J.D. Robb discussion

Our In Death series buddy read continues with Thankless in Death. Open discussion begins on the 8th. We invite everyone to join our buddy read & discussion.

Synopsis:
In the latest suspense thriller in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, the year 2060 is drawing to a close in New York City and loved ones are coming together for Thanksgiving. But sometimes the deepest hatreds seethe within the closest relationships, and blood flows faster than water…

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has plenty to be grateful for this season. Hosting Roarke’s big Irish family for the holiday may be challenging, but it’s a joyful improvement on her own dark childhood.

Other couples aren’t as lucky as Eve and Roarke. The Reinholds, for example, are lying in their home stabbed and bludgeoned almost beyond recognition. Those who knew them are stunned—and heartbroken by the evidence that they were murdered by their own son. Twenty-six-year-old Jerry hadn’t made a great impression on the bosses who fired him or the girlfriend who dumped him—but they didn’t think he was capable of this.

Turns out Jerry is not only capable of brutality but taking a liking to it. With the money he’s stolen from his parents and a long list of grievances, he intends to finally make his mark on the world. Eve and her team already know the who, how, and why of this murder. What they need to pinpoint is where Jerry’s going to strike next.

I'm happy we'll be reading this one at this time - very appropriate for the fall season and upcoming holiday. So much to love about this book! And I can't believe we've worked our way back through the series to book #37!!

Are you ready for more?

Always fun when the Irish family come to visit.
Another one I must start reading before I remember the nitty gritty

count me in just got it on my nook

Have it on my kindle and the audio too

I'll join in.

I've just ordered from library; hope it comes fast.

Finished it yesterday. This is one of her dark books with a happy ending. I found it very violent and dark

I loved it! It was a bit gory but there was lots of good family stuff too and Roarke and Eve are in such a good place.

This is now a Spoiler Zone! Feel free to openly discuss Thankless In Death.

So - what did you think??

I guess I better start my re-read. I remember the main points of the story, but there is always something new when I re-read.

Every time I read this book, Jerry Reinhold reminds me of neighbor when we were teens. To this day he can't hold a job and blames everyone else for his failures. I remember my father commenting once that he wouldn't be surprised if he became a serial killer. LOL

Sharon, I think everyone knows a Jerry. I certainly do and unfortunately he’s a cousin😏

I enjoyed it.
I can definitely think of a Jerry, too - a coworker who I, thankfully, had very little interaction with and he was eventually let go.

Sharon wrote: "Every time I read this book, Jerry Reinhold reminds me of neighbor when we were teens. To this day he can't hold a job and blames everyone else for his failures. I remember my father commenting onc..."

Same here - a neighbor guy now in his early 50's that has never held a regular job choosing to mooch off his mother instead of working. Unfortunately, she allows it.

I think everyone know a “Jerry”, he is the the guys or girl who blames everyone for the thinks that goes wrong in their life.

There was some brilliant moments here.
Eve with Whitney and talking about if she want Captain
I can't really pick one so all the Roarke and Eve moments
The whole medal ceremony. Loved that nod to all and everyone that has brought Roarke together with Eve to this point. Starting with the Blaise's where is all started. I remember reading that and thinking Robb brought everyone to the party. And Nixie and Sean. Brilliant.

Love, love, love the epilogue. I wonder if Robb knew Nixie was going to present this gift when she wrote her originally or if it came to her when she was preparing Thankless. I feel like Eve would be happy with the picture alone, but the essay is perfection. Roarke reading it for Eve makes me teary thinking about it.

The fact that there was an epilogue? That was different and very appreciated. And a nice play with the title. The case was all about thankless but all Eve and Roarke? All about being thankful.

Michelle wrote: "The fact that there was an epilogue? That was different and very appreciated. And a nice play with the title. The case was all about thankless but all Eve and Roarke? All about being thankful."

I agree Michelle. I am grateful for the scene. Even with all the evil in the world, there are blessings too.

One of the many things I like about this series is the way Robb takes a murderer that I cannot stand yet turns the book into one that I love.

From the meeting with Whitney, “I don’t want to seem ungrateful. I’m very grateful. But is it possible to keep this . . .” “Low-key, quiet, small, and relatively private?” Hope struggled to bloom through the snags. “Any of that?” His lips curved. “Absolutely not. Suck that up, Dallas.”

Eve’s need to talk her decision through with Roarke.

Setting up the non-date, date night and asking Summerset for meal suggestions. The way Summerset disappeared when Roarke comes home.

The medal ceremony. Eve is amazed that so many people show up.

Eve’s interactions with the staff at the Manor, then later staying there with Roarke.

Eve’s talk with
...Feeney about the captaincy.
...Peabody and the lipstick
...Calling Roarke to get a job for Juana
...With Sinead, “You’d have found him, Patrick Roarke, for taking the life of our Siobhan. You’d have found him, and seen him pay for it.” “I’d have tried.”

“The family” visiting and Roarke playing soccer.

There is so much more that, for me, makes this a great story, even though I want to strangle Jerry.

Sharon I loved those scenes as well.

The non date with Roarke. I was laughing when she stopped on the sat airs and turned to ask Summerset for suggestions. And Roarke's reaction when he arrived. I also loved how she was asking him about his day. More and more she is adding to the wife rules.

Sharon wrote: "One of the many things I like about this series is the way Robb takes a murderer that I cannot stand yet turns the book into one that I love.

From the meeting with Whitney, “I don’t want to seem..."

Awesome moments, Sharon. And I quite agree that it's magical the way Robb can make me love a book even when I detest a villain. So many awesome moments in this one!

Michelle wrote: "The fact that there was an epilogue? That was different and very appreciated. And a nice play with the title. The case was all about thankless but all Eve and Roarke? All about being thankful."

Great point - Roarke & Eve always make me thankful to be a reader! :)

Eve is offered Captain's Bars - What do think about her decision to turn it down?

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Eve is offered Captain's Bars - What do think about her decision to turn it down? "

She did the right thing for her. She is a good leader, but she likes getting in the thick of things. They way Robb created the captain position, she would no longer be out in the field.

It also shows that Eve's priorities changed since Naked. She doesn't need to prove herself with advancement. She has a more rounded life with work, home, family, and travel.

It's amazing to see how far Roarke has come with being a part of the cop family. I loved that he was surprised when every cop there stands for him when he goes up to get his Award. And the words he spoke were so touching.

This villain, Jerry, and his sense of entitlement just blows me away. The depth of his cruelty to people who called him son, friends, lover, student is just mind-blowing. He was just smart enough to be stupid. I really wanted his teacher to get away...really hated her murder but applauded her hiding the clues in the computer code.

The scene with his mother & the sandwiches made me sick. I think he had been "stewing" for years & the act of killing his mother set the monster free.

Where do you all rank Jerry among all the murderers thus far in this series?

Sharon wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Eve is offered Captain's Bars - What do think about her decision to turn it down? "

She did the right thing for her. She is a good leader, but she likes getting..."

I agree, Sharon. It's truly amazing to see how much Eve's life has "rounded out" at this point.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "It's amazing to see how far Roarke has come with being a part of the cop family. I loved that he was surprised when every cop there stands for him when he goes up to get his Award. And the words he..."

I agree Sandra. Roarke has changed from a boy then man who doesn't trust cops to fitting in with them perfectly. I don't think there is one person in the NYPSD who doesn't value his contributions, but more importantly his skills.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "This villain, Jerry, and his sense of entitlement just blows me away. The depth of his cruelty to people who called him son, friends, lover, student is just mind-blowing. He was just smart enough t..."

He is the biggest sleaze. He isn't cunning or a criminal mastermind like many of Eve's opponents. Jerry is lucky. He never really planned. He acted out his juvenile grudges. He is an adult version of the kid who bullies then steals what isn't his.

Regarding his ranking he is close to the bottom, 36 or 37.

I really liked the scene between Eve and Sinead when Sinead walks into Eve's home office and sees the murder board. Sinead didn't get any closure on the death of her sister - there wasn't an Eve to stand for her. Very touching when she told Eve that she knows Eve would have caught Patrick.

I love the scenes with Roarke's family - great scenes!

I can't think of much to add to the agreed-upon comments above, other than I notice that Eve managed to mangle at least three common expressions!

One of the best scenes for me is Eve buying the pink lipstick for Peabody; she obviously has endless money and she spends it on her partner/friend! Very touching scene.

Of course, the whole Irish family was wonderful.

And, as was mentioned above, the fact that Sinead saw the murder board caused Eve's career/calling to gel for her, and that Eve would have found the man (Roarke's dad) who killed her twin sister, Roarke's mum.

Sandra I too wanted the teacher to make it or Eve to get there in time. Jerry was lucky. To me if not for that luck he would have been caught so much sooner. Is it horrible that as much as I wanted the teacher to survive I didn't want the friend to? I mean he is going to recover and in my pov not really have learnt anything by this experience. He was prepared to not only give his money but the family's as well!

For me the theme was family. I think the only dynamic of mother that wasn't present in this book was Eve and Dr Mira. But then that has been there in the previous few books. That was also I think more to do with the fact that Eve spoke to Feeney about her offer of captaincy. Him being her father figure. Isn't that what one does. Talk to your dad about serious decisions?

And I loved that both Eve and Roarke's family was there to witness the recognition from the city. Not just friends , her squad and those that have become family. This was needed I think after Dallas. Family is not just the one you are born into but also the one you land up having.

More and more her squad and her interaction with them has been written into the story line. The running joke of the tie, her walking into interview and playing a witness. Her running of the squad with mentions of budgeting and all the other admin concerning her squad. I honestly think Eve decision to not become captain was right for her. And I loved her reasoning for it as well. Though she deserves it this is not her time for it.

Michelle wrote: "For me the theme was family. I think the only dynamic of mother that wasn't present in this book was Eve and Dr Mira. But then that has been there in the previous few books. That was also I think m..."

You said it all, Michelle! Family is not just the one you're born into - not just in the blood. It's the people you choose and who choose you - your friends, loved ones, even co-workers - the ones who will stand by you no matter what. Eve has that now.

And I agree - strong theme of family in this one. I also liked the way Robb plays the "thankless" vs. "thankful" theme throughout with those who are thankful for nothing because they think they deserve it anyway to those who are thankful for everything - especially all the moments with their chosen family. How appropriate that the season is Thanksgiving.

Michelle wrote: "Sandra I too wanted the teacher to make it or Eve to get there in time. Jerry was lucky. To me if not for that luck he would have been caught so much sooner. Is it horrible that as much as I wanted..."

I feel the same Michelle. When I get to the part that A$$hole Joe survives I think, Mrs. Farnsworth should get a job offer from Roarke instead of Joe going to the hospital.

Michelle wrote: "More and more her squad and her interaction with them has been written into the story line. The running joke of the tie, her walking into interview and playing a witness. Her running of the squad w..."

After reading and listening to some of Robb/Roberts interviews, I think she is going to end the series with Eve pregnant and getting a promotion to captain.

As much as her fans want both written into the series, I agree with NR, the stories wouldn't work.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Michelle wrote: "For me the theme was family. I think the only dynamic of mother that wasn't present in this book was Eve and Dr Mira. But then that has been there in the previous few books. That w..."


Well said Sandra & Michelle. I love how the family theme runs through this book. It is in keeping with the holiday. The juxtaposition of blood family and chosen family both within Eve & Roarke's circle and those in Jerry's is interesting.

Mrs. Farnsworth's family is her dog and mostly neighbors. Mal and Dave immediately move to their parents' homes to protect. Joe could care less and doesn't take Eve or Peabody's warnings seriously.

I loved how this time we really get a glimpse on the down time with Eve and Roarke and the family. Too many other books are all about the crime and not enough (for me) that shows how and what they do in there other lives. I really loved the scene when Eve pulls in the driveway and sees the football game going on. its so domestic. she really believes Roarkes family is hers now also so it feels good.

Sharon wrote: "One of the many things I like about this series is the way Robb takes a murderer that I cannot stand yet turns the book into one that I love.

From the meeting with Whitney, “I don’t want to seem..."

I loved all of these scenes too, Sharon.

I just finished this one. I am so far behind. Hope to catch up soon.

I loved this book. I think I've known a few Jerrys in my life. But what really got to me was how the author showed us how different his life could have been as evidenced by our favorite characters.

When Eve bought Peabody a little gift, knowing she loved it, brought tears to my eyes. I really love Peabody. She is just so full of life.

Susan wrote: "I loved how this time we really get a glimpse on the down time with Eve and Roarke and the family. Too many other books are all about the crime and not enough (for me) that shows how and what they ..."

I think your comment here made me realize why I loved this book so much. We really get to see more of the "good guys" living their lives even though there was a case going on.

I am reading this now, I tried last fall and I just couldn't get past Jerry's sadistic behavior. Even though I have read it once before, for some reason it makes me ill to listen to his rants. Now I am listening to try to fill in gaps about the award Eve gets and the Thanksgiving get together. I hope I can finish it, it is so awful.

I just did read the part where Eve buys the lipstick, it is so funny how she has to act so gruff when Peabody goes ga ga over it.

I feel like this has two different books in it and one I wish I could just skip. The little dog is making me cry, I think I know it won't turn out good for them.

I understand what you mean Karen. Sometime I wish I can just read the character builds. The case and this one in particular.,would be difficult to listen to

Thanks Michelle. I am feeling better about it now, the ceremony for Eve and Roarke's awards is making me feel better. I am close to finishing and I think Robb is going to make me feel a lot better in the end.

Karen wrote: "Thanks Michelle. I am feeling better about it now, the ceremony for Eve and Roarke's awards is making me feel better. I am close to finishing and I think Robb is going to make me feel a lot better ..."

I love the ending of this one.

I do too, Sharon.

Karen that why I'm glad for the buddy reads. For me most of this is third or fourth time I'm reading them so I can pick what I'm concentrated on. First t I me round I was concentrating on everything.