J.D. Robb discussion
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Missing In Death Buddy Read - Dec. 2018 - Spoiler Zone
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yes Sandra a novella works just fine. it will be a quick read
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Happy to realize that we have a novella for December as it's such a busy month! We'll open discussion on the 8th."I was thinking the same thing. And I can't remember it. I know I've read it but no bells ringing .
I don't think I read this one. I used one of my audio credits since the ebook is only available on Amazon UK
Found the book (anthology) in our state library system and ordered it.
Charlene wrote: "Found the book (anthology) in our state library system and ordered it."I'm going to stop at the Library this weekend. I will have the audio as backup.
Read it last night and this morning. No paranormal elements like in the last few novellas and the case itself was very interesting. Looking forward to the discussion.
Finished. Looking forward to the discussion
Yes. This might have been a novella but it has lots to discuss.
Michelle wrote: "Yes. This might have been a novella but it has lots to discuss."Yes, there is a lot packed into this short installment.
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Just started, can wait for the discussion.
I just started this one...Scribd has the audio.
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Share your thoughts!
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Eve makes the decision to allow a self-confessed killer to walk away! Yes, there are some great reasons, but it crosses a big line for her. And brings up the question: Did she have the right? She has always said she stands for the victim - always, whether they are good or bad. What makes this case different? In your opinion, did she make the right decision? Why or why not? How do you think it will affect her moving forward?
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Share your thoughts about the conflict that arose between Roarke & Eve over her reporting her findings to Homeland Security and the tie-in Robb brought back into this one with what Homeland did to Eve as a child. Roarke demanded 24 hours to investigate before she reported it and Eve gave it to him. Was she right to do so?
Was he not a victim too. In his world he is a victimization and if she taking him in , there would be no justice.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "I really enjoyed this novella. I'll jump straight to the biggest event, imo. Eve makes the decision to allow a self-confessed killer to walk away! Yes, there are some great reasons, but it crosse..."
I really enjoyed this novella. I have to say, this really shocked me. I never thought she would let him walk away. I did agree with her decision, however. I do wonder if Roarke's feelings are affecting her decisions.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "I loved this book for the character relationship development also. Really enjoyed more Eve & Peabody and Eve & Roarke time. Peabody brings such comic relief to otherwise heavy subjects. Share you..."
I think Eve might, in some instances, see that there are gray areas. Everything is not always black or white. I do love the character development in this series. I didn't expect much in this one since it was a novella but I was pleasantly surprised. Definitely more facets to Eve and Roarke's relationship.
I agree, Sandra, that this was closest to a gray area for Eve. She knew his crimes were sanctioned by governmental agencies, so she kept her ego from getting in the way. It was a close call for her, I think, since we see her pacing her private home office to write her report while the killer took off.Weird that Summerset knew him in the "old days."
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I agree, Charlene. This was a big line to cross for Eve - even under the circumstances. And it was a lot for Roarke & even Summerset to ask of her or put on her - knowing he would be dead before the day ended if she reported him. The scene where she breaks the discs, giving it to Roarke - a huge deal for her...but also interesting the way it mimicked Roarke breaking the discs with the info about her & Homeland Security from when she was a child - and how big a deal that was for him. Seems to show how far they will both go to protect and help each other. Almost like a circle closing in this one, imo.
I agree that Eve is starting to see the grey areas where before everything was very black and white to her. However, I also think she realized that if Homeland Security got their hands on Ivan, he wouldn't survive and justice would not be served. She's all about justice.
Karen ♐ wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "I loved this book for the character relationship development also. Really enjoyed more Eve & Peabody and Eve & Roarke time. Peabody brings such comic relief to o..."That the thing about the novellas. You'd be tempted to skip. And let be honest some you could but it's the suttle things that later might be important.
Charlene wrote: "I agree, Sandra, that this was closest to a gray area for Eve. She knew his crimes were sanctioned by governmental agencies, so she kept her ego from getting in the way. It was a close call for her..."I know. That was a huge surprise. And that he ran a background check on Eve! Again I say Summerset and the urban war needs to be explored.
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I so agree!
As for Eve letting him go. I agree with what has been mention. For my 5c? I think with both Roarke and Eve's history with homelands she had more insight into how things would have turned out. I think while she started to see how and why she was struggling with the word justice . Could I dare to say that she might have looked for an excuse to delve into that grey area!? Truly this was almost what had been her story. How could she allow them to punish someone that had been done unto. I just think I'd have thought for myself that is , how is it justice if they never answer for the crimes the commit yet the innocent are forever walking in darkness or guilt or something along those lines. Vigilantism is such a dark road with many, many pitfalls.
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Not saying I agree or disagree - just wondering.
I thought the same thing, Sandra. This would be a very difficult decision. Makes me think about the fact that our police have to make this decision all the time.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "I briefly thought the same thing, Michelle. That all she needed was an excuse to cross the line. I agree with what she did, but let's face it - there was a time she would have never even considered..."Well said Sandra. When we first met Eve this would never have been a thought or question. She was all for justice. She does her part and then the next step takes it further. Justice. But a lot has happened. She's ... I don't want to say aware because I think she know and has maybe previously come across or against homeland and the likes but before Roarke her stance and why she become a cop was different . With Roarke in her life she has had to broaden that narrow line she had. Life experience and the journey you walk will always affect you. That's growth and life; always evolving, always learning , always having to decide what is black and white and knowing that grey is also a color . I hope this makes sense
And I'm of the same mind. I don't agree or disagree. It's just makes one wonder.
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And of course it applies here. Eve no longer lives a solidary life with only one focus. She has broadened and stretched boundaries in every aspect of her life - including work. And yet...it still leaves me wondering: Does she have the right? Does anyone?
Isn't also interesting that this "grey" area is creeping in more and more. It seems every case has something that we could question. From her using Roarke's previous Connection and even using the secret computer room. Then there's the media and Nadine that she uses to her advantage. Does the end justify the mean?
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Great question, Michelle! Does it? It didn't used to when it came to Eve, but more & more it seems it does. I don't know. How do you know where to draw the line? And is it okay that the line keeps shifting? (Just things I ask myself as I read)
All good question Sandra. My problem is also that I know this is fiction and literary license is being taken. So do I really want my fiction to be that realistic? Yes I love the questions because it means the writing is good. It makes me take note and grow( that word again)
Michelle wrote: "Isn't also interesting that this "grey" area is creeping in more and more. It seems every case has something that we could question. From her using Roarke's previous Connection and even using the s..."This question first came up for me with Ceremony, I felt that Eve was not in character by covering up details at the crime scene. But as the series goes on, it becomes clear that there are grey areas. Yet it isn't easy for Eve to shade those areas. I think in this case, it was somewhat easier for her since Ivan did not kill the bystander and for Roarke's actions in the earlier case where he destroyed information for her benefit. These novellas are nice fillers and some like this one, do a good job of connecting past events with present ones.
Eve using Nadine doesn't bother me too much except when she is a little sneaky. Even then it doesn't bother me because Eve and Nadine usually have a showdown of sorts. In real life the powers that be use the media all the time. It is difficult to parse out what is true and what is an exaggeration anymore. I watch a lot of true crime and true detective programs (both US and international). The cops always debate how much, when and why they need to take the case to the media. Sometimes after the fact, they decide if the decision was right or wrong.
Homeland Security will always be a tough call for Eve and Roarke. There is so much history and anger about what they did to Eve when she was a young girl. As an adult, they have good and bad experiences that they weigh. I believe there is enough bad that it makes it easier for Eve to aid in getting justice.I do like how Summerset is brought into the discussion. As much as he has come around where Eve is concerned he tends to doubt her motives quicker than Roarke. He is more Eve's conscious in reverse.
Sharon wrote: "Eve using Nadine doesn't bother me too much except when she is a little sneaky. .."I see their relationship as more of a quid pro quo. Eve feeds Nadine tidbits (giving Nadine the exposure and rating she wants), and Eve receives information/good press in return. Nadine is under no illusions as to Eve's motivations and vice versa. It is a mutually beneficial relationship and even a friendship of sorts.
Sharon wrote: "I do like how Summerset is brought into the discussion. As much as he has come around where Eve is concerned he tends to doubt her motives quicker than Roarke. He is more Eve's conscious in reverse. "That is a good point. \
While Summerset accepts Eve in Roarke's life and knows that they are good for each other, it is still difficult for him to reconcile Eve's being a representative of the law that Summerset has struggled against for most of his life.
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I see their relationship as more of a quid pro quo. Eve feeds Nadine tidbits (giving Nadine the e..."
I agree. Eve & Nadine both know how to play the game - and it is a mutually beneficial relationship. I do like how Robb has developed the relationship and turned it into a friendship also.
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I think Summerset's opinion and respect for Eve has grown tremendously since Roarke first brought her into their lives and home as has Eve's for him. Eve & Summerset love to verbally spar with one another, but I think it's becoming clear that they have real affection and respect for each other. Summerset had to be sure that Eve would always have Roarke's back, as does he, and I think he knows that now without a doubt. I love Summerset!
It had been awhile, so it was like reading for the first time!!!I agree with the grey areas (which we know she has become more flex on), yet loved reading the edgy from Roarke again about Homeland & how he wanted to skin them all - alive.
Agree with the ' Summerset' is a rich un-mined field - waiting to be further explored (before he dies)
I loved how they showed the killer/victim up in age - getting in shape and planning justice, I also loved how he was underestimated through out by the agencies, the assassin & those hunting him (which he lead around like an old school spy)
Again, I thank you for the read!!!
A little off-topic but didn't Eve become a Capt.!? The books still refer to her as a Lt.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Homeland Security will always be a tough call for Eve and Roarke. There is so much history and anger about what they did to Eve when she was a young girl. As an adult, they have good..."I agree, he is the thing I'd want from this future!
Apparently he didn't care for being put in it either, the happiness of seeing his old friend turned & a host of emotions (& pasts) blurred together (what a wonderful scene that would make on the big screen!)
Being reminded of how far she & Summerset have come along with her growth from her past are little bonuses to being an In Death fan (like Easter Eggs!)
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Homeland Security will always be a tough call for Eve and Roarke. There is so much history and anger about what they did to Eve when she was a young girl. As an adult, they have good..."Sandra, I agree completely. Summerset loves Eve in his way mostly because she is good for Roarke. However, Summerset does fall back on his past and suspects that Eve will follow the letter of the law and ignore the person and the reasons.
We see Eve do the same thing sometimes when she questions Roarke's idea of justice or when she brings up his criminal past. In the end, both Eve and Summerset end up doing the right thing but they have to do a lot of soul searching to get there.
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I agree, Sharon. Summerset knows how devoted to the letter of the law that Eve is - and I'm sure he was torn with it being an old friend & comrade - and knowing that Eve would most likely arrest him. I like that in this case, she surprised him.
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Homeland Security will always be a tough call for Eve and Roarke. There is so much history and anger about what they did to Eve whe..."Me too! Eve is always full of surprises.
Summerset and Eve really have come far. They have come to understand each other yet because of that they sometimes forget that both aren't as black and white. I suppose that when it comes to close relations , be they friends of family, you'd always fear for them. Hence the moments doubt or more like hesitancy to expect a break or law and rules.
J.D. Robb
Books mentioned in this topic
Missing in Death (other topics)The Lost (other topics)
We hope you'll join us as we read & discuss this book in December. Open discussion begins on Dec. 8.
Synopsis:
Aboard the Staten Island ferry, a tourist comes across something she shouldn't have seen - something someone needs kept very quiet. Soon no one can find her. But if she didn't jump, and she's not on board, where is she?
Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas is called to the scene and is quickly faced with a shocking web of lies. With time running out and a deadly trail of intimidation and revenge emerging, Eve and her team must find out just what was seen on that ferry . . .
Timeline: Summer 2060
Character List:
Eve Dallas
Roarke
Galahad
Ian McNab
Charlotte Mira
Delia Peabody
Lawrence Summerset
Commander Whitney
Dickie Berenski
Harpo sic
Minor & Peripheral Characters:
(view spoiler)[Julian Chamain
Ivan Draski (a.k.a Javis Drinkle and Frank J. Plutz)
Carolee Grogan
Peter James Grogan
Steve Grogan
Will Grogan
Sara Hunning
Schuman
Inspector Jake Warren
Dana Buckley (a.k.a. Catherine Delauter and Dolores Gregory)
Mylia Drasky
Reeanna Ott
Alan Trendor
Vickie Trendor
Uncle Jacko - Ian McNab's uncle (hide spoiler)]