J.D. Robb discussion

Our buddy read continues with book #51 (can you believe it?!) Shadows in Death. Let's plan to open discussion on the 8th. Then in March, we'll read the newest book releasing in Feb. and be caught up in the series. Hard to imagine.

Lt. Eve Dallas is about to walk into the shadows of her husband's dangerous past.

As it often did since he'd married a cop, murder interrupted more pleasant activities. Then again, Roarke supposed, the woman lying in a pool of her own blood a few steps inside the arch in Washington Square Park had a heftier complaint.

When a night out at the theatre is interrupted by the murder of a young woman in Washington Square Park, it seems like an ordinary case for Detective Eve Dallas and her team. But when Roarke spots a shadow from his past in the crowd, Eve realises that this case is far from business as usual.

Eve has two complex cases on her hands - the shocking murder of this wealthy young mother and tracking down the shadow before he can strike again, this time much closer to home. Eve is well used to being the hunter, but how will she cope when the tables are turned? As Eve and the team follow leads to Roarke's hometown in Ireland, the race is on to stop the shadow making his next move . . .

No I can't believe it. Time flies when your having fun

This is now a Spoiler Zone. Feel free to openly discuss Shadows in Death.

I'm currently reading this one and should finish tomorrow. I'll return to discuss then. For those of you who have finished, feel free to share your thoughts.

Is Eve and her Squad became a international crime team
?

Any thoughts on all the support and love showed Roarke by Eve's squad? Anyone surprised?

Did knowing the villain early on lessen your enjoyment or the suspense of this story?

Roarke's present and past clash in Shadows. And Eve's acceptance of the "gray line" or crossing of a line are evident. What are your thoughts on her allowing Roarke to fight his nemesis Blade after he was captured? She obviously knew Roarke needed it - but did it surprise you that she not only allowed it, she forced others to "stand down". Do you think Eve of old would have done so?

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Any thoughts on all the support and love showed Roarke by Eve's squad? Anyone surprised?"

Honestly initially I was surprised just for a second and then I thought he's become such a part of the squad that it shouldn't have. And I also think it had nothing to do with Eve in the sense of it being his husband but that it was for Roarke. Eventhiugh he mostly works with the electronic department. But after them coming up with that cover story of how the alarms got disable in a previous case he is one of them.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Any thoughts on all the support and love showed Roarke by Eve's squad? Anyone surprised?"

Yes and no.
On the one hand, he has helped them on so many cases and earned their respect, so I wasn't surprised that they feel loyalty to him personally. Also, their loyalty to Eve could also extend to him.

On the other hand, I wasn't expecting the affection they have for him in addition to the respect.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Did knowing the villain early on lessen your enjoyment or the suspense of this story?"

No. It was one of those cases where knowing the culprit in advance is crucial to the plot.

I agree with Lauren. Knowing was crucial to the plot

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Roarke's present and past clash in Shadows. ..."

I think I would have appreciated this more if Cobbe had been mentioned in previous books. He is a character that is sprung on the reader with no foundation, so this detracted from the story.

With regard to Eve's actions in Ireland, it was in line with her sense of justice. Eve no longer views everything in black and white anymore.

I was nore surprised that Whitney allowed it, but them he also has a past with Cobbe. So perhaps the black and white line blurred for him as well.

I agree, Lauren. Cobbe's strong vendetta against Roarke springs out of nowhere. Or at least, I don't recall him from previous books. I think his character would have been more effective had readers been aware of his hatred and cruelty toward Roarke previously. With this book being the culmination of it all.

No, Eve no longer views everything in black and white. I've liked that about her character's development. However, I was a bit surprised by the scene with Roarke and Cobbe fighting. I think mainly because she allowed it in front of her entire squad including Whitney. But I think in that moment in time, her entire focus was on Roarke's needs which I like.

I was just a wee bit surprised by the complete devotion and the depth of caring given to Roarke by the NYPD squad. By the fact that every last man/woman wanted to stand for Roarke. Wanted to show him that he is one of them. I expected it from a few like Feeney & McNab - but not every single one of them.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "I was just a wee bit surprised by the complete devotion and the depth of caring given to Roarke by the NYPD squad. By the fact that every last man/woman wanted to stand for Roarke. Wanted to show h..."

Yes that was the surprise. That everyone, to the last man and woman in the squad stood for Roarke.

You ladies bring up interesting points about Cobbe. Yes it is sort of left field that he was never mentioned. We've never really heard anything specific about Roarke and Patrick Roarke other than specific traits of the father. Who he worked with, who was part of his crew/posse/gang.

Thank you Peabody for getting Roarke to talk to Dr Mira. That whole scene...? Just priceless with Denis Mira. I just want someone like that in my life. And how brliant of ms Robb to do that. Have Denis there. And actually be the one to... Analyze.

Eve giving Roarke that opening? I think we sometimes forget that Roarke has allowed that for her on numerous occasions so Eve would know exactly what had to happen. She would know more than anyone who and what Roarke is. Did she step over any lines? Yes. But. I think we all know the buts. This had to happen in this way. Roarke and Cobbe in a face off with no holds barred

I enjoyed this one especially in that its Eve meeting Roarke's needs. Not that she hasn't previously, but it often seems to be Roarke giving what Eve needs. I liked the way this one played out all the way around. Loved Roarke's family being there in the end and Roarke's comment around seeing pride on a mother's face - and he saw that in Sinead(??) is priceless. I forget the spelling of her name.

Roarke piloting a shuttle - the cows - all the team being in Ireland - all of it so good!

This was my second read and I saw more this time around. I agree with everyone this was one Robb’s best books. Shadow in death shows more of Roake’s feeling than any other book.

Michelle wrote: "YThank you Peabody for getting Roarke to talk to Dr Mira. That whole scene...? Just priceless with Denis Mira.."

I absolutely adore Dennis Mira. Everyone should have someone like that in their lives.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Not that she hasn't previously, but it often seems to be Roarke giving what Eve needs."

That's an excellent point and so true. Much of the time, the focus is on everything Roarke does for Eve. I enjoyed the fact that this time, she is there for him.

Sandra wrote: "Any thoughts on all the support and love showed Roarke by Eve's squad? Anyone surprised?"

I was surprised for a bit but then realized that this team all support each other.

I really loved this book. I really enjoyed how all the characters interacted with one another.

Sandra wrote: "Roarke's present and past clash in Shadows. And Eve's acceptance of the "gray line" or crossing of a line are evident. What are your thoughts on her allowing Roarke to fight his nemesis Blade after..."

The Eve of old would never have allowed this. I love this Eve. I'm so glad she let Roarke have that.

I think this will end up being one of my favorite ones in this series.