J.D. Robb discussion

This is a Buddy Read for Vengeance In Death. Many of us have decided to take a slow stroll back through the series. We all have other books to read, so no hurry. Please join us if you want to do a reread, are new to the series, or just want to jump in our discussions. We are having a blast!

Please note: Spoiler Alert...we will be openly discussing this book.

ahhh this is one of my fav's can't wait to reread!

I love this book it is in my top 5 I believe....Looking forward to the discussion

Great book. Should be interesting to discuss!

This is a good one and I, too, look forward to discussing it with y'all. I've started my reread of the book.

So far my favorite.

The description of this first murder is horrific...even Eve says it's the worse she's ever seen. You get the feeling early on in this book that the villain is going to be a very sick, psycho person. And you also get the feeling that it's going to get real personal for Roarke and thus Eve.

The first murder made my stomach turn!! Every time I read it, I cringe.

Ok I'm just finishing what I've started then I'm here!

Okay Michelle...waiting for you here.

Mine too Quynh...awful scene. Can in no way imagine the horror of walking in on that one...sight & smell would be overwhelming!

The introduction of McNab!! His eyes were all over Peabody even from the first day haha.

Yes...love when Eve first lays eyes on McNab! A pretty boy face and a love of fashion she thinks.

He barely topped five-eight even in the neon yellow air boots. He wore denim above them, pants that bagged and a jacket that showed frayed cuffs. His hair was a bright new minted gold that flowed into a waist-length ponytail. He had half a dozen small, glinting, gold hoops in his left earlobe.
"You took a wrong turn, pal. This is Homicide."
"And you'd be Dallas." His bright, eager grin pinched twin dimples into his cheeks. His eyes were a misty green. "I'd be McNab, with EDD."
She didn't groan. She wanted to, but suppressed it into a quiet sigh as she held out a hand. Good Christ was all she could think, as he took it with fingers twinkling with rings. "You're one of Feeney's."

I've already finished this book, so I won't give too many spoilers yet. I had completely forgotten, before reading this book, that McNab was a glaring fashion statement.

This is one of the rare times I got angry with Roarke. The reasons are almost too numerous to go through, but the biggie is...when he first presented the office to her, he told her she could lock herself in when he was away, or even when he was home. Here be demands she never lock a door against him again. Usually I get pissy with Eve, but this is one of the books where I would have thrown my book (but I didn't want to break my kindle).

I just reread that scene Dawn. They are both so angry and hurt with one another. Him telling her to never lock him out again and her with that bit of doubt about him (again) because he had withheld the whole truth from her. Very emotional, heart wrenching scene. Of course, Eve finishes with saying she knew it would piss him off...but she did it anyway. I just had to shake my head and laugh after that intense scene that ended in a love scene!

I think the difference between those two scenes is that at the beginning, Roarke didn't know how Eve would react to the fact that he basically moved all her stuff from her apartment to have her own office. Part of it was out of nervousness and uncertainty. In Vengeance, it was more out of frustration because he thought what he was doing would save time for Eve without having to look into it even though it turned out he was wrong. It came down to trust on both of their sides. I couldn't blame Eve though for locking the door. Their making up is always one of the best things about their fighting.

the murders say a lot about Roarke. In this book is where i truly understood that he is dangerous and deadly.He hunted them and cut them to pieces that says a lot about a person. I think for my sake Roarke should not get darker than this because it would upset my moral compass and Eve's too.

Yes, Roarke committing those murders in such a gruesome way was a lot for Eve to accept...and Roarke showing her the pictures of Marlena was hard. But he made his point & Eve accepted what he did after viewing them.

i was love when they argue but most of all the way they strive to be completly honest with each other. someone once told me that the complete truth is more dangerous than a lie

I love the way their arguments end...not just the love scenes but there is always humorous banter between them!

Just so much in Vengeance...so many scenes between Roarke & Eve - great moments and big scares for both of them. I think they really (especially Eve) come to terms with becoming a "unit", a couple, a mated pair in this book. They experience some fierce arguments, make up sex, and that horrible fear of losing your other half.

And then there's the scenes between Eve & Summerset. Also some growth in that there's a coming to understand each other a bit better that occurs with they each realize that the other would protect Roarke with his/her life.

I think this is also the first time Eve immediately tries to contact Roarke so he won't worry...if only that medical worker would have given her a link lol

Yes..it is. And she lets him know that it was her first thought. That's what I mean about her finally realizing they are a "couple" and that's what couples do. I love this book even with the brutal murders.

This is one of my top 5 favorites of the series. I have read/listened at least 10 times. And I still sometimes find something I missed.

Mine too. And I agree...there are so many little things, words, conversations, scenes, just so many things crammed into this one that it's impossible to pick up on them all in 1 or 2 readings. I love this book for the scenes be Eve & Roarke & the trip to Ireland and for the scenes where McNab is introduced and his clothes and everything. And the scenes with Summerset and on and on and on...lol

Forgive me ladies. I'm behind I know. But I just read that fight. Lord they are so . . . !!!! They know just where and what to say to get a hit if the other. Lordy and when Eve says she's scared the next time she's too lard it might be Roarke !!! I'm in tears

Eve and Roarke fight the same way they do everything else...with Passion, with Fire, with everything they have. And the true feelings always emerge when they do - like Eve admitting she's scared it will be Roarke. She now knows she can't live without him.

Ok I've calmed down and read up on prior post. So the door being shut. I think that we forget that these two Know each other sooo well. Anything else Eve could have said or done would not have had as much an impact on Roarke. And of course Robb isn't just using that door as physical door being shut only but that Eve shut Roarke out!! The one you love is truly the one that hurts you the most.

I think with this book the honeymoon is well and truly over. Eve with all her strength of character and exceptance of Roarke has to let go of any insecurities she had with their relationship as far as her fitting into Roarke's life and really just being Roarke's wife. Not only does she now finding herself having to fight for Roarke , the one she loves above all else, but also she's is fighting for Roarke's love and loyalty towards the man He views as his father, Summerset .

Wow the combustion between and Summerset and Eve !!! Must say Eve and that head butting on the stairs . . .? Actually didn't know who to feel sorry for. Both are so hurt. And then thé fight.

I agree Michelle. I love all the conflicts, emotions, anger, love, self-sacrifice that goes on in this book. Everyone one of the: Roarke, Eve, & Summerset are all trying to protect the one they love.

Btw love the new face Sandra !

HaHa...thank you. Didn't know if anyone would notice. I'm finished with haunted Oct. things so time for a new one!

Good to have you back, Michelle.

Oh and I forgot to mention the start of new love. Peabody and McNab!!! Well I haven't started that section yet but I know it's coming.
Also loved were Eve had to share with Peabody and she just I'm with you all the way !!!

Sandra - *Star* wrote: "HaHa...thank you. Didn't know if anyone would notice. I'm finished with haunted Oct. things so time for a new one!

Good to have you back, Michelle."

Glad to BE back. Oct 2013 was one odd month for me. And besides now the countdown starts to my birthday. Which of course I tell everyone I don't celebrate!! Lol;-D

Countdown is on...and remember, it's just a number!

Michelle wrote: "Oh and I forgot to mention the start of new love. Peabody and McNab!!! Well I hVent started that section yet but I know it's coming"

I love the intro of McNab. He's so colorful and wild and it's a funny scene when Eve sees him the first time.

That's not the problem. I actually don't mind getting older. To me it's another year of growth and meeting my true self through the people I met along the way or had interaction with .
I just have given up celebrating it in an elaborate way; after 5 spectacular failures I'm selfish about it and make it a real me day. You can join but I'm not officially inviting anyone!

I see...I have never minded getting older either and I, too, look at it as a celebration of life, love, and the journey. It should definitely be a "ME" day...everyone deserves that!

Sandra - *Star* wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Oh and I forgot to mention the start of new love. Peabody and McNab!!! Well I hVent started that section yet but I know it's coming"

I love the intro of McNab. He's so colorful ..."

Love being reintroduced to the key players. After knowing them for a while I guest they become part of the furniture

They do but boy McNab is an eye-opener! And love the way he is immediately looking Peabody over!

I always had a feeling Peabody and Mcnab would end up together. That instant dislike on Peabody's side and McNab's interest in her could only turn into love!

So true! It's so cute reading about them at this stage of the game...his little comments and her glaring looks back at him! LOL...love this book!

As I've said many times, I love the banter & humor Robb writes in this series...even in the midst of all the horror and death in Vengeance, there are many of those exchanges between characters.

As Roarke, Eve, and Peabody rush into one of the houses Roarke owns racing against the clock, Eve is fussing about Roarke, a civilian, being there...

Eve drew her weapon, gestured Peabody to the left. "You're with me," she told Roarke, and started up the curving flow of the staircase. "We're going to talk about this later."

"Of course we are." And he wouldn't mention, now or then, the illegal nine-millimeter automatic he had in his pocket. Why distress the woman you loved with minor details?

Just makes me smile:)

And then there's the part where Eve first sees the video of Summerset entering the hotel where the first murder occurred and she is steamed because she thinks Roarke lied to her about not having any contact with the first 2 victims in all these years. She storms Roarke's office and accuses him. He tells her again that he didn't.

"Look at me," she demanded, her voice sharp and keen. "Look me in the face, damn it." He did, rising now so their gazes were nearly level. "I believe you." She whirled away from him as she said it. "And I don't know if it's because it's the truth, or because I need it to be."

He felt the nick of her distrust at the edge of his heart. "I can't help you with that. Would you prefer to do this in Interview?"

"I'd prefer not to do it at all. And don't climb on your golden horse with me, Roarke. Don't you even start."

He opened the japanned box on his desk, carefully selected a cigarette. "That would be 'high horse,', Lieutenant."

She clenched her fists, prayed for control, and turned back.

LOL...so funny. But the distrust issue is sad too, as Roarke continually feels it from her at this point.

Sandra - *Star* wrote: "As I've said many times, I love the banter & humor Robb writes in this series...even in the midst of all the horror and death in Vengeance, there are many of those exchanges between characters.

As..."
So very true. Though i must say i love every scene with Eve and Roarke together.

One of my favorite tableaux so far is the one between Mavis and Summerset ! He really needed to hear that from someone outside it all.

Must say I'd forgotten bout McNab always rubbing Peabody up the wrong way. I always wondered if he did all of that irreverence on purpose because he knew Peabody would have to take more notice of him or if he was written that way to be a bridge between Jamie, the young upstart and electronic wizard ,and Feenay the old ,more establish electronic guru . . . ?

I love the fiction between McNab and Peabody. I think he's planning how to get in her...well, you know...and she's annoyed with him and yet, maybe a bit annoyed at herself because she's attracted!

This book is jam packed with great scenes and exchanges between multiple characters. We certainly get to know Summerset better in this one. Very enlightening when Eve enters Summerset's quarters to do a search...she's very surprised by the way it's decorated. And, of course, there is the whole love interest thing for him in this one...even though that didn't work out so well!

Dawn wrote: "I think this is also the first time Eve immediately tries to contact Roarke so he won't worry...if only that medical worker would have given her a link lol"

Lord I had a lump in my throat when Roarke went rushing to the scene !!
I can't even pick one thing because everything is so important.That whole chapter has everything in it. Fear, love, humor, friendship

This book is packed full of it all! Great book!

Poor Eve, struggling with the gray, she knows black and white but the gray is hard for her. I like in this book when she turns to Dr. Mira for help with the gray.

Me too, Maggie. But doesn't she come to accept a lot in this one...including the fact that not only has Roarke killed people but he did so brutally and for vengeance...a lot for Eve to accept.