J.D. Robb discussion

I'm so excited that our In Death series buddy read has reach Book #50 - Golden in Death!! I've read & loved everything about this one!! We'll open discussion on the 8th.

In the latest thriller in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, homicide detective Eve Dallas investigates a murder with a mysterious motive―and a terrifying weapon.

Pediatrician Kent Abner received the package on a beautiful April morning. Inside was a cheap trinket, a golden egg that could be opened into two halves. When he pried it apart, highly toxic airborne fumes entered his body―and killed him.

After Eve Dallas calls the hazmat team―and undergoes testing to reassure both her and her husband that she hasn’t been exposed―it’s time to look into Dr. Abner’s past and relationships. Not every victim Eve encounters is an angel, but it seems that Abner came pretty close―though he did ruffle some feathers over the years by taking stands for the weak and defenseless. While the lab tries to identify the deadly toxin, Eve hunts for the sender. But when someone else dies in the same grisly manner, it becomes clear that she’s dealing with either a madman―or someone who has a hidden and elusive connection to both victims.

The fact that we are still reading at #50 is a testament at how much we love Eve and Roarke❗❗
Almost to the end of the buddy read 😢
Can't wait to start.

Are we going to start over soon. I love the first book. Rereading it is like call on a old friend

This is just perfect. I can read Golden in January, Shadows in early February and then go straight into Faithless. An In Death binge. Lovely.

Barbara "Cookie" wrote: "Are we going to start over soon. I love the first book. Rereading it is like call on a old friend"

It is, Barbara! I love those first 3 books. I'm going to take a little break before I start over. I have so many books I need to read. :)

This is a spoiler zone! Feel free to openly discuss Golden in Death!

So - does Golden live up to high expectations of the golden book #50?? Share your thoughts!

I started reading it today and, considering I read it only eleven months ago, it is amazing how much I have forgotten. Including who dunnit! Is this a good thing about getting older? You can keep reading the same books over and over again?

Phrynne I don't know if it is getting older but that reading over and over and over? Nothing about age and all about visiting with friends for me. Nothing wrong with that.

That's the way to look at it Michelle:)

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "This is a spoiler zone! Feel free to openly discuss Golden in Death!

So - does Golden live up to high expectations of the golden book #50?? Share your thoughts!"
I didn't even clock on to that. #50 =golden 🤦🏻‍♀️
Well with that in mind it was just okay for me.

I loved that we find Eve and Roarke very settle in their relationship. All those convos around the pound. All those meals that they share. All the support cast with Charles and Louise making a return visit. Good old Mr Mira. Like Eve I just want a hug from him. Seriously everyone needs a Denis Mira in their lives.

As for the case. When Eve first interviewed them I knew who was involved. I loved the theme of golden goose etc. Worked brilliant with the title of the book. For me I didn't read it for the cases at this point so they are just okay. I think I'm so immune to crime what with what happening in the world. Petty grudges held for years? It just shows you the self inflation of self that can happen.

One of the things I loved about Golden is that Robb brought several "old" characters back in. It felt kind of like a Golden Anniversary celebration going on. lol I wonder if it was intentional or just happened within the flow of writing this book?

I missed Mavis though

Michelle wrote: "I missed Mavis though"

Oh...yes! I was really caught up in Charles & Louise, I think. Always love the Mira's. Character relationship development is key for me, as you know. I really like the solidity of Eve and Roarke - it feels like they have grown so much in the last 50 books. But I really "felt" it in this one.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "This is a spoiler zone! Feel free to openly discuss Golden in Death!

So - does Golden live up to high expectations of the golden book #50?? Share your thoughts!"

Yes, it definitely lived up to expectations. I enjoyed it much more than the last couple of installments. Excellent plot, twisted perpetrators who get their just desserts.

I really like when Eve tells Summerset don't open any packages and he says but they are all scanned and she says again don't open any packages at all. She is maturing and it shows in her relationship with Summerset. She is also feeling more comfortable with Roarke and the house. When Roarke says ok lets go back in she would never have admitted to just wanting to stay with Roarke and look at the water. She is valuing her down time with Roarke more and more.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I missed Mavis though"

Oh...yes! I was really caught up in Charles & Louise, I think. Always love the Mira's. Character relationship development is key for me, as you know. I real..."

I know what you mean. All the couples were strong in their relationship. The Mira's and Charles and Louise (what is Charles surname?) Even the two family's that were victims.

All of that just made you feel how far Eve and Roarke have come. Her rush to assure him (after Summerset warn her 😉) I mentiond it before but the way they talk when the get home. Who does the dished etc. Golden all round.

Lauren wrote: "Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "This is a spoiler zone! Feel free to openly discuss Golden in Death!

So - does Golden live up to high expectations of the golden book #50?? Share your thoughts!..."

Yes. Much more enjoyable than the last few. Maybe they were that way on purpose? So that this stood out more?

Talking about the case - With victims who appear to be unconnected, what were your early thoughts on who and why?

Share your thoughts on the delivery of the toxin and how it plays into the golden theme. I can't help but think of the possibility of such a thing happening...not the egg, but the airborne toxin, today.

I liked the book as a whole, but there was one piece of the book that's been bothering and I feel I didn't get a straight answer the last time I brought it up.

It was after the second murder when the wife of the professor was poisoned herself. It was while Eve and Morris were talking and I was half-expecting Eve to bring Coltraine up. Like something as simple as "It's almost been a year, Li, how have you been doing?" but we got nothing out of that.

And I know I'm probably beating a dead horse, but the grief the husband was feeling was outright similar to the grief Morris felt, but both Eve and Morris kept going like it was nothing. It's the only thing in the book that really bothered me.

Seth that's interesting. It would have fit in with the theme of the book. Couples that got affected by murder even if Coltraine and Morris were only starting their love journey. For me that would not have been something Eve would do. That would be more Peabody mentioning something of the time and how far he has come in his grief.

Michelle wrote: "Seth that's interesting. It would have fit in with the theme of the book. Couples that got affected by murder even if Coltraine and Morris were only starting their love journey. For me that would n..."

I will admit that you are probably right about Peabody being likely to ask Morris about Coltraine, but she obviously wasn't there when that scene happened. I will also give Eve the benefit of the doubt that she probably wouldn't have felt comfortable asking Morris that question, because I probably would've been in the same pickle. But still I hope at some point they do address his current mental state, because I worry that Nora will make him an Emo person.

Speaking of Peabody, I will admit that my respect for her went up a few points when she stood up to that pedophile principal who verbally attacked her family.