HeartBeat   

Spirited conversation about reading romance 

BETRAYAL IN DEATH

Ann: I am a veteran of the In Death Series by J.D. Robb and I liked this installment as much as I've liked her others - but for different reasons then I've liked the others.

Susan: This was my first book in the series, Ann. What were the different reasons?

Ann: I liked how Roark, the person, was the focus of the plot this time. Eve got a glimpse of how Roark must feel when he wants to nurture HER after something has gone wrong while she snarls at him for doing so. At the same time, I could see where Eve was struggling with the whole "Relationship" thing. She still doesn't really get it, but she's closer to understanding it.

Susan: I found that aspect of both characters very interesting. It was nice to read a book where the characters had been so well developed before I came along. I found Eve to be a very fascinating character because the writer has made her so multi-dimensional. She's very independent - she's had to be. But at the same time, she is dependent on Roarke and their relationship. Very neatly interwoven. Before I started reading Betrayal in Death I wondered how well Nora Roberts would do. I enjoy her other books - but did have some doubts about her ability to develop characters over the long haul of a multi-book series versus the usual trilogies we see from her for example.. Needless to say I was very pleasantly surprised!

Ann: I felt as if this story really began to flesh out Eve as a person even though she wasn't really the center like she usually is. She was more introspective then she normally is - which isn't saying much since, while I love Eve, she does not always ponder motivations for the actions of her evolving family of friends. She usually shrugs and then accepts them with a sense of bafflement.

Susan: I found Eve to be a very fascinating character. Eve fascinated me because the writer has made her so multi-dimensional. She's very independent - because she's had to be. But at the same time she is dependent on Roarke and the relationship. Very neatly interwoven. Before I started reading Betrayal in Death I wondered how well Nora Roberts would do. I enjoy her other books - but did have some doubts about her ability to develop characters over the long haul. Needless to say I was very pleasantly surprised!

Ann: I enjoyed how Eve was a major character, but at the same time, she was presented as a watcher almost. I saw Eve observe the happenings in the personal lives of Dr. Mira, Roark, Peabody etc. and for the first time really try to understand the emotion behind the other's actions. *wow* that was deep wasn't it? *lol*

Susan: Hmm I hadn't thought of that angle. I can see after reading BID why Roarke is such a popular character. He allows Eve to be herself and wants nothing more. I think that one aspect appealed to me more than anything else. Did you think the characterization of Eve was stronger in this book than in the others?

Ann: No, not *stronger* per say - just presented from a different angle. This series is chock full of 3 dimensional characters some of whom know what they want from life, and some who are still trying to decide - but they are all still figuring out how to reach for it.

Susan: Ann, what makes a good character is the 3 dimensional development that sadly, a lot of authors try for, but don't get - especially in mysteries. I'm going to go back and read the others books. This one has really piqued my curiosity.

Ann: Good! you'll enjoy them! I'm giving this one a BEATING HEART and shelving it next to the rest of the series!

Susan: I agree about the 3 diminsional aspects. The mystery aspect improved the story, and the romance was strong. Great read! BEATING HEART for me too!

Betrayal In Death J.D. Robb ISBN 0425178579 Berkley Books

Susan Gives This Book A

Ann Gives This Book A

Read more about J.D. Robb at The Best Reviews