a book it would take two max...."