AAR

[Tee]

[Kristie(J)]

In a way you are lucky - you don't have to wait every six months now for a new one to come out.

I never thought I would still be going strong on a series this many books in, but the In Death books break every rule. Each new book I read now is like revisiting really good friends. And wait unti you get to meet Peabody, Dallas' assistant/partner. I love the way she talks back and wisecracks with Eve.

Another thing that you will notice and that has really impressed me, is the growth in the character of Eve. I often see complaints about another long running series, the Stephanie Plum one, that Stephanie remains the same and hasn't changed much. But the Eve in the books now being released is barely recognizeable as the Eve in the first 3 books. She's now so much more of a well rounded person, still the rather intimdating Eve that so many enjoy right from the get go, but she's richer and fuller now with all the people she has let in her life as the series has gone along.

[MEK]

I decided to listen to the In Death series on audio this summer so I could entertain myself while I exercised. So here we are in mid July and I'm one fourth of the way into .......Naked In Death! Book One! HMMM, there's something wrong, here, and I don't think its the books, lol. Not the best exerciser. I need a new strategy for this series, and for exercising.

[Tee]

That's good news, Kristie, about Eve evolving as the series moves on. You're right that there's a certain attraction to her grittiness now, if that's an accurate enough word. So I'm glad she hasn't lost it, only enhanced it and then added even more qualities to her character. And in other threads, I've heard the same thing you said about not tiring of the series; so that's more good news.

And, MEK, it's good to see someone else at the very beginning of the series. But that means you'll have to fine tune that exercise schedule to keep moving along with the books. Good luck. I really did enjoy Naked in Death a lot and am equally lovin' Glory in Death as well.

[PatW]

I started reading the In Death series when there were about 25 books. I had avoided reading them for years for reasons I can no longer remember. Now they are books I really look forward to. Partly because I am also a big mystery fan and usually enjoy the mystery, even when the character development doesn't "move" as much as I want.

Just wanted to say that the only short/novella that you should read in sequence is Remember When - there are backward references to it that I found quite baffling because I had missed it.

I envy you your journey, Tee!
_________________
When in doubt, read.

[Elizabeth Rolls]

I really look forward to them as well, but the Kindle price at first release is ridiculously high. I am going to force myself to wait a year for the price to drop. I still think $13 is high for an ebook, but factoring in the price of books in Australia, (not to mention the dwindling shelf space around here ) I'll deal with it.
I was looking on line the other day and while Celebrity in Death is still priced at about $19, New York to Dallas has dropped. I should probably drop into my local library and put myself on the reserve list for the next one, Delusion in Death. Same with several other authors I enjoy.


Elizabeth

[Tee]

Thanks, PatW, for the extra bit of information on your experiences in catching up with this series and the extra books involved. And, Elizabeth, using the library for some of these books is an excellent idea, especially since those prices for the e-versions are so high in your country.

Here are some of my observations so far on reading the books. I've gone through the first three, and for lack of anything else to read right now, will probably begin the fourth one today. I think that's too many in a row, so mowing the grass and doing some other needed stuff around the house hopefully will take up most of my day and I'll take a day off from reading.

Another thing is that some of these books are reissued paperbacks. There's a photo at the back of these covers that I suspect is supposed to be Eve Dallas, but it sure looks a lot like Nora Roberts. Since I didn't begin with the original covers (which probably didn't have this picture on it), it was difficult for me to form a clear picture of Dallas in my mind--only Roberts' face kept coming to mind and I didn't want that image. I remember some years back on the boards when there was a controversy about this on the In Death series and I stated my opinions along with the other posters. I've not changed my mind on what I said then, but now I agree with those who said it "messed with their visualizing the character." It certainly has with me.

Another observation is that Roarke is wonderful, but maybe too much so? Actually, she's almost painted him too perfect and that's scary. OTOH, Dallas seems his direct opposite, and in that I'm finding it difficult to expect him to last the long haul with her. I kinow that he does, but my mind says, "What?"

But so far/so good, as long as I pace myself better than I have. Especially now that they're married, the space devoted to the relationship in the story will probably diminish a bit and the mystery will take more prominence. That's not a problem with me if it's told well.

Scoring--the first two books were excellent; the third was just a bit slow, mostly in the crime area.

[Eliza]

[MrsFairfax]

[Tee]

[Eliza]

[Bonnie]

[Tee]

[KayWebbHarrison]

'Another observation is that Roarke is wonderful, but maybe too much so? Actually, she's almost painted him too perfect and that's scary. OTOH, Dallas seems his direct opposite, and in that I'm finding it difficult to expect him to last the long haul with her. I kinow that he does, but my mind says, "What?" '

Two things that bind them together:

1) Except for the access to "real" coffee, Eve views Roarke's wealth as an embarassment rather than a plus.

2) Shared history of child abuse by parents.

Kay

[Tee]