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Fantasy in Death (In Death, #30)
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In Death Buddy Reads 2016 - 2021 > Fantasy In Death Buddy Read - Jan. 2019 - Spoiler Zone

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message 1: by Sandra (last edited Dec 21, 2018 11:59AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11235 comments Mod
We'll start 2019 with Fantasy in Death. Can you believe we've read our way back to book #30!? Open discussion begins on the 8th. New readers and rereaders - please join us!

Synopsis:
Bart Minnock, founder of the computer gaming giant U-Play, is found in his locked private playroom, in a pool of blood, his head separated from his body. Despite his violent end, Eve can’t find anyone—girlfriend and business partners included—who seemed to have a problem with the enthusiastic, high-spirited millionaire.

Of course gaming, like any business, has its fierce rivalries and dirty tricks—as Eve’s husband, Roarke, one of U-Play’s competitors, knows well. But Minnock was not naïve, and he knew how to fight back in the real world as well as the virtual one.

Eve and her team are about to enter the next level of police work, in a world where fantasy is the ultimate seduction—and the price of defeat is death...

Timeline: June 23-29, 2060

Character List:

Eve Dallas
Roarke
David Baxter
Ryan Feeney
Mavis Freestone
Nadine Furst
Galahad
Ian McNab
Charlotte Mira
Delia Peabody
Lawrence Summerset
Troy Trueheart
Jack Whitney
Bella Eve
Callendar
Detective Carmichael
Louise Dimatto
Jenkinson
Leonardo
Jamie Lingstrom
Charles Monroe
Morris
Trina

List of Minor & Peripheral Characters:
(view spoiler)


Charlene (charlenethestickler) | 799 comments I'm still waiting for the December In Death Book from Library, so I've ordered this one and hope it comes through the system faster.


Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11235 comments Mod
Charlene wrote: "I'm still waiting for the December In Death Book from Library, so I've ordered this one and hope it comes through the system faster."

I hope so too, Charlene. Join us when you can.


Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11235 comments Mod
7 days to go until open discussion! I'm going to start my reread a couple of days before the 8th. :)


Michelle | 2665 comments Same here Sandra. Another book I can't remember


Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11235 comments Mod
Michelle wrote: "Same here Sandra. Another book I can't remember"

One would think we'd remember them all as many times as we've read them! lol But sometimes it takes me a few pages/chapters to recall the specific story.


Michelle | 2665 comments Isn't that the truth !


Sharon Kallenberger Marzola | 3065 comments I don't remember either. I'm sure it will come back to me though as soon as I start reading.


Patty | 757 comments I have finished this book and even though I had this marked as read, not one thing made me think I have read this book before. Maybe I somehow missed this book!


Charlene (charlenethestickler) | 799 comments The January book came from library before December copy, so I'll read the one for January first and see if I can catch up later. Looking forward to my first read of each of the stories, as usual!


Karen ♐ (kmk1214) | 789 comments I started it today. I love the full length books. Can't wait to find out what happens in this one.


Phrynne | 372 comments I am about half way and I know I have read it before because I know what is going to happen! I always remember the big things but forget all the details and, since the details are often the best parts of these books, reading them again is still fun.


Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11235 comments Mod
Open discussion in 3 days! Yay! I'm also starting my reread.


Charlene (charlenethestickler) | 799 comments Oh, I'd better shift this one closer to the top of my pile of books!


Sharon Kallenberger Marzola | 3065 comments I know a lot of people give Eve grief because of her actions or comments but Roarke certainly has his moments. I wonder why he gets a pass most of the time?


Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11235 comments Mod
This is now a spoiler zone. Feel free to openly discuss Fantasy in Death.

It seems people either love or "don't care much" for this one! Which side do you fall on? Share your thoughts on this story.


Phrynne | 372 comments I like it! The banter between Peabody and Eve had me laughing out loud and there were some really great moments there.
Roarke had a moment of stupidity when he accused Eve of not being sensitive but got over it quite quickly. That was a bit of a low point in the book but the rest was great.

I thought the mystery was still interesting even though I remembered most of what was going to what was going to happen from my previous reading.


Sharon Kallenberger Marzola | 3065 comments I like it! It is a little more science fiction than most of the series. Even though In Death takes place in 2060 most of the technology is built on current technology, even in the beginning I could see Eve's world. The killing AI technology still seems a little out there to me but it doesn't surprise me.


Michelle | 2665 comments I'm on the don't care much side of things. Everything Phrynne said but the mystery for me was just taking too long. ( I think that's mostly because it my third time reading it)
This read like a day , or days , in the life of. Great banter, great development of friendship and relationships( Peabody and McNab,Eve and Nadine) . The moments of Eve and Roarke were plenty and made me realize that they as a couple have come far. How else could Roarke have been so brutal to Eve? As he said she could take it( yes and there are arguments for both should or shouldn't he have.) Which is usually her doing it to Roarke because he can take it. They honestly are still growing as a couple but the strength is really starting to show through . Lots more to say on that but I'll wait their what you all have to say. But I have to say stand out moment in the book was Eve in the last few chapters

The case wasn't the focus. This book is a breather As the last few have been tense. Or that's my take on it. Building of characters


message 20: by Sharon (last edited Jan 08, 2019 06:21PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Sharon Kallenberger Marzola | 3065 comments Interesting take Michelle. I thought the case was interesting even though I remembered the story around the third chapter. I like that Eve saw the game as the weapon even though she isn't the geek of the group.

Roarke is a little too close to the case because of his relationship with the first victim but it was the vehicle that pulled him to the crime scene. It is also the reason that he took Cilla away from the funeral. I know he stands up for Eve but I didn't feel it. That is part of the reason his attack on Eve at the hospital hurts a little more.

It is still interesting to me that Roarke is given a pass because "she can take it" however, if the roles were swapped Eve would be thrown under the bus. In my opinion.


message 21: by Barbara "Cookie" (new)

Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams (goodreadscomcookiew1801) | 1573 comments I love it live tech side of thing I can see VR taking off like in the story. My son let me use his VR goggles to watch a movie and it was like being part of it. So it was not hard to thong that someday we will have VR room and play game in them.


Karen ♐ (kmk1214) | 789 comments I loved this book! It's my first time reading it and found the case interesting. I loved the relationship side to this story also. I was so shocked by Roarke's blast at Eve that I backtracked to make sure I got it right! This showed me that he also can lose it just like Eve can. Peabody and McNab again were delightful. And I love the growing relationship between Mira and Eve.


Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11235 comments Mod
On the Roarke/Eve thing - I'll just say that, for me, it's good to see that Roarke's human once in awhile. He's perfect in so many ways that he almost seem invincible & he's not. And - I think this was all about showing the strength and growth in their relationship. Just my take on it. As always, I love the relationships - Eve & Roarke, Eve & Peabody, Peabody & McNab, Eve & Nadine or Mira...love scenes involving any of them.

I think this one made Eve consider her life IF she lost Roarke too - often it's the other way around with Roarke thinking about losing Eve.


message 24: by Sharon (last edited Jan 08, 2019 06:19PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Sharon Kallenberger Marzola | 3065 comments Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "On the Roarke/Eve thing - I'll just say that, for me, it's good to see that Roarke's human once in awhile. He's perfect in so many ways that he almost seem invincible & he's not. And - I think this..."

I agree that we see Roarke being human in this story. I don't have a problem with it at all. That's real life. What I question (not so much in this group) is how quickly readers forgive Roarke when he strikes out but rarely forgive Eve when her negative side appears. I wonder why. Is it because so many readers are female? We do tend to be harder on others of our gender. Maybe it is because so many of us want a Roarke of our own and only see the generous, loving, forgiving man so his faults are over looked easier.

I love when Eve realizes that Roarke lives with the possibility that she could be seriously injured or killed all the time. I also love that Roarke wants the Eve package and doesn't want her to change anything. Swoon!

I do love the Peabody's penis discussion. That makes me laugh every time.


Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11235 comments Mod
Love Peabody & her … "discussion"!! haha I just love Peabody! She's a great support character.

In my opinion, every woman deserves her own "Roarke" so maybe that's why he's easily forgiven for any "slip-ups" by some, I don't know. Personally, I don't look at it as forgiving one easier than the other for any weakness shown, but that's just me. I think the "flaws" are what makes both characters who they are - with depth and history and things yet to learn. I have and continue to love watching these two grow - both individually and together. The books where they have and resolve a personal conflict are some of my favorites. As to why some readers might be harder on one than the other - just personal opinions, I guess.


Karen ♐ (kmk1214) | 789 comments Sharon wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "On the Roarke/Eve thing - I'll just say that, for me, it's good to see that Roarke's human once in awhile. He's perfect in so many ways that he almost seem invin..."

I agree, Sharon. I think because we are mostly female readers, we tend to forgive Roarke more easily than Eve.


Karen ♐ (kmk1214) | 789 comments Another one of my favorite comments was when they were at Nadine's party and someone (I can't remember who) said about McNab, I don't think I've ever seen an orange tux!


Sharon Kallenberger Marzola | 3065 comments Sandra I believe everyone deserves a Roarke. I had mine. He didn't own half the world but he was a perfect partner.

You're right I guess it is personal opinion or maybe a personal experience that impacts them negatively.

I like the flaws too. I don't know one couple in real life that hasn't hit below the belt, so to speak. It is working through the disagreement that make a relationship last. That is what I love about this series, both characters have ups and downs, good and bad days and times when they get one each other's nerves. Then they talk about what happened and try to do better.

In the beginning of the series, Roarke would aggravate me when he went over Eve's head to her boss. Eve makes me angry when she slaps at Roarke for one reason or another. They always come through their squabbles a stronger couple because they talk and apologize and show their love in some way. Most of the In Death books are a solid 5 stars for me even after reading them multiple times, they are still great reads.


Sharon Kallenberger Marzola | 3065 comments Karen ♐ wrote: "Another one of my favorite comments was when they were at Nadine's party and someone (I can't remember who) said about McNab, I don't think I've ever seen an orange tux!"

I love that one too. I know a couple McNabs--crazy geeks,


Michelle | 2665 comments Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "On the Roarke/Eve thing - I'll just say that, for me, it's good to see that Roarke's human once in awhile. He's perfect in so many ways that he almost seem invincible & he's not. And - I think this..."

I think that's a big point for me in this book. So often it's Roarke bearing the brunt of Eve . This book had Roarke be more human. His constant bafflement about why his so invested in this investigation. This was on a emotional level for him. Before I think he got involved for valid reasons but never so much on a emotional level. And I mean about people that was just acquaintances . For a change it was his human-ness that was on the forefront.


Charlene (charlenethestickler) | 799 comments I was fatigued by all the gaming jargon, since I've never gotten past Kaboom in the 1980s????

I also still have not received previous book from library, on hold, and I wonder if I missed a couple of references.

Still, the police teamwork was good. In spite of being a bit like me on gaming, Eve had the wide open mind to consider things the e-geeks working with the police refused to credit!


Michelle | 2665 comments Not only did we get to see Peabody and Eve developing as partners but slowly her squad is also getting play. There's a more roundness of Eve as LT that we're getting to see.

But yes special mention of that musing of penisis has to be mentioned. Peabody and Eve are really becoming partners. Her leading the interrogation at the end. There was a constant point of her saying she has to " trust" her team. Yes it was all part of the plot (the three friends trusting Var) but trusting was a big element in this book


Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11235 comments Mod
Sharon wrote: "Sandra I believe everyone deserves a Roarke. I had mine. He didn't own half the world but he was a perfect partner.

You're right I guess it is personal opinion or maybe a personal experience that..."


Nicely said & I agree, Sharon. It always comes down to both the individual & relationship growth. And squabbles are part of it.


Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11235 comments Mod
Michelle wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "On the Roarke/Eve thing - I'll just say that, for me, it's good to see that Roarke's human once in awhile. He's perfect in so many ways that he almost seem invin..."

Exactly, Michelle! Roarke was involved emotionally and it showed. And I loved that. And I definitely think Roarke has carried a big, big load when it comes to worrying about his wife because her "job" could take her from him. But...her passion for her job is part of what he loves about her and he doesn't try to change that. I think Eve got an inkling of what that feels like in this one.


Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11235 comments Mod
Karen ♐ wrote: "Another one of my favorite comments was when they were at Nadine's party and someone (I can't remember who) said about McNab, I don't think I've ever seen an orange tux!"

I laugh out loud every time McNab & his clothes are described in this series! Oh the visual!! haha


Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11235 comments Mod
Charlene wrote: "I was fatigued by all the gaming jargon, since I've never gotten past Kaboom in the 1980s????

I also still have not received previous book from library, on hold, and I wonder if I missed a couple ..."


I know what you mean about all the "gaming" as I'm not a big gamer or sci-fi viewer. So this case is not one of my favorites. I do understand that this is a "futuristic" series although honestly, it's easy to forget that sometimes as the characters carry so much of the story.


Michelle | 2665 comments Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "On the Roarke/Eve thing - I'll just say that, for me, it's good to see that Roarke's human once in awhile. He's perfect in so many ways that he ..."

Yes!! Eve really broke when he was injured. And this wasn't the worse he's been hurt while helping her. But this so soon after Coltrane ? Morris is still in mourning black. And I felt the grief of everyone in all forms was highlighted. Or maybe it was just me that picked up on that. Because overall a lot of emotions were highlighted
Friendship( Nadine and Eve , Peabody and and Eve which I'm getting from the penis wonderings because that's not something you chat with your work partner about )
Love ( Peabody and McNab , and of course Eve and Roarke. Have to mention the pizza joint Roarke takes her to on a date. Eve actually have have lots of moments of that love expressed )
Partnership. ( her reminiscing about her first shooting with Feeney as her partner. Eve & Peabody are really starting to gel as partners) even a glimpse of Baxter and Trueheart )
I might have misse a few but these are standouts.


Michelle | 2665 comments Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Karen ♐ wrote: "Another one of my favorite comments was when they were at Nadine's party and someone (I can't remember who) said about McNab, I don't think I've ever seen an orange tux!"

I laugh o..."


If this series every hits the big /small scene I hope, hope, hope 🙏🏼attention to details is superb!!! I'm not even going to start about casting. That's another topic all together beside the what should or could be left out.


Sharon Kallenberger Marzola | 3065 comments I forgot to mention Peabody's derringer souvenir. Both the scene with Peabody and Roarke are cute.


Karen ♐ (kmk1214) | 789 comments Michelle wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "On the Roarke/Eve thing - I'll just say that, for me, it's good to see that Roarke's human once in awhile. H..."

Those are great ones, Michelle. This series for me is more about the characters growing relationships than it is about the "cases". I love how they are growing in not only their professional lives but their personal ones as well.


message 41: by Susan (new)

Susan (cruelshoes) | 574 comments Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "This is now a spoiler zone. Feel free to openly discuss Fantasy in Death.

It seems people either love or "don't care much" for this one! Which side do you fall on? Share your thoughts on this story."


this was not one of my favorites. I know we are talking in the future but this was way out there with virtual killing. not believable to me


message 42: by Susan (new)

Susan (cruelshoes) | 574 comments my favorite scene is Peabody and Mcnab at the geek fest. they are so much in tune to each other. and it was the best gift that Peabody gave Eve the gun that says great quotes when you shoot it. Really was a very thoughtful gift. Eve is more at ease now with her friendships and receiving gifts.


Jonetta (ejaygirl) | 15087 comments Mod
Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "This is now a spoiler zone. Feel free to openly discuss Fantasy in Death.

It seems people either love or "don't care much" for this one! Which side do you fall on? Share your thoughts on this story."


This is my least favorite book in the series. The technical talk just gave me a brain freeze.


Charlene (charlenethestickler) | 799 comments Susan wrote: "my favorite scene is Peabody and Mcnab at the geek fest. they are so much in tune to each other. and it was the best gift that Peabody gave Eve the gun that says great quotes when you shoot it. Rea..."

I also liked the gun souvenir, Susan. It seemed that Peabody had to go out of her way on duty (undercover!) to find that little fun gift for Eve.


Darren | 29 comments This was one that I actually had not read before. I finished it this morning. As usual, absolutely wonderful! Peabody is one of my favorite characters. She cracks me up!🤣 early in the book, the conversation between Peabody and eve about, The male sexual organ, was definitely worth reading twice. This is definitely one that you need to read the audio book. You will find yourself laughing until tears come from your eyes.


Sandra Hoover (sandrahoover) | 11235 comments Mod
Darren wrote: "This was one that I actually had not read before. I finished it this morning. As usual, absolutely wonderful! Peabody is one of my favorite characters. She cracks me up!🤣 early in the book, the con..."

I agree, Darren! Peabody is easily my favorite support character and this conversation was priceless! All of these books are excellent on audio.


Hannah (hmatkins) | 77 comments I agree with what Sandra said initially.... I think I'm on the "don't care too much" side of things, as far as liking this book. I have listened to it several times, so I do know what is going to happen. But I found myself bogged down by the details of the case. I still have 5 hours left in the book, but I keep thinking "let's get on with it already!" The gaming got too technical for me, and I feel like JD spent too much time setting it up so that it could be a virtual kill.

That being said, some of the relationship moments in this book are favorites of mine. Peabody and her penis discussion is absolutely one of my favorites! She makes me laugh so much. I agree with many of you that her derringer present is so wonderful and sweet. Susan also brought up a great point: Eve has gotten so much better at getting presents. I hadn't thought about that before.

I haven't gotten to the Roarke/Eve tiff yet (at the hospital) in my listening, but I am looking forward to that. I agree with Michelle that it is nice to see Roarke be less than perfect. I so often think of all he puts up with being married to Eve and her moments, but it is nice to see that Roarke has them as well.

As always, you guys bring so much more to the books as I listen to them again. :)


Lauren (laurenjberman) | 1131 comments Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "This is now a spoiler zone. Feel free to openly discuss Fantasy in Death.

It seems people either love or "don't care much" for this one! Which side do you fall on? Share your thoughts on this story."


Unfortunately, I fall in the "don't care much" category. While I enjoy the locked room murder idea, the computer kills human scenario is not appealing as a resolution. In addition, the cybergeek stuff is not my cup of tea.


Lauren (laurenjberman) | 1131 comments Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "On the Roarke/Eve thing - I'll just say that, for me, it's good to see that Roarke's human once in awhile. He's perfect in so many ways that he almost seem invincible & he's not. And - I think this..."

Totally agree. So many times it is Eve who says something hurtful, so it was good to see that Roarke has his moments too. I like that he realized how unfair his words were quickly and apologized with sincerity.


message 50: by Christine (last edited Dec 04, 2021 11:41AM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Christine Hatfield  (christinesbookshelves) | 4621 comments I read the book


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