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50 Things Guaranteed to Happen in an Installment of J.D. Robb's In Death Series

8/22/2012

38 Comments

 
34
34. That's how many books there are in J.D. Robb's (Nora Roberts') In Death series, and coincidentally also how many I've read as of last month. (This number does not even include the short novellas and stories that have appeared throughout the series) When I did my '110+ Books I Intend to Read Next' list, one of the series I needed and wanted to catch up on was this one so I started listening to the audiobooks of the ones I'd yet to complete. Listening to each one back to back really gave me some insight into the series and also made me even more aware how Nora Roberts has some sort of puppet string hold over my body whereby she can manipulate me into buying and enjoying every book she writes, and even if I don't enjoy them, I'll give the stinkeye to anyone who tries to badmouth her. Really, she should spend a bit of her fortune on recreating Roarke's mansion but in Maryland so Roberts devotees could do a "Nora Roberts books-themed vacation." Actually it would have to be an entire fake town and here are some features this fake town (Robertsville? Robertstown? The Roberts Plantation?) would include: Every person is hot, your mechanic, your doctor, the dog walker, your child's teacher, your priest, every house has a well-tended garden, everyone's bookshelves are stocked, and the town will have great pizza. There you go. Well, probably someone would have to play the villain but I'm sure they could pay people like Catie and Tatiana to walk around giving menacing looks at the vacation-takers. I would go to this place, for sure. Of course, there would be daily discussions of books and places in town where you could reenact different books. 

Fine, I'm joking about this. (No, I'm not.) But Roberts really does have certain formulas in her books that show up repeatedly, and after listening to four In Death books in a row, I kept thinking about the formula for a book in the series. Please know before proceeding that I am absolutely addicted to this series, so it's all in jest. Roberts could write a book where all of these things happen three times each and I'd still read it/listen to it and love the experience. So, I present to you:

50 Things Very Nearly Guaranteed to Occur in an Installment of J.D. Robb's In Death Series

1.       A workout scene that includes virtual reality and/or a swim in the pool
2.       A dinner with red meat and/or pizza (or more likely, two dinners, one of each)
3.       Someone is stealing Eve’s candy!
4.       Eve bribes Dickhead (the lab guy) with baseball tickets.
5.       Obligatory mention of the cat, Galahad.
6.       Uh oh, it’s a back and forth between Eve and Summerset. (or four)
7.       “Go ahead! Speak to my superior!” His name is Whitney, and he’s always on my side.
8.       Mira is looking very put together, looking serene, and drinking tea in her pastel pantsuit.
9.       Does Peabody’s butt look big in this?
10.   She-body joke from McNab.
11.   Also, sexy time for Peabody and McNab, to which Eve will roll her eyes and/or tell them she feels    uncomfortable or to get a room.
12.   Surprise! The case has some connection to Eve. (Does every killer have it out for her?)
13.   Roarke owns the building/s/every building they go to.
14.   Look at this new invention I’m working on!
15.   Eve has a hot shower. (101 degrees, too hot according to Roarke)
16.   They probably have sex in the shower, though.
17.   Time for the tube of Pepsi from the vending machine! Angry words may or may not be had.
18.   Eve questions where some piece of clothing came from in her closet. (Spoiler Alert: ROARKE BOUGHT IT, HE BUYS ALL YOUR CLOTHES, WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS QUESTIONING THIS?)
19.   Roarke gets so caught up in the sexytimes that he cannot help but tell Eve he loves her in Irish.
20.   Despite cop protocols in real life and the fact that he is involved in every business venture in the galaxy, Roarke will always be involved in every case. (and also smarter and better at computers and business than everyone else)
21.   Eve will move most of the operation to her house instead of Cop Central, but everyone seems okay with that since there will be lots of tasty food.
22.   Eve will be referred to as “Roarke’s cop” by at least one random person.
23.   Is this REAL coffee?
24.   I bet you forgot that Baxter and Trueheart were in this series. Isn’t Trueheart such a babyfaced cutie?
25.   Eve has a nightmare.
26.   Roarke doesn’t know what to do but obviously does the right thing.
27.   Roarke will dig into someone’s finances and ALWAYS find some hidden accounts.
28.   Also, he will bypass a security system.
29.   Mention of licensed companions and some futuristic drugs like Zoner and Rabbit.
30.   Good cop/Bad cop interrogation of a suspect
31.   There’s a room in Eve and Roarke’s mansion that Eve didn’t know even existed! (Seriously? Who hasn’t gone in every room in their house? Even if it has 100+ rooms, I think it could/should be done.)
32.   Did Leonardo design that outfit?
33.   Look at the baby! Here’s Mavis! Remember how Eve and Mavis are BFFs even though they never seem to really be supporting each other or hanging out?
34.   Trina does a makeover.
35.   Eve and Roarke function very well for only sleeping about 3 hours a night…
36.   Until Eve is so exhausted that she passes out in her clothes and Roarke finds her.
37.   Roarke fingers the button of Eve’s he keeps in his pocket.
38.   Nadine’s hassling Eve for info on the case and Eve has no comment except “they’re pursuing all leads.”
39.   A page later, Nadine’s getting an exclusive.
40.   Feeney’s leading up the geek squad with his puppy dog eyes. Best cop Eve knows. He’s her inspiration.
41.   You don’t want to interrupt Roarke at work, Eve? Too bad, Caro’s been told to put you right through.
42.   Peabody will be hungry on the job. (Pro-tip: Pack some snacks for the road.)
43.   Did you know Peabody came from a family of “Free-ager” hippies?
44.   “How do Charles and Louise get on so well as a couple? How does she live with his job choice?” Eve wonders.
45.   Let’s make a murder board!
46.   “They’re mine now.” (the victims)
47.   Mention of the utilitarian beauty of Eve’s cop car, courtesy of Roarke.
48.   Eve will double park her car in front of a ritzy building and sass the doorman.
49.   Roarke will notice Eve’ tired eyes and plan a nice evening for them. (With meat. Both kinds.)
50.   “Totally mag.”
Naked in Death cover
Born in Death cover
Treachery in Death cover
New York to Dallas cover
Celebrity in Death cover
I am very curious to see how much longer this series will continue. Though I still love it, I am wondering how Roberts can develop Eve and Roarke's relationship further, especially considering many of us are just waiting for them to have a child. However, Roberts has repeatedly said that plot point will probably be the end of the series so it seems like I have my hopes up for what will likely be a letdown. What do you think? Do you read this series? Do you have anything to add to my list? Another one comes out in September (Delusion in Death), does anyone want to keep a tally list with me? 

The books I recently listened to were Indulgence in Death, Treachery in Death, Big Jack, New York to Dallas, and Celebrity in Death. Absolutely the only issue I have with the audiobooks is Peabody's nasally voice but the narrator must've picked that voice in the beginning and she sure cannot change that thirty books later.  Four of those were on my 110+ Books list so my count is up to 10!
Readventurer F Signature
38 Comments
AH link
8/21/2012 10:14:24 pm

I have never read the series. I did, however, pick up one of the books at a used book sale and despaired that I had picked up book 20 or something like that. So there it sits, on a shelf, waiting for me to catch up. When I saw the title of this post, I automatically thought, "50 Shades of In Death." Bad me.

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
8/22/2012 02:41:21 am

How dare that book ruin the number 50 for everyone, everywhere! :) You might be able to just jump in and enjoy #whatever it is as a fun, futuristic crime novel. But part of the fun of the series was watching her and Roarke get together.

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Katie
5/14/2016 07:15:17 am

Pick up the first one and get started! You will be so glad you have book 20 when you fly through the first 19.

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Cressa Moran
8/22/2012 02:20:14 am

I happen to love this series,even though sadly most of the things you say are true. Her romances are becoming formulaic as well, but I like the tone of her writing so I put her down as a quick filler read.
Roberts does have a town all her own, boonsboro, VA. LOL She's currently writing a romance series based on the hotel she owns there.

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
8/22/2012 02:45:00 am

I love the series, too. I never really mind her books being formulaic--even when she uses her same formulas she doesn't become a lazy writer. Her style is consistent, as are her characters and storylines, which is more than a lot of authors can say. There have been very few books of hers that I gave less than 3/5 stars to.

And hahahaha, you're right about Boonsboro! I know she has a lot going on in that town but I think it's missing the hot people ratio, the book reenacting, and the villains. Though I haven't been there so maybe not? As Nora lives there, I'd put my money on there being well-tended gardens. Also, maybe good pizza. I've only read the beginning of the first book in that series--it's one of the only series of hers I have left!

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Catie (The Readventurer) link
8/22/2012 07:49:32 am

Apparently Boonsboro is just over three hours away from my house... :)

Maureen
8/24/2012 04:56:50 am

I have fallen a bit behind in this series, but I still love the ones I have read so far - but they DO have a lot of repeating themes/actions. How do two people have SO much shower sex?! Amazing.

I have more than once looked into going to Boonsboro - since I am a crazy big fan of all of NR's other books. It does seem like kind of an adorable town. Flan - that series is actually one of the better ones out of her recent releases. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment!

Sarah link
8/22/2012 02:54:39 am

Is it bad that this list kind of makes me want to read this series? It sounds like it has a satisfying amount of crazy.

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
8/22/2012 02:59:48 am

Try one. If you even 3-star like the first one, it is really comforting to know that they are of consistent quality the entire way through the series. How often does that happen?

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Lujira link
8/27/2017 11:07:34 pm

Try Innocent in Death. It is one of the best and has a unique twist

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Sam @ Realm of Fiction link
8/22/2012 03:50:26 am

Ha! I agree with Sarah. This list is making me very curious about this series. I hadn't heard of it until now!

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Tatiana (The Readventurer) link
8/22/2012 11:27:37 am

I wonder if authors get sick of writing the same thing, like some readers get sick of reading of the same thing. And how many in total she is aiming for.

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
8/25/2012 08:16:27 am

50 sound good, eh? Nice round number:)

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SaraO@TheLibrarianreads link
8/23/2012 09:53:06 am

Haha, this was awesome! I haven't done the whole series yet, but even at about a fourth of the way through I'd say the list stands. Each one is in every book. I'm also most puzzled by the lack of sleep issue. Less disturbed by "REAL coffee?!?!" Because I'm so addicted to the substance myself that if I found myself in a futuristic world without it I'd be eternally grateful as well.

And I'm sticking up for Mrs. Roberts too. She's always at least a 3 star and I buy her books without thinking (always pre-order) because I know they'll be a good time. She's like my mashed potatoes...a comfort read ;) I save them up for when I need a nice cozy book to turn to.

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
8/25/2012 08:18:12 am

I hope it makes you smile a bit as you continue through the series. You're only at 4?! You've got a long way to go and some very exciting ones to read! Not all of them are amazing (are they ever?) but they are consistent and I can't think of any failures in the series.

True confession: I've never even had a cup of coffee. Seattle blasphemy!

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Maja
8/23/2012 02:14:41 pm

You are SO not joking about Robertsville (I like Robertsville because it sounds cartoonish and a bit crazy, just like the idea). You would move there in a second.

After reading this list, I feel like I've read the entire series, :) I would never start this, I know myself too well. I'd get pulled in and then I'd have to read all 5673 books and myblog would become painfully neglected. I'll add it to my bucket list, though.

It's 6 am, I'm making very little sense.

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
8/25/2012 08:19:52 am

Don't kid yourself, you always make sense at any time of day. I've left out the actual murders from all the books so you have no clue what happens in each individual story arc:) But you DO get an idea of the primary characters and their quirks/details.

The way you feel about this series is the way I feel about Cornwell. I tried one of those. Tit for tat?

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Sarah (The Brazen Bookworm) link
8/25/2012 02:26:35 am

Words cannot fully convey how much I love this list! I would also add "Mira makes Eve drink a cup of tea even though she really wants coffee." The clothes thing is definitely repetitive (well, it all is!) but I love it when Roarke cringes and says "Not that jacket, darling."

And I totally agree about Peabody's voice - why does she make her sound like such a doofus?? (My cat is named Peabody, in her honor, so I have a special place in my heart for Peabody, Detective Delia).

Again - I ADORE this list. Awesome job!!

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Sarah (The Brazen Bookworm) link
8/25/2012 02:30:16 am

Oops - I went through the list so fast in my sheer joy that I missed the mention of Mira and her tea. ;)

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
8/25/2012 08:22:18 am

We are such suckers. Oh well! I'm glad you liked it. I was thinking about reviewing each of them and then I was getting them a bit muddled and then I decided, "hey! Why don't I just write a list of someone they all SHARED." :)

That's so cute that your cat is named Peabody. Hopefully she doesn't have a nasally meow. One of the audios I listened to didn't have the robotic dispatch voice either and I missed that. I like the robotic voices!

Christina (A Reader of Fictions) link
11/28/2012 04:54:25 am

I love this! That's how I feel about the romance authors I still occasionally read (Evanovich and Crusie), but I love them SO much.

Ew. Workout scenes. Working out is a DRAG.

CANDY THEFT. That is so not cool.

Mentioning a cat named Galahad seems like it SHOULD be obligatory.

After scanning these, I have come to the conclusion that this is a VERY weird series. They're so specific to happen over and over again!

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Tess link
12/15/2012 02:44:01 pm

38.5 "come on, Dallas" I am about 3/4 done with this series, two of them had Peabody with a regular voice, where she doesn't sound like Ma Kettle. One of them is reunion in death, I forget if the other one is Witness in death? I can see why she gave Peabody a different voice because she and Eve have so much dialogue it's easy to lose track now and then about who is saying what. But the one she gave Peabody makes her sound like a moron...I hope they never have a baby, and just keep solving semi-futuristic (link, wrist unit, HUH?)murders. the idea of Eve with a baby is too scary.

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
12/15/2012 04:12:30 pm

Peabody's voice is the only thing I hate about the audiobooks, *especially* because it is often combined with sexy scenes between her and McNab and there is absolutely nothing sexy about her voice. Every time I hear it, I picture some sort of stereotypical nerd (like Violet from Saved by the Bell--braided pigtails, taped glasses, pants pulled up really high, suspenders)

LOL at the wrist unit comment--I just finished the newest one the other day and Roarke gave her a wrist unit in either this one or the last one and it keeps coming up.

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bagatha
6/13/2017 06:07:33 am

The whole idea of Eve ever having a kid just doesn't jibe at ALL with everything we're supposed to believe about her character. She's exactly the sort of woman that would decide NOT to have kids, and I always find it so irritating that there's this assumption that of course they will someday as though deciding not to isn't an option. Especially on Roarke's part. It's never "do you want children?" and always "when we decide to have our giant brood that I didn't even bother to ask if you might want."

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NailDiva
5/19/2013 05:23:46 am

Love your site! I feel the same about the Death Series. I had read one of her books, like it, got a real kick out of it, actually. So at Christmas, i told my kids I wanted any of her books. My son gave me the whole series on audio! You are right on all 50 counts! But I can't get enough of her! gonna be just like her when I grow up! (I'm 66) I always have a book going but I am hooked. Will there be another? ty for your site.

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
5/19/2013 03:10:08 pm

There will be! It's already set to come out this fall:) I know I'm raring to go. I just finished Calculated in Death on audio a week or two ago. I'll read this series til the end. Your kids gave you a wonderful gift.

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Basanti
7/16/2015 06:59:32 am

I have read all of this series and have collected them up until the last one. Although I loved the series to begin with I have to say I am very disappointed with the last 10 books or so. They are almost boring . The earlier ones I have reread them several times over the year and loved how the characters interact. I know most of us are in love with Roarke :)
I hope she takes note and adds some spunk in her future In death books

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Nina
6/23/2016 12:31:18 pm

How come you forgot Mavis' outfits which are way out of orbit and her squeals? Incidentally Susan Erikson's(sp) Peabody voice is quite in keeping with how Peabody is visualised by Sue. And also another on the list-Trina trying something drastic on Eve in the way of beauty treatments and spaghetti,pepperoni pizza meatballs and soothers for the day's work and I hate hospitals when she is not ok.
Also Mrs.Whitney...

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Nina
6/23/2016 12:38:05 pm

Oh my god what happened?Please Mr.Moderator,delete the repeated posts...

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Nina
6/23/2016 12:31:33 pm

How come you forgot Mavis' outfits which are way out of orbit and her squeals? Incidentally Susan Erikson's(sp) Peabody voice is quite in keeping with how Peabody is visualised by Sue. And also another on the list-Trina trying something drastic on Eve in the way of beauty treatments and spaghetti,pepperoni pizza meatballs and soothers for the day's work and I hate hospitals when she is not ok.
Also Mrs.Whitney...

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Nina
6/23/2016 12:32:29 pm

How come you forgot Mavis' outfits which are way out of orbit and her squeals? Incidentally Susan Erikson's(sp) Peabody voice is quite in keeping with how Peabody is visualised by Sue. And also another on the list-Trina trying something drastic on Eve in the way of beauty treatments and spaghetti,pepperoni pizza meatballs and soothers for the day's work and I hate hospitals when she is not ok.
Also Mrs.Whitney...

Reply
Nina
6/23/2016 12:33:21 pm

How come you forgot Mavis' outfits which are way out of orbit and her squeals? Incidentally Susan Erikson's(sp) Peabody voice is quite in keeping with how Peabody is visualised by Sue. And also another on the list-Trina trying something drastic on Eve in the way of beauty treatments and spaghetti,pepperoni pizza meatballs and soothers for the day's work and I hate hospitals when she is not ok.
Also Mrs.Whitney...

Reply
Nina
6/23/2016 12:34:46 pm

How come you forgot Mavis' outfits which are way out of orbit and her squeals? Incidentally Susan Erikson's(sp) Peabody voice is quite in keeping with how Peabody is visualised by Sue. And also another on the list-Trina trying something drastic on Eve in the way of beauty treatments and spaghetti,pepperoni pizza meatballs and soothers for the day's work and I hate hospitals when she is not ok.
Also Mrs.Whitney...

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bagatha
6/13/2017 06:04:32 am

Ha.
You forgot "Eve and Roarke seem to be the best/only friends all of their friends have and always end up being the maid of honour/best man (respectively) in said friends' weddings."

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edith
7/24/2017 08:03:47 am

Plzzzz am totally in luve with JDRobbs series my libary am e reading but were can i download from 45 till 50 just dont hve the money to pay for it

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Amanda
8/6/2017 10:59:39 pm

I think Eve needs to get checked for a brain tumor....that many headaches isn't normal. She will have about 5-10 headaches in one book!

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