J.D. Robb discussion

Our buddy read continues in April with Reunion in Death. Open discussions start on the 8th. We'd love to have you join in!

Synopsis:
A birthday bash sets the scene for a frightening reunion with a killer from Eve Dallas's past. At exactly 7:30 p.m., Walter Pettibone arrived home to over a hundred friends and family shouting, surprise! It was his birthday. Although he had known about the planned event for weeks, the real surprise was yet to come. At 8:45 p.m., a woman with emerald eyes and red hair handed him a glass of champagne. One sip of birthday bubbly, and he was dead. The woman's name is Julie Dockport. No one at the party knew who she was. But Detective Eve Dallas remembers her all too well. Eve was personally responsible for her incarceration nearly ten years ago. And now, let out on good behavior, she still has nothing but bad intentions. It appears she wants to meet Dallas again -- in a reunion neither will forget.

Reunion In Death Map - Warning: Possible Spoilers

Approximate Start Date: July 2059

Alternate Covers

Character List
Eve Dallas
Roarke
David Baxter
Ryan Feeney
Mavis Freestone
Nadine Furst
Leonardo
Ian McNab
Charlotte Mira
Delia Peabody
Lawrence Summerset
Troy Trueheart
Jack Whitney
Louise Dimatto
Galahad
Dennis Mira
Charles Monroe
Anna Whitney
Minor & Peripheral Characters
(view spoiler)[Bartelli
Frank Boyle
Charlie
Don Clump
Julianna Dunne
Elena
Emmett Farmer
Olivia Fitch
Captain Giamanno
Detective Green
Gwen
Laurie
Lois Loop
Mr. Markie
Robert McLean
Warden Miller
Mook
Jake T. Parker
Phoebe Peabody
Sam Peabody
Bambi Pettibone
Nadine Pettibone
Shelly Pettibone
Walter C. Pettibone IV
Mason Riggs
Detective Rowinsky
Maria Sanchez
Otto Shultz
Robert Spindler
Chuck Springer
Boyd Stibbs
Maureen Stibbs
Peter Vance
Sophia Vincenti
Noel Walker
Sherilyn Walker
Michael Yardley
Sing Yu
Ashley
Thomas Carter
Thomas K. Carter
Delricky
Georgia Foster
Oscar Lovett
Henry Mouton
Reverend Munch
Paul O'Hara
Pearson
Walter C. Pettibone
Davis P. Robinson
Kara Dunne Parker Rowan
Marsha Stibbs
Tracie Stibbs
Eli Young (hide spoiler)]

Quotes:
Eve: "Officers, if you can manage to tear yourselves away from the all-you-can-eat buffet, take posts outside the doors of both kitchen exits. As cause of death has not yet been officially called, I'll remind you that you're stuffing evidence in your faces. If necessary, I'll have you both cut open so that evidence can be removed."
***

Eve: "I know where I am and when I am. And that we've got an anniversary coming up in couple days. And, Carlo, I've never loved you more."
Roarke: "I feel exactly the same way, Miranda. If you're feeling better perhaps I can let the children come in. Carlo Junior, Robbie, Anna and little Alice are anxious to see their mum."
Eve: "Trying to scare an invalid. You vicious bastard."
***
Eve: "And second, sometime when you least expect it, I'm going to generate a memo to the top staff of your midtown offices stating that you wear women's underwear under those manly designer suits."
Roarke: "Why, that's just cold."
Eve: "Yeah, then you'll have to strip down at a general meeting to prove it's a filthy lie and my vengeance will be complete."
***
Commander Whitney: "Lieutenant, are you afraid of my wife?"
Eve: "Yes, sir," she said without hesitation. "I am."
***

Eve (while on pain blockers): "Think you're so smart. ... But you're more pretty. So. pretty. Give me a kiss. Love that mouth. Like to bite it."
Roarke: "She won't give you anymore trouble."
Eve: "Bet I flew ten feet. Whee."
***
Peabody: "Welcome back Dallas. And I have to say that, wow, you look really terrific. Snappy outfit."
Eve: "What the hell do I usually look like?"
Peabody: "Is that a rhetorical question?"
***
Charles Monroe (quoting Maria Sanchez's outlook on life): "The fuckers are all out to get you, so you'd better get them first."
Eve: "Somebody ought to sew that on a pillow."
***

Another good one! Starting next weekend! :)

Love the quotes Sandra.

I love this one...it is definitely in list of favorites

got it will start reading tonight

This is a good one.

I love the fun and game you found in Reunion in death.

Starting my reread! :)

Started reread. I forgot this is one that made me yell at Roarke--LOUD!

lol Sharon! I'm in the middle of my reread.

Think I'll start this tonight. Struggling to settle on what to read.

Almost finished with reread. :) 3 more days until open discussion!

started this morning

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Almost finished with reread. :) 3 more days until open discussion!"

Waiting patiently. Some things hit me harder this time compared to my first read.

Still haven't started. Trying to finish a knitting project and I don't have this in audio. But. I'll be starting soon.

Can I just say Anne Whitney really knows a lot of people. How many times has she trickled in as knowing a spouse or someone close to the victim.

Michelle wrote: "Can I just say Anne Whitney really knows a lot of people. How many times has she trickled in as knowing a spouse or someone close to the victim."

True, Michelle! Good observation!

Open discussions start tomorrow! :)

Sorry if I jumped the gun but had to mention it before I forg T.

Oh no...you're fine, Michelle! No spoiler there. I was just reminding everyone that we start tomorrow. No worries. :)

Yeah!!!!!!

Michelle wrote: "Can I just say Anne Whitney really knows a lot of people. How many times has she trickled in as knowing a spouse or someone close to the victim."

I was just thinking that. I love how Eve and Whitney are scared of her, lol!

I loved how we saw Louise's and Charles's relationship was blossoming.

I had the best laugh in how Eve reacted to cattle when she and Roarke went to Texas.

The section in Dallas had me reaching for the tissues.

Open Discussions can begin!

What makes this book special? Share your Momentous Moments from Reunion In Death.

I had two special scenes. The first one was when Phoebe, Peabody's mom, gave Eve the lady warrior statue. It had been a family keepsake for a long time.

The second one was when Sam, Peabody's Dad, touchingly apologized to Eve about seeing her past and what she had endured as a child.

When Eve gives Roarke his anniversary present. For a lady who hates thinking about gifts, when she does give one she is very good at it.
I always remember this book for the sad but very moving chapter when Eve and Roarke are in the room in Dallas.

Michelle wrote: "Can I just say Anne Whitney really knows a lot of people. How many times has she trickled in as knowing a spouse or someone close to the victim."

Well, she is always giving parties.

I've thought about this before, but I believe this is the first book in the series that makes me feel that Roarke shares Eve's struggles and her past with Summerset behind the scenes. Summersets comment "she will go off on her trip in the right frame of mind" after a verbal sparring session about the old shirt is his way of helping her for what will happen ahead. He doesn't help her prepare when they go off on a trip when it is Roarke and Eve time.

I mentioned earlier that Roarke makes me very angry when he goes over Eve's head "to his friend Jack" and takes over Eve's investigation. I can't understand why he does this. Every time he embarrasses Eve and never gives her the slightest hint that he is going to make these moves. I do appreciate that Eve gives him a good tongue lashing this time. In the past, she forgives him a little too quickly.

The Whitney meeting also makes me angry with the commander. A police department is a paramilitary organization, and Roarke is completely out of line. Whitney never should accept Roarke's takeover and to do it in front of Eve's staff is not following protocol. I blame Whitney as much as I blame Roarke for circumventing Eve. It rubs me the wrong way when Whitney get angry when Eve calls him on being blind sighted. He knows he is wrong.

One more thing that Roarke does in this story that irks me is at the party when he walks away with Louise to meet the mayor. I know this is done to increase angst in the story but why wouldn't Roarke want Eve to share in the praise from the mayor. Roarke knows leaving her is going to make Eve anxious but, to me, it seems out of characters for Roarke to exclude Eve from the praise and thank yous. I know it is Roarke's money, but he admits this is a project that Eve inspired. It doesn't feel right for me.

Sharon wrote: "I mentioned earlier that Roarke makes me very angry when he goes over Eve's head "to his friend Jack" and takes over Eve's investigation. I can't understand why he does this. Every time he embarras..."

You know your thing about Eve receiving praise too would make her uncomfortable in my mind. Eve is more the punched in the arm good job kid from Feeney then the grand praise she would get with the mayor I think. Like she would stand there and feel awkward. Don't you think it is just he understand her comfort level there maybe??

Songbyrd*SB needs low angst books* wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I mentioned earlier that Roarke makes me very angry when he goes over Eve's head "to his friend Jack" and takes over Eve's investigation. I can't understand why he does this. Every t..."

I believe Eve would say it is Roarke's thing but it is something he should share with her under the circumstances. Since it is also a police op, I don't believe she would be as uncomfortable as she would if it was a different type of gathering. Besides, Roarke didn't have any trouble throwing her under Whitney's bus standing close by for a thank you isn't that big a deal.

Sharon wrote: "I've thought about this before, but I believe this is the first book in the series that makes me feel that Roarke shares Eve's struggles and her past with Summerset behind the scenes. Summersets co..."

This is one of my favorite scenes between Summerset & Eve...they bicker as normal. But the reader knows it's Summerset's way of helping Eve without letting her know. Really shows he cares a great deal for Eve.

Sharon wrote: "Songbyrd*SB needs low angst books* wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I mentioned earlier that Roarke makes me very angry when he goes over Eve's head "to his friend Jack" and takes over Eve's investigation. I..."

Yeah I can get that because she is quick to say it is a Roarke thing LOL. A police op usually does make her more focused so she probably wouldn't feel as uncomfortable but she also probably would be so focused on the op that she wouldn't be listening really either. I thought she was trying to get Louise our of the way and not ask any questions if she picked up on Eve's behavior.

Summerset knew from NAKED IN DEATH that Eve Dallas was the woman for Roarke.

Songbyrd*SB needs low angst books* wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Songbyrd*SB needs low angst books* wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I mentioned earlier that Roarke makes me very angry when he goes over Eve's head "to his friend Jack" and takes over Eve's i..."

It occurs to me that Louise should have asked Eve to join them in the first place. Eve got the whole association with Roarke started with the 1/2 million donation. That was bad protocol on Louise.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I've thought about this before, but I believe this is the first book in the series that makes me feel that Roarke shares Eve's struggles and her past with Summerset behind the scenes..."

I know. I remember the first time I read Naked I thought Summerset was going to be a hindrance to their relationship but he's come around nicely and even likes her in his way. I love Summerset. He is such an interesting character.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I've thought about this before, but I believe this is the first book in the series that makes me feel that Roarke shares Eve's struggles and her past with Summerset behind the scenes..."

I know. I remember the first time I read Naked I thought Summerset was going to be a hindrance to their relationship but he's come around nicely and even likes her in his way. I love Summerset. He is such an interesting character.

Sharon wrote: "Songbyrd*SB needs low angst books* wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Songbyrd*SB needs low angst books* wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I mentioned earlier that Roarke makes me very angry when he goes over Eve's head ..."

I guess for me it is more that they know Eve. They know her comfort levels and that she doesn't like being put on the spot. I also think she was focused on the op and being in position more than meeting the mayor type of thing.

It took Summerset awhile to accept Eve as the right woman for Roarke. Eve isn't a "dresser", isn't "polished", and shuns social settings. And...she's a COP! Pretty much the opposite of everything Roarke was. But - you can't dictate who you love. Roarke himself was shocked that he didn't make her as a cop the first time he saw her. He later said simply - he saw her first as a woman, the one he'd spend the rest of his life with.

Mara wrote: "Summerset knew from NAKED IN DEATH that Eve Dallas was the woman for Roarke."

I didn't pick up on that when I read NID. I didn't think he was even on board with the relationship until the 5th or 6th book in the series. He thinks Roarke could do better for some time even though he begins to change his feelings for her after she steps in front of the gun in Vengence. In Immortal he spews a lot of venom to Eve because he feels she betrays Mavis.

It takes Summerset some time to even entertain the thought of Eve with Roarke. He thinks she's all wrong for him...plus she's a COP! The ultimate insult. haha Summerset thought Roarke deserved better - someone who would make a good social partner for Roarke. Eve shuns all social settings if she can...plus, she doesn't give a flying flip about fancy clothes.

I still remember in Vengeance when Eve tells him that she knew that he wanted Marlena for Roarke and that is why he was so against her. That he hoped that he would find someone like his daughter. I remember he seemed gut punched with that truth. It seemed she really hit on his issues besides her not in his mind not measuring up to what Roarke made himself into. That he find someone who grew up hard like he did and made themselves more and I don't think he saw that first.

Songbyrd*SB needs low angst books* wrote: "I still remember in Vengeance when Eve tells him that she knew that he wanted Marlena for Roarke and that is why he was so against her. That he hoped that he would find someone like his daughter. I..."

I love that scene. She really punches him in the gut to the point that he has to sit on the steps to get himself together.

That said. Also let's not forget that Summerset helped polish and guide Roarke along the way as Roarke making his millions. Without Summerset, I don't think he would have the charm & finesse he has.

Other than having had a wife at one point, a beautiful daughter, either he fought in the Urban Wars or was some kind of medic during the wars nothing else is known about Summerset.

Either he came from money, or he part of a rich house hold, or assist/secretary to a person of ROYAL birth.

Anyone wonder if Caro and Summerset are related? They both are so efficient. Just a thought.

Earlier someone be said Roarke has shared Eve's past with Summerset. If I'm remembering correctly Summerset was the one who first responded to Eve when she had her flashback/ nightmare. Roarke was away on business and Eve was sleeping in her office. Summerset came running when Roarke arrived home. So I'd think Roarke would have told him the basics of why and what happened. Here and there I think Roarke and Summerset would have talked about Eve's past because that's just the way they are. No real secrets are between them and though sum and Eve fight it Roarke would consider them family so why not talk about things like that.

Sorry I'm still reading but wanted to bring up that point

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "It took Summerset awhile to accept Eve as the right woman for Roarke. Eve isn't a "dresser", isn't "polished", and shuns social settings. And...she's a COP! Pretty much the opposite of everything R..."

Thought this might have been quote about Roarke and seeing Eve not as a cop

“Do you remember when first I saw you. In the winter, with death between us?”
“Yeah, I remember.”
“I didn’t make you for a cop. That disturbed me for some time later as I prided myself for spotting a cop at half a mile in the dark. But when I turned and looked at you, I didn’t see cop. I saw a woman. I saw the woman, though I hadn’t figured that out. I only knew that I looked, and I saw, and everything shifted. Nothing would be the same for me after that instant”

Yes - that's it, Michelle! I love that quote - love that Roarke was so taken with the woman, with what he felt sparking between them - that he (a former con artist that avoided cops if at all possible) didn't recognize Eve as a cop first.

Michelle wrote: "Earlier someone be said Roarke has shared Eve's past with Summerset. If I'm remembering correctly Summerset was the one who first responded to Eve when she had her flashback/ nightmare. Roarke was ..."

I remember the scene - Summerset did respond to Eve and cared for her until Roarke got home. I think he may have then said something to Roarke about "you should have told me" or something like that. I need to look back at that scene.

I think most of us agree that Roarke was out of line in going over Eve's head to Whitney. He knew at the time that it would anger and upset her. So why do you think he did it? Does his overall need to protect Eve, to stand in front of Eve against threats, to sacrifice all that he has and is to protect her... justify or at least explain what he did? Why or Why not?