May 3, 2017
If you are a JD Robb fan, you know that Eve and Roarke are the main characters in her “In Death” series. I’m addicted to Nora Roberts’ series books and will usually buy the first two, then wait for the last one to be published before starting them. I enjoy watching the characters interact with one another over a succession of books.
Last fall, I decided to re-read her “In Death” series from beginning to end. Figured with forty-four plus titles, I’d be in reading heaven for a while. I’m currently on twenty-three, Born in Death.
Eve Dallas is a Lieutenant in the Homicide Department of the NYPSD who finds justice for her victims. Tall, lanky and cocky, she loves chocolate and coffee. Her cases consume her and she doesn’t rest until her killer is identified and apprehended. She prefers to work by herself although she has a husband and handful of friends on the force who assist with her cases.
Roarke is Eve’s handsome Irish billionaire husband who owns almost everything on the planet, and beyond. He is Eve’s soul mate who in addition to running his conglomerate, helps her analyze her cases. In many cases, he serves as her “civilian consultant” when special skills are needed.
Eve and Roarke had harsh childhoods but have conquered their past and bettered their future. They lock eyes at the funeral for Eve’s first victim and quickly discover a respect for one another. Eve loves Roarke intensely but has a hard time referring to him as her husband. Roarke understand Eve and gives her the space and understanding to find justice for her victims. He sees to her needs and will occasionally step in when she has pushed herself too far.
I have enjoyed watching Eve and Roarke’s marriage strengthen as they face challenges together and work through them. I particularly love Eve’s sarcastic comments and Roarke’s comical, down-to-earth rebuttals. I haven’t met an “in Death” reader yet that isn’t in love with Roarke. Nora even has special Roarke t-shirts in her Turn the Page Book Store!
I guess they become family to me. Eve, Roarke, Summerset, Peabody, McNab, Mira, Feeney, Mavis, Baxter, Trueheart, even Commander Whitney have all evolved in each book. I appreciate the bond they have formed in their intense search for justice.
The “In Death” books take place in 2059 – 2061. Life as we know it has expanded off planet. There are hydroplaning cars, interplanetary travel, holograms where you can be two places at once, droids that look and talk like people, voice activated lights and showers and body sculpting. My favorite is the auto-chef that prepares meals instantaneously. As I read, I am fascinated how our modern day is evolving into her future world.
Are you an “In Death” reader. Do you love Eve and Roarke as much as I do? Have any favorite secondary characters? Are you waiting like me for the auto-chef to be invented?
I love these! Read the first 11 and I need to pick the series back up. You are so right about Roarke. He and Even range from fierce to hot and heavy to heartbreaking, and lots of times adorable. I adore him. Peabody and McNabb were my other two favorite characters. Loved your recap.
Sorry to be so long replying to your post! I could say it was because I reread all of the In Death books a second time, one behind the other. It has been fun watching Eve and Roarke’s marriage grow and feel like the other characters are my friends!
I have been a fan of Nora Roberts since I picked up the Chesapeake Bay series. Started buying everything I could find. I shared this passion with my mom and we ofter shared the books. Then we happened upon Naked In Death and it quickly became the must read series. We went to one of Noras’ book signings in Boonesboro and met her and got her to sign each of us a copy of “Three Fates” when it was released in 2002. We also got Roarke nightshirts. My mom passed away in 2008 and I have both copies of the book and the shirts as well as every book I have ever bought by Nora/JD Robb. We spent many days shopping for past copies of her books. My favorites are the “In Death”. There is so much character development in that series. I have laughed and read through tears streaming down my cheeks. I have to say that Nora is a genius writing 44 books in the series so far and only 3 years have gone by for these characters. I love all of them all but my favorite times are when she surprises herself when she realizes how much even Somerset means to her. Can’t wait for the next one.
I love Nora’s books and hope she doesn’t plan to retire soon!
Hi Kay….. I stumbled upon the JD Robb series a few months ago in “your” very own library and have become a fan. Your recap is spot on. I have enjoyed all the characters and snarky banter among some of them especially the ever sarcastic Summerset. It is so much fun trying to pinpoint the “villains” before Eve does. One thing I didn’t care for was how Eve is depicted on the book covers She needs a hard, edgy look.
HAPPY READING
Jane, sorry to be so late in responding but glad you enjoy the books. I used to watch people come into the library, head for the fiction area and leave with an armful of books. Made me feel like I accomplished something!