J.D. Robb discussion

This is a buddy read for Purity In Death. Please join us if you're reading, rereading, or just want to join in the discussions of this book.

Louie Cogburn had spent three days holed up in his apartment, staring at his computer screen. His pounding headache was unbearable - it felt like spikes drilling into his brain. And it was getting worse. Finally, when someone knocked at his door, Louie picked up a baseball bat, opened up the door, and started swinging....

The first cop on the scence fired his stunner twice. Louie died instantly. Detective Eve Dallas has taken over the investigation, but there's nothing to explain the man's sudden rage or death. The only clue is a bizarre message left on his computer screen: ABSOLUTE PURITY ACHEIVED
And when a second man dies under near-identical circumstances, Eve starts racking her brain for answers and the courage to face the impossible...that this might be a computer virus able to spread from machine to man....

Listening to it now...

Great, Dawn. I'll be listening to it soon!

I will wait to say anything, but I forgot how much happens in this book

I just finished listening to this one about a month ago. Wonder if I should re-listen for salient points?

I hadn't listened to it for about a year, so I really got a lot out of it...but a re-listen is always good right?

I'll be able to start next weekend.

I'm going to try and get to this one this month, since I enjoyed #14 so much in June. Plus, I love reading all of your comments. :o)

Great Lisa. Love having you join us. I'll be starting sometime around next weekend also Michelle. Look forward to the discussions!

I'll read and/or listen to this one with everyone. I like it a lot.

I'm over 1/2 way through Purity. I had forgotten some of the things from this one. Who else is reading Purity in Death?

I've listened to it twice now. I think I'll listen again for the Buddy Read. I love reading everyone's comments.

Great Teri! I'm anxious to discuss this one with all that happens. Let's plan for discussions to start in a week - around the 15th.

I am like you Teri, I read it about a month ago. I read it right after reading Reunion. I wanted MORE so I read Purity, then Seduction. I realized if I wanted to continue with the buddy reads I had to slow down and went back to Naked. I am listening to a Susan Elizabeth Phillips book and as soon as I am done I will reread Purity for the salient points. I remember there were a couple of points I wanted to make, but can't remember them.

I have to reread them to get them fresh in my mind each month also. We can go faster with the BRs if that's what everyone wants...I'm good either way. Just want to make sure everyone who wants to join in has the opportunity. We can do 1 a month or 2 a month. Let me know what you want. :)

I think 1 a month is good as some of us have lots of other group reads or just catch up. Not to mention new books that come out ever so often. And in my case work takes a lot of time away from reading. But I'll go with what ever way the majority feels

One works best for me as I have so many other books to read each month...but I'm flexible.

I finished my reread of Purity. Wow - where to start with this one?! Is anyone still reading it? Are we ready to openly discuss or do you need a few more days?

I agree I think it should be one a month. Basically for the same reason although I would add if we do to much too soon then I tend to burn out. I might try to read a few more once in awhile, but then I will also slow down and read something else.

I definitely agree with the one month period, and even if poeple read afterwards we can still discuss the past books in the discussions:)

I'm almost finished with purity. I'll join the discussion tomorrow I hope.

We'll make this a spoiler zone on Monday...

And it seems the consensus is to stay with around 1 book a month.

Hey guys ao are we starting the discussion?

I'll just start with the binning:)

Eve is so protective of her own, this family she is building. Her care for Trueheart and how she dealt with him contaction her in such a situation are so her!

her taking the opprtunity of summerset to scold her..hihi
I think she belived a part of it at least because she felt guilty about it..The good thing is Roarke understands it perfectly..

such small and beautiful details:)

" yes, I missed dinner" She said before he could oopen his mouth. " yes I'm a miserable failure as wife and a poor example of human being. I have no class, no courtesy, and no sense of decorum. I should be dragged naked into the streets and stoned for my sins.!.." well that seems to cover it"

Loved that, Ness:)

This book has one of the most disturbing starts. That was a really rough scene.

Ok I'm saying this first. I'm not a cat person but I'm really loving how Galahad is just as prominent as all the other characters. I've started but it willbe slow going ( just to much to do and see in Barcelona ;-)). I'll chime in as I can

"He'll be alright , mum" and then she goes on to list the things that has got him to this point in time. And Trueheart landing in hospital not so long ago? Now testing. I would also be a worried mum.

Eve's concern for Trueheart is very touching. Even to the point of going around trying to pave the way, making things go easier on him, drilling him on his answers in preparation. She knows how hard testing will be on him.

This is now a spoiler zone.

The opening scene of this story was fairly graphic. What were your initial impressions of what was happening?


What did you think of how Eve initially handled Trueheart at the scene?

This books seems like a mini reunion. All the players from before appear in it.

Yes, it does Michelle. With a lot happening to some of my favorites...Trueheart & McNab. I liked getting the emotions from Peabody when McNab was hurt & in the wheelchair. Also Eve's feelings about both Trueheart & McNab show through in this one.

I love the Peabody and McNab interactions. I adore those characters.

Must also mention that I think the two of them will make great parents. That dressing down of Jamie was awesome. But more than that was how she handles everything. I think with Mavis' announcement a lot of my comments are that a mothering instinct was creeping through. And for once she and Summerset had a civil chat. Love how Peabody thought Eve was going to have her usual tiff and it turns out she really is concerned about McNab. Then their is the fact that she at all times has trueheart's best interest at heart. Making sure he finds the right trainer and also is in on the investigation. Last I want to mention her reaction to Peabody. ( really thought it was funny when even to the commander she can't acknowledge Peabody and McNab as a couple ). Another scene that struck me was when she keeps Peabody and has her going out in the balcony to scream. We all know how Eve react to affection yet she helps Peabody as only a true friend would. Which makes her breakdown after the stabbing also stand out. I can go on but this book has a lot of themes , as per usual, coming through

Must say this book had me questioning some things. Like. Would I have been pulled into purity seekers? Vigilantism seems wrong but at the crux of it , it must be frustrating if you go through what some of these families go through. The trauma of abuse , the fear and courage it takes for families, then only to have to play the we say , they say of lawyers, accused and victims. Only to have to then not get a satisfactory out comes. I'm not saying what was done was right. But I must say I was a bit like Roarke and Eve.

Mavis & Leonardo - awesome news! Can you picture them with a baby?! Love it.

Good question, Michelle. I don't think seeking revenge is ever the answer. I don't think it ever brings you peace. The families who had members that were victims of abuse were easy prey for Purity Seekers...sucked into justifying murder. I think ultimately, they were themselves were used. At the top, is almost always a "mad man or woman".

Great question, Michelle. Did you find yourself caring less about punishing their killer because of what these victims had perpetrated on others? I don't believe in vigilantism either but found myself being conflicted about them. No one deserves to die the way these people did but I lacked empathy for some of them.

I am a great proponent of forgiveness, as I think my rage will only hurt me, and that person is not worth him getting another victim. I do believe that the culprit needs to face the consequences of his actions, but when they get off scot free...I wonder...

Michelle, I was thinking about your question a little last night. While the concept of the purity group is interesting there is always the chance of collateral damage in these situations. I agree with Eve what happens when someone decides that the neighbor they don't like deserves to die. I could get on board with a parent going after someone who hurt their child but the group think bothers me.

I have a question about Roarke. Does it bother anyone besides me when Roarke goes over Eve's head? The first time was in Judgement in Death on the Max Ricker case. Again he goes to Whitney in Reunion in Death and in this book he puts his life in harms' way by out maneuvering Feeney. I wanted Eve to be angrier with Roarke for some reason.

Sharon wrote: "I have a question about Roarke. Does it bother anyone besides me when Roarke goes over Eve's head? The first time was in Judgement in Death on the Max Ricker case. Again he goes to Whitney in Re..."

Bothers me a lot! She doesn't mess in his workplace, he shouldn't mess in hers, even if his points are valid. Thanks for raising the point.

One more comment. I read a lot and many series similar to the in death series. I think J.D. Robb does an excellent job of showing growth in her characters. Eve changes so much over the course of this series. Her relationship with Roarke and her little pseudo-family gets tighter and more trusting.

So many series get stagnant because the characters are always the same. The reader can almost write what happens next. I don't see that in this series at all.

Sharon wrote: "Michelle, I was thinking about your question a little last night. While the concept of the purity group is interesting there is always the chance of collateral damage in these situations. I agre..."

That "group think" mentality is dangerous. That's how the Nazis and KKK gained power. *shudder*

Sharon wrote: "One more comment. I read a lot and many series similar to the in death series. I think J.D. Robb does an excellent job of showing growth in her characters. Eve changes so much over the course of..."

Neither do I and it was the biggest reason why I devoured the series, back to back, three times. It's extraordinary in this aspect.

Sharon wrote: "Michelle, I was thinking about your question a little last night. While the concept of the purity group is interesting there is always the chance of collateral damage in these situations. I agre..."

That was my thoughts...I could not blame a parent for going after the deviant who abused their child but a group thing acting as vigilantes is entirely different. It seems they seldom seek justice but rather vengeance & power, killing innocent people along the way. And the people at the top, running the group, almost have their own agenda.

The characters are ever evolving and growing in this series along with new character introductions along the way. Keeps it from fresh.

Sharon wrote: "I have a question about Roarke. Does it bother anyone besides me when Roarke goes over Eve's head? The first time was in Judgement in Death on the Max Ricker case. Again he goes to Whitney in Re..."
I think that with all that Roarke has done she picks her battles. But I'm still waiting for the day that she really follows through with her threat of coming to help out at the office. She has managed a few walk ins but to actual say something. Lol


Thanx ladies for those insights. I. It's say ultimately I agree with what everyone said. Vengeance should stay in the mind and thought. The moment you start actualizing is when you start taking justice into you own hands and that has never been a good thing. And as someone mentioned it never affects just the guilty but inevitably they are others that get caught in the crossfire.

Eve has to manage the scene in Feeney's office and risks her life to do so. Your thoughts about what happened?

I think Eve planned her move and did everything possible to save the young officer.

With all the things that happened in that scene, her sensitivity to him was heartwarming. I just kept thinking she should save Feeney but Eve wanted them both. This is when I'm reminded of how deeply she feels in spite of that callous front she so often projects.

It was very touching that Eve was determined to save both of them. She realizes something is "off" and he is not himself - if she can save him and keep Feeney safe, she will...has to as it's who she is.

Eve's courage always amazes me. Without any real thought she took the reins. And then looks at the grey not just the black and white of the situation. I also thought Roarke being there and her, Eve, insights into him finding his way into any place like he belongs was worth mentioning. I also loved summer sets comment to her.

Jonetta wrote: "With all the things that happened in that scene, her sensitivity to him was heartwarming. I just kept thinking she should save Feeney but Eve wanted them both. This is when I'm reminded of how deep..."

I agree. She has a bigger heart than she wants to admit not only to others but to herself.

Michelle wrote: "Eve's courage always amazes me. Without any real thought she took the reins. And then looks at the grey not just the black and white of the situation. I also thought Roarke being there and her, Eve..."

The Summerset/Eve relationship is one of my favorites. Neither of them want to admit that they don't hate each other anymore but they continue to play the game.

True Sharon.