Devoted in Death (Spoiler Zone)

[Sandra]

Michelle wrote: "So agree with you Sandra. But this wasn't a favourite. Top 5 yes. And that scene with Roarke coming home to find Banner not just in his home but in Eve's office. Reminded me of the showdown between..."

Michelle - I was just so proud of Baxter - he was beside himself with worry for Trueheart. And then the moment when Eve was messing with Baxter, made him think that Trueheart didn't make it, he was despondent for a minute. And then the great moment when Trueheart was called "detective"! Awesome!

I kind of liked seeing a little bit of "angry Roarke" in this one...just a touch when he came home to find Banner wandering! lol

[Michelle]

We don't often see him coming he in a bad mood.All he wanted was Eve and then to find a stranger? And no Summerset to give a heads up.
The other Well not sweet but that has become a feature is Eve and Roarke's morning ritual. And him commenting on her wardrobe.

[Sandra]

OH I agree, Michelle. Love how he goes to the closet to pick her out something else to wear! There are some good Eve & Roarke moments in this book. If he gets any sweeter or more sentimental over her, he may melt! lol

[Jonetta]

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "I'm not sure why but this one just clicked for me. I liked that the case was different - not just one insane madman killing people. The complete disregard for human life that these 2 displayed just..."

Ditto!

[Jonetta]

Michelle wrote: "So agree with you Sandra. But this wasn't a favourite. Top 5 yes. And that scene with Roarke coming home to find Banner not just in his home but in Eve's office. Reminded me of the showdown between..."

Ooh! I'd forgotten about the tree!! Loved that.

[Maggie]

This was a great story! Was it just me or did anyone else feel like we saw a lot less of the bad guys in this book, until the last few chapters. I was about half way through and thought we haven't heard from the badies in a while. It didn't bother, just something I noticed.
I loved Banner, it would be nice to see him in another story. Sandra, I agree it was nice to " the house" through new eyes. I loved the part about Peabody's dad and the tree, Feeny's magic coat and Jumbo Jambo and Bambo. I loved the scenes between the 2 captives, especially when she says to Mulligan" We're going to go on a double date."

[Sandra]

I agree, Maggie. The crimes are horrific but the villains aren't so in your face for the entire book. I think it's part of the reason that the "reasoning out" of the case fascinated me more. The process that Eve (& her cops) goes through to figure things out...seeing the pieces click into place - Robb is just masterful at writing it.

[Michelle]

I think that the In death books are about Eve and how she finds the criminal. And depending on the crime and what would read better determines if we actually read the killers POV. This was a Bonny & Clyde inspired so for me it didn't need that but having the victims fighting to survive put that extra angst and suspense in.

[Sharon]

Hello ladies, I'm really busy at work and just getting around to finishing the book.

I agree with most of your comments. I like following Eve and company solve the case. We know the killers are vicious but keeping the focus more on Eve & company takes us through the process more than thinking about the perpetrators.

I love that Eve is learning how to pick locks from Roarke. That made me laugh.

Roarke getting angry with Eve because she didn't tell him about Banner is one of my favorite scenes. He is usually so accommodating to her police buddies stopping by. This scene made Roarke seem more like a real husband just needing some quiet wife time.

[Sharon]

I forgot. I read a post by Nora R. saying that she felt that she made it clear in the book that Banner has a life back home and he won't be returning to work in NYC or on future cases. {sad}

[Sharon]

I just thought of something else (sorry I'm trying to get my thoughts posted because I don't know when I'll have time to get back on)

When Eve & Peabody notified Dorian's mom that just hurt my heart. The notification scenes are always tough but for some reason this one really got me. I think it started with the droid housekeeper who was so touched even though she was a robot and then the mom. Great writing.

[Jonetta]

Sharon wrote: "I just thought of something else (sorry I'm trying to get my thoughts posted because I don't know when I'll have time to get back on)

When Eve & Peabody notified Dorian's mom that just hurt my hea..."

It got to me, too, as did all of the notifications about Dorian. He emerged as a really fine and interesting person, which made his death feel awful. Fine piece of writing to create this kind of empathy.

[Sandra]

Sharon wrote: "I forgot. I read a post by Nora R. saying that she felt that she made it clear in the book that Banner has a life back home and he won't be returning to work in NYC or on future cases. {sad}"

I didn't figure he would get to stay in N.Y. full time in the future...just saying I like him and would love to see more of him. He added some "fresh & untainted" eyes & views to this book.

[Sandra]

Sharon wrote: "I just thought of something else (sorry I'm trying to get my thoughts posted because I don't know when I'll have time to get back on)

When Eve & Peabody notified Dorian's mom that just hurt my hea..."

Heart-wrenching scene for sure. I thought it was a really nice touch with the droid having such human emotions...showing her feelings.

[Sharon]

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I forgot. I read a post by Nora R. saying that she felt that she made it clear in the book that Banner has a life back home and he won't be returning to work in NYC or on future case..."

I agree Sandra. He seems like the kind of character that Robb brings back but the post I saw made me think he is a one time character. It will be a shame if this is it.

I sent her an email the other day about Summerset. I think he is so interesting and wondered if she ever thought about writing a book about his early years before Roarke brought him to US. She said the only additional information on Summerset will be if it pertains to a case or something related to an In Death story. That disappointed me too but what can I say these are her stories to tell. If I could write I would. I can't even write crappy fanfiction.

[Sandra]

That disappoints me also...I love Summerset & find him so intriguing. It would be great to "see" him as a younger man & read his story as it happened. But I definitely agree that it's the author's story to write as she feels it.

[Kirsten]

Sharon wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I forgot. I read a post by Nora R. saying that she felt that she made it clear in the book that Banner has a life back home and he won't be return..."

I agree, @Sharon! I've always felt a book about the Urban Wars would be wonderful since they always refer back to it. One of the things I love most about this series is the attention Nora/J.D. pays to world-building. Social changes, technological changes, laws, government, history, she puts it all in there!

I think she could really cash in if she published a book expanding on some of these aspects.

[Jonetta]

I think it's probably too late to write a Summerset story at this stage of the series. It would have worked well around the time Portrait was released.

[Courtney]

I've been out of it for the last few weeks with some med issues (now pretty much history) so haven't commented as yet. Loved Devoted because it was such a good police procedural, and never strayed from that focus. I really believe that In Death has had - and continues to have - such a long run because there is no 'sameness' to the books. You never know going in whether it will be a procedural, thriller, character-driven or even a light comedy (can anyone even THINK of Born w/o laughing out loud!) or some combo of all four. As always, can't wait for the next one to arrive.

[Maggie]

One of Nora's changes about the future that I hope NEVER comes true is the horrible coffee! I would hate to live in a world where only the very wealthy can get a good cup of Joe. I am a coffeeholic for sure!

[Sandra]

I think Devoted is just pure textbook when it comes to hashing out the case. I find Eve's mind fascinating as the reader is always privy to what's going on in her mind. The way she works things through step by step is intriguing to watch. I thought the use of Deputy Banner gave the reader a chance to see it all going down in a fresh new light as Banner was amazed at the technology, how fast things happened once they got rolling, how much info they were able to put their hands on in a short amount of time. He was no dummy but didn't have as much experience in murder investigations nor did he have access to the most advanced equipment (like Roarke's setup).

[Sharon]

I am thinking about this book today and realize, in addition to the great procedural methodology, there are a lot of scenes that show character growth. I know we talk about how Eve changes with each new book but I think this one is a mini study in how she is growing emotionally.

1. Eve wears the funny hat because she loves Mr. Mira. It embarrasses her when someone sees it but she wears it anyway. I don't see Eve doing that in Naked through Visions. Roarke and Eve's relationship changes so much through Divided. After that book, IMO Eve is ready to step out in her personal relationships. I know we see changes all along but I think Nixie helps Eve change.

2. Roarke offering Summerset's help to McNabb. He offers Eve Summerset's help in the past but I don't feel that he was personally comfortable letting the team know about Summerset's skills before.

3. Eve's dojo experience. I'm not sure that learning to breath and not working on moves would have made her happy and relaxed in early books.

4. Her relationships with her team. They are so close and confident with each other now. Eve still relies on Feeney a lot but she is comfortable and trusting of her team and vice versa.

I wonder what we will see in future novels. Can't wait for Bella's birthday. You know that is going to be a challenge for Eve.

[Sheri]

I loved this book! My favorite part is when Eve gave Feeney the Magic Coat. I LOL at both of them at there embarrassment at giving and receiving gifts. Feeney's reaction just puts a smile on my face thinking about it. Then to top it off when they were in her vehicle and Mcnabb commented on the coat. Priceless.

The scene when Roarke found Banner in Eve's office and then getting angry with Eve. I actually miss seeing them go at it. and it is even better when they make up :).

Peabody at the end in interview just makes me proud. She doesn't get to be bad cop very often.

Overall it was a great book. Oh and lets not forget Baxter and Trueheart. You don't see Baxter on edge about anything very often lol. He was so worried about Trueheart taking the detectives test. and then the way Eve told him he passed was priceless.

[Sandra]

Agree with you both, Sharon & Sheri. Some good points. I liked seeing Eve work through the case in her mind but it's still the characters relationship development that I love most.

[Michelle]

Sharon I'd forgotten about Eve and the lock picking. It is interesting that Roarke is rubbing off on her as it were. Also the point about Summerset is also a good one. And yes I agree that is a big one. It just shows that the team has moved up in his estimation.

[Sandra]

Seems Eve is not the only one who's come a long way in the trust department, so has our Roarke. I like the easy way he relates to some of these guys now - like McNab & Feeney. There is no hesitation, no doubt as he trusts them to not only have Eve's back but his own as well. He's let them inside of his home & I think he's let a few of them inside his heart too. I'm really looking forward to starting over with our BR in Jan. & going back to the beginning...there is such a contrast between all the characters then & now.

[Michelle]

It really is Sandra. I can't wait to start over again with specific purposes.

[Maggie]

I always love the scenes where the gang is all together just relaxing and interacting. Nora always writes about who's talking to who, who's stealing fries off someone else's plate, who's helping who at the grill, which ones are taking a break from a party and talking in another room or who's dancing together. For me these scenes, more then the scenes when they are working on a case show how close they all have gotten and how much of a family they have become.

[Jonetta]

I love those scenes, too, Maggie, as they also give us so much insight into them as a team outside of work. It's such a stark contrast to the first book.

[Sandra]

So very true, Maggie. As always, it's the character interactions that make this series extra special for me.

[Michelle]

And in the last few books the squad interaction has also been included. They really are becoming a family. The more Eve learns what that really means the more we see the impact of that fact.

[Vera]

Oh and the candy thief strikes again!! I can imagine the look on her face in that scene. Cracks me up inside, but then made me laugh aloud with the Peabody exchange... "Chocolate!"
heheh

Which reminds me, does anyone else get those looks from friends, family, strangers when they are laughing or crying holding a book!

[Sharon]

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Seems Eve is not the only one who's come a long way in the trust department, so has our Roarke. I like the easy way he relates to some of these guys now - like McNab & Feeney. There is no hesitatio..."

Sandra, I think the next re-read will be interesting because we know where that characters are going.

[Sandra]

Oh! You're right, Sharon. I think I'll be able to pay more attention to several things this time through. I want to savor each book!

[Michelle]

Vera all the time. Best friends husband disappears if we start reading cos after all the years he finally realise that's the best thing.

[Vera]

Michelle wrote: "Vera all the time. Best friends husband disappears if we start reading cos after all the years he finally realise that's the best thing."

haha. My husband sometimes decides he MUST talk to me while I have a book/kindle in my hand. The horror! All the other times he runs to his "man cave".

[Kris (My Novelesque Life)]

Sheri wrote: "I loved this book! My favorite part is when Eve gave Feeney the Magic Coat. I LOL at both of them at there embarrassment at giving and receiving gifts. Feeney's reaction just puts a smile on my fac..."

I agree with you, Sheri. I loved the book for the same reasons as you! The Magic Coat moment was soooo good! I guess Baxter and Trueheart are next in line for it lol.

[Michelle]

I can't remember. Did McNab get one yet? Magic coat that is. I know he got the shoes for Christmas

[Kirsten]

Michelle wrote: "I can't remember. Did McNab get one yet? Magic coat that is. I know he got the shoes for Christmas"

I can't remember, but I do know that Eve mentioned to Roarke she thought he should.

[Jonetta]

Michelle wrote: "I can't remember. Did McNab get one yet? Magic coat that is. I know he got the shoes for Christmas"

Nope. Not yet.

[Sandra]

Michelle wrote: "I can't remember. Did McNab get one yet? Magic coat that is. I know he got the shoes for Christmas"

No...I kinda thought he might get one when Feeney did. But it makes sense that Peabody & Feeney got them first...after Eve, of course. I would think our billionaire extraordinaire Roarke could just buy them for the whole department! lol

[Michelle]

Lol. I'm waiting for that myself.

[Maggie]

I thought the same thing Sandra; or at least he'd buy them for her squad.

[Kirsten]

He might not want to give that many away free. Remember the computer he let Feeney have?

[Sandra]

My feel on Roarke is that $$$ doesn't have anything to do with his decision to give away coats, not how many he gives or who he gives them to. Roarke gives from the heart. I guess we'll see what happens in future books - maybe in the ID future, all cops will wear magic coats! lol

[Jonetta]

That's my sense, too, Sandra.

[Kirsten]

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "My feel on Roarke is that $$$ doesn't have anything to do with his decision to give away coats, not how many he gives or who he gives them to. Roarke gives from the heart. I guess we'll see what ha..."

Not for some, but I don't think he's going to outfit the entire homicide section gratis.

[Sheery]

I love the scene where Eve gives Feeney his Magic coat. I know I wondered if the entire Homicide division would be outfitted with Magic coats.

ETA: And McNab, of course. Sometimes I forget that he's a part of EDD rather than Homicide.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life)]

They might have to start a clothing line!

[Sandra]

OH MY! What an awesome idea, Kris! I can see it in stores now...a clothing line based on the clothes our ID characters wear!! lol Imagine the "color" and style of some of these guys!