J.D. Robb discussion
In Death Buddy Reads 2016 - 2021
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Origin In Death Buddy Read - Dec. 2017

Some of the Eve & Roarke scenes in this one are among my favorites. I say that a lot I know.
Barbara "Cookie" wrote: "Will start read soon. Why are secondary characters a spoiler?"
Only to save space.
Only to save space.


Sharon wrote: "I started but I want to chat. Waiting until closer to 12/8 to continue."
I know what you mean, Sharon. I prefer being able to discuss openly as I read.
I know what you mean, Sharon. I prefer being able to discuss openly as I read.

That's why I always wait till closer to the 8th. I always forget too much when I have to wait that long.
Open discussions on Origin in Death are open! Feel free to discuss this book without spoiler tags!
So - How did Origin in Death hit you? What is the Momentous defining moment for you? Was this one all about the case or more about character relationship development in your opinion? Share any favorite quotes.

For me, it is more about the case and the ethics of science getting to advanced and doing more harm than good. However, ever case ties back to Eve or Roarke and this one isn't any different. Eve suffers whenever any of the girls/women in her cases deal with abusive men.

What was said that a project started out of love, turned to be so ugly when both Icove’s decided to start cloning the children.


That's why I always wait till closer to the 8th. I always forget too much when I have to wait that long."
I always wait until closer to the 8th to start it too. I don't want to forget anything. I finally started highlighting but sometimes I'm so involved in the story, I forget to do it...

The basis of the story is a conflict and fear that we humans have with Science - the old dilemma of the morals and ethics that accompany a technology that alters the natural order of things.
I think the other impact for me is the other dilemma of the imprinting these girls and women went through and the implicit brainwashing they endured. I wonder how they would overcome the training once freed, or if anything would need to be done at all.
lol - there are many questions I had on the future of these women I could go on for a long time about all sorts of issues.
The dilemma of morals/ethics vs. science/technology is a big one! And just where should the line be drawn? I do think this book showcases the "futuristic" aspects of this series more than some of the others...and takes it to another level.

I love the running gag (or whatever anyone wants to call it) of how Eve goes near a vending machine and she practically has to grab someone walking by or get someone from Homicide to work the Vending machines.
I like this story line because we’ve all been there when one day the machine gives what you want, the next day it eats your money and no one is around to give you back your money.
Mara wrote: "I always get a kick out oh her being afraid of cows & cattle of all things.
I love the running gag (or whatever anyone wants to call it) of how Eve goes near a vending machine and she practically ..."
Lol Mara! I love that too! Eve & her vending machine and/or technology woes always make me laugh. Love the humor that's written into this series in one form or another. The whole candy thief scenario is another one. Scenes like these help balance the scales with some of the dark, tragic scenes in these books also.
I love the running gag (or whatever anyone wants to call it) of how Eve goes near a vending machine and she practically ..."
Lol Mara! I love that too! Eve & her vending machine and/or technology woes always make me laugh. Love the humor that's written into this series in one form or another. The whole candy thief scenario is another one. Scenes like these help balance the scales with some of the dark, tragic scenes in these books also.
How do you feel about the clones in Origin? Seeing three of Avery sitting side by side, answering as one was just plain creepy! And what about the children who are destroyed because they don't measure up? It also brings one of Robb's often used themes, "Nature vs. Nurture" into play once again (as well as the moral vs science aspect.) Would either bear any effect on these three? Or are they truly identical in every way no matter their environment?
Roarke's family is coming for Thanksgiving! Share your thoughts on the way both Roarke & Eve handled it.
One of the most intense scenes occurred between Eve & Dr. Mira as Mira struggled to accept that a man she admired, that she looked up to, was basically a brilliant monster. The scene where Eve orders her out & Mira refuses to leave was so intense. Why do you think Robb chose to put these two at odds in this way? What purpose do you feel it served in the context of the book/series?
The. Coat.!!! Gotta talk about the coat Roarke gives Eve! Eve LOVES it and it creates a lot of "coat envy" - especially from our girl, Peabody! Why do you think it's easier for Eve to accept & even sincerely thank Roarke for this gift vs. others? What does it mean/symbolize to her?

I really dislike scenes like this one. Eve has them with other characters in other books too. It makes me feel that although I love her to death in the books I probably wouldn't really want to be her friend in real life! She comes across as so hard and unbending.

These poor clones have done nothing to deserve any of what is thrust on them. Those that passively accepted their lives and looked forward to what was ahead of them were lucky in a way. Those who didn't had a great burden to carry for a long time. They are treated like droids instead of humans - if not perfect enough they were terminated.
There was no nuturing in their upbringing, although they would have been 'programmed' to be nurturers if that was part of their role. They were expected to reach perfection - just read the prologue, I think it says it all.
I think the comment Mira made before and after the interview was telling - before the interview she stated that there was no way they could be identical as their life experiences would be different. After the interview, she basically stated the oppposite and agreed they could not be separated.
The other thing that I thought of when this one finished is what happened to those that were indoctrinated into those positions of power to influence society into bringing "Quiet Birth" and breeding super humans into law.
scenes occurred between Eve & Dr. Mira
I think these issues which come about with Eve, Mira and a few others is that Eve unknowingly sees them in some sort of parental type role. As she has little experience in these relationships, she is somewhat childish in her expectation of them being without flaw. This mean the "idol with feet of clay" senarios come up occasionally. Yes they are intense, but they are basically essential for both Eve and those around her to grow within each of their relationships.
Roarke's family is coming for Thanksgiving!
Again - its this fumbling around with the unknown. Neither of them have experience with blood kin, let alone a large, brash Irish family. Both have basically been isolated emotionally from those sorts of ties. They can come across as being funny with the panic and second thoughts etc etc, but there is an underlying sadness that goes with the realisation of how much was missed.
The. Coat.!!!
Eve loves leather - it is the ONLY piece of clothing/material she cares/has a weakness for. There are places in the series where it is almost like the leather gives her a sense of security. We can all relate to the coat envy when a friend has that one leather coat "to die for".

Definitely more about the case, which may explain why its one of my favorites. I like the character development books too but the ones with plots that grab me and make me think are my favorites.

I'm not sure that is right. Avril and the others did help plan and execute the murders. They were accomplices before, during and after. It is just that Eve believed their actions were actually self-defense and protecting others because the Icoves were evil and experimenting on children. Justice was done in her view.

Agreed!

It was seriously creepy!
I don't think they were identical in every way. They did have different life experiences when they were apart and as such were different despite their physical similarities and the brain-washing.
Dr. Mira
While I was disappointed in their argument, Mira allowed her personal feelings and respect for Dr. Icove to affect her judgment. Eve was right to call her out on it and Mira ultimately realizes that.
Love Roarke's family and all the reactions to the coat, lol!
Lauren wrote: "The Clones"
It was seriously creepy!
I don't think they were identical in every way. They did have different life experiences when they were apart and as such were different despite their physical..."
I agree with you about Dr. Mira allowing her personal feelings about Dr. Icove - as a respected colleague, a man she had placed on a pedestal with the utmost respect - to color her view and opinion of this case/suspect. Eve can be harsh, but in this case, I think she had to call Mira out as she followed her instincts and the evidence. I think these scenes between them facilitated even more growth in their relationship...showing that it's strong enough, loving enough, for them to work through & survive a professional disagreement of this magnitude. I don't fault Eve in this case.
It was seriously creepy!
I don't think they were identical in every way. They did have different life experiences when they were apart and as such were different despite their physical..."
I agree with you about Dr. Mira allowing her personal feelings about Dr. Icove - as a respected colleague, a man she had placed on a pedestal with the utmost respect - to color her view and opinion of this case/suspect. Eve can be harsh, but in this case, I think she had to call Mira out as she followed her instincts and the evidence. I think these scenes between them facilitated even more growth in their relationship...showing that it's strong enough, loving enough, for them to work through & survive a professional disagreement of this magnitude. I don't fault Eve in this case.
Linda wrote: ""What kind of name is Amaryllis?" Eve demanded when she and Peabody were back in the car.
"Floral. You're jealous."
"I'm what?"
"You and Morris have a thing. Most of us have a little thing for Morr..."
You can post without spoiler tags now, Linda. We're in open discussions! And I love that quote!!
"Floral. You're jealous."
"I'm what?"
"You and Morris have a thing. Most of us have a little thing for Morr..."
You can post without spoiler tags now, Linda. We're in open discussions! And I love that quote!!
There are some great, humorous scenes between Eve & Peabody in Origin! I absolutely love their snarky banter! Peabody's envy over the coat, Peabody & her constant infatuation with being "fat" (this time it's her nose! haha), Peabody getting a little jealous over McNab...they're all priceless scenes! And, of course, they serve to not only provide some humorous relief, but to also continue growing Eve & Peabody's relationship. Share your favorites!



This book will end up being one of my favorites (I think!). This one was mostly about the case for me which is unusual. Usually, the characters are what really drags me in but this case was so emotional. I loved how these women just wanted to save their children. And Deena taking the blame to save the others. Of course, I continue to love the characters and how their relationships with each other and with Eve & Roarke continue to grow. The scenes with his family were hilarious. The scene where they find out that they need to go to birthing classes was hilarious. And the scene where Peabody first sees the "coat" was great.
"The coat! The coat! Her hand shot out to rub leather and Eve slapped it away. No touching the coat. Can I sniff it? PLease! Please! Please!
One sniff..."

I agree. Their relationship is my favorite for the secondary characters. I love how she got jealous. And when she tells Eve that she loves McNab. Eve's reaction was priceless! I think a big part of why I love Peabody/McNab so much is that they add humor to cases that on their own would be so depressing.
Karen ♐ wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "So - How did Origin in Death hit you? What is the Momentous defining moment for you? Was this one all about the case or more about character relationship develop..."
Love that quote! :)
Love that quote! :)

I started highlighting but then forgot to continue because I was so wrapped up in the story!
Karen ♐ wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Karen ♐ wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "So - How did Origin in Death hit you? What is the Momentous defining moment for you? Was this one all about t..."
LOL Karen! Sign of a good book & great author! :)
LOL Karen! Sign of a good book & great author! :)

That's why I always wait till closer to the 8th. I always forget too much when I have to wait that long."
I always wait ..."
You can say that again. I've forgotten what I'm suppose to keep track of in this retread.
Books mentioned in this topic
Coma (other topics)Origin in Death (other topics)
Synopsis/Blurb:
Set in 2059 in New York City, the number-one bestselling In Death series has given fans a searing glimpse into near-future law and order. Now, as scientists work to expand the limits of technology, Detective Eve Dallas tracks the cunning, cold-blooded killer of a father and son.
A pioneer of modern reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, Dr. Wilfred B. Icove, is found dead in his office--murdered in a chillingly efficient manner: one swift stab to the heart. Struck by the immaculate condition of the crime scene, Dallas suspects a professional killing. Security disks show a stunningly beautiful woman calmly entering and leaving the building--the good doctor's final appointment. Known as "Dr. Perfect," the saintly Icove devoted his life to his family and his work. His record is clean. Too clean for Dallas. She knows he was hiding something and suspects that his son--and successor--knows what it is. Then, like father, like son, the young Dr. Icove is killed . . . with the same deadly precision. But who is the mystery woman--and what was her relationship with the good doctors?
While her husband, Roarke, works behind the scenes, Dallas follows her darkest instincts into the Icoves' pasts. What she discovers are men driven to create perfection--playing fast and loose with the laws of nature, the limits of science, and the morals of humanity.
Origin in Death proves once again the incredible appeal of Eve Dallas and the bestselling popularity of her creator. Whether writing as herself or as J. D. Robb, Nora Roberts continues to push the boundaries of suspense--and she takes delighted fans along for the ride.
Approximate Timeline: Nov. 20159
Character List:
Eve Dallas
Roarke
Ryan Feeney
Mavis Freestone
Nadine Furst
Leonardo
Ian McNab
Charlotte Mira
Delia Peabody
Laurence Summerset
Jack Whitney
Dickie Berenski
Crack
Louise Dimatto
Galahad
Jenkinson
Charles Monroe
Li Morris
Cher Reo
Chief Tibble
Trina
Anna Whitney
Minor Characters & Peripheral Characters
(view spoiler)[Alise Brody
Connor Brody
Edward 'Ned' Brody
Maggie Brody
Amaryllis Coltraine
Donatella
Deena Flavia
Max Gaitor
James Hyer
Avril Hannson Icove
'Ben' Icove
Wilfred B. Icove Jr.
Sinead Lannigan
Officer Otts
Pia
Carla Poole
Adam Quincy
Diana Rodriguez
Evelyn Samuels
Lee-Lee Ten
Siobhan Brody
Magdalene Cruz
Brian Delaney
Brianne Delaney
Myra Delaney
Dimitri Flavia
Jasmina Free
Wilfred B. Icove Sr.
Maude Jacobs
Bridget O'Brian
Hector Rodriguez
Eva Hannson Samuels
Bryhern Speegal
Anna Trevani
Jonah Delecourt Wilson
(hide spoiler)]