J.D. Robb discussion

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In Death Buddy Reads 2016 - 2021 > Origin In Death Buddy Read - Dec. 2017

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message 1: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
Next up is Origin in Death. It's hard to believe we're approaching the halfway point of the series (again!). Open discussion will begin on Dec. 8. Please feel free to join in and share your thoughts with us!

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)


message 2: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
Looking forward to another one! :)


message 3: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Kallenberger Marzola | 3059 comments This is an interesting story. If I'm not mistaken, Robb wrote this when there were controversial news articles about this topic.

Some of the Eve & Roarke scenes in this one are among my favorites. I say that a lot I know.


Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams (goodreadscomcookiew1801) | 1573 comments Will start read soon. Why are secondary characters a spoiler?


message 5: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
Barbara "Cookie" wrote: "Will start read soon. Why are secondary characters a spoiler?"

Only to save space.


Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams (goodreadscomcookiew1801) | 1573 comments Okay


message 7: by Michelle (new)

Michelle | 2651 comments Another goody. I'll be reading with everyone but stalking the comments, adding as I can. It's a crazy month ahead for me.


message 8: by Linda (new)

Linda | 65 comments Definitely a goody - I've just finished rereading the series (yet again) and can happily reread this one, maybe this time I can remember to make some notes and highlights. (I get so engrossed I forget). Looking forward to the discussion.


message 9: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
Dec. 1!!! Who's started reading or rereading? Me! :)


message 10: by Barbara "Cookie" (new)

Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams (goodreadscomcookiew1801) | 1573 comments Just finished cannot wait for December 8


message 11: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Kallenberger Marzola | 3059 comments I started but I want to chat. Waiting until closer to 12/8 to continue.


message 12: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
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.


message 13: by Michelle (new)

Michelle | 2651 comments You could always start and just put it in spoiler. . . .

That's why I always wait till closer to the 8th. I always forget too much when I have to wait that long.


message 14: by Phrynne (new)

Phrynne | 366 comments Just started it. The Peabody/Eve dialogue is so good!!!


message 15: by Lauren (new)

Lauren (laurenjberman) | 1131 comments I've started and am almost 1/2 through.
Enjoying the case so far.


message 16: by Mara (new)

Mara Pemberton (marapem) Have about 4hrs. in listening.


message 17: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
Open discussions start tomorrow! :)


message 18: by Barbara "Cookie" (new)

Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams (goodreadscomcookiew1801) | 1573 comments Yay can't wait


message 19: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
Open discussions on Origin in Death are open! Feel free to discuss this book without spoiler tags!


message 20: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
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.


message 21: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Kallenberger Marzola | 3059 comments 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 development in your opinion? Share any favo..."

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.


message 22: by Mara (new)

Mara Pemberton (marapem) We who are faithful readers of this series knows how BY THE BOOK in regards to the law Eve is. It warmed my heart that she was willing to let Avril and the other clones go. She did not think they plotted along with Dena to kill Icove, Sr. or Junior.

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.


message 23: by Barbara "Cookie" (new)

Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams (goodreadscomcookiew1801) | 1573 comments This not one of my favorite "In Death" book but you see now much more Eve has grown and hove love enter her life. One of my favorite scene is when she come home and a baby come running up to her. The kick ass Eve is terrified by a small baby running up to her.


message 24: by Karen ♐ (new)

Karen ♐ (kmk1214) | 789 comments Michelle wrote: "You could always start and just put it in spoiler. . . .

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...


message 25: by Linda (last edited Dec 08, 2017 03:24PM) (new)

Linda | 65 comments Hmm, to me this book is where the investigation and what it uncovers is the greater part of the story. The moral dilemma that Eve faces when these 3 people are murdered (and when she focused on the reason why it was easily an understandable action) and the relief when APA Reo confirms neither of the killers could be tried.
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.


message 26: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
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.


message 27: by Mara (new)

Mara Pemberton (marapem) 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 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.


message 28: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
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.


message 29: by Sandra (last edited Dec 08, 2017 08:34PM) (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
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?


message 30: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
Roarke's family is coming for Thanksgiving! Share your thoughts on the way both Roarke & Eve handled it.


message 31: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
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?


message 32: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
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?


message 33: by Phrynne (last edited Dec 08, 2017 09:28PM) (new)

Phrynne | 366 comments Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "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 orde..."

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.


message 34: by Linda (last edited Dec 08, 2017 11:22PM) (new)

Linda | 65 comments How do you feel about the clones in Origin?
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".


message 35: by Linda (last edited Dec 08, 2017 11:21PM) (new)

Linda | 65 comments (view spoiler)
Love this by-play between Peabody and Dallas.


message 36: by Lauren (new)

Lauren (laurenjberman) | 1131 comments 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 development in your opinion? Share any favo..."

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.


message 37: by Lauren (new)

Lauren (laurenjberman) | 1131 comments Mara wrote: "It warmed my heart that she was willing to let Avril and the other clones go. She did not think they plotted along with Dena to kill Icove, Sr. or Junior.."

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.


message 38: by Lauren (new)

Lauren (laurenjberman) | 1131 comments Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "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 t..."

Agreed!


message 39: by Lauren (new)

Lauren (laurenjberman) | 1131 comments 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 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!


message 40: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
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.


message 41: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
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!!


message 42: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
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!


message 43: by Jalayne (new)

Jalayne | 78 comments I smile reading about Peabody's relationship with Mcnab. Their dynamics and relationship are just about my favorite for some reason.


message 44: by Barbara "Cookie" (new)

Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams (goodreadscomcookiew1801) | 1573 comments Me too, Peabody and her main man is fun and I love how Eve act when Peabody take about her life with him


message 45: by Karen ♐ (new)

Karen ♐ (kmk1214) | 789 comments 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 development in your opinion? Share any favo..."

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..."


message 46: by Karen ♐ (new)

Karen ♐ (kmk1214) | 789 comments Jalayne wrote: "I smile reading about Peabody's relationship with Mcnab. Their dynamics and relationship are just about my favorite for some reason."

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.


message 47: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
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! :)


message 48: by Karen ♐ (new)

Karen ♐ (kmk1214) | 789 comments 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 the case or more about character rela..."

I started highlighting but then forgot to continue because I was so wrapped up in the story!


message 49: by Sandra (new)

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11211 comments Mod
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! :)


message 50: by Michelle (new)

Michelle | 2651 comments Karen ♐ wrote: "Michelle wrote: "You could always start and just put it in spoiler. . . .

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.


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