J.D. Robb discussion
In Death Buddy Reads 2016 - 2021
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Purity In Death Buddy Read - May 2017
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Speaking of Summerset - enjoyed the scene when he talks to Eve and discloses a bit about the urban wars. So much more to this man than we know at this point in the series.
Another great scene - When Eve is wondering if she is any different than these vigilantes because she, too, murdered a man/child molester (took the law into her own hands)...and Mira tells her "You killed to live, this group is living to kill."
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "It was so great to see Jamie again. I love his role in this one and the interaction between him with both Roarke & Eve. Laughed out loud when he described Summerset as the Walking Dead! hahaSpeak..."
I really liked Jamie. Assuming this isn't his only appearance. And Summerset is really growing on me. It was interesting to find out more info about him and what he's experienced.
I also really enjoy how Mira is helping Eve to accept herself and what she had to do to survive.
Summerset gets better with every book. His relationship with Eve is interesting and unique. They are at a place where they a fond of each other but won't admit it. The banter between these two characters are some of the best scenes in the series. At the end, Summerset shows once again, for all his jabs and insults, that he admires Eve. He tells Eve about the Urban wars and she said she doesn't want to make history, to which he responds, "That's a pity because you've done so tonight."
I also liked the scene where they were discussing McNab's progress. It's these glimpses of trust. I mean she trusted Summerset to take care of McNab. I'll say it again. Summerset needs his own book.
Sharon wrote: "One of my favorite scenes and one that I believe is very emotional is when Eve meets with Halloway's mother. Eve is so intimidated by Anna Whitney at first but when she says "Do you know the one ..."
Thank you for bring up this scene Sharon. And yes when she has to she really does a great job of comforting.
This scene made me think of Trueheart's mom in the hospital after his injury. The admiration of her fellow cops. And so of there parents and trust that she will do whatever it takes.
Speaking of admiration. That scene in Tibbles office and then Whitney's later about the captaincy. We've had this discussion before but this was brought front and center by her peers. For me this book just made it so apparent that she's not ready for it. The politics alone would have her pull out her weapon. In my humble opinion. She deserves the bars but only if she can still be on the street. She'd never survive an office job. At this time I might add.
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Michelle wrote: "Sharon wrote: "One of my favorite scenes and one that I believe is very emotional is when Eve meets with Halloway's mother. Eve is so intimidated by Anna Whitney at first but when she says "Do yo..."
I agree. She deserves the bars but she likes being in the thick of things more. Tibble pissed me off a little when he through Roarke in her face as the reason she didn't get the bars. That's not like him but obviously on everyone's mind.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "How did the case play out for you? Did you suspect Mayor Peachtree or did you see the twist coming about Clarissa Price in the end?"I like this case. Since most of my career is in technology, we often speculate about what the next big virus will do and how it will do more damage.
I didn't see the twist coming at all. The first time I read the book, I thought that Tibble was going to pay for protecting him. Eve is itching to get Peachtree into the interrogation room and Tibble keeps her away. It took a lot for Eve to control her temper. I didn't like that part but it is needed for the twist to work.
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Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "I agree, Michelle. She is capable but doesn't want it now. The thing about this scene for me is the acknowledgement by both that the reason Eve hasn't already been offered the opportunity to move u..."I wonder which case would have given her the bars. and that's also why I loved those scenes. Whitney has pr viously given her insight into how he feels about her work. But this was a direct convo about it.
Michelle wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "I agree, Michelle. She is capable but doesn't want it now. The thing about this scene for me is the acknowledgement by both that the reason Eve hasn't already be..."I don't believe it is one case that earned her the bars because most of her cases are high profile. My guess is the bars are deserved because her career is stellar. She doesn't let a case go cold.
Wow Sandra. Great questions. And multiples too. Okay here goes. I've read this so many times I can't remember what I thought the first time I read it. And honestly I don't read it for that. I will admit that I thought Chang was involved. Did not see the deputy involved.
That slap ? I wish she could have decked him. A slap sounds so tame. But knowing Eve it would have counted. As for her compromise with Dwyer? I think karma will take care of him. Or Eve might call on karma to take a hard look at him. People like that only think they get away free but what goes around comes around is my thought
Couple growth. Now that's everyone isn't it? The last few books have been character growth but this was melding and weaving of emotions and cementing other feelings. I mean Eve and Roarke are steadily growing as a couple. Ups and downs are just part of that growth. McNab and Peabody for me didn't grow. Yes they were there for each other. But McNab acknowledging he loves Peabody is big but as a couple they're not on the same page yet. Eve and Summerset are also growing. But that's also a constant that either has leaps or small steps. I think Mavis getting knocked up ( sorry just had to use that again. Lol ) was the biggest character growth. What a surprise. She seems so flighty and here she seems to be the most stable of the whole lot.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "There's a great deal of character relationship growth in Purity. What individual and/or couple do you think showed the most growth? What makes you feel that way?"For me, it feels like Peabody and McNabb have the biggest growth spurt. When McNab tells Peabody he was going to start an argument then break it off, Peabody doesn't let him. He knows she won't walk. That whole scene that ends with McNab saying "I love you, Peabody." He didn't want to miss the chance to say it and asks her to let it sink in.
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Another great moment for me - McNab trying to "cut Peabody loose"...he didn't want to saddle her with a man who might never walk again. I LOVE this couple - second only to Roarke & Eve.
Michelle it looks like you and I see Peabody and McNab differently. I was just talking to a friend about a couple books we read and we both have different interpretations and feelings about a few of them. Funny how people read the same thing differently. That is what is so fun about these discussions. I love looking at the stories through other readers' eyes.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "I'm also going to mention even more growth between Eve and Peabody - as friends and "family". Eve's talk with Peabody about backing off - not smothering McNab was something that close friends or fa..."I somehow forgot all about this. Eve and Peabody are really growing as partners. But as something more than that as well.
And I somehow forgot about McNab saying that he loved Peabody. But for me that was growth on McNab and it was kinda in the back of his mind after Roarke told him that's what he was. In love with her. And I kinda think that though Peabody would not have left him she's still not there yet. She has strong feelings She hasn't gotten to that I'm in love with him yet. This will push her there I know
Sharon wrote: "Michelle it looks like you and I see Peabody and McNab differently. I was just talking to a friend about a couple books we read and we both have different interpretations and feelings about a few o..."Sharon This is our second buddy read of In death together. But honestly this is my top buddy read. I'm always getting something new or just validation for something. Sorry my insecurities creep in so it feels great that someone else sees the same thing I did.
I was thinking about growth and Roarke is a great benefactor. When you think he was a "Dublin street rat" as Eve calls him. He does pay it forward a lot. We find out more about how he gives to school programs and mentors young people like Jamie. He is very generous in helping others. He didn't think twice about contacting the rehab place in Switzerland for McNab. He is letting these cops infiltrate his life.
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I encourage everyone to always be honest and open with their opinions and viewpoints - just as long as they're respectful. Thank you all for doing just that.
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Roarke is awesome and generous and caring. Can you tell I love Roarke?!! lol I really do love the tremendous growth in shows...especially with accepting Eve's coworkers/friends into his home and life. I really liked that he had arranged for and ready to pay for McNab's care in Switerzerland. Roarke is a giver.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "I do a lot of monthly buddy reads.....and I can say this is my favorite for the depth of the discussions we have and also the varying viewpoints expressed by participants. In a way, it's really cra..."Sandra I actually went back to our previous buddy read discussions. Not this one but last month's book. Talk about interesting.
I'll also second Sandra. Always be honest and open. We might not always be of the same opinions but we always welcome everyone's views.
I agree with you guys. Roarke is a great guy. That dressing down of Jamie had my heart going pitter patter because seeing him as father was so easy to see.
Michelle wrote: "I agree with you guys. Roarke is a great guy. That dressing down of Jamie had my heart going pitter patter because seeing him as father was so easy to see."Roarke is learning his fatherly skills. I love Eve's assessment. "Slap him down, break him, crush him into dust, then build him back up again."
I can't remember the book but Summerset made a comment about him once that was something like "despite everything that was done to him he has a kind heart." That's how I see Roarke. As much as he drives me sometimes he always redeems himself quickly.
I totally agree about Roarke too. Love him. Couple growth, I would pick Peabody and McNab. I think there continues to be growth in each book. Of course, Roarke and Eve's relationship grows in each book. And I also think there continues to be growth in Eve and Mira's relationship.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Share your favorite quote from Purity in Death"I loved this thoughtful quote:
“Justice doesn’t hide behind anonymity. It doesn’t operate without rules of conduct.”
Another good one showing Roarke's sense of humor:
“Man. God. Roarke."
"An interesting and flattering lineup.”
Another great scene between Dallas and Summerset:
“She'd barely stepped in, taken that first breath of cool, clean air, when Summerset, Roarke's majordomo, appeared in the foyer like an unwelcome vision.
"Yes, I missed the dinner," she said before he could open his mouth. "Yes, I'm a miserable failure as a wife and a poor example of a human being. I have no class, no courtesy, and no sense of decorum. I should be dragged naked into the streets and stoned for my sins."
Summerset raised one steel gray eyebrow. "Well, that seems to cover it."
"Good, saves time." She started up the stairs. "Is he back?"
"Just."
A little annoyed she'd given him no opportunity to criticize, he frowned after her. He'd have to be quicker next time.”
Why husbands don't give so good fashion advice in real life??? Although I have a feeling that some woman may start to complain that their husband is controlling and commanding if he did something like this...
“Don't wear those trousers with that shirt. What are you thinking?"
"I'm going to a bust, not a party."
"That's no reason not to look your best. Let's see, what's the well-dressed cop wearing these days to take down a major terrorist organization? You can't go wrong with basic black."
"Is this a joke?" she asked as he selected another shirt.
"Good fashion sense is never a joke." He handed her the shirt, slid a finger down the dent in her chin. "But it's good to see you smile again, Lieutenant. Oh, and wear the black boots, not the brown."
"I don't have any black boots."
He reached in, pulled out a pair of sturdy black leather. "You do now.”
As to couple growth, its wonderful to follow interactions betweenEve & Roarke, Eve & Mira, Eve & Summerset, Eve & Peabody. But also Peabody & McNab are fastly becoming my favorite couple (at first it was only physical for these two but its becoming so much more).
The clothes thing would be controlling if the woman was trying to dress well and her partner criticised her. In this case though Eve is seriously indifferent to fashion and it is sweet to see how Roarke buys everything for her, And sometimes she really appreciates it. I can remember incidents with warm gloves and also a leather coat or two.
I think this fashion thing going on between Eve & Roarke is very cute. Its funny how Roarke stocks her wardrobe with clothes, and Eve marvels on how this or that thing got into her wardrobe :DIts clear that Roarke has impeccable taste and as Eve has no time for shopping, then its very sweet of Roarke to do something like this for her. Lots of women by clothes for their husbands, so why some guy can not buy clothes for his wife?
Another very cute thing about Roarke is the way he carries in his pocket the simple gray button Eve lost. It was very poignant moment when it was revealed.
“I've been carrying this around like a schoolboy carries a lock of his sweetheart's hair."
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So agree. (view spoiler) Isn't it interesting that Roarke has the button and Eve has the teardrop with the St Jude medallion. And let's not forget the Celtic rings with there symbolism. Though Roarke is the more sentimental of the two.
Susan wrote: "When she finds out she means she is pregnant Eve thinks it contagious and wont touch Mavis or has to make sure she washes away any trace.."I loved that scene too! Lol and when Dr. Mira thought "knocked up" meant "knocked about" :0)
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "The opening scene of this story was graphic. What were your initial impressions of what was happening? What did you think of how Eve initially handled Trueheart at the scene and also her actions co..."Eve looks out for her own. It's why Trueheart, Peabody, and McNab, Baxter and Feeney, and even Webster are all in when she needs them.
I love how eve has realized that they are all her family.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "The "victims" in this case were scum, only getting a slap on the hand in court. Did they deserve any less justice - any less than Eve's best? Did they deserve what they got? Roarke & Eve seem to be..."While they were scum, there is no place for vigilantism in a moral and civilized society - this is where anarchy lies. As is made so clear in this book, there are always innocent bystanders and the choice of who is deemed "unworthy of living" is arbitrary. What if they had decided that Roarke was too corrupt to live?
Sharon wrote: "One of my favorite scenes and one that I believe is very emotional is when Eve meets with Halloway's mother. ."Yes, that was an excellent scene. On some level, I was waiting for Halloway's mother to blame Eve for what happened to her son. Instead, she demonstrated amazing courage.
Sharon wrote: "Once again Roarke takes over Eve's investigation and excludes her from a big decision"I'm going to have to disagree again, lol!
Eve asked Roarke to be on the case and the decision he made was related to the aspects that she delegated to him. Part of being a leader is accepting that those you assign to a task can do that task without constantly needing approval. Roarke did not make the decision lightly - all the other "e-men" agreed, and as they all know more about the technology than Eve does (even she admits this), it was the right one.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Speaking of Summerset - enjoyed the scene when he talks to Eve and discloses a bit about the urban wars. So much more to this man than we know at this point in the series.."Summerset's view here was very insightful. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands - that kind of power corrupts absolutely.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "How did the case play out for you? Did you suspect Mayor Peachtree or did you see the twist coming about Clarissa Price in the end?"I found it strange that Greene was killed but no attempt was made to take the blackmail evidence. It made me suspicious about everything that emerged from that death including the idea that the Mayor was a member of Purity.
As soon as the info on Peachtree was leaked, I thought "who benefits from this" and Franco came to mind immediately.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Did anyone besides me cheer when she bitch-slapped him?! haha "Loved that scene and Peabody at the end with the scummy Dukes!
Sharon wrote: "For me, it feels like Peabody and McNabb have the biggest growth spurt. When McNab tells Peabody he was going to start an argument then break it off, Peabody doesn't let him."I'm glad that played out the way it did and McNab didn't go for the start an argument to push her away nonsense. That would have been very irritating.
Michelle wrote: "I agree with you guys. Roarke is a great guy. That dressing down of Jamie had my heart going pitter patter because seeing him as father was so easy to see."Yup. That scene shows that Roarke is going to be an amazing father in the future :0)
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I found it strange that Gre..."
And I love that Eve got Franco in the end!
Lauren wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Once again Roarke takes over Eve's investigation and excludes her from a big decision"I'm going to have to disagree again, lol!
Eve asked Roarke to be on the case and the decision..."
Roarke didn't make the decision lightly but Eve is the lead. She checks in with her Commander before putting an op in place. Roarke needs to give her the same courtesy. If he wasn't aware of the risk, he wouldn't have cheated with the coin toss.
Roarke had a gun at the ready in case he messed up and he also locked the other men on the team out. All those decisions should be run by the team leader Eve.
I know most people don't look at these Roarke take-overs the way I do but if this was fact and not fiction, I'm not sure you would feel the same. Lord have mercy my team of techs page me at home with any problems or issues and they aren't implementing anything close to dangerous. It is a common courtesy in case there is a problem, I can justify the decisions to my boss.
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I'm going to have to disagree again, lol!
Eve asked Roarke to be on the case and the decision..."
That was my thoughts exactly, Lauren. Roarke didn't just insert himself into her investigation - Eve asked Roarke to help because it's his area of expertise. She again crossed into the "gray" area by also asking him to break the seal. And when Roarke made the decision to run the program himself - he was making sure neither Jamie or Feeney was put in danger. He took every precaution possible, but he chose to take the risk himself.
All good quotes. I forgot my book today but I'm pretty sure that I have most of these highlighted. ** Home now**Roarke's comment about Webster - that they have an understanding
Roarke sat, sipped his own wine. “Have you considered speaking to your old friend Webster?” She tapped her fingers on the arm of her chair now and kept her gaze steady on Roarke’s. There might have been amusement on his face— or something else. It was often tough to call.
“Maybe, unless you’re thinking that’d be a nice opportunity to pound his face in again.” Roarke sipped, smiled. “I believe Webster and I have a reasonable understanding. I can’t fault him for being attracted to my wife, as I’m very attracted to her myself. And he knows that if he puts his hands on what’s mine again, I’ll break every bone in his body into small, jagged pieces. It works well for us.”
Webster & Eve's conversation was a good one too. When he asked if Eve told Roarke that she was contacting him because he didn't want to kick his ass.
“You tell Roarke you were tagging me for this? Or is he going to get riled up so I have to kick his ass again?” “Oh, is that what you were doing when you had to be carried out of the room unconscious?”
“I like to remember it that I was just getting my second wind.”
Webster rubbed a hand over his jaw. He could still remember what Roarke’s fist had felt like plowing into it. Like a well-aimed brick. “Whatever works for you. And I don’t report to Roarke.” “You go on thinking that.” He took the coffee back from her, finished it off. “You’re so married I see little lovebirds circling over your head.” It mortified, right down to her toes. “Roarke’s not the only one who can knock you unconscious.”
Even though I would hate my hubby sticking his nose in my business, I just love Roarke and for some reason, I think that every time he involves himself in Eve's cases, he does it because he loves her and can't stand by without doing what he can. So I never get upset with him when he does this.