J.D. Robb discussion

We love this series but what first brought it to your attention? What made you love the series? Have you ever stopped reading it at some point but then picked it back up? What makes you continue reading this series?

Let's talk about what makes the series so special that it continues to be a go to read?

You know one thing that really has kept me coming back to read or in my case listen to this series is the characters. I love being able to catch up with all my favorites. I love the cases but it's the characters for me.

I also love the relationships that have developed in the series too. The friendships and love that has developed with them too.

It's definitely the characters for me. I like how we've been able to see the characters grow as individuals and as a family. For me each new is like checking in on old friends. Second are the cases, I look forward to Eve and her crew catching the bad guy.

I have to agree that all the characters, the relationships, and the cookiness in some cases help me really enjoy this series. However, there are two reasons I return to this series. Eve and Roarke are number one. Eve and Roarke are the perfect couple, even though they are not perfect and they have struggles they have to constantly overcome. They have such a strong love and they protect each other and find strength in each other. I just love them being together and can't wait to see what the next story brings to the relationship. The second reason is the fact that the stories are so very different. They are interesting, complex, suspenseful and so much more and after so many of them it just amazes me. Usually at this point a series starts to be boring, repetitive and with nothing new to show. That is just not happening here and makes me love this series.

It's Eve and Roarke for me. It's always them that made me reread the books and eager for the next one. Saying that, other characters made me enjoy the books too and also the villain.

I think I picked up Naked in Death because it was a goodreads recommendation based on books on my shelves. Once I read it I was hooked. I wanted to know more about this Eve Dallas with her tragic past and this rogue named Roarke who fell in love with her and would have no other. I like the series because you can read them as standalone but there are still threads of continuity that tie them together. The characters have developed over time and while all deal with death, there are still moments of humor.

I did not answer all the questions originally asked. So here goes. I had read quite a few of Nora Roberts stories and really enjoyed her writing and wanted to see what the In Death series was about. Was totally surprised, especially with the futuristic aspect of it, but totally loved the series. I have been reading the series for a few years and have a few to read to complete the series. I read two or three of the books and then read other books and come back to the In Death series. I have even reread some of my favorites, which I have several of, before completing the series but am determined to complete the series this year.

Dear Group,
I just received Naked in Death. I bought it from amazon and it took nearly 4 weeks to get here. I have read reviews and excerpts and cant wait to start the book. I will start it tomorrow after I finish the two I am currently reading. They sound addictive. I went to 3 local used book stores to buy as much of the series as I could. I only was able to purchase 8 books that way. The owner says that as soon as she gets "in Death" books donated, they fly off the shelves. That gives me a good indication that I will love the series.
Sincerely Yours,
Jina Gibbs

Jina, welcome. So glad you were able to get the book. It is a great series I think you will really enjoy and hopefully take you away from your daily struggles, at least for a little while.

Jina, I do hope the series brings you some great happy reads moments. I know it has for me.

I first read this series because I was joining groups and saw the Nora Roberts was JD Robb. I have always liked her writing style. I found this group and started the series and read a few but stopped as I wanted to try other authors and genres. When I saw a reread of the series starting - and saw all the comments - it sounded like a good time to come back to the series as it is so much more enjoyable to read when you can share your thoughts during the reading. I think my first problem too is that I was reading them non-stop with nothing else in between. Too much of a good thing? Is there such a thing as that???

Maerhys wrote: "I love that Nora breaks all of the romance rules, well, most of them. I love that Eve is a real person with fits and starts to her person growth, and that Roarke loves her through all of it. I am t..."

Maerhys, I totally agree with you about the romance and the growth of the characters. I definitely hate triangles and OTT relationship problems can be too much and not enjoyable.

I also love the respect for each other.

You know I never thought about the job difficulty aspect before. Unconsciously, that probably appeals to me as well. Think that is why I liked the scene in Lethal Weapon N - where the character of Mel Gibson watches his girlfriend played by Rene Russo was beating up the bad guys and he didn't jump in and take over making her feel incompetent.

Maerhys wrote: "I love that Nora breaks all of the romance rules, well, most of them. I love that Eve is a real person with fits and starts to her person growth, and that Roarke loves her through all of it. I am t..."

I agree with you. I love that Roarke not only accepts Eve as she is, but also accepts her friends and cohorts. He seems to know and accept that she may not be able to be as flexible/open as he is - although I do think she tries--kicking and screaming all the way.

I don't where to start when it comes to my love for the IN DEATH series. I guess FAMILY is what comes to mind.

I had been a NORA ROBERTS fan long before I found out that she was J.D. ROBB. I had picked up NAKED IN DEATH, it was while before I read the Nora was also J.D. Robb.

I think I love the series because Eve does and says a lot of things that WE out in real world could do to people who annoy us. Roarke is the DREAM MAN all women dream about.

Many of the things that happen in the book are OVER THE TOP, but I think that's was we fans love about the books. Over EXAGGERATION works in this series.

Though most of the time is in TOMBOY mode, she is a GIRL under her crusty exterior, and secretly loves when Roarke pampers her.

As the books progress you get the feeling of FAMILY and that they would have each other's backs. That's what keeps bringing me back to the series.

Finney is the father she never had. Dr. Mira is the mother she never had. Peabody and Mavis are sisters. Bella is her niece. McNab is the annoying brother/cousin. Her Cop Central are the brothers who would go to the carpet for her. All of the other, such as Nadine, Charles and his wife, Maurice and the new anthropologist are people who round out her life.

I know she and Summerset like to annoy each other but there is a bit of love and admiration for each other.

I am looking forward to the new book. Can't wait.

Mara I love the way you look at the series and can definitely see your viewpoint. They are family through the good and the bad and back each other up. But mostly, they love and respect each other.

I love this series because of the strength of the characters. They are allowed to grow and develop slowly with every installment. I love the fact that I can bet my bottom dollar they will make it through to the other side of each life threatening ending of each book. YES, I want to know it's going to be okay regardless to how much hell they go though. These books make me laugh and cry and they keep getting better. Not many series can say that. Nope, don't change a thing.

there were two reasons that I loved this series.
1. I was a police officer's wife, and as far as I could tell Robb pretty much followed the way a police would handle procedures. For instance, when there is a supposed suicide Eve tells Peabody not to assume. I HATE it when authors assume readers are so dumb that we will accept a lazy cop.
2. I fell in love with the characters. Particularly the Eve and Roarke. I love their interactions and the realism of the relationships.

I can't remember why I started, probably between reads - I was Patterson addicted (Women's Murder Club & Alex Cross) then (& now)

I fell hard for Eve (we share a trauma) & add the Irish man - Boom!

I keep coming back because it is always a good read, the hunt and the takedown never get old! The future is Wild & the author's imagInation therein is a topic subject IMO.

The love story, the team & NYC (in the future) combines to keep you hooked like a catch phrase to a bag of Lays

"you can't"

Read just one!

Stop, no

I am presently awaiting both new editions (Leverage in Death - Sept. 2018 & Connections in Death - Feb. 2019) on Amazon pre-order with baited breath!!!! 😵

I know why I started. This lady at the bookstore put it in my hands and said you must try this! I was hooked ever since.

Why to stick with it?

- great character who I want to see again and again and again
- incredible narration in the audiobooks
- good plotlines
- the worldbuilding. I love how Robb puts in history, social changes, laws of the future.
- humor and passion. The humorous bits and the great passion between Roark and Dallas.

Kirsten, I am in agreement with your list.

I found In Death by accident, looking at the book in my library and thought why not give it a try. I am so glad I started with the audios from the start, they are sooo good. Susan Eriksen totally nails it and makes me laugh, cry and hang on by my fingernails as I listen.

The series never gets old, Robb keeps great stories coming and even when I relisten, I notice things I missed the first time through.

I took my time listening to them (the first reading) because they were so great, I wanted to make them last a long time. Now with the buddy read group, I am enjoying them even more this time. I look forward to spending time with all the characters I have come to know and love.

Karen wrote: "Kirsten, I am in agreement with your list.

I found In Death by accident, looking at the book in my library and thought why not give it a try. I am so glad I started with the audios from the start,..."

So glad to hear you're enjoying the buddy reads. I love hearing all the different opinions and views each month. It's always a great discussion & even after 3 complete rereads of the series, I'm sometimes still surprised by something.

I agree with many of the comments. I know it was said before and I'll say it again. I keep coming back because the characters are so real. Their struggles with their relationships, family, friends, and acquaintances are ones we all experience.

I love that the characters are never stagnant. Each book takes one or more characters through some growth and learning experiences. The characters are like members of my inner circle now. I know them so well.

I come back for the mystery too. Some are brutal, some are unusual, and some stay in my mind since I first read them years ago.

I actually started Naked in Death a couple of times before putting it aside after a few chapters because the futuristic elements were not my cup of tea.

However, after seeing the group was beginning the series from the beginning for a buddy read, I decided to try again and third time was a charm. I managed to get past the futuristic elements (perhaps because as our technology advances, they don't seem to futuristic any more) and just read it as a regular RS or police procedural.

I'm a plot driven reader, so while I appreciate the ongoing character development (and love yummy Roarke), for me, it is the cases that keep me reading.

I usually read a few in a row and then have a break. The beauty of this series is that you can do that.... pick it up after a few months and move on with the characters. As Sharon said above the ongoing character development and the continual moving on with their lives makes it so enjoyable to come back to again and again.

Although Eve and Roarke are the centre I really enjoy reading the ones where Peabody and McNab also feature. They are a great back up as a couple and also Eve and Peabody playing off each other has some of the best lines.

I started reading the In Death series in real time. So I got the first one right the year it was published in 1995 (still have the original pb).

I'd always been a Nora Roberts fan and a romance fan in general. I don't think we were supposed to know initially that JD Robb was also Nora Roberts, but I think the publishers got a little nervous she might not sell and let the cat out of the bag (I am remembering this almost 25 years later so I might be wrong). But I remember reading an article in a romance publication either right before or right after Naked came out, outing JD Robb as a Nora Roberts' pen name. The description of the book was so fascinating to me that I had to get it.

Romance has really, really, branched out in so many ways since the 90s, but back then the '...In Death' series was rather an envelope pusher. imo. In the 90s Historicals were king (Outlander by Diana Gabaldon had come out just couple years earlier and it seemed that was all anyone was talking about, and Scottish Highlander romances were thick on the ground to take advantage of the interest). Most of the romance single title romances that weren't historical were romantic suspense.

I remember getting it and thinking... wow this is so cool. It was a futuristic police procedural romance mystery hybrid! Eve was soooo different from most of the heroines that I was used to reading -- tough, firm, mean, righteous. Roarke was such a fascinating character. I was hooked from the first book.

I keep coming back because of the characters and I love the idea of a kick-ass couple solving crime together through a continuing series. Also I enjoy books that build their own world, which is what the series does in addition to building its characters.

Tina wrote: "I started reading the In Death series in real time. So I got the first one right the year it was published in 1995 (still have the original pb).

I'd always been a Nora Roberts fan and a romance fa..."

💞 it!

Your assessment makes me think - One word re: Romance books in the 90's

Fabio! LOL

I have only read Nora Roberts in conjuction to JD Robb - [spoiler] the cross over book about treasure. [spoiler]

Tina wrote: "I started reading the In Death series in real time. So I got the first one right the year it was published in 1995 (still have the original pb).

I'd always been a Nora Roberts fan and a romance fa..."

Thank you, Tina, for providing that perspective as an original reader from the onset of the series. I wasn’t reading romance back then so the start of this series wasn’t on my radar until 2010! Your insights brings back memories of that era, too, as I wasn’t a fan of those old bodice rippers.

Veda wrote: "Your assessment makes me think - One word re: Romance books in the 90's

Fabio! LOL."

Yes! He certainly got around 😜

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "I usually read a few in a row and then have a break. The beauty of this series is that you can do that.... pick it up after a few months and move on with the characters. As Sharon said above the on..."

I totally agree.

Hi Guys,
I stumbled on the series by accident. This is only my first read thru of the series and I just finished "Festive in death". I'm trying to space my books so I don't catch-up with Nora and have to wait until the next installment to be published. I love this series, for Eve as our heroine and a kick-ass type of character. I love the dialog between all the characters, and the witty remarks from Eve to Peabody, Eve to Roarke, Eve to Somerset and the other way around. The romance is melt worthy and the crime and resolution are always interesting. I keep going back because I actually miss the characters and I know I'm going to have a great read.

Roz wrote: "Hi Guys,
I stumbled on the series by accident. This is only my first read thru of the series and I just finished "Festive in death". I'm trying to space my books so I don't catch-up with Nora and h..."

Welcome to our world 🌎 catch up Roz JD is at #47 & #48 comes out in Feb. 2019, I don't think you're in danger there or with Nora whose books are as Legendary in # & fandom as her psuedonyms!

Dare to Read - dangerously 👮😱😅

Roz wrote: "Hi Guys,
I stumbled on the series by accident. This is only my first read thru of the series and I just finished "Festive in death". I'm trying to space my books so I don't catch-up with Nora and h..."

Welcome, Roz! So smart to pace yourself as it’s not fun waiting on the new releases. You’ve listed just about everything I (and many others here) love about the series.

Enjoy!

Roz wrote: "Hi Guys,
I stumbled on the series by accident. This is only my first read thru of the series and I just finished "Festive in death". I'm trying to space my books so I don't catch-up with Nora and h..."

Welcome Roz! Good luck with the pacing. I'm always waiting. I read the books as soon as they are released and want more. This series is my go-to audiobook after I read it. I never get tired of these characters.

I agree that it is the characters more than the mystery that I remember in this series. There is something relatable about Eva. I could like her in real life but I feel that way about all of Nora Robert's heroines. Maybe there is something about Nora's own personality that I like.

So one thing I have to think of now is that I am totally invested in this series. I realize that I don't do series often. It's an invest of time, money, and the characters you get to know and love. For me it's why I come back too as I am very invested in this and it's hard not to visit with these characters with every new book.

I am now not doing any type of series unless I can read the book as standalones. I find that when I have to read each book to continue the story is not something I like. I also don't like trilogy books as sometimes there is not enough story for 3 books and they are doing it for the money. I have found many could fit into one book or maybe even just two.

So this series works as they have a cast that you want to visit. It has new cases which also help the story and while their is continuation storyline it also feels like standalones too.

What keep me coming back: is Eve and Roarke and the cases

Barbara "Cookie" wrote: "What keep me coming back: is Eve and Roarke and the cases"

I totally understand!

I keep coming back because of the characters too. Also, I find something new with each book.

Sometimes it is personal or couple growth.

Sometimes the case is worked differently or a case shines a light on a past event of one of the recurring characters.

I love when a new character is introduced. It doesn't have to be a recurring it can be a one and done character like Det Banner from Arkansas. (I love that Roarke was pretty much a jerk when he found Banner in Eve's office.)

I even look forward to DeWinter (who I can't stand) just to see how she will rub me the wrong.

I could go on and on. I know I'm in the minority, but there isn't one book that I don't love. That is unusual for me because most series I put aside after I read 10 or so books. They get repetitive. I never feel that way about Eve and Roarke. I'm never sorry that I picked up an In Death book and I've never rated one less that 4 stars and most are 5.