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J.D. Robb discussion
In Death Buddy Reads 2016 - 2021
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Memory In Death Buddy Read - Jan. 2018
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I also got the answer to my question that Roarke had the dia..."
The gifts were perfect! I agree, Robb definitely made this special. Always so much thought & heart in these books.
What were your thoughts on Eve & Trudy and the way it impacted Eve, both in the past & present.When you think that this child had gone through years of horrendous abuse and with no contact with any other human outside of 2 people who didn't even treat her as human. You think about the time in a strange and frightening place like a hospital as her first exposure to humanity, then the second exposure for another few weeks in a group situation. Then the third exposure is 6 months in her first home with a family. Think about an 8 year old child that had no normality to base this experience on and a vindictive cruel woman and you have a very good reason for Eve's suppression of these memories and immediate flashback (we're talking PTSD here) and her reactions. Think how the woman said she was her mother when Eve had no memory of her mother and then the explosion of memory, the shock, the fear, etc etc and you can easily explain Eve's reactions and behaviors.
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Did you feel any sympathy whatsoever for Bobby?In some ways yes, in some ways no.
He's a basically sweet, uncomplicated man who had been conditioned to be manipulated by a certain type of woman, so the sympathy is in the conditioning etc etc.
The sympathy stops when you think that there is no way he wouldn't have seen her vindictiveness with others and still made excuses for her and his wilful blindness to both of the women in his life.
Share your thoughts on Roarke's meeting with Trudy in his office.Roarke loved this. He really enjoyed being a very, very scary Roarke and intimidating Trudy and basically paying her back a little for her treatment of Eve. We rarely see Roarke's toughness and his steely resolve with this sort of person one to one.
Eve brushes Peabody off, but Peabody knows who to call - Roarke! Thoughts on this and the "shower" scene?Peabody is an intuitive and smart woman who knows very well when to push and when not to. She also knows who can care for Eve when Eve doesn't want anyone around. Eve's reaction is like a wounded animal and it takes Roarke to bring her out of this.
Eve's reaction, going into the shower the way she did is explained by this wounded animal aspect in addition to the way where she was forced to bathe in cold water whilst with this woman.
I really felt badly for Eve. She had suffered so much with her father and just when she thought she had gotten away, she landed up with that evil woman! It really isn't fair :(I actually did feel sorry for Bobby. It wasn't his fault that his mother was a complete sadist, and he tried his best to help the girls when he could. He was also a child after all...
Roarke's handling of Trudy was perfect. Luring her in with a false sense of security and then pouncing. Sort of like a cat toying with its prey, lol!
I love Dennis Mira. He comes across as so befuddled but he's really intuitive and knows exactly what to do and say to Eve to help her in the moment.
As to the killer, I guessed it after the "kidnapping attempt". It just didn't make sense that someone who wanted money would make a threat against Zana and not follow through with the extortion. I didn't figure out that she was actually the girl who died in Florida though. That was a very good twist.
Wow. Sandra. Lots of questions. And lots of great opinions and answers to your questions. I agree with everything said. Of course I have to add my 5 cents worth I've never thought of Eve having PTSD but your right that's exactly how Robb wrote it. The unexpected followed by bad flashbacks. Of course she would run away to recoup. I was just glad Peabody caught her. Although her reaction to Summerset would also have had a call going out to Roarke. Those two can say what they want but it it brilliant of Robb to not only have Peabody see something is wrong but Summerset also caught her when she got home.
The shower scene and its aftermath . How far has Eve not come? To say what she felt about Roarke having family and Eve having nothing. I don't think Eve would have been capable of even voicing something like this before. I felt heartbroken for her. She had a point. Timing of when she says it ? But then these two don't really have those discussions ever without some sort of drama let's say. Did anyone see this coming? I hadn't and somehow what she said was that much more of a punch. What she said was true in so many ways. Never has she indicated that that was in here, bubbling. She told Roarke his mothers photo shouldn't be in a drawer. She's always asking him about his family and how they are doing. I never would have guest that there was jealous that he has family and she has nothing. And now this woman claiming to be her mother.
Roarke and Trudy. This was Roarke finally able to do something to someone that had hurt his Eve. His hands was tied every time before by love of Eve . Remember homeland and the disc of those who did nothing? And boy was he scary. We all know he could have done far worse than what he did. Yet still he showed restrain. Because of Eve. Love that man
Dr Charlotte I think is genius. She knows her husband so well I think she subconsciously or not, planned that little scene. Feeney for the longest time was her father figure. I Mean the man showed her what it is to be a father and grandfather. But he never could have been like a father to her. Denis Mira fills that role perfectly. He has never seen Eve as anything but a young lady and I think treats her like he does his own girls. Can't wait to read his story when we get there.
Eve tells Roarke Trudy is HER problem and he should stay out of. Right or wrong, it hurt and angered him. Thoughts?There is a thought she has as driving home - 'she wasn't going to be sucked back in. She wasn't going to be a victim because of some voice from the past panicked her.'
I couldn't see how she could have had a balanced response - she has just had this massive block of memory released that was basically reinforcing her fear and self loathing - and she has in that instant a massive resentment that, once again, when their circumstances can be compared his had turned to gold when hers has been nothing but negative again.
Share your thoughts on Dennis Mira and the role he's stepping into in Eve's life.Eve is very intuitive for all of her issues and bloody mindedness, and she feels the basic kindness and love a person like Dennis Mira has. I think in a way she has the same attraction and reactions a child would have with him as she subconcsiously recognises and unknowingly needs.
I personally think that Feeney was and is the tougher and disciplinarian side of being the kind of father she needed when Eve became his partner when in Homicide. Dennis Mira is the softer side of being a father. The father who makes hot chocolate for his child gives her a pair of gloves before she goes out in the cold. Bolsters her up a bit in his own bumbling sweet way.
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Sandra it's the new eyes!! I love when we get fresh insight.
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So true, Michelle! Love it!
Michelle wrote: "Wow. Sandra. Lots of questions. And lots of great opinions and answers to your questions. I agree with everything said. Of course I have to add my 5 cents worth I've never thought of Eve having P..."
I recognized PTSD early on. I remember someone (I don't think it was this group) mentioning that they were upset that a nightmare came back in a later book. There isn't anyway that someone who experienced the life that Eve had to ever get rid of nightmares completely even though they sometimes dull. I think Robb does an excellent job making Eve a real person with realistic fears and hangups that she hides from most people.
I was thinking about Dennis Mira earlier today. I think the reason Eve broke down with him goes back to C.Mira's comment earlier when Eve realized that Trudy only searched for her because of Roarke. It is hard to know you don't mean anything someone and Eve didn't mean anything to anyone until she became an adult. Dennis Mira always shows Eve affection and kindness. When he offered it to her at this point in the story it overwhelms Eve. Eve let all her walls and defenses down and appreciates what a good man he is and becomes emotional. I know I've said it before but Dennis Mira is a beautiful man with a lot of love in his heart.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Spoiler Alert! Open discussions have started.In Memory, we finally learn what happened to Eve in the period of time between her escaping her father's abuse and her joining the Academy. As Cookie ..."
When Roarke met with Trudy in his office, he scared me! Trudy definitely would have understood how serious he was about her staying away from Eve.
I did feel sorry for Bobby throughout this book. Obviously, he didn't really know his mother and what she was capable of.
Share your thoughts on Dennis Mira and the role he's stepping into in Eve's life.I love Dennis Mira. He is such a gentle soul. Eve was able to see that there are good men/ good fathers.
When and how did you figure out the killer in Memory? Did you ever suspect Roarke? Share your thoughts on Peabody's "interview" of Roarke.
Not sure why, but I suspected the killer from the first scene she was in. She just didn't seem right to me. There were too many comments that made me think, it could be her. And when there were other women that had been treated horribly by Trudy, I wondered if she was one.
I never suspected Roarke!
I really enjoyed Peabody's interview of Roarke. She was trying to do her job, knowing that Roarke was innocent. I think she did a good job under the circumstances.
one scene has puzzled me. When Roarke and Summerset are sharing a glass of brandy and Summerset says he would not have picked Eve for Roarke. I would have thought by now that Summerset has made peace with the fact that Eve and Roarke are so right for each other. I really like how Roarke explained his feelings to summerset.
Susan I think he has. But sometimes your mind says one think but your heart says another. Summerset knows that Eve and Roarke are good but he will always bring that point up. I think what is important is what is said after. It's that but that's important
By this point in the relationship Summerset knows Eve is the right woman for Roarke. He said. "She's not what I'd have chosen for you"
Roarke: Oh, That I know
Summerset: But she's right for you. The one for you.
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I'm coming to this discussion late again, but I have -- as always -- been glad to read all the comments and opinions. I would like to get to know the Miras better: at first glance, he just doesn't look like the right fit as her spouse. Obviously, he has depths we are just beginning to plumb on Eve's behalf. Good on him....
Charlene, I thought the same thing when we were first introduced to Dennis but obviously there is much more to him than we first saw. I fell a little bit in love with him when he was talking to Eve.Summerset has always puzzled me as to why he can be so nice to everyone but Eve. But I think I understand him a bit better after reading his discussion with Roarke. He's winning me over...
Summerset is nice to everyone but Eve is because he thought Eve was not good enough for Roarke. Rock is like a son to him and he only wants the best forget it will be thawed eve was not good enough.As for Dennis Mira he's the dad that every girl wish she had one who's understanding and kind and always ready to listen to what you say.
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I always think of the barbecue that happened at the Mira's. That is where I really fell in love with Dennis. I also loved how Roarke insisted that's goes to Mira. To keep her appointment.
Dennis Mira is that absent minded professor type. He is very cerebral most of the time; he doesn't think about clothes, what goes with what, etc. What he excels at is loving with his whole heart. He loves his wife, his children, and now Eve because she needs it. He is one of my favorite characters.As far as Summerset, I think his conversation with Nixie gives us a hint about his relationship with Eve. He looked for his reincarnated daughter (IMO) and Eve isn't that woman. I'm sure Summerset spent a lot of time teaching Marlena and Roarke etiquette, the finer things, dress, etc.: Eve never had anyone to spend that time with her or even care about her. In that way, she fell short of Summerset's initial expectations. However, now that he sees how much Eve loves Roarke and vice versa he loves her too in his own special way. Their verbal sparing is the way they show love to each other without embarrassing the other person. I hope that makes sense.
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I agree, Sandra. Sharon put her finger right on the spot about both Denis and Summerset. Eve was never going to be a Marlena type for Roarke.
My husband was an absent-minded professor for 43 years, before Alzheimer's Disease forced his retirement early. One thing I remember is that he would fill his tweed sport coat pockets with acorns for the squirrels, and would dispense them on his walk to the lab. I wonder if anyone else saw him do this!! Good memory.
He became a substitute American father for a young woman we met from Scotland, while I was doing postgrad work in northern England. She still asks about "the Professor."
Sharon, great insight into these 2 characters.
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Eve was never going to be a Marlena type for Roarke.
My husband was an absent-minded professor for 43 yea..."
Hugs, Charlene. I can't imagine how hard his illness is on you both. It sounds like you have some beautiful memories to cherish.
Charlene wrote: "I agree, Sandra. Sharon put her finger right on the spot about both Denis and Summerset. Eve was never going to be a Marlena type for Roarke.
My husband was an absent-minded professor for 43 yea..."
Hugs Charlene.
Charlene wrote: "I agree, Sandra. Sharon put her finger right on the spot about both Denis and Summerset. Eve was never going to be a Marlena type for Roarke.
My husband was an absent-minded professor for 43 yea..."
What a beautiful memory.
Thanks, all. We're in eleventh year of Alzheimer's, so good days for him are few and far between. I'm trying to keep my composure by remembering all the loving things he has done for me in the past. Helps when he can't remember my name. Your virtual hugs mean a lot.
Charlene wrote: "I agree, Sandra. Sharon put her finger right on the spot about both Denis and Summerset. Eve was never going to be a Marlena type for Roarke.
My husband was an absent-minded professor for 43 yea..."
That is a beautiful memory, Charlene. My thoughts are with you.
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Charlene wrote: "Thanks, all. We're in eleventh year of Alzheimer's, so good days for him are few and far between. I'm trying to keep my composure by remembering all the loving things he has done for me in the past..."I'm so sorry Charlene. I watched family go through the same fight. I keep praying they will find a cure in the near future.
That is such a sweet memory, Charlene. Keep your chin up and take care of yourself too. You are in my thoughts.
Charlene wrote: "I agree, Sandra. Sharon put her finger right on the spot about both Denis and Summerset. Eve was never going to be a Marlena type for Roarke.
My husband was an absent-minded professor for 43 yea..."
Charlene, Your post was just lovely of the memories you have shared and the memories you still think about. Its lovely how a story can get us thinking of something good in our life. Alzheimer's is the worst for the people on the outside not having your loved ones remember you.
Eve tells Roarke Trudy is HER problem and he should st..."
I LOVE Dennis Mira & this scene between him & Eve. Just beautiful. She sees the family she never had in the Mira's and Dennis takes her right in & treats her like a daughter. Loved it.