J.D. Robb discussion

Our In Death buddy read continues in October with one of my favorites - Promises in Death, a very emotional story. Open discussion begins on the 8th. Everyone is invited to join our discussion.

Synopsis:
Amarylis Coltraine may have recently transferred to the New York City police force from Atlanta, but she's been a cop long enough to know how to defend herself against an assailant. When she's taken down just steps away from her apartment, killed with her own weapon, for Eve the victim isn't just 'one of us.'

Dallas's friend Chief Medical Examiner Morris and Coltraine had started a serious relationship, and from all accounts the two were headed for a happy future together. But someone has put an end to all that. After breaking the news to Morris, Eve starts questioning everyone from Coltraine's squad, informants, and neighbors, while Eve's husband, Roarke, digs into computer data on Coltraine's life back in Atlanta. To their shock, they discover a connection between this case and their own painful, shadowy pasts.

The truth will need to be uncovered one layer at a time, starting with the box that arrives at Cop Central addressed to Eve containing Coltraine's guns, badge, and a note from her killer: 'You can have them back. Maybe someday soon, I'll be sending yours to somebody else.'

But Eve Dallas doesn't take too kindly to personal threats, and she is going to break this case, whatever it takes. And that's a promise.

Timeline: Approximate Start Date - May, 2060

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
Bella Eve
Callendar
Crack
Louise Dimatto
Galahad
Jenkinson
Dennis Mira
Charles Monroe
Morris
Cher Reo
Trina
Donald Webster
Anna Whitney

Minor & Peripheral Characters:
(view spoiler)[Adrian
Binks
Stu Bollimer
Bop
Ty Clipper
Amaryllis Coltraine
July Coltraine
Dak Clifton
Vance Delong
Cleo Grady
Ariel Greenfeld
Officer Guilder
Officer Jonas
Kip
Officer Laney
Carmine Luca
Patrick O'Brian
Henry Proctor
Alex Ricker
Max Ricker
Cecil Rouche
Rod Sandy
Jay Burnbaum
Terrance Burnbaum
Luanne Debois
Lissa Grady
Mary Hon
Liv
Sherri Loper
Chale López
Ellen Morandi
Jin Morris
Josh Newman
Patrick Roarke
Sisto
Denny Su
Richard Troy
Wendy
Art Zeban (hide spoiler)]

I look forward to rereading Promises as it's one of my favorites, and yet, it's a very emotional, heartbreaking story, I think.

We've been seeing glimpses of this relationship. Heartbreak here we come.

I'll get my request to the library asap!

Michelle wrote: "We've been seeing glimpses of this relationship. Heartbreak here we come."

Without a doubt. This one just killed me.

I loved how possessive Peabody was of Morris in Salvation

This is my first time with this book. It starts out really emotional. But I am enjoying it.

Loved this book! Open discussions start day after tomorrow - 8th! I've got to kick in gear and finish my reread so it's fresh in my mind. Anyone else finished?

I'm at 50% - Eve just (view spoiler)[got her new ride from Roarke. Lol! (hide spoiler)]

Lauren wrote: "I'm at 50% - Eve just [spoilers removed]"

LOL! Nice, right?!!! haha

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Loved this book! Open discussions start day after tomorrow - 8th! I've got to kick in gear and finish my reread so it's fresh in my mind. Anyone else finished?"
Sandra I'm behind as well. Was going to spend today reading when friends came to visit. Real life

Michelle wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Loved this book! Open discussions start day after tomorrow - 8th! I've got to kick in gear and finish my reread so it's fresh in my mind. Anyone else finished?"
..."

I hear you, Michelle! Same here - real life just refuses to let me read in peace! haha

For some reason, I have had a hard time starting this one. Though, it's been several years since I have read this book.

It's a reread for me, and my first listen to this book.

I know the plot and what happened. I know we all can't remember all of the plots, there are certain ID books we remember more than others

Mara wrote: "For some reason, I have had a hard time starting this one. Though, it's been several years since I have read this book.

It's a reread for me, and my first listen to this book.

I know the plot a..."

Same here, Mara. Some ID books I remember vividly...and some, I don't recall until I start rereading them. I think I last read this one a couple of years ago. But it is one of my favorites. It's a slow go for me this time but that's because of real life interruptions.

I have finished it and am looking forward to discussion. It isn't one of my favourites but I still gave it five stars. I just like spending time with the characters regardless of what they are doing:)

This is now a spoiler zone! Feel free to openly discuss Promises in Death.

I'm not quite finished with my reread, but will try to finish today. Meantime, feel free to express your thoughts on Promises. What touched you most about this book?

I'm reading this one now; will come back to discussion when I'm finished so I don't "spoil" it for myself!

Wow what a zinger. Felt so bad for Morris. I love that Eve has the strongest of feelings for Morris and is almost ashamed of those feelings. My best scene was of course the girls party and Eve seeing Mira's boobs and her reactions

An enjoyable addition to the series. While I really wasn't all that attached to Coltraine, Morris's grief was heartwrenching.

My favorite scene was when Eve's posse aka the Smart Girls get together to discuss the case.

All those scenes are great but the I like most is when Roarke give Eve her the LDE. I know what it like to get your first new car.

I added the audio book for this one to my collection. I'm still early in the book at this point.

The scene where Eve comes back to the crime scene after telling Morris that Coltraine is dead; she tells Peabody which medical examiner will take the body and to play Clapton--that hit me harder listening to it than when I read it.

Sharon wrote: "I added the audio book for this one to my collection. I'm still early in the book at this point.

The scene where Eve comes back to the crime scene after telling Morris that Coltraine is dead; she..."

Sharon, I often find scenes hit me harder with the audio than when read. But either way, this one with Morris just broke my heart. I think Eve shows a lot of growth in the manner she was able to support Morris. And when she & Roarke told Morris he would come home to stay with "family" - meaning their home - just priceless. I wiped a few tears with this one.

As I've said before, I'm a huge Summerset fan - really loved this:

“Lieutenant,” he said as she turned away. “It will likely be a very long while before I ever repeat this, if that day should ever come. But I’ll say now, at this precise moment, I’m proud of you.”

The character relationship developed is huge in this one...once again! Robb excels at bringing these characters to life and making them REAL. It just hits home again & again.

After talking with Morris about "being with a cop", Eve realizes Roarke is faced with the same possibility everyday & she asks him if he worries:

“How can I love you and not be afraid ? You’re my life, Eve, my heart. You’re asking, you’re wondering if I ever worry, if I ever fear, that one day Peabody or Feeney, your commander— a cop who’s become a friend— will knock on my door? Of course I do.”

Love this quote!

My favorite support character is Peabody - she's the source of so much snarky humor in this series. Love when Eve asks:

"Do little pink fairies sing and dance in your world, Peabody?

"Sometimes when it is very quiet and no one else can see."

From early on, I had a feeling that the killer was going to be one of Coltrane's squad members...just a feeling at first. And from the start, I felt Cleo was almost "too good a friend"...said all the right things, etc. But I couldn't see any motive there.

Who did you first suspect? Did you feel like it was Alex? Cleo? Or once the name "Ricker" was introduced, did you think that Max could be orchestrating the killings from his cell?

Did you suspect Cleo's parentage or feel any sympathy for Cleo in the end?

I love that in the middle of all the emotional angst & pain, Robb can insert humor - a little relief from the heavy stuff. For example - when Eve realizes she's forgotten that she must buy a gift.

“I have to go shopping!”

Staring at her, Roarke pressed his fingertips to his temple. “I’m sorry, I believe I must have had a small stroke. What did you say?”

As usual Sandra you and I have the same scenes to talk about.

This time I read it more for the relationship development. There really was some good communication between Eve and Roarke. It really had a focus of home life and real life about it. An emphasis on how far they have grown as a couple. More time spent discussing their relationship Yes Eve brings a lot home but we now have come to expect this dynamic. But here more than ever Eve realizes what it is that she brings. Sandra you brought up the gift shopping. I want to mention the "date" after. And after the accident her wanting to get the food etc.

I still not done yet but I wanted to mention those so long

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "From early on, I had a feeling that the killer was going to be one of Coltrane's squad members...just a feeling at first. And from the start, I felt Cleo was almost "too good a friend"...said all t..."

I went back and forth on Alex or a member of the Squad. I didn't zero in on Cleo until the memorial.

I never thought about Cleo's parentage until Roarke mentions it. I did feel sad that Cleo wanted to be accepted by Max, a useless criminal that used her. However, she grew up with good, loving parents. It is another take on Robb's theme nature vs nurture.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I added the audio book for this one to my collection. I'm still early in the book at this point.

The scene where Eve comes back to the crime scene after telling Morris that Coltrai..."

The scenes you mentioned touched me too. Another scene that made me laugh is when Eve is trying to talk Roarke into taking her to Vegas.

"Let me see you penis" Oh, God! Can't I just use yours?"

Sharon wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "From early on, I had a feeling that the killer was going to be one of Coltrane's squad members...just a feeling at first. And from the start, I felt Cleo was alm..."

Interesting that Roarke makes the connection on parentage first.

Michelle wrote: "As usual Sandra you and I have the same scenes to talk about.

This time I read it more for the relationship development. There really was some good communication between Eve and Roarke. It really..."

The relationship growth between Roarke & Eve from the beginning until now is just astounding! And yet, Roarke rushes to the scene of the accident worried about Eve because she forgot to call him. However, she is becoming more insightful and aware of what it means for Roarke to have her as a spouse.

I was actually surprised that she hadn't called him as she has been good about the last few times that happened. But as she she said she was still kicking her own butt for being so sloppy

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Michelle wrote: "As usual Sandra you and I have the same scenes to talk about.

This time I read it more for the relationship development. There really was some good communication between Eve and ..."

I understand not calling because I get wrapped up in work or things happening myself then kick myself for not calling home. Even as a teenage I was punished often for not calling to say I'll be late. I still didn't learn. I guess that part of the brain is slow for some people.

This story reminds me how much Roberts likes women. At first it bothered me to have a party right in the middle of the investigation. It seemed a distraction from where I wanted the story to keep going. But now that it is over I see how much those scenes of female bonding helped to keep Eve strong instead of bitter. In the end it is those female scenes that I remember most.

I made a note in my book about a sweet scene. The "crew" gathering together before the bachelor/bachelorette parties. Eve was going to talk to Morris and she noticed Roarke was already talking to him. It touched her heart.

It's funny, but this is actually the first time I realized that Morris is actually a young man. I always pictured him in my head as Doc from CSI, lol!

😃 I have this picture of the coroner from Hawaii five.

Lauren wrote: "It's funny, but this is actually the first time I realized that Morris is actually a young man. I always pictured him in my head as Doc from CSI, lol!"

lol! Interesting! I guess we all have pictures in our head of characters - ages, etc.

My heart breaks for Morris in this one. And for Eve being the one to tell him. I do think it shows just how far Eve has come when it comes to interacting with friends - and how they have become her family. Love the growth in this book!

Michelle wrote: "😃 I have this picture of the coroner from Hawaii five."

Just posted this in the photo section
https://www.goodreads.com/photo/group...

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "My heart breaks for Morris in this one. And for Eve being the one to tell him. I do think it shows just how far Eve has come when it comes to interacting with friends - and how they have become her..."

Eve really has changed. Through out the investigation she had him on her mind. Worried even for him. Even making sure that in the end he wasn't alone in observation.

I love when Roarke asks Eve if she wants to go out to dinner (after shopping for the shower gift) and the stranger on the street responds If she doesn't I will. I'll even pay. I remember once when I was in NYC and saw the most gorgeous guy walking down the street. If I overheard a similar conversation I would have jumped up and down yelling take me take me. LOL

Sharon wrote: "I love when Roarke asks Eve if she wants to go out to dinner (after shopping for the shower gift) and the stranger on the street responds If she doesn't I will. I'll even pay. I remember once when ..."

That's a good one!

Love Roarke's gifts! He's all about protecting Eve - now with the car. And there's the jacket! Even the inscription the ring.

And laughed outloud when Roarke hands Bella to Eve! haha

Betrayals loom large in this one in more ways than one.

The need of parental approval hits home. It's hard not to have just a smidgen of sympathy for Cleo in that all she wanted was Max's approval.

But the betrayal of a cop by a cop, one of his/her own partners, is one of the worse betrayals, I think.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Love Roarke's gifts! He's all about protecting Eve - now with the car. And there's the jacket! Even the inscription the ring.

And laughed outloud when Roarke hands Bella to Eve! haha"

He does love to indulge her. It takes me back to the time he gave her a music box or jewelry box because she had one that was taken away. He wants to replace all her bad memories with good ones.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Betrayals loom large in this one in more ways than one.

The need of parental approval hits home. It's hard not to have just a smidgen of sympathy for Cleo in that all she wanted was Max's approva..."

Max betrayed Alex too. Max wanted to hurt him by killing someone who was important to him and because Alexdidn't use a woman he loved.

I haven't finished this one just yet, but since it's a re-read for me, I decided to see sneak peaks at the discussions. :) I'm listening on audiobook, which I absolutely love.

This is the first book I've listened/read along with the buddy read.
"Promises in Death" wasn't a favorite of mine, mostly because of the incredible sadness for Morris as well as my all time hatred of Max Ricker. I have by-passed it in the past (during rereads), so I am enjoying listening to it again and taking note of the wonderful details of the stories.

I just finished the scene with Roarke and Alex - their meet on Coney Island. I love the parallels made between Alex/Amaryllis and Roarke/Eve. It touched my heart how Roarke chose Eve first, never asked her to "overlook" his business. I hurt for Alex, because he did seem to love Amaryllis. But his reluctance sharpens the picture of what Roarke and Eve have. Makes me love the dynamic of Roarke and Eve even more. Because Roarke made that choice for her -- he chose to give up the shady so she wouldn't have to ask. And he never would have asked her to overlook his business because he couldn't give it up. But she also accepts him exactly for who he is, shady past and grey bits and all.

Another favorite scene: the DLE. So it might have taken me to my second reading to realize that DLE stood for Dallas, Lieutenant Eve. :) But I love her car and her joy out of owning something all her own. And Roarke's ability to give her completely what she needs. It makes me smile so much. I listened to it twice. :)