Recently Laura posed a question on Facebook asking what people thought Eve and Roarke might do if they had a free weekend without a murder to deal with. The most popular answers from readers were: Make a baby and/or find some young child and adopt, and Eve finds blood kin–a kindly grandmother, a sweet long-long sister.
Here’s why I’m going to disappoint those hopeful readers.
As I’ve said before, babies change everything. They must, they should. I’m simply not ready to change the scope and dynamics of the series.
But oh, you say, people have babies all the time! They adjust their lives, they make it work. Why can’t Eve?
Because she’s not ready either.
But! It would be so funny to see her trying to cope with a baby!
Yes, it would. For a scene or two. I have to think of the big picture here. I would hope if and when Eve and Roarke become parents (and an older child, adoption, fostering mean EXACTLY the same thing as a parent is a parent) they’re really, really good ones. A really good parent doesn’t toss the baby/kid to Summerset while they rush off at all hours to fight crime or work in-house on a case.
Yes, cops have babies/kids in real life. This isn’t real life. Consider the soap opera a moment. A character gets pregnant (drama, humor, pathos ensues) then the baby’s born. We have baby time for a few episodes. Then we don’t see the kid again until he’s ready for school. And THEN we rarely see the kid until he’s grown up enough to have his own story. Because the day-to-day parenting doesn’t make for good drama in a story that’s structured around action, investigation, sex. Think about it, how could they show all the latest fashion if the star has a maya wrap ring sling around here with a drooling baby… Not going to happen.
Also consider the structure of the series, the timelines. Each book normally takes a handful of days in book time, and the next book closely follows. How many of you are really interested in reading about a pregnant Eve for the next few years? I’m not, and if I’m not interested I can’t write it. Yes, I could zip through those months of gestation. Not interested in doing that either.
So, no babies, not now. No charming orphans of any age. No pregnancy scares, no miscarriages, no foundlings, no street-wise kid who needs a good home. Did I leave anything out? If so, fill it in, then answer no.
Now onto the kindly grandmother.
One of the main elements, for me, of the series is how Eve made herself. She came from monsters, yet she made herself courageous, strong, decent. She made herself a cop who’ll stand for the dead, for the victim, for justice. She overcame horrors and had dedicated herself to protecting and serving, is willing to risk everything to do so.
She could’ve made another choice, she could’ve used those horrors as an excuse, but instead she used them as a springboard and became a damn good cop.
There is no kindly grandparent or sweet, long-lost sister in her life. She’s not only made herself, she’s made her family. Roarke is her everything, as she is his. It matters, I think, that these two people who came from abuse and viciousness found each other, helped make each other into better people. Love opened them to more.
Eve has a sister. In fact, she has two. Mavis and Peabody. She has a father in Feeney (and a little bit in Dennis Mira, too). She has a mother in Mira. A kid brother in McNab. She has, like it or not, a father-in-law in Summerset. Family is what you make of it, and Eve and Roarke have made a fine one, and linked it with a solid circle of friends.
The Eve we met in Naked In Death wouldn’t have been capable of opening herself up to that family, to that circle. The Roarke we met in Naked In Death would only have accepted that family and circle on a very surface level.
Love changed them, and that’s more than enough.
Nora
It’s now 2 pm — less than 6 hours after the initial post. In view of some to the comments, Nora asked me to add the following:
Adoptions, any age child, would change the dynamics and tone of the series just as surely as conception and a biological child. There is no difference in the needs of or the love given to an adopted child than there is of or to a biological child. Eve and Roarke are NOT having a child, adopted, biological, off the streets, out of an orphanage, out of fairy dust, for the foreseeable future. I’m truly sorry to disappoint some readers, but MUST follow my own vision and be true to my characters.
Laura
November 3, 2014
The issue about babies arose again and Nora posted the following on Facebook:
The Eve and Roarke must be/need to be/should be parents topic comes up too often for me to keep repeating why this isn’t happening. I’ve been clear, from the writer’s point of view, countless times. I feel it’s wasting everyone’s time for me to keep explaining my reasons–and it’s senseless for me to find myself upset when adoption is brought up as if there’s a difference between parenting an adopted child rather than a biological one.
So I’ve asked Laura to simply link my blog post on this subject whenever it’s brought up in comments. I have to stop repeating myself on this topic.http://fallintothestory.com/
I’m sorry some readers are disappointed I’m not taking the series and the characters in this direction, but I’m not. Repeat: I. Am. Not. The readers who insist on telling me why this could/should work are wasting their time. I don’t agree, and I write the books. NR
Oh, geez, do kids ever change things… Eve is constantly putting her life on the line. Yes, this is fiction but I think it would really mess her head up, considering where she came from, what’s she been through and how she’s still coping, if she were to find out she was pregnant and then end up on a case where she was in a life or death situation. I think that would tear her up apart.
I agree with you Nora on your explanation on Roarke and Eve not having babies. What I would like to see in a future book, if possible, is a in depth story that tells more about Mavis and Eve’s friendship and how it came to be. Love the series! Thank you.
I started reading the In death books back in 1999 while working as a page in our Library, I was so tired of Romance stories where it was I hate you all though the book only to end with I Love You I always have. I knew there had to be more I have always been a avid reader, and my favorite writers could not keep up with me. I saw a In death audio that I was shelving, it sounded good. While I was doing my housework and taking care of my disabled husband I listened to the tapes. I fell in love with In Death. went back though the computer catalog and got all the In Death books, then I bought the paperbacks and hard copies, I had read them all again and now I have them on all on my Nook color. I remember you told Roarke how she felt about having children, and it was the same as you blogged.
I also agree. As a ranking female police officer of 20+ years I chose to not have children. The stress and demands of the job, the hours, just do not work with parenthood. It is not fair to a child to leave them with someone else, or, God forbid, leave them an orphan. On the other hand, if my husband was as rich as Roarke I would retire! I enjoy the series. Keep them coming. You have been blessed with a wonderful talent.
I would love to see a couple of backstories on these characters: Feeny, Dr. Mira, and how Mavis and Eve met, and there was a mention of cops that went down under Eve. I would also like to know how she became Lt. And I am dying to know who the Candy Thief is (like the rest of us).
Yes, Eve has family. I just love the fact that she has grown as a person ready to accept love from the people in her life. That is what has made this series so great for me. I also love how she doesn’t have a clue about some things like old sayings like “catching more flies with honey than vinegar”, she is a delightfully naive about some stuff, but if I was to be murdered, I would want her to avenge me.
I think we got a REALLY strong hint in the latest book that Baxter’s the Candy Thief…the fun will be in seeing how Eve goes about catching him red- (or should that be chocolate-?) handed….
What is the name of the book about Baxter being a candy thief?? I think I might have missed one, Thanks
For awhile I thought the candy thief was Roarke. Then I realized the thievery started before Eve met him.
I see nora’s point about a child and the way their love has evolved you want more but I bow to the author because you are doing a great job!😘
Why assume there is only 1??
We don’t know who the candy thief is. I don’t think that should be revealed. I think all of them are in on it.
I missed the hint that Baxter is the thief. I’ve narrowed it down to either Dr. Mira or Feeney. I’m leaning toward Feeney, though.
I too think it’s Baxter, but I think all the detectives know he’s the candy thief! I think he’s probably shared the bounty with the bull pen. HAHAHAHA!!!
I have been thinking the candy thief is McNab. It seems to me her candy didn’t start disappearing until he came to her office to work on her computer in one of the early books.
I first thought the candy thief was Roarke. Then with my second listening of the series I noticed the thievery started before Eve met him. Had McNab been to her office before Peabody entered the scene? I think he mentioned working on Eve’s computer before. I have started listening from the beginning again – 6th or 7th time. ?
I always suspected McNab because there was a throwaway line in one of the early books about him being a known candy thief.
I absolutely agree with the candy thief suggestion. We need more details and more hints about who it could be ….. !?! One of my favourite scenes in the entire series is when Tom Jon trades her old crappy comp for the new improved version ( only three years after she requested it ! Lol )
I am so glad to read they aren’t having children as I don’t think it is good for the Series. I think Mavis is going to have more and there may be babysitting involved for Roark/Eve which could be very humorous…..Love this Series
Yup! I quite agree with THIS!?
Yes, I would like the backstory on how Mavis and Eve met. That is a true sister girlfriend couple.
I guess those who want to know how Mavis and Eve met haven’t read all of the stories. Almost every book that Mavis is in brings it up. Or am I missing something?
Yes, I agree. What are people after? The conversations? . :)Personally I feel like I know enough.
I agree. Jean — how many different ways can NR say they met when Eve arrested Mavis? Plus we even saw a “blast from the past” in Treachery in Death, when Mavis helped Eve pin the bad Lt by “dressing up” and posing as NYPSD support staff getting paperwork signed for a vehicle.
By the way — i have no idea whether writing this as “Leave a Reply to Jean Ader” means it’s a private message to you, or if it’s posted for everyone to read. For that matter, I haven’t figured out how to find specific comments. I get email notifications when someone has posted a new comment, but there doesn’t seem to be a link that takes me from the email notification back to that particular comment Is there a secret method, or do you just start at the top (or bottom) and scroll endlessly until you find the item of interest? (I feel foolish asking about this, but better to ask and learn than to get carpal tunnel from scrolling up and down, right?)
good question Betty, I don’t know either. 🙂 And I definitely don’t have the patience to scroll endlessly.
Betty, it isn’t a private e-mail to me. It is posted with all the other messages.
Thanks, Jean! (Apologies to everyone else for my mistakenly thinking I was responding only to Jean.)
Exactly what I thought.
Jean I was thinking the same thing as I was reading these comments.
I was just about to say the same thing. Eve arrested Mavis as a grifter. People don’t pay attention.
Kimberly, you are absolutely right…when in doubt…go back and re read the books…seems each time I do, I discover something I missed…just re read Innocent in Death…this time I “caught”. Eve’s comment to Sommerset as she was going out the door…you get a much better picture in that book about their relationship.
Nope…you are correct.
We have read quite a bit about the beginning of the relationship between Eve and Mavis!
Personally…I am enjoying things just the way they are! ??
I agree. NR has perfectly captured the world of Eve and Roarke, and I love things the way they are
Seems as if i remember it being in one of the earlier books.
I agree with you Nora; Eve and Roarke should never ever have children!!! Ever!!! They are happy and content and perfect just the way you intend them to be!!! Keep up the wonderful work you do and stories you bring us always!!! Love you
I’ve never written before so I hope this gets to Nora. First, thanks for all the wonderful hours of pure pleasure following Eve, Roarke & family! Plus also all the other NR books. I agree completely with Nora RE: Eve & Roarke & kids. I do like the idea of knowing more about the beginning for Nora & Mavis. Stay safe.
Nora knows her characters the best and everything she said about Eve and Roarke not being ready for parenthood and having already built a family is ever so “spot on.” Eve is still mildly terrified by Belle, and Roarke is only slightly better. If they had a weekend off, they would probably go to their island and soak up some sun.
I would rather be on a beach with Roarke (or a closet) any day!
When will there be a new book on Eve and Roarke ?
Ii
Leverage in Death is out September 4.
Laura
I would also say the same..we see Eve pretty much terrified of Bella and it’s enough to gimme the fun element of Eve with a baby..Roarke and Eve are not ready for kids..period!!
And also about the grandmother, I concur to the fact that Eve has made her own family which has fabulous people..Roarke getting his family was probably coz he had only Summerset he called his family..
1/23/18. She’s getting used to Bella a little more each time. So cute.
I agree totally Amy. I really don’t think Eve and Roarke becoming parents would be good for the series. Belle is enough for the comic relief needed child-wise.
That’s what what they always do with their free time.
I think if Eve and Roarke decide to expand their family, they would adopt. Probably an older child whose parents were murdered, and Eve is working on the case.
No. Again no. Adoption/conception. There isn’t any difference. A child is a child is a child.
Nora, your characters are so real, I admire your talent of bringing them to life for us. I totally get that you do not see a child for Eve and Roarke. I would love to see Eve being asked to form a special investigative group, that forces her to have to work with some really annoying or quirky people from other agencies; and I like another person’s comment here about hearing the story of Eve and Mavis. Wherever you lead us with your stories, I will be gratefully following along. Thank you for these fabulous books, just love them.
Happy Easter to you and yours.
Nora is so right.
The characters and stories are just right.
Babies and children would change all dynamics and turn really great stories into warm fuzziness. We can get that elsewhere if we want.
If Eve and Roarke have a child, that would be the last book of the series.
What if Roarke has a child from the past ???
No. Just no. Roarke will never have a child pop up from a past relationship. Main reason is Roarke is waaay too smart to have been that careless. I don’t know what Nora would say to your suggestion, but I’ve been reading the ID series since Naked in death came out in the mid-nineties. I know his character after all th ed year’s of reading the series.
So that scenario would make no sense whatsoever. IMHO
Yikes!!!
Yes! NO kids! I don’t understand why people want to ruin things. A child is a child and Eve & Roarke are not ready and there is nothing wrong with not having children.
I agree with you Nandi! NO way would Roarke have a child turn up. Why do people want to change the author’s stories??
Roarke usually parts on a friendly basis with his lovers and seems to stay abreast of what’s going on in their lives. Consequently, there could be no surprise children from the past.
Yeah. Keep saying no till it is understood.
Ditto!
Nixie was the perfect example. Her parents were killed and Eve and Roarke both cared deeply about what was going to happen to her – so they found a loving, stable home for her. Tho NOT theirs. It only makes sense.
I still think Eve and Roarke would not adopt any children. But I do see them running into abused, neglected or abandoned children from time to time and finding good homes for them like Kevin and Nixie.
I was thinking exactly the same Leslie. If ANYTHING showed us how unprepared for children the two of them are it was with Nixie. Eve had NO clue how to look after her & left it to Roarke ,poor chap, who relied on Summerste. LISTEN to Nora. NO KIDS. The series would finish. And we wouldn’t want that now would we? ?????
I agree Leslie. Nixie was the perfect example and they did what was best for her and them. They cared for her and found her a home they knew would be best for her.
I totally agree with you on them not having children. Children do and should change our lives, and for the better. For Eve though, she gets so focused on the cases she works that she sometimes makes herself sick. That would not work if she was pregnant, or had a child who depended on her. It would spread her too thin, I think and at a time when the victim needs her. I just retired from the U S Navy and my husband and I have three children. Being active duty and raising a family at the same time is very difficult. I would not change it for the world as I am proud of my service to this great nation and even prouder of my kids and the young adults they are becoming. However I also understand where you are coming from. And, it is like you said…you write the books! Thank you for writing such great stories, by the way. I do two hours a day on my eliptical machine and they keep me entertained while said machine is killing me! Please keep up the great work!
Erika,
I’m just now reading the comments and wanted to post a belated comment to thank you for your years of service to our country.
agreed agreed agreed
So true! I love your books. They have helped me get through some truly horrible times and I am grateful for your talent and love of writing. All I ask is that you never stop!
Totally agree. I like the dynamics with the occasional young people who come along, like Jamie, where Eve and Roarke act more as mentors than parents. I also love that you bring them back every now and then to show that they aren’t just characters of convenience, but part of the continuity of the story and members of Eve’s and Roarke’s extended family.
Nora, I started reading the In Death series when I was deployed in Iraq. I picked up 2 of your books (I believe Born in Death and Naked In Death) from the donated books that people sent us. Since then, I bought every single IN Death book. I am reading them in order and am loving them. And I agree with you about Eve and Roarke are not ready to have children, though she has change for the better, accepting love from others and offering love to them back.
They have already found homes for two children who had neglectful (Kevin) or family was killed (Nixie). I’d like to see them do more of that.
I completely agree with you Nora (ooohh, I called you Nora!)! Don’t change anything! I fell in love with all the characters of “In Death”…yes, even Summerset. I look forward to each book in the series! I wouldn’t change anything – their histories have made them the characters we love. 😀
I totally agree with you. Eve and Roark don’t need a child. If there was no body. They would go to their Island and spend uninterrupted time with each other. Loved the most recent book, Brotherhood in death.
I agree Nora. I cannot see Eve as a parent. However I would love to see some of the characters introduced in your most recent Death book again. The artist who drew the faces of the victims especially could be a great recurring colleague/ friend. The smart orphan could recur in future books. Eve could take an interest in this girl without adopting . She was just such a strong character I hate to never see her again.
I just love your books! Keep them coming whatever way you choose!!!
Thank you for sharing your stories!
If you are talking about Nixie Swisher she did appear again. In Thankless in Death you can read of her being at the awards ceremony where Eve and Roarke received medals for busting up Lewis Callaway and his psycho mother from Delusion in Death and later at the end of the book when Roarke’s family and Nixie’s new family have been invited to Thanksgiving dinner, Nixie gives Eve and drawing she did of herself looking “bad-ass”. Eve promised to hang it in her office at central. Which she did because it is talked about in, if I remember right, Concealed in Death.
Nadine is in Eve’s office looking at the drawing saying how great it was Eve to have it in there.
If it was the little boy, Tiko from Memory in Death, who sold Eve a scarf for Mr Mira on the streets, he was mentioned again in Celebrity in Death when KT Harris’s brother comes in to claim the body. He is a corn fed boy and out of his element in NYC. Eve sends him down to the boy to buy some souvenirs for his family back home and in a previous book called, Strangers in Death.
Did I mention that I have read all of these books dozens of times?! I love them all!
He also makes another appearance in Festive as well
I felt like you have written a reply for me. Agreed, agreed, agreed!
Well I must say I can see Eve and Roarke as parents, very good parents, but not now. I want this series to go on forever, but if it must end that is when I would like to see the possibility of a child.
Nora, I love your books. I have almost all of them. I am very fond of the “In Death” series. Eve and Rourke have changed so much since the first book. I have really enjoyed the ride. Eve is just now coming into her own. I’m anxious to see what you have them doing next. I’m very glad they aren’t having children yet, and your explanation is right on. She has some more growing to do before that time. Get back to work! I’m waiting for the next one.
I agree wholeheartedly…no children for Eve and Roarke…it would change everything…Love the series.
no no noooooo baby from Roarke. that would mean he is having sex without meeeeee hahahah wow as the saying goes HES DA MAN.. I love the way he gets eves clothes together for her.. great stories..i remember in another series about the vampire and castle there was a eve roarke room in the castle.. morgans something bad at names…
There’s another series of novels — a family owns an old inn that they’re rehabbing as a B&B, and each room is named after a fictional romantic couple. One of the rooms is named after Eve and Roarke. It’s so cute! I enjoy the way Nora Roberts creates this little ties across her fictional worlds. As a series, the In Death books are tied for me with the Chesapeake Bay saga. The advantage of In Death is that it’s open-ended so there’s always another story around the corner. I’d LOVE to see her return to the Chesapeake Bay family and keep their saga going, maybe with the next generation? I felt that of all her books (and I’ve read most of them, I think — the only ones I didn’t care for were the Cordina’s Royal Family novels, which simply didn’t grab me), the Chesapeake Bay stories were really special because they were all from male characters’ POV and very well done, IMO.
Hi Betty,
Just making certain you know that Inn Boonsboro is a real place with an Eve and Roarke room — it’s not just fiction. You can visit the Inn’s website at http://www.innboonsboro.com to see for yourself.
Laura
there IS a difference- there shouldn’t be, but in reality– there is! Eve amd Roarke don’t need childfren- no time for them and would definitely change the dynamics– if they meed more family- amd they don’t- add another pet. ot’s just after the relationship between eve and roarke– it’s so husterical to read ‘Das’ interaction with Bella!
It’s amazing in this modern day so many women still seem to think that love and marriage automatically leads to babies and that is the only way a circle is complete. I agree that Nora knows her characters, and I honestly wouldn’t want the dynamic to change. Their story has been enriched with the secondary characters which complete their family nicely.
I don’t think Eve and Rosrke are ready yet and it would change the story line too much I’m not ready yet either
I totally agree! While I would love to see Eve and Roarke start a family, she’s obviously not ready. She’s just barely becoming comfortable with Bella even though she loves her. And remember folks, despite the number of books, the time covered from the first to now is less than 3 years. They’re still adjusting to being a couple and joining their lives. Eve’s grown a lot since “Naked”, but she has more to do before adding a baby I think. As a side note, I do hope Nadine gets her own HEA soon. I think she’s the only original character still “uncoupled”, not counting Baxter.
I don’t know why but I picture a relationship between Nadine and the new press liaison Kyung would get together.
I don’t see Nadine getting involved with anyone in NYPSD. It would be a conflict of interest.
I think this issue was very clearly addressed in the book “Survivor in Death” when Roarke and Eve discussed taking in Nixi Swisher. They both agreed that it wouldn’t be a good idea as with both their current careers they wouldn’t have been able to give her the stability and security she needed in order to come to terms with what happened to her and heal. Which is why she was taken in by Roarke friends.
Roarke has also said that he does want kids one day, but that it’s far in the future.
Children do change everything. I speak as the mummy of a 7 month old daughter. I think if Eve got pregnant (and we did fast forward through all the awkwardness of pregnancy/birth) it would affect her as a cop and she might lose the edge that makes her such a good homicide detective. Simply because the hormones and the newfound responsibility would weigh on her (and let’s face it, Eve takes her responsibilities very seriously).
Plus in response to the long-lost family of Eve, they now have Roarke’s Irish relatives and I believe that’s plenty of ‘blood family’ for both of them. The real family is the one that they have made together, as Nora so rightfully points out.
So while a baby Eve and Roarke would be heartbreakingly adorable (how could they not be with Roarke’s good looks and Eve’s brains), I like the dynamic of the series as it is and wouldn’t change a thing.
Thanks for the excellent entertainment Nora, it certainly gives me a much-needed escape when the little one is napping!!
Stick to your guns, Nora/JD. You are so right about the dynamics of Eve & Roarke and they do have a “family” of their own making.
Keep up the good writings.
No, no, no. Has everyone been reading the same IN DEATH series I have?
How can they stay Eve and Roarke and still have a child?
Thank you, Nora Roberts for introducing me to so many (too many positive adjectives to even attempt) characters.
I have a special relationship with every single one of them.
I really hope she never has a baby ,or in the very last In Death book.Half of my fun was waiting for the next book to see if Eve ‘did’ get pregnant.Now gone is that wait. I fully agree that it would take from the series ,we have watched Eve and Roark grow over the years and know she is not even close to child time.
Plus, Ferne, if she ever did get pregnant and did something about it, half of the audience would be alienated. We don’t want that. Leave well enough alone, and I’m happy to hear that is what the plans are!
While I’m guessing mot of the fans clamoring for Eve and Roark to become parents are thinking of all the humorous possibilities and maybe the sweetness of the moment. That cannot be sustained over time. For Eve to still be the Eve we love and enjoy spending time with, she’d almost have to become a distracted, too busy kind of Mom. That’s NOT FAIR to the child, to Roark, and especially to Eve!! Eve is a really good person. Let’s not do that to her!
Oops. There it is from 2 years ago. Sorry about that. I apologize, Jan.
Why do some people think everyone has to have a child to be complete and happy? Some people can’t have kids and some don’t want them. They manage to have happy, fulfilled lives and marriages. Eve and Roarke are not parent material at this time in their lives as Nora has been writing them. Anyway, Nora has repeatedly stated that she doesn’t want them to be parents yet. Why is it that everyone thinks they need a kid? As a woman who has been married for almost twenty years and is unable to have a child, I’m not sure if this attitude that Even and Roarke HAVE to have a child is insulting or funny!
Robin, as someone who has spent her entire life devoted to not getting pregnant, I find it insulting and sad. Insulting, in that people somehow think I am not complete or there is something wrong with me that I don’t want children. Sad, in that most people are brainwashed into thinking life should go like this: get married, have children. They don’t know they have the choice not to have kids. It doesn’t enter their minds. You are in a different place and get to decide how you feel about it. Just know you do not need to have children to “be complete.”
I totally agree, Robin. Look, I’m not anti-kid (we had three children and have four grandchildren) but I honestly can’t understand the readers who’ve been clamoring for a pregnancy/child. Given the nature of Eve’s job and the frequency that Eve &/or Roarke are in danger, a baby/child would limit rather than enhance the series.
I love Eve and Roarke just as they are. They have very little downtime and when they do, they focus on each other. And it’s all those moments they steal or carve out together that I love the best. A baby/child would make those moments even less frequent, which would NOT make me happy.
The In Death series rocks as a near future suspense/police procedural, but let’s be real. That’s not why this series has lasted this long or why fans clamor for more. It’s the characters she’s created – Eve & Roarke primarily, along with their slowly expanding *family of choice* – that make the series so compelling.
Given their pasts and who they were before they met, I love watching who they are becoming together over time. A baby not only isn’t needed, but would, in my opinion, be the death of the In Death series.
No matter how many times we’ve read the books, or how obsessed we might be over them ::: wink:: no one understands these characters better than their creator. And given the sheer number of fantastic books Nora’s written (not just this series) over the years, I’m content to trust her judgment and enjoy the journey.
I feel like although they do not seem to need a baby – Roarke has always mentioned the possibility in the further future and Eve never completely shot the idea down. This however would require her to leave the field and accept being Captain and Roarke would have to slow down, this can happen later but it is not relevant to the series. However so, what they have gone through with their kin has left a hole in both of them that each others love couldn’t completely fill but giving a child all they ever wanted would – like they do Christmastime (going completely overboard). Detective Coltraine once said:”How can you have a child until you fully understand, accept, forgive the child you were?.”
It will not happen in the book but it wouldn’t be a train smash if it happens on the last book
Evicori:
There is no universal hole in anyone -abused or otherwise-that only a baby could fill.
(Having a baby also will not save a marriage.)
I feel your frustration in your write up Nora.
I agree that parenting is parenting.
In my line of work as an early years educator,you teach the child/children holistically,because it’s not just nursery,school,daycare,that teaches a child.
It’s the environment they are exploring,people they meet,how they socialise,learn new skills,and eventually grow up to be an upstanding citizen.
Many children don’t get this opportunity,due to ,often terrible circumstances,but it takes a person with a big heart to create a nurturing environment for the child,and it’s not always the parent that wants the role.
So god bless those people with big hearts.xx
I think we should all just but out an stop telling Nora what to write. She has done a great job all by herself for years. You keep writing them Nora, we’ll all keep reading them
Yeah, I agree. I love seeing her relationship with Bella develop but I would rather see where the story takes her and Roark. I just enjoy seeing all the relationships with all the characters grow. It is the best series out there.
I understand about Eve and Roarke not having children. Understand and agree. What I would like to see is for Peabody and McNab to get married.
I also would like to see Peabody and McNabb get married. I would like to see their characters broadened more.
Eve is still learning the “marriage rules”. It isn’t fair to add more family rules any time soon. I love the scenes with Bella and that should be enough for all of us. She is getting less terrified, but still less than comfortable with Bella.
I see Nora Roberts view .I agree with her now is not the time for eve to have a baby.leave the series as it is.I don’t want it to change .ive read all the books and can’t wait for the next one.
I think that there needs to be family found for Eve that isn’t nasty but in a little trouble…..like maybe an old nemesis finding a sister or grandmother and trying to frame said family for murder/kidnapping or something…can’t have it to tame then it wouldn’t be attention holding. Even finding family for Summerset would be interesting.
Brandy,
I think Nora quite eloquently explained why she won’t be going down those paths. It can be hard to realize that not everything will be tied up neatly with a bow and happy endings for all. Eve has made her life, her family and that’s where the author is going to keep that life.
Laura
I agree with Nora, we love the series because of the characters once you change that the series becomes mundane
As I was reading the comments before Nora’s answer, I was thinking “she has found a sister. It is Mavis.” A sister doesn’t have to be only by birth. I liked Nora’s answer because it confirms that I am understanding the dynamic of these books pretty well and the family listing made it go DING because I had not thought of several of them. I have read all of them and sometimes go back and reread from the start between new ones. I see these characters in my head and they are “real” to me as I am reading. Thank you, Nora, for a fun and interesting series.
I too think it’s Baxter, but I think all the detectives know he’s the candy thief! I think he’s probably shared the bounty with the bull pen. HAHAHAHA!!!
I moved away from my family 40 years ago. During that time, I have had to create a family for myself where I am now because I don’t get home all that often. I have found a sister, a father and a mother in other people. It’s worked for me because I have chosen these people to be in my life simply by our close associations. The relationships developed over time and crept up on me, much like they did for Eve. Sometimes family happens to you and is such a wonderful surprise.
I agree the In Death plot lines would not be the same and would become mundane if you tried to change them with children or family. The only problem I have is with the language it seems to be getting worse, we have a lot of Police friends and the F word does not come out of their mouth every sentence or two. Have several friends that have stopped reading the books because of this and I am leaning towards stopping.
Great stories and plots. I agree with Carol about less profanity. I think Eve would still be the fabulous tough cop we love!
I disagree with your comments about the profanity. I think if I saw as much death as Eve, Roarke, etc, I would probably use those words too. I have family who are police officers and it is completely in line with their life. It would be a shame if you didn’t continue to read the books. I absolutely love them!
I agree that they don’t use too much profanity. My father, and then much later after he died my step-father were both cops in a small town. They never spoke that way at home around us, but they did at work. I can see where it could offend some, but I don’t have a problem even though I don’t speak that way. We aren’t writing, so we don’t get to say. I was a bit shocked there wasn’t worse language and more violence. I like it just the way it is. (I do turn the audio down for the sex scenes when my husband is around, though. I don’t want to hear “What are you doing in your bathroom?!? LOL!)
When cops and military are together that is the way they talk. I have overheard plenty of them and they can cuss up a blue streak.
They don’t do that around civilians as a rule.
Carol, it’s entirely possibly that your friends who are cops make a point of “cleaning up” their language around you, because they know the profanity would bother you. (I do this around some of my own friends for that reason.) Only you can decide whether the issue’s big enough to keep you from reading future novels in the series. However, if you doubt that NR is reflecting how “real police” talk, then I’d encourage you to track down a copy of David Simon’s non-fiction book, Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets. He was working as a reporter for the Baltimore Sun when he took a leave of absence to spend a year “embedded” with a homicide unit in the Baltimore Police Department. The book is his account of what he saw and heard. It’s a remarkable piece of work that informed Mr. Simon’s later work as the creator of HBO’s “The Wire.” NR’s language is practically genteel in comparison.
Betty, Carol might also want to read Joseph Wambaugh’s 1975 book, “The Choirboys.” It was made into a movie 2 years later. He had been an LAPD cop for over a decade, and this book was written from what he assumed were inflated stories by his brother cops about their lives. Having lived in Burbank, California for a bit when I wasturned 10 with a father who was a cop, my guess is he didn’t do much stretching of the stories. I know one close cop who ate his gun after we moved back.
Thank you Nora, for knowing Eve and Roarke and the rest of their “family” and how to incorporate them into your stories. “If it ain’t broken it doesn’t need to be fixed” : )
I agree, with you Nora. I love Eve and Roarke the way they are. Keep up the good work.. Sorry if it’s going to come to an end. I will miss them.
And I’m so glad she is! (going to leave it that way)
Laura: Inn Boonsboro – I want to visit all by myself SO MUCH! Being disabled and not knowing from day to day when walking will be a problem, when money will be a problem, when TheGroom will be a problem is, well, a problem. I can imagine the looks and smells of fall in that area and dream happy dreams of being there. The smell of being in a book store – love the smell of books, as in a library. Grabbing a slice of pizza, sipping coffee near a window and watching the world go by. *sigh*
Sorry to tag onto this post, but there wasn’t a place to reply to the post about there really being an Inn Boonsboro.
Please tell NR to keep the books coming….She #1 on my favorite author’s list. I wish she could crank out one a month, but then the quality wouldn’t be there. I love love her character development, the interaction between them and the humor. I am an avid fan of Ms. Robb/Roberts. I have all the In Death Books and just about all of her others from the beginning.
No new-found family, Brandy. She HAS family. They have family. They are family. It’s enough.
Goodness. Are people still asking the baby/lost family question?
As far as I’m concerned, Eve is NOT ready; I don’t think she’ll EVER be ready to have a baby. How she deals and reacts to Belle is proof enough for me. And it’s not as if Roarke and Eve don’t have weekends free where they don’t have sex/make love like rabbits. AND without encountering a dead body! It’s just done off-screen!
Me? I’m perverse. I want to see them fight more, and then make up and hear and read all those wonderful Irish Curses that come out of Roarke’s mouth.
I agree. The family they have works for them. I have read All your books, both JD Robb and Nora Roberts. The “In Death” series are perfect. Any of the above mentioned would ruin the main story line.
Nora –
As a long-time fan of all of your books and speaking as a mother of 6 and grandmother of 3, you are 100% right in your reply to the readers wanting “family” or babies for Eve and Roarke. Thank you for the great explanation for those readers, but for some of us, it is how Eve and Roarke have made their own family that really works. I am blessed enough to have all 5 of my married children live within 10 miles of us but even if not true, I have very good friends who are more “sisters” to me than my two younger sisters have ever been.
Love your writing and hope to see Boonsboro one day!
Best,
Valerie Matteson
(Valerie, I edited out your mailing address — you don’t want to share that here. ~Laura)
I have read them allmore than once The last book did not sound like J.d.Robb. What happened?
Marilyn,
Sometimes a book doesn’t resonate with a reader, but to me it was all JD Robb, with a quieter story. Plus, JD filled me in on the progress as the book was going along so I know the hard, sweaty work that went into writing it.
Laura
Sorry you were disappointed, but it was J.D. Robb. Not all books are going to work for every reader. It was a cold case–very cold–and a different kind of story.
I thought it fit Eve from a different perspective. You hear more about Mavis and her beginnings. Thanks for sharing her story!
I first fell in love with this series because of Eve’s protective shield for herself. I saw myself (exactly ) in these books. I was blessed with my “Roark” 12 years ago. We’ve been married 10 years no children. But we have alot of extended family. The only thing that is wrong is that I read the books too fast and it takes too long for another to come out. Thank you Ms. ROBERTS!
I’ve at long last gotten Concealed In Death and have to say, Ms. Roberts, that the exchanges between Dennis Mira and Eve make me choke up. These characters are incredibly vivid, their lives are rich even when they seem dull, and I must say I’m glad to hear that Eve and Roarke won’t be doing the kid thing. The trauma Eve suffered early on, and that Roarke went through, and the suffering they both see in Eve’s cases, bring her in close contact with enough children. Besides, she is the lovably clueless aunt to little Bella, and an aunt of sorts to Nixie. There are enough kids in Eve’s life, I think.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this series. I know that no matter what’s going on in my world, I can load my phone or mp3 player with audio books of the In Death series and I’m transported…the day goes faster, I feel more efficient, and I feel focused in my tasks. After all, if Eve can do all that she does, surely the day to day tasks I must accomplish can’t be that difficult. Also, Susan Ericksen does a brilliant job of giving your characters audible voices. She’s a great way for me to listen to/read your books over and over again even when life is busy with errands and work.
Thank you again for your delightful writing!
Sincerely,
Brandi Vincent
I adore the fact that you aren’t willing to sacrifice all that we’ve come to love about Eve, Roarke and their family to add a child. They are blessed beyond measure by the loved ones in their lives. Let there be more excitement, adventure and day-to-day living as they confront the highs and lows of life.
All you folks with lame ideas………..that’s why YOU are NOT the writer of this wonderful series. Keep your ideas to yourselves and enjoy the books as they are.
Thank you! Why do people think they can put their two cents in someone else’s work? Write your own story! I love Eve & Roarke and I love that Nora has the gift of telling their story HER way… so leave her alone!
Nora, just keep on writing ~ my life is stressful (like most, probably) and it is a pure sweet escape to morph into Eve’s world for a while. As soon as I finish the series I’m sure I will be starting it over again.
I actually agree with because I like surprises and I don’t see the point in telling a writer what to write. Its her idea from the first she already know where she wants her story to go. And when I buy a book am expecting to see nora or jd if u have an idea and u think its good try constructing a story about. But wat is the use of reading a story if u knw wat is about to happen in the next page or chapter.
would it be possible to explore Summerset’s past, maybe in regards to Roarkes’ father?
I think Summerset killed Patrick Roark, and i think Eve does too. I got a feeling about that from one of the books, but it was a side note (thought) by Eve.
Lydia, I can’t recall in which book this came up (sorry! I keep wishing for an index of key events with relevant book titles, editions and page numbers), but I know one of the ID novels makes it clear that Eve has deduced Summerset killed Roarke’s father, and that this was the only way Summerset could ensure the safety of the child he’d taken into his home. As long as Roarke’s biological father was alive, the young Roarke would remain at risk.
Wikipedia says it was in “Portrait in Death” that it was revealed about Sommerset killing Patrick Roarke. Summerset says that he did it because he had “children to protect.” I remember that, but can’t vouch for the accuracy of this Wikipedia entry (even though I’m an editor.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Death_characters#Summerset.2C_Lawrence_Charles
In Portrait in Death, Eve asks Summerset if Roarke knows he killed his father. Summerset does not answer the question, but states, to the effect that there is no statute of limitations on murder.
No one should be harping on a baby. Eve and Roarke already have a baby in their lives. Remember that Mavis and Leonardo have a daughter? I love the way Eve and Roarke react every time someone mentions a baby.
EXACTLY! I have two families in my life. The one I was born with and the one I have made for myself. I am much closer to the family I made for myself than the one I was born with. If you want the babies read the romances!
Nora,i picked up an eve dallas book by chance. And now have all the ID series. I even got my mother hooked. he would love to have a book showing the architecture. Of thier house. Its always a good debate between us. We would love to see this as a movie. We adore everyone you have published.thank you. Last year i was sick and even died at one point. So i slid in to bad depression. But your books keep me going. Thank you always. I adore them.
There is a major problem with TV or movie episodes of these books. Can you honestly see any actor with the looks and presence of Roarke? I COULD have pictured Pierce Brosnan, (as Remington Steele)but he’s not young enough anymore! I realize you each have differing ideals on men, but this person is very distinct from his description, no Star Actor could fit in just for a “name”? Eve however,would gave to look like Nora..she’s who I see! Read all her books!
Making any type of movie from a book series is tricky. Everyone has his/her own idea of what each character looks like and most will not like who was packed. I know I am usually disappointed when I see a movie made into a book unless it is a great movie in its own rights. The book with the gal who was on “As the World Turns” when she was younger? — Ruined reading the book later for me because she is all I could see. There was no stretching of the character because I had her stuck in my head. I don’t like that. It’s less controversial if it’s a stand-alone book or a trilogy, but with the “In Death” series being so prolific I can’t imagine many being happy with the outcome of casting. That’s just me, though.
Re the idea of a movie or TV series based on the In Death novels, I’m in complete agreement with Jean Adler, who said: “Everyone has his/her own idea of what each character looks like and most will not like who was packed. I know I am usually disappointed when I see a movie made into a book unless it is a great movie in its own rights.” There are extremely rare exceptions — Gone with the Wind comes to mind right away — but usually our minds’ eyes see different pictures. I could picture Clare Danes playing Eve (even though she doesn’t look just like my own image of Eve) because I consider her to be an amazingly talented actor who can “be” whatever a role requires. But finding someone to play Roarke? There’s probably an incredibly talented actor who’s an unknown, at least in the U.S. (sort of the way Peter O’Toole was an unknown here when he starred in Lawrence of Arabia, but was already well-known in the U.K.)…but even if such a person could be found, would he be “the” Roarke, or just “my” Roarke and not “your” Roarke?
As an aside to Jean Adler, how do you write a reply that “quotes” the post to which you’re responding? Also, can anyone tell me how to find different threads, as opposed to starting at the top or bottom of the page and scrolling endlessly until I find the comment I recall seeing that I want to look at again? Apologies for being clueless on this, but I am! Thanks so much!
BettyG07: In order to find something without scrolling through everything, I use the FIND button. At the top left of your browser (IE) should be “Edit” and if you click on that there should be “Find.” If you remember a particular phrase or word, type that in and that word or phrase will be highlighted on the page and you can scroll through the posts with what you are looking for by hitting “Next.” I can find your posts, those from someone else, posts with a specific word, etc. Hope that helps. You can even find your own typos, like when I typed “packed” instead of “picked.”
just looking through the posting. i have always thought that Jorja Fox from CSI would do eve proud. she has the same build and walk (inferred obviously) and always projected her character in an eve sort of way. noone could play roarke. my daughter and i talked about this and could not come up with anyone who has the right look.
these books are read the moment i get my hands on them. the characters are fleshed out and wonderful. i want mavis’s energy, mr. mira’s hot chocolate and have perbody knit me a scarf. no children as they would change the whole dynamic. i do get a charge when belle is dumped in eve’s arms. those moments show that neither eve or roarke are ready even for the idea of children.
keep up the wonderful work. i always know that i can escape into your world in any of the books you have written. i am just sorry i am in the northwest so going to the b&b isn’t in my future.
This is really in response to Cindy’s comment
I agree, they aren’t ready to be parents and hopefully never will be.
Eve is completely clueless when it comes to children. She can stand up to the most horrific of the human race but is thoroughly intimidated by children of all ages. Let’s get real folks, there’s no way she’d ever stop her birth control – whatever method it is in 2060-2061 – to allow for a pregnancy to take place.
As for adoption, if there were a child that they got so involved with in a particular storyline, they wanted to help find it a good home, they have many friends –some who could incorporate a child into their lives without ruining this series.
This is an “IN DEATH” series. Children for Eve and Roarke don’t fit in with their characters or lifestyle.
I, for one, am glad NR doesn’t foresee ever adding children–that would take it in an entirely different direction and change the series. Face it. We all like the series as-is or wouldn’t be reading all the books and writing in a blog about the characters. It’s
success speaks for itself. There’s an old saying….
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”.
Thank you NR for 44 wonderful books in this series.
I have them all. I look forward to them so much, all
but the first couple have been pre-ordered HC’s months before publication. I hope there’ll be at least another 44. Don’t worry. I’ll find or make room on my book shelves for them even if I have to buy a larger home!?
Thank you, Ms. Roberts, for keeping it real with this series. The series is “must read” for me. I don’t understand why folks want to change things…perhaps they should write a series of their own. Congratulations on the success of your ability to keep so many entertained.
Uh….you most likely won’t remember…but I felt so angry with a group of readers when you first started the I D series and told them you have the right to write whatever you want to.
You sent a very nice thank you to me!
I appreciated that!
Now it is a bit sad that more people cannot seem to mind their own busines
and leave you alone to continue to do what you do best.
For me that is create some of the best plots and interesting characters I have ever read.
THANKS….FOR YEARS OF ENTERTAINMENT!
??
I believe if there was Any family members on Eve’s side they would already be in the story. After having access to her FBI file, any family connections would’ve been listed out. Just as Roarke found his. I personally could never see Eve as a parent anytime in the near future. She is still learning those marraige rules for heavens sake! I love these two and always ennjoy their next jouney into death, darkness, and self discovery. Thank you Nora for the wonderful escape from my dreary life. I believe the question was what would they do with a free weekend? The cliff house in Mexico. I’m pretty sure Eve loves the runs on the beach and no Sommeret!
Summerset had a family. He had a daughter named Marlena who was murdered because of Rourke…When her body was found itwas ruled “death by misadventure”. Rourke found out who had killed her and took care of them in his own “special” way. Rourke and Eve already have their family. She is “aunty” Eve to belle. That is more than enough for now.
Also, Eve and Rourke are already parents, to a very fat cat named Galahad.
I respectfully disagree with you, and I think Nora Roberts has done an excellent job of explaining why Eve’s strength of character (and the core of her relationship with Roarke) is she DOESN’T have any other blood relatives except the monsters who were her biological parents.
She’s brought Roarke’s big extended family into the picture, and it’s cute reading about how Eve in particular relates to the Irish kids.
I think perhaps somewhere down the line Peabody and McNab might decide to get married and maybe have a baby? That would bring into focus the issues of how difficult it is for cops and their families to deal with the constant risk of serious injury or death. Peabody certainly seems to have “mom” instincts (they often come out in her dealings with Eve!) and just wrestling with the pros and cons of this would be an interesting way to expand the scope of her character, I think.
Hi Betty,
I think Nora covers the possibility of children and direction of the series well in this post: http://wp.me/p3r6zu-vn
Laura
Thanks for pointing me to that post, Laura. It’s extremely thoughtful and kind of Ms. Roberts to explain her thinking. Just to clarify my own thinking: I could envision Peabody & McNab having a child, but that doesn’t mean I believe P&M’s creator “should” go down that road. I’m hooked on these books because she writes great stories with two magnetic people in a fascinating relationship at the core, and a wonderful “supporting cast.” I can’t help but wish new stories came out more often — but whatever the frequency, I’m happy knowing the content will always be entirely the product of Ms. Roberts’ creativity, artistry and craft.
Thank you for not going with the baby story line. I love the books the way they are and I just don’t picture Eve as a mother…yet.
I agree with Nora… However, seeing Eve trying to protect a young child that was in danger of BEING hurt might be interesting… and not just as an investigator, but if that child needed Eve 24/7 like he/she would a parent? Would be a glimpse of parenthood for Eve and Roarke, and might open their minds to EVENTUALLY being actual parents! *Shrugs*
NOOOOOOO! LOL. Just no. We already did this with Nixie Swisher.
Exactly!
That is exactly what I was thinking, she already did that. Twice. Nixie and the little boy whose name escapes me. Thank you for writing something so enjoyable.
Ok I agree but they could babysit Bella for a weekend without Summerset or Peabody or Mira
WITHOUT Summerset? LOL, they would both be ready for the guys in white coats.
They’d probably be the ones to call the men with the white coats.
Eve babysitting Bella solo? Never going to happen – Summerset would NEVER permit it. LOL!
Love this series just as it is — the murder cases are fun to figure out, and we get another layer of Eve, Roarke, and their family every time. Always a good read; it’s great that the fans are emotionally invested in the series, but I’m glad that Nora does her own plotting.
I think Eve would prefer a homicide to babysitting detail.
But, when our Eve and Roarke DO go down the road to parenthood…. I see TWINS in the stars. Remember Roarke’s mother was a twin, and twins tend to skip a generation…… But, later. Now their dynamic is perfect!
What part of “NO” do all these people not understand. Nora Roberts is the author of all these books. If you don’t like the way she is writing them, find something else to read, please, and leave Nora to write her own books. Thanks
I think that Nora lights a spark in us when she makes our characters come alive in her stories….it is a whetting of the appetite . Having all these ideas for story lines and expressing a wish for such is just a fun way that some people have to anticipate the next course. It is their way of expressing our addiction and how it stimulates us all to imagine what comes next. It may seem annoying to some on this blog but I think all should be able to express their dreams.
We can certainly count on JD Robb to feed our need for this series. Thank you!
Terry I agree.
I get so involved with the storyline and characters,
I feel like I know them intimately. Sometimes they’ll bring me to tears, other times to laughter. All too often,
like the characters when chasing a murderer, I won’t
stop reading for a meal—or sleep for that matter.
I agree. I have never, ever wanted Eve and Roarke to have a baby. I have never wanted long lost relatives of Eve’ s coming out of the woodwork. I think the family they’ve created is great.
In fact, I think Bella will do just fine being the only baby among the group for a long time. So…to reiterate…..NO BABY for our dynamic duo!!!
I agree that Nora Roberts knows Eve and Roarke better than we do. If she listens to her readers on this than the books would change and the characters may not be what we all have come to love so much. I kind of see Peabody and McNab having a baby WAY before Eve and Roarke . I think that we should leave the story in Nora’s more than capable hands.
i suppose it is only natural that those of us who are happy in their marriage with kids and grandkids of their own, like to “inflict” their joy on others!. even today, many young couples who choose not to have kids and are constantly being hounded as to why. and while i would so love to see a baby Eve or Roarke, i understand the why not… besides, Roarke has all that family in Ireland that can come for a visit whenever they feel the need for kids.
Carolynn, that’s why there are so many Childfree and Childfree by Choice groups online. You wouldn’t believe some of the comments we (the childfree) get about not wanting children. We are selfish, stupid, and self-centered. Who will take care of us when we get old? (If that’s why you have kids, I feel sorry for them!) What if your mother felt that way? (Then we wouldn’t be having this stupid conversation!) It goes on and on and on. We, the childfree, are to be pitied. We are horrible human beings. Why should we have all the fun? *snort* I just don’t get why this brings out such strong emotions. It’s my uterus, or was. “Take that thing outta me!” I said. They did.
They had a bit of that in Survivor In Death with Nixie Swisher….I believe that experience had them realize that kids for them would be way in the future. No way were they ready yet.
I totally agree that Eve & Roarke are not ready to be parents. If they ever were to, I would see that as the end of the series, either truly the end, but at least the end of the story as we know it. I would like to see them maybe in a situation where they/she is forced to babysit Bella for a chapter or so. I think it could be very amusing and also cement in the fact that there is NO WAY they could do this full time.
Thanks for all the wonderful books you have given us over the years. You are truly my favorite writer. I look forward to enjoying your writing for many years to come, whether it be new or re-read material.
Thank you for saying no. I love the books the way they are. It is easy to see Eve is not ready, honestly no one ever is, but there are plenty of people out there writing unexpected baby stories. Eve is about death, justice, and love.
I love the fact that kids are not in the cards for Eve and Roarke right now. Eve still has issues dealing with little Belle, Mavis’ daughter. I love the dynamics of Eve and Roarke’s family. Don’t change a thing at this point, Nora. You are an awesome writer and I will continue to be an avid fan.
I’m so glad she’s not going to see babies in her life anytime soon. She is a mommy pro se to Mavis’ daughter. And please….no scares with Peabody either. She is as dedicated as Eve. That said, I would like to see another trip to Ireland with Roarke’s family and maybe a plot line concerning Sommerset. I’ve always remembers one line where Eve was in a bad way and kind of went easy on Summerset while she was walking up the stairs. Roarke soon followed and Summerset said “She’s bad Roarke”. His heart really showed in that one line and I’d love to see more of that.
As for what they would do with a free weekend? Eat, sex, eat…play with the cat, eat, sex and sleep. 🙂
I love your “In Death” series. I have read them all and can’t wait for the next one to surface. However, I also read Iris Johnsen and she has managed to have characters who have children in her books. I look forward to hearing about them and their continued life stories as well as the adults in her novels. I’m just saying that I think a child, (of any age, ethnic background, adopted or not), would enhance the lives of Roarke and Eve. Just saying…. Thanks for all the hours of enjoyment with all of your variety of tales. Be it J. D. Robb or Nora Roberts…. Your grateful reader fan, Jody Ruda
I’ve also had character who’ve had children in my books. Just not in these. Right now Eve and Roarke don’t need to enhance their lives with a child. They need to be married and work.
Nora, I agree with you and I’m a baby person. I think that Eve would probably be unable to conceive with all the sexual assaults on her by her “father”. A young reproductive system can only take so much abuse.
Eve and Roark have a wonderful family that they/you created. As much as I love my kids and grandkids it’s not for everyone. I can’t see it for them.
She has a hairy four legged child already.. Pets are children to some people
I agree…no long lost family, and NO babies. I love Eve & Roarke and their exciting work and sexy marriage. Some of the books steamed up the work and was so suspenseful when they were both in life & death situations. Maybe you could season more details of their exciting life behind closed doors. Just keep doing what you are doing and they will never grow “old”, and we all look forward to many more adventures with Eve & Roarke. Thanks so much for your fantastic talent. Love all you books, but your “In Death” series is #1! Love to you & your family. Happy Easter weekend.
Yup, you had. The McGregors for one and I’d thoroughly enjoyed them. Thank you.
Oh, and the In Death series currently rule my world!!! Thank you again.
Nicolene 🙂
Exactly! Nora has other books where the characters have babies but not for Eve & Roarke!! It would end the series. I have been married nearly 30 years and we have never regretted not having children. Other people’s children you can play with and give them back.
I totally agree. I can’t not see Eve with pregnant and with child. Both her and Roake goal would be to be better parents then what they had. And yes that would difficult with their life style. If readers want to see her with a child, I think she should babysit Bella for a weekend. That would be funny.
That would be a funny read.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Eve and Roarke having children would kill the series for me. I’ve been terrified that she would get the “itch” because of Mavis. So, thank you again. Regarding Eve’s family…. I’ve been kind of hoping in the back of my mind that Mira would turn up as a distant relation, but you are right that everyone around her is enough.
A long lost grandmother who is nice and loving could show Eve that she did come from good and help her psyche. She knows that bad can come from good thru her work. Why not a positive in her background after so much negative albeit that she has lifted herself out and above such a terrible beginning.
I like the stories and story lines. Keep them coming. I read the new ones and then get them on audio to listen to in the car over and over again. Thank you!
I agree with you. Eve has an all ready made family. You can tell by the bonds that are shown in the book, that these people are important to her.
Why do people assume being married automatically means you are to bear children?
Personally I can’t see Eve and Roarke with a child, not to say they wouldn’t be good parents but because their lifestyle is just…not kid friendly.
I think seeing other characters in the book have children (Mavis mainly) gives enough of a parental “spice” to the book.
Would I read if Nora decided to give them a child? Yes! (After I was done sobbing because it’d be a huge sign the series is coming to a close) but for now I’m happy with the characters, the family they have created, and the love (and dysfunction) they share!
thanks for all that I agree keep them coming
Thank-you for not going with the baby storyline!
I can imagine Eve and Roarke eventually finding a kid that they care about, and that’s in a similar situation as they were, and maybe taking care of them. From a distance. But to be honest, didn’t we already have that once? Roarke made sure he got a good education etc. and to be honest, if they had a child in a more permanent sense, it wouldn’t be the same stories… and I wouldn’t enjoy them as much.
Perhaps visiting an Orphanage and there being a child in particular that they speak to and watch growing up… become Eves new Aide? But… I figure there are always more things in this series to surprise us, and a Baby would stop that. Why ruin a good thing? 😉
No, no, no, no. LOL. No caring from a distance, no kids, no visiting orphanages.
The series is perfect except that I need a new one every month!! It is so hard to wait. But seriously–you are very brave Nora. Since when does an accredited author have to deal with DIRECT comments, suggestions and critiques from their readers of this magnitude? You’re brave alright. Your whole In Death series is my all time favorite and is perfect!
But they DO care about kids in need. Both Eve and Roarke have gold hearts. Roarke cared enough for little Kevin to find him a home with Elizabeth and Richard DeBlass; and Eve cared enough for Nixie to keep her out of the system and think of Elizabeth the Richard for a home. And remember Tico? the kid who sold the scarves? she cared enough that he got a reward for helping catch the bad guys. So they do care…….as long as it’s within the story. So, folks, leave it to this wonderful writer to come up with the plots, that are mag, ultra, and out of this world. I just wish she could come up with a real sold-in-stores Auto Chef. I really HATE to cook.
Nora, your reasoning, of course, is perfect. You know the characters, their passions, their reasoning of course and an author, but your logic is spot-on. I totally agree with you. Not everyone needs a child. Eve, Roark, and friends are the perfect family. I would not want to see any drastic changes in their family dynamic!
It seems a bit wrong that Roarke went out and found this big Irish family and Eve has been left to slap together her own makeshift family. *I’ve* slapped together my own makeshift family but there’s something different about blood family. People might like to disagree with that but even adopted children who grew up in happy homes with perfect families yearn to find their blood. And to know that Eve will never experience what Roarke has been able to experience with his Irish family is just kinda sad.
But if Eve found her own ready made big family the criticism would be it’s more of the same. Eve has no yearning to find her roots, she’s completely bewildered by all the people around her most of the time.
Basically, since I read the series for Eve, what she’s brought into her life — how that life and her world have expanded so much since Naked in Death — makes me respect her as a character and root even harder for her.
Laura
I simply don’t agree with this at all. I don’t consider the family some of us choose to make ‘makeshift’. It’s a family we choose, and that’s a powerful thing.
I don’t feel any yearning in Eve (and I know her pretty well) for blood family.
And not all adopted children yearn to find their blood. I happen to know a few.
I agree with you, Nora. I am coming at the argument from a different angle. My fiance and I get the question about babies every single time we introduce ourselves as engaged. People get this shocked look on their faces when we say “No, we don’t want children”. And then proceed to explain why being a parent is the best in the world. Not everyone wants kids. Not everyone can conceive kids. It becomes a very awkward conversation, like they, the happy parents, are trying to convert us to their religion.
As for adoption, right again. I was adopted. I’ve only heard bits and pieces about my sperm donor. I have no desire to seek out someone who was physically abusive to my mother, while she was pregnant with me. My dad is a terrific guy, and is a terrific daddy, and I would never seek out this deep insult by trying to connect with someone I’ve never met.
Nora, your books are a wonder of achievement, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
I like your thinking or I would not read your books since 1983. NUF said :-D!
Instead of telling an accomplished writer what to write about, hows about these people putting all that effort into writing their own book?!
Oh gosh … Then we would be writing take-off’s on the ID books . I cringe … ?
But Roarke came out of one craptastically heinous person, and one good person. BOTH of Eve’s were bottom of the barrel scum. Wrong is in the eye of the beholder. I think it’s wrong to argue with, and demand, that the author change her storyline to suit what a handful of readers want, whether it’s less cussing, Eve pregnant and/or finding fluffy bunny gramma.
I agree with you, Debra. Also, most people, in my experience, have at least “blood family member” whom they’d just as soon never have met! Yes, there are the lucky ones who’ve grown up in, and remain part of, a big happy “blood” family — but I think they’re the exception rather than the rule. Also, part of Eve’s growth as a person has been her ability to develop friendships with others. I don’t see those friendships as a substitute for her lack of relatives-by-blood, but as meaningful relationships.
Incidentally, I consider my spouse to be my #1 relative (as well as my best friend) — and we certainly aren’t related by blood!
Eve is lucky in my book. (Pun intended.) I had one mean, craptastically horrid parent like Eve’s; one good but silent and head-in-the-sand. I have only ever made one friend at a time, and right now it’s at zero. Lonely? Not until the last few years, and I’m getting olderish/old. I’ve usually been fine being alone. Childfree by choice. Married late. Family means nothing to me. Marrying a Roarke would scare me to death!
Jean, why did you say that “marrying a Roarke would scare me to death”? I’m curious because NR presents him as pretty much the be-all, end-all of men: gorgeous, smart, witty, gregarious, knowledgeable, empathetic, loving, fantastic lover, exceedingly supportive/understanding/involved with Eve’s work — plus he’s fabulously wealthy and has great taste in well, everything! What’s not to like?
Betty, I’ve never had love like that and I don’t think I would know how to handle it. I probably wouldn’t trust it, believe it, or know how to return it.
Jean, thank you for explaining your perspective. Very good point! I know I’m beyond incredibly lucky to have found my “perfect someone” (though, admittedly, without the Irish accent, fallen-angel looks and incalculable wealth!).
Nora,
I love the Eve and Roark world the way it is!!
Thanks for NOT changing it to fit reader’s needs!!
I love your absolute honesty in tell your readers this is how it is and will be!!!
When E and R are ready…..we will be there to hear all about it!!!
I am so totally in agreement with Nora here that I had to say so! Yea! I think that there’s always too much of a rush in romances for people to rush to having kids. Having kids is not for everybody–and sometimes it needs to wait a few years. Eve and Roarke have only been married close to three years in book time, plus they’re living in a time when people are living longer and from what’s been happening in our own time, people are able to have kids in later years! I think Eve is evolving quite a bit, but she still thinks of having a baby in kind of “ewww… ” terms–like cooking it up in the womb, for God’s sakes, that strikes me kind of revoltingly! Maybe after a couple more years of being around Belle she might come around a bit more, and maybe Mavis could have another one first! Let’s see Peabody get married first, too! When …if…Eve ever takes her captaincy and starts working a desk–maybe after she turns forty or so….then if Nora hasn’t retired first….(God, I hope she never does!) …then Eve and Roarke could become parents. Let’s not rush this people! I can think of lots of things they can do on a free weekend. Money is no object—travel, beach, mountains, site-seeing, Mostly Eve just enjoys the beach and sex with Roarke, who wouldn’t! They have done that on weekends plenty of times. Oh, and she enjoys sitting back and watching ‘vids’ with Roarke, too!
Children change any marriage’s dynamic at any age. As a grandmother who thought she was done raising children daily first my son’s son came to live with us and then after our daughter died in September her daughter came to live with us. We are now the “parentals.” Whenever I think about my husband being 70 and me being 55 raising a 7 yr old boy and a 15 yr old girl it boggles my mind. Thank all the Gods we learned from the mistakes we made with our kids . . . anyway, over and above that N.R. knows what she’s doing. Keep up the good work!!!
Couldn’t agree with you more. To me, Eve and Roarke with a baby would signal the beginning of the end of the books. And God knows we don’t want that to happen.
I agree that a kid, in any form, would change the entire dynamic of the series, and I’m glad that Ms. Roberts is standing on her “No kids” rule for now, maybe for good. While it might be briefly amusing to see Eve react to a pregnancy, I don’t feel that it would work in the long term. We’ve already seen how Eve reacts to having a kid in the house with Nixie from “Survivor.” I also agree that family is what you make of it, and Eve and Roarke have made a fine one.
I agree that a baby or child right now would not be true to the characters – how would Eve & Rourke pull all nighters with a child or jet off on a moment’s notice.
I agree, I’d rather have the mysteries without the Eve & Roarke baby storyline.
I agree with Nora, Eve already has a great family. A family that loves her and would do just about anything for her and she for them.
They are so not ready for a baby.
I agree Eve has her “family” around her and is not ready for a child yet and is still young enough to put it off a few years (hey Mavis said they can cure everything but the common cold) so age is probably not as much a factor as it is now but I sure hope we get to see more than just the possibility of a child should Nora/J D. ever decide to stop the series. Would love to see the pregnancy, birth and bonding with the child in the unique Roarke/Eve way.
You are so right. I’m one of the “crazies” who’d love to see Eve as a momma but she has more family that most. I love these books! Thanks for your explanations!
I have to agree with Nora, Eve and Roake are not ready for a baby. They are still discovering things about themselves. Not to mention Eve and Roake have only really been married for a little over two years. Nixi was one of first child to depend on Eve in Survivor in Death. Not to mention, we get to see her reactions to a baby with Mavis’ baby.
I would love to see a story line where Eve and Summerset have to work together more. Imagine if Roarke disappeared? The two people most important to him would have to work together to find him. Now this wouldn’t be a murder of course but a kidnapping but imagine the two of them bonding on a certain level to bring the man most important to both of them back to the family.
Sorry, not going to happen either. While the books center on Eve, Roarke’s an integral part of the story. I wouldn’t be interested in writing a book where he’s not there for the bulk of it.
Thank you! Eve has suffered enough over the last few months (book time). She is still getting over the whole Dallas trip with Stella. The last thing we/she needs is to see her suffering more if something like that happened to Roarke! Now I think it would be fun if he got sick, like a mild cold or flu (just to prove he is really human, LOL) and see Eve nurse him back to health.
Actually , Donna, I think if Roarke got sick, Sommerset would be the one nursing him back to health, as he’s the go-to guy when it comes to health care (as well as stocking the Auto Chef, keeping everything humming at home, handling ultra-sensitive/top-secret business matters for Roarke, etc.).
Dallas slipped him a tranq in Portrait in Death when he found out about his mother.
Right on!
GOOD,! A book without Roark in a primary role would not belong in the series.
Thank you for this! I adore Roarke and would miss him terribly, even if it were only for a few chapters.
Amen. Everybody just needs to leave all the writing to you. YOU ARE THE BEST. I have read and re-read and re-read all your “death” books and nothing can make them better. You know the characters as they are your characters. I don’t want Eve & Summerset working together or for anything to happen to Roarke either. Keep it like you want it, Ms. Roberts. You know what you are doing and no one can do it as good as you.
Thank you! It wouldn’t be an In Death story without Roarke.
I agree!
There IS no story without both of them
With Roarke’s security it would be nearly impossible to kidnap him anyway. You wouldn’t be able to get within 20 feet of him without Roarke catching a wiff.
Well there are times Roarke could be vulnerable for kidnapping. All it would take is a sniper with a tranquilizer gun. Keep in mind Roarke does occasionally drive around alone especially when looking for Eve. Personally, I don’t think I’d want to see this scenario as the main focus of a story.
I agree, Deb. Just a threat to Roarke sends Eve into Super Cop mode, as we’ve seen this several times. He never backs down.
And could we blame her, Jean. I’d turn into a turbo or super cop/woman, too, to get Roarke back. 😉
Oh, I definitely would! He’s as stubborn as she is and won’t ever accept extra protection from the NYPSD. Talk about all of the emotions in Eve about this! Love, frustration, fear, some admiration, on and on from one end of the spectrum to the other. Actually, I’d have everyone I know working on a cloak of protection to put around Roarke without him knowing – but it would never work. 🙂
So far he has done well, and I hope he lives forever. Eve, too. And the rest of “the gang.” I don’t know how I could function if they all went away. I only found them a few years ago.
Nora, PLEASE never stop writing about them. *begging on bended knee*
I’m actually 100% on board with everything you stated. To me, a child would signal the end of the series, because that would start a new chapter in the lives of Eve and Roarke, and I am nowhere near ready to see this series end. I get excited every time a new book comes out, and I love reading the next chapter of the “lives” of these characters unfold. I live your work Nora, and I am always anxiously awaiting the next adventure in the series. Thanks for that! 🙂
Thank you. I don’t think they have to have kids to be complete. Also I love that they have made friends into family.
I have loved reading about Eve, as an adult, adjust to family rights of passage that most go through when we are too young to appreciate it. Eve’s ability to sit and drink Mr. Mira’s hot chocolate and then let him put on the mittens made me grin for hours. I figured if they had a free weekend, they’d hit the beach, alone, because that’s what I’d do to escape a crazy, loving family and an intense job.
I am thrilled to read JD/Nora’s response for it exactly matches my own thoughts on the subject. Family has (for me) never been about blood ties but about soul ties… that “link” with people that is inexplicable but forged in steel, completely unbreakable, regardless. This is what Eve and Rourke have – an enviable dynamic that more than satisfies this reader on all levels. Even the family that Rourke has discovered remains peripheral, however important, because the family that matters surrounds them on a daily basis, providing them with whatever needs they have, on a daily basis.
I agree with Nora on this. Besides, in real life there are enough couples who, for whatever reason, do not have children. And they’re not all miserable and unhappy because they don’t have children. It’s possible to be happy and have a fullfilling life without children.
As for the suggestion of Melanie Kennedy, Nora did that already in the book Survivor in Death.
I, too, love the books just the way they are. Each new In Death book is a small present to myself and my husband, who loves to read them as well.
I agree that Eve shouldn’t have a baby anytime soon, if ever! Some women don’t want or need to be mothers and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Mavis is providing the children in Eve’s life and I think that she and Roarke acting as Aunt and Uncle to Mavis’ children is enough. I would also just add that along with Mavis and Peabody being her sisters, you could add Nadine in as well. I love their little family just the way it is and I think it’s good to keep it that way!!
I have not read the other comments because I have found that a lot of readers don’t “listen” very well and/or didn’t read what Nora wrote in her POV. Nora makes an excellent case for why she won’t be doing what the most popular ideas were for Eve and Roarke’s bodiless weekend. Since they are her creations even if the case wasn’t excellent, who are we to say foul? I happen to agree with everything she said. Some of the funniest things to happen in the books are the times when Eve has had to “interact” with Bella!
Nora, I love the books and the story line just as they are. Your books are the HARDEST ones for me to wait on and I hope I have something to wait on and look forward to for a very long time!
Thanks for everything!
Amen. The author knows what she’s doing or we wouldn’t keep coming back for more. Keep up the good work!
Absolutely Melissa, my thoughts exactly!
Paula, and Melissa you both said everything I wanted to say. Nora I happy with anything you write, and I’m so glad you are staying strong for your characters.
Thank you
No no kids I just love it when she kicks ass wonderful story line
I love these books & look forward to the next
I totally agree with Nora’s perspective. Just having a pet is enough for now.
I would have to agree the dynamics of Eve and Roarke are amazing and work. I love the there are interactions with babies and we can actually feel the stress coming off Eve but also the love. She does have a family and this family fits. Yes in theory I would love to see a baby for them. However this combination works they can spoil the children around them and still have what makes them work. As a reader or every book written by Nora/JD I can say sometimes we have to let the characters go with what works. I honestly think with as much passion and love these two have for each other there seems to be a feeling if you ass a child fulltime in their lives it will change the whole dynamic.. I don’t know just my thoughts on it. I am just eternally great full that there is a series that beats all series. I read 7-8 books a week but there is nothing like the feeling of a new book from your favorite author coming out. Keep up the fabulous work.
Laurie
Add sorry spell check failed me 🙁
While I love all the books in the DEATH series, and love all the characters, I think that the last book had the feel of “this is enough words for this one, ending it here”. The ending was abrupt and left way too many unresolved links to just call them teasers for the next book. I have paid full price for the books because I am anxious to get them when released, but I may rethink that. Sometimes, the “keep it the same” is perhaps just for convenience and does not allow for character growth. My humble opinion of course. Thanks for the books and good luck in the future.
I’m not exactly sure what you mean, but I’m sorry you were disappointed.
But I can say writing a book, any book, never slides into just for convenience.
Ms. Roberts,
I’m glad you made this point clear and are sticking to your guns. So to speak. I ABSOLUTELY love every In Death book! Please don’t change a thing. Eve and Rorke are not the fulltime parenting types.
Keep em coming, Nora, the InDeath series totally ROCKS!
I do have a question, though, how long did it take for you to come up with the slang and all the neat gadjets? Oh, and how about a backstory on McNab, if I didn’t mention it earlier?
I totally agree with Nora – in every aspect. As for babies, Eve’s interaction with Bella is enough for me. Those scenes either tug at my heart strings or crack me up.
Exactly!
Good idea. We love these two but often times find dynamic change to a story is not really what we wanted in the first place. We can wait for Peabody to have kids, that’s who should have them and maybe her parents show up more often. I love them too. The story line when Eve and Roarke went to Ireland and met his family and she had a park built, that is the storyline for Eve and Roarke, taking care of others and making their lives better. Eve and Roarke have a perfect (mostly) life. They do need to have more ultra vacations though! Keep the stories coming.
Exactly why I love these books so much..JD/Nora’s incredible insight in creating all these characters and who they are and what they do. Just keep doing what you are doing and develop them as you see fit! I will never get tired of reading about all these people!
Jenny in Florida!
That explanation with Eve’s family just made me teary. I really admire her and I really do agree. The family she made for herself is perfect for her. I think she won’t be the Eve now if she hadn’t met all of them.
P.S. I really enjoy reading Dennis Mira and Eve’s moment. I think It’s precious.
I wish that Eve and Roarke would have an HONEST conversation about having children. Not just Roarke bringing it up and Eve ignoring it because she’s uncomfortable. Not everybody wants children, and Eve is so obviously uncomfortable with the idea. I think she needs to honestly tell Roarke how she feels, and he needs to listen, not just roll over her objections like he did in Born in Death. I f she doesn’t want children she needs to stand up and say so.
It’s not like he bring it up in every book, and the couple times they’ve talked about it were meant to be more humorous than in depth. She’s simply not ready, and if she felt absolutely no, not ever not no how, I think Eve’s strong enough to say just that. It’s really nothing I feel they have to have a big discussion on at this time. It just doesn’t flow into the storyline–and frankly, would only earn me LOTS of baby responses and pleas from readers.
Hi Nora, love your all your books especially the “In Death” series.. Have read them all a couple of times and will probably read them again sometime in the future… I agree with you NO babies for Eve and Roarke and no lost blood family members for Eve… Eve has a family.. They may not be blood but she loves them.. (Even Summerset I think)… Eve and Roarke are still evolving and learning to share more of themselves with other people… I love the way they work on cases together, the way their minds work… I have shed a few tears and had a few good belly laughs and hoping the series will not end for a long time to come… Keep up the great work Nora…
So, how DID you become so famous without all of these ghostwriters? Hmmmmm…..
Maybe a baby, or thoughts of having a baby, will come along about the time Eve finally accepts a Captaincy (sp?) and spends more time behind a desk than out on the streets.
My thought exactly.
A Captaincy will mean that Eve would no longer partner up with Peabody as she won’t necessarily be in the field all the time. Then there wouldn’t be all the action, suspense and drama if Eve is riding a desk.
Love the books I have all of them I think. When will the next one coming out do you think? Oh yes I love your other books also
I totally agree, no babies for Eve and Roarke for a VERY long time. Having a baby isn’t the be-all and end-all of any relationship. Who’s to say it wouldn’t spoil what they have instead of enhancing it? Neither of them are ready, and as NR says, they already have a family – I would add in Charles as a brother as well as MacNab. They don’t need anyone else. I also don’t agree with finding a sweet old grannie – Eve has come to terms with the fact that her blood family are the pits, readers need to deal with it too. Get over it and accept it folks.
I agree. Kids do change things and it wouldn’t really make for good reading if Eve slows down cause she’s waddling with a big pregnant belly. I don’t think she’s ready. I don’t think Roarke is ready. Summerset would be ready to take care of a child, but it’s not really fair on anyone if he were the main caregiver. Though I do think having a weekend looking after Mavis and Death to thaygroup mom/dad/aunt/nursery carer.
I completely agree with no kid and no blood family for Eve. However, I think kidnapping Summset might be interesting because it could create some conflict of emotion in Eve. Of course, she would do her job but it might stir some conflicting feelings because she knows if it were not for Summerset, she might now have a Roarke.
I love the idea of Summerset being kidnapped but I think it should be in a Novella not a book. I don’t think that Eve would feel conflicted I am sure she would cope. However given how Roarke panicked when Summerset broke his leg I think that Eve trying to deal with Roarke’s feelings and assorted problems would be interesting. Also I think that she would have to lock Roarke up to prevent him from murdering the kidnappers. Which might be a problem
Thanks for taking time for the very thorough explanation. I’m glad, I totally agree. There are plenty of threads and characters to explore without making Eve a mom, or Roarke a dad.
I agree as well…NO babies for Eve and Roarke. Would just slow things down and change dynamics of the story too much. I love the In Death stories just as they are. If gonna be more babies, leave that to Mavis and Leonardo.
I have to say that I’m pleased that Roarke and Eve aren’t going to have a baby. Mentoring, helping other children who had the type of upbringing that they both had is better. Not everyone needs/wants/should have children. Better that Eve is honorary aunt to Mavis’ little one. And if Peabody decides to have children with McNab, the same there. So thank you, Ms. Roberts, for keeping the Roarkes baby free.
Thank you Nora for giving us your thoughts and reasons. I have some chosen family that I am way closer to than my blood family. They are the ones I laugh with, cry with and call when I am in need or want to share something wonderful. I think Eve and Roarke are each other’s everything and for now and a long time to come that is enough. I love how you have shared bits of Eve’s chosen families backgrounds and what makes them the person they are as well. Thank you and please keep the wonderful story going. As much as I would love to see Eve and Roarke someday become parents way in the future, I am not ready for the story to end.. Hey everyone needs to remember it’s the future in the series not everyone needs to become a mother by the time she is 40. Maybe Eve won’t be ready until she is 50+ and with the medical advancements of the future the baby and mom would be just fine. However I don’t think I will be ready for the series to end even in another 20 years!
Does the Boonesboro exist in their time? Maybe a quick weekend at a B&B instead of off-planet?
Darcy, I think you may one of the few who actually responded to Laura’s hypothetical. I think you’ve got a fantastic idea – it could be Roarke heard about it from Caro, who heard about it from a friend etc. Roarke takes her to Boonsboro and they have a fantastic time just making wild monkey sex. The Innkeeper could be a male version of Caro??? Then they get to stay in their own room, the Roarke/Eve, then Eve gets all flustered because the Boonsboro Inn thinks they’re one of the most unique couples of the current time. That would be awesome (worth a few pages before Eve gets called in because of a cold serial murder case she had and there’s a copy cat)!!
Why change something that is only going to change the dynamics of the books!! And then if it doesn’t work we are either stuck with it or Nora ends the series… Something no one wants!! Lets all put the baby/family idea in box, locked the box and throw it away and never think about it again.
Personally, I’m happy to see Nora say this – not because I’m opposed to Eve and Roarke becoming parents (I’m not) – but because I want to continue reading *Nora’s* stories, about the characters she created and knows.
It’s not that fans can’t love the characters enough to want to see them go in a particular direction, but I believe strongly that writers should be able to tell *their* stories, and that disaster largely ensues when instead of doing so, they start trying to do what fans want. I honestly believe that if Nora had Eve get pregnant in contradiction to her own view of the character, no one would be happy with the results, because she’d no longer be writing her Eve, the one we fell in love with in the first place.
Not trying to offend anyone – I’ve said the same thing in a different fandom, and been unpopular with some people for having done so. But I don’t believe writing is an audience-participation sport. I can either continue to read the stories or not, but I don’t have the right the control what happens.
It’s not broken – so no trying to fix it! I love all Nora’s comments and agree 100%. A weekend jaunt to London that winds up in Scotland Yard? Yea, Eve would love that. Take off for Hawaii and read about Eve’s panic at a volcano? Maybe something in beautiful Japan that has her (and maybe him) totally befuddled at the calm and near formal attitudes. Yes – more world travel to broaden Eve’s outlook on life in general. I love reading about her phobias (flying, elevators, etc.)
I would love to see them take a weekend in Ireland to discover more of Roake’s homeland. Maybe help Eve get closer to his family and work on that phobia she has of meadows and cows lol. Begin to deepen the roots there maybe.
I came to love the In Death series the way it is written, with the changes J. D. Robb makes. I trust her let her take the books where she may, she has never failed us so far.
I totally agree with your response to Eve and Roarke having a baby or adoption etc. It would change the whole dynamic of the series and I, for one, am not ready to see that changed. One of the many reasons I like this story line is because of how Eve and Roarke came together, and the life they have made for themselves and how they’ve grown to be able to include the people in there family that they have. Eve freaks out with Mavis’s child. She is not ready to cope with one of her own. Please don’t change them, not just yet anyway. One day maybe but not now. They are just not ready.
I agree with Nora, Eve and Roarke have made themselves, and made a wonderful family neither realized was happening . Love opened them to what they didn’t think they were capable of having, or deserved to have. I believe they are doing great, and they are always making each other better people.
I love every book and read them all over and over. Nora had kept me entertained through them all and I trust her wholeheartedly to write the next 40 books how she sees fit. She hasn’t messed up so far!!! Plus she’s always said kids will signal the end and I’m far from ready for the end.
Why do people assume just because you’re married, you have to have children? It’s all about choices. The series is futuristic and women have been allowed to make choices for a long time, especially that of bearing children with out the church, government or peer pressure making such an important decision for a woman. Eve does not need a child to “complete” her. And I blame Roarke for raising the issue in the first place by saying he wants to have children with Eve.
Goodness. Are people still asking the baby/lost family question?
As far as I’m concerned, Eve is NOT ready; I don’t think she’ll EVER be ready to have a baby. How she deals and reacts to Belle is proof enough for me. And it’s not as if Roarke and Eve don’t have weekends free where they don’t have sex/make love like rabbits. AND without encountering a dead body! It’s just done off-screen!
Me? I’m perverse. I want to see them fight more, and then make up and hear and read all those wonderful Irish Curses that come out of Roarke’s mouth.
I totally agree no babies. I read these as escape from life and it’s nice to not have the day-to-day issues of children to think about for a bit. We waited a long time after wedding date for kids knowing life would be different. It has to be. And with Eve and Roarke’s sense of honor and responsibility, they couldn’t do anything half-hearted. So, the stories would have to change. Plus, I see no desire from them to have kids yet and since we know Nora’s future world has great protection, let’s keep the babies away for longer.
I’m enjoying a reread from the beginning. Just finished Interlude in Death. Can see the creating of their ‘family’ and admiring again Nora’s talent.
So glad you explained this to us. As much as I would love to see Eve and Roarke develop into the loving parents we know they can be, now is not the time. I love your books and this series in particular. I have all of them and have recently started reading them all again for the 4 th, or maybe its the 5th time..lol. Funny but I read them again and find something new everytime. Thnank you for Eve and Roarke. Looking forward to many more. Take care.
I feel like everyone that wants Eve and Roarke to have children just don’t understand who they really are at all. I am so in love with this series and all of Nora’s books, I have read and re-read them all and I will continue to because it feels like visiting old friends. I’ve seen reviews on Amazon lately about Nora’s books being “ghost-written” and I just shake my head at these people saying “Peabody isnt the same, she would never say or act that way, so Nora cant be writing the whole book” How can they not understand that Peabody has changed and grown, that all of the characters are constantly evolving through their life experiences, they arent meant to stay the same!? I dont know that Eve will ever evolve to the point where she wants children, but she has evolved to the place where she is touched by things like Nixie’s picture enough to hang it in her office and if you ask me, that is enough.. Shes come a long way from being broken and Ive enjoyed watching her heal from her past with the help of Roarke and the family she’s made for herself. There has been so little good in the lives of Eve and Roarke in the grand scheme of things, now that they’ve found it in each other and are helping each other to open up and heal I would like to see them take that weekend to just enjoy and relax, without distraction, the love they have and the peace it brings them. Thank you for what you do Nora, it brings joy to my life 🙂
I see many of your readers feel they could be your editor and help guide you to better books. I am not one of those I simply want to thank you for your fantastic work.
I love how you have paced the character development in this series. If and when it is right you make additions to this world we all have come to love. The character growth is at times unexpected yet always feels natural. Sometimes books are just solving the case, other time little seeds are planted, those seeds ripen and grow how they should.
All of your characters grow and change, this is like life. One day Feeney will retire, McNabb will get promoted. Peabody will mentor her own rookie. ETC,ETC. Growth is good and we are lucky that we will have plenty of time to enjoy the growth thanks to your pacing.
I look forward to the next “Death” as eagerly and I looked forward to all before it.
Thanks,
Tony
Male Reader in MD
AMEN! It would TOTALLY change the dynamics… half of the fun of Eve is watching her figure out the dynamics of interactions and relationships. She does get it…. but trying to articulate to herself what it is or how it works ties her up into very entertaining knots…. and really… she is fictional so putting her in “real” life situations is going to take the joy out of reading her.
I love historical fiction and would love to be the heroine of one of those books, but reality is, I would be lice ridden with no teeth and boobs and butt dragging the ground with 15 kids squalling at my feet… do I want to read about that??? Thanks Nora for writing so well that I lost two hours this morning and no way am I going to be ready for our Easter trip!!!!
Phew! Glad of the no baby, lost relative, etc…. But..please don’t kill off any of Eve’s “family”! I worry about that with every book!!
Thank goodness there will not be children. I would like to see the jealousy of an old flame return. I know after years of marriage many things have been worked through but I don’t want Eve and Roark to become stale with each other. A little jealousy, maybe a detective she worked with before puts the moves on her (I know this happened before with both Eve and Roark), or McNab and Peabody have a upset in their relationship because Eve does not handle that well, the series is great.
Yes, it happened before, and I can’t see how it would be fresh or interesting if it happened again. They’ve dealt with it, and their relationship has evolved since they have.
Yes, but on the other hand wouldn’t it be interesting if Peabody got sick/injured where she had to miss work and a big case comes and the other cops in the bullpen are tied up, so Eve has to go outside the precinct and recruit a temporary partner who happens to be sexier(if possible) than Roarke and instead of him antagonizing her they actually get along really well! Would be fun to see how Roarke dealt with that, how he handled running one of his meetings while in the back of his mind he is wondering what Eve and the new partner are doing!
No. This just isn’t my vision. It’s nice that any given reader can imagine a storyline and play with it. All good there. But I’m not writing what I didn’t imagine myself.
I agree with Nora. They have evolved past jealousy and I love that Eve has found confidence in herself with Roarke. She knows there are many women out there who once shared Roarke’s bed, but she now knows that each of them is one of many and she’s the one and only.
I’m pretty sure that already happened with Innocent in Death. At least on Roarke’s end.
Not sure if Donald Webster counts for Dallas’ end since she seemed adamant they weren’t exes because they were only together one time.
But if it does count, I’d say yeah, that’s been hashed out for both of them already.
I’m so glad you see it like that, Nora. In my opinion, Eve having a child would be completely out of character. One of the things I love about the series is Eve’s unconventional family. 🙂
I also love the whole series. I agree on them not ready (if ever) to have a baby.
I love the family Eve’s made for herself. Also I like how Dennis Mira has been in more of the books. Almost an uncle for Eve.
I wonder what Eve would do if faced with royalty or something like that.
Mavis needs to go on tour for a month or two and leave the baby with Eve to watch while she is away. That would be the funniest thing to read about 🙂
I don’t think it’s a matter of people wanting her to have a baby, I think it’s the idea of how funny it would be watching them go thru the trials of it all. It would be extremely funny. So putting them in a situation where they would have to watch a child and not be able to get out of it for a week or 3 would be something that would be extremely amusing and a laugh a minute to read.. Would love to see Peabody rubbing it in Eve’s face and make cracks about it and refuse to help 🙂
I don’t think that Mavis is the type to go on tour while Bellamissa (done on purpose because Mavis calls her baby nicknames). Besides, Leonardo would be with the baby and they would probably tour together.
I agree it would be amusing for them to babysit belle for an evening, but no babies/children any one can see their not ready.
Please don’t change a thing. I read the books to “live” through Eve and Roarke. I have children, I enjoy reading about the freedom that Eve and Roarke have to come and go as they please. Having a child would diffently change all that. The cat is their child at this point and I think that is the only child Eve can handle at this place in time. I pre-order all the books so that I can have them ASAP. Get them, read them in 1 day and then pout that the next one isn’t out for months. : )
Definitely no babies. I want to read this series for several more years at least! I think it would be hilarious to add a puppy into the household though. I can imagine Eve rushing out of bed in the middle of the night and a big oversized puppy chasing her down, or him and galahad going around the big house playing, and Roark e’s wonderful Irish exploding from one of his awesome shoes getting chewed on. But I have complete faith that Nora, you will make everything great just like always. I’m not a writer so I leave that to you, I will continue to devour every word. Thank you for many many hours of reading bliss.
Eve is so not ready for a baby. I think Roarke would be fine, he’s already spoken of wanting a baby with Eve. I think this is something that should happen should Nora decide to bring the series to an end (no time soon Nora!) and it should be their child created together.
Neither of Eve’s parents had other children from how the story has been told, so no blood siblings. That would mess up the story that’s already been told. Eve has sisters with Mavis and Dee and she has Mira and the Captain (can’t bring his name to mind right now) And everyone seems to have forgotten about Roarke’s fam in Ireland.
It’s funny how many people who grab up each book while it’s still hot off the press (hmm, guess my Kindle version is just lukewarm) think they know better than Nora how she should write them. I have my favorites, and my not so favorite, among the In Death books, but what I have NEVER criticized is the essential truth if the characters. There are many things about Eve and Roarke’s situation that make it completely understandable why they’re not rushing in to parenthood: the relatively short length of their relationship, the trauma of their ugly childhoods, the risky nature of Eve’s job…
I adore another police procedural series by Deborah Crombie starring a couple who are both with the police. They both brought children to their marriage and adopted an adorable girl left orphaned by the murdrrs from a case they investigated. Problems with child care and getting dinner on the table in time ARE part of the story, and the author does it so well I stay interested, not bored. But it’s a different author, a different story, and different characters.
I love Roarke and Eve just as they are, even when they piss me off, and I trust Nora not to take them where they can’t or don’t want to go.
Usually I don’t post on pages, just read, BUT I’m a bit miffed. Nora, you should not have to explain the reasons for your choice in the direction a story line will go in the future, but you generously did and I think that’s wonderful. What bothers me, as always, is some of the responses that I have read. SMH- do people not get it? I agree wholeheartedly, it doesn’t make any sense for Eve and Roarke to have a child. AND to those of you who have mentioned adopting or finding a street kid, etc… Anyone remember Nixie, Kevin? Eve and Roarke also have been mentors to Jamie. That’s just off the top of my head. Why does this topic keep coming up and why do people think it’s ok to tell Nora what to write? It’s Nora’s books, Nora’s creativity, Nora’s story to tell. Period.
Oh my gosh, THANK YOU Nora! I’m so glad that any big child change isn’t going to happen yet. I mean, don’t get me wrong I truly believe that one day, waaayy down the road, Eve will be a fantastic mother. She’s got too good of a heart not to be, and same goes for Roark being a father, but who they are right now just doesn’t warrant parenthood. They both still have issues to work through, and while I definitely enjoy seeing Eve and Roark with Bella, I would freak out if Eve was suddenly pregnant, as I imagine Eve would too. I love the books, I love the characters and I can’t wait for more to come. After reading these books for so many years I feel as if they are a part of me. 🙂 Keep up the amazing writing Nora, we’re all grateful for it.
I agree with Nora Roberts, a child would totally change the dynamics of the story lines, there is no way Eve and Roarke could continue with their “all in” style of crime fighting if they had a baby.
Having a child changes you on a fundamental level and neither Eve or Roarke are ready for those changes as yet, it would be interesting to see how they do cope when they are eventually faced with that prospect!!! Apart from Eve’s panic that is!!!! lol
I love you SO much, Nora. This explanation is exactly how I’ve always felt about the baby subject for Eve and Roarke. The same with the family that Eve and Roarke have created.
The reason we all love Eve and Roarke so much, individually and as a couple, is because they are different from every other romance-novel couple out there. I’m NEVER looking for an epilogue with an, “Oh my god, darling…we’re going to have a baby!”….sweet kiss, fade to sunset. That isn’t Eve and Roarke, that’s not what makes them amazing characters, that’s not why we love them (and god knows I’m an avid romance reader, so I truly do love that kind of epilogue…but not for Eve. Not for Roarke.).
Why would people want you to change them now, and make them into a Harlequin couple? They’d just fall out of love with them at that point and be done with the series. Like finding the perfect man, spending years changing everything about him, and then breaking up because he’s not the man they fell in love with.
Thank you for staying true to the series and the characters, and letting THEM direct the story, instead of squeezing them into boxes in which they don’t fit.
Keep ’em coming!
Nora, if it comes between Eve & Roarke having a baby and you ending the series…forget about it! I DO NOT want this series to end, at all, ever, never, AMEN! Now, if E&R want to babysit little Bella, for a day or weekend, that would be great comedy relief in the midst of a tough case.
I own the whole series, from Naked to whatever the latest book is, several times and never get tired of them. Keep ’em coming, and thank you so much for you gift of writing these great stories, whether as Nora or JD.
Blessings and Happy Easter to you and your family.
I love all your books whether it’s from Nora Roberts or Jd Robb. You know your characters better then anyone else. I love how the in death books are progressing and can’t wait for the next. 😀
The first book I read in this series was “Origin in Death” back in 2007. I discovered it was a series, & I was hooked. I am, currently, in the middle of re-reading the whole series back to back…started with ” Naked In Death” and I am now about to finish “Fantasy In Death”.
Reading the books back to back has made me develope a “love-hate” feeling about Eve, and an admiration & appreciation for Roarke. I love when Eve is vulnerable or smacked at & put in her place. I hate when she thinks “the badge” is suppose make everyone bow down to her & get her into doors she wants open to her…IT IRRITATES ME!!! I some times think her attitude about being “the cop” is a bit much. But Roarke balances the dynamic. And it’s what makes the series work for me.
Adding children to the mix would be interesting. But in the 2060s people live well over 100. There is definitely time for Eve & Roarke to have children…now, is not the time.
I have not read the last 4 books of the series. So this may already be on the way. But the only change I would like to see is, Peabody turning into a cop just as formidable, confident & kick-ass as Eve, without the “top bitch cop” attitude.
The top bitch cop attitude is part of what makes Eve Eve. Don’t look for that to change.
And no, children are definitely not on the way.
Perhaps having Roarke being approached by one of his father’s relatives, or finding out that his mother baptized him into the Catholic faith and going to the parish and finding a mystery there. Or meeting more of the Mira family. So many lines could be tugged, what about having the Doc and Charles flirting with the idea of having a child, they both have demanding careers and it could be interesting on the sidelines. Bring a dog into the the mix, Galahad reaction could be hilarious. You know best!! I am always ready for your next book. I love these books and read them over and over, when I couldn’t purchase them I would bring all of them home from the library to read not one at a time but all that they had, lol. Lordy the ideas will never run out will they!! Thank goodness!
We have noticed Peabody acting like a “cop bitch.” Attagirl! Remember when she and McNab went to the Caribbean and she asked about the motor scooter and what would happen if it wasn’t there when she got back? Sorry if I typed in the wrong place. Can’t just grab a book and look it up easily. I don’t own all of them! yet!
Fellow readers want babies for E&R…? Huh… I guess I’m surprised. That’s not something I picture for them at this particular time.
I 100% agree with Nora’s reasons. It would change everything, as it should. They will be stellar, when the time comes. And she isn’t ready.
I think what Eve & Roarke have right now is so beautiful & cathartic! I cherish their road & their growth immensely.
Much like the way Roarke came into her life, Eve will find herself stretched in ways she never thought possible once babies come in the picture. Roarke’s love & their life together has molded her into an even better version of herself. I think the same will happen once children come along, but I’d rather savor this stage for a while.
It would be funny to see E&R dealing with a baby/small child. On a free weekend they could take care of Bella. Mavis and Leonardo could take the weekend off planet for what ever reason, dumping Bella on Eve and Roarke.
I just want to say thank you to Nora Roberts. Thank you for writing these books and telling these stories the way you see them. I hope we have many years to come of In Death novels. Many years of Eve and Roarke and their family…the family they’ve chosen, the people they love. I’m perfectly happy to read the stories you tell without any input from me. 🙂
If I want to tell my stories I’ll write my own books; which honestly will never happen because yeah. I’m not a writer.
What keeps me coming back to these books is the evolution of Eve as a woman. We have seen her allow love into her life, with Roarke and his family, her good friends, and her colleagues.
I think that when the time is right, Eve and Roarke will have a baby, and we will see Eve grow even more. Nora Roberts, you are a master storyteller, and I cannot wait for the next Eve Dallas book (my favorite series of all time).
I would have to agree with Nora. Even thought I would love all that to happen it would not be Eve. She has changed from the Eve in Naked in Death to the Eve we have now. She has grown and accepted more people into her little circle. I really do love the relationship she has with Mira it baffles Eve but it is so nice to read about it. I love Dennis he is the best.
Thank You, I love the books and I had the same thoughts when I saw the question. I can’t wait for the next book. Have a Happy Easter
Great explanation. There are all kinds of families. As a middle child of seven, I would have told you that you were crazy if you said I would never have children. But that’s what life gave me – along with 16 nieces & nephews and 21 grand-nieces & nephews. I can always borrow one. 😉
Love this series and have loved watching how all the characters have grown. Thank you for sharing your talent.
🙂 I love the way the books are now! I cant see Eve having babies. I almost feel the same way she feels about babies! I wont be asking Nora to add this or that to her In Death books because hell I love them just the way they are! Cant wait for the next one to come out! YAY!
Hello…
For those of us who have read and re-read this series, we think we know these characters inside and out, nobody knows these characters like Nora does. We have a vision in our mind of what each character looks like, and how scenes play out. To me, the only correct vision is that of the creator. I too also thought they should have babies. When I read Nora’s post, I hadn’t considered a few of the reasons why. After reading her response, it makes total sense.
What might be intesting is if, god forbid, the series must come to an end, a follow up novel depicting the lives of Eve and Roarke 20 years down the line. With kids or whatever. I’m not an author so I couldn’t even attempt to come up with a story line!
In any case, keep up the great work!
Thank you, Nora, for taking the time to address the baby issue. I agree whole-heartedly. It’s scarcely been two years since Eve and Roarke met and they’re still working out their relationship with each other, much less bring another human being into the mix. They’re just not ready. They may never be ready and even in today’s world that is socially acceptable. Let it go, people!
The quote you can pick your friends, but not your relatives is so true. I didn’t find my heart-sister until I was in my 40s. I’m closer to her than I’ve ever been with my own siblings. That Eve has found her heart-sisters has shown so much growth for her, even if the trust still baffles her. She’s growing emotionally, and the gradual acceptance that she can love, yet still be a good cop, has been beautiful to watch. I love how the next book picks up so soon after the last, that we get to watch the evolution of two exceptional people working to become a unit. They’re not perfect and that makes it even better. I found it telling that Eve’s friends have become Roarke’s as well, that he had no current acquaintances that he could call a true friend. Not until he and Brian reunited. Eve’s friends ask nothing of him other than he love Eve. It’s been lovely to watch. Thanks, Nora!
I can’t imagine Eve and Roarke being parents.
But I can imagine that there is another person out there who is as awesome as Eve is. Maybe she’s a cop, maybe she’s not. But I think it would be awesome to find a connection with Eve’s family. I mean her parents had to have come from somewhere.
I think its funny that so many of the book’s fans are trying to “change” the characters to make a baby, grandmother, sister fit. Yet, the last time I read reviews on Amazon, some readers were saying that they didn’t like the way Eve had changed and become soft. They even said there was a ghost writer writing the last few books. Make up your minds, people!
The reason we love the series so much is that the author has a vision for Eve and Roarke. She has explained that vision here and it makes perfect sense for the characters that she has created.
We have seen a change in both Eve and Roarke since they first met, but as the author has explained her characters are not ready for parenthood the way it should be. I applaud her for that. As in real life, you can’t just pop a baby into lives without a lot of changes. It doesn’t mean there never will be children but I look forward to see where Nora Roberts takes her characters. She knows them best and that is why we love the series.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book! Thanks for creating Eve and Roake for us.
Yeah I agree Eve not ready for baby,and she build her family.But it still be nice to bring someone new in her life.expand the family tree.Maybe a teenager that needs help and a family to.So Rorke and Eve deside to move the kid in and teach the teenager a better life.Eve can handle trouble teenager.Teenager think he\she was born bad but Eve see good in him\her and show the teenager there is good in him\her.
Nora, I have read every book you have written. I even have your autographs on the first 25! 🙂 I have read Eve and Roarke’s series several times. I don’t want them to have a baby. I am enjoying watching them grow together in their love for each other. I want their marriage to continue always to be strong. There are those out there in life that do that! Not everyone has to have problems to keep their marriage from getting stale! I enjoy the solving of murders and the way her mind works! However, I would like to see the cat get a mate! 🙂
For all of those people out there with all of the wonderful suggestions. Perhaps you should sit down and crank out a best selling series. And when you have your best selling characters. You can make them do exactly as you choose. I like Ms. Robb’s books. Let HER write them. 🙂
I love the life that Eve and Roarke have built with each other. They have the family they need and are comfortable with. I would like to see a storyline with something concerning Ian McNab though. We all know how much trouble and danger is involved in how much he knows about technology. Maybe a murder Eve gets a call for, and later a missing McNab? The family rally’s together for one of their own in a unique way. How will Peabody handle it? You are the great story weaver, so I’ll leave that that to you 🙂
Thank you for all the great journey’s you have given Eve and Roarke, and by extension-me.
I always assumed that (due to the early abuse) Eve would not be able to have children. I love this series. Those of us who do have children need the escape!
I completely agree with Nora. Eve and Roarke aren’t ready to have kids. Peabody and McNab aren’t ready to have kids, so please no pregnancy scares there. Mavis and Leonardo on the other hand, they should have more. They are such awesome parents.
I think it would be fun if they took a long weekend somewhere like three sisters island or boonsboro. Maybe we could see some of my favorite characters again. I know we’ve already had the Nora-J.D. Mash-up, but it might be fun for them to take a vacation and meet some of Nora’s characters.
Also, I read a comment earlier about Eve saying the f-word all the time; in my opinion Eve wouldn’t be Eve without those foul words. Eve is crass, ballsy, brave, caring, strong and slightly terrifying. I will always be thankful for this series, because I went through the same things as a child. Nora you have, with these books, given me to strength to keep going. It was like Eve remembering and healing helped me heal. Thank you Nora for sharing your talent with us.
Liz
Thank you, Liz. And blessings on you.
Wow — people really think babies for Eve and Roarke? I think the only baby in their life for a good long while would be a weekend where they were asked to keep Bella while Mavis and Leonardo had a weekend away! That would be pretty funny. Especially if Summerset was conveniently “busy” as well. Would kind of be like Roarke with the grill. lol! As far as some other relative … nah … Eve already has sisters — Mavis and Peabody — girlfriends in Nadine and even the dreaded Trina! Plus, they may be Roarke’s by blood, but Eve surely has plenty of family with Sinead and all of the Ireland relatives. And Eve already has a “mother” in Dr. Mira. As far as Eve and Roarke with a free weekend … I have this vision of them both deciding they need to learn something together like … I don’t know, gardening … lol!
Yes!! And thank you, Nora. All the reasons you gave for not bringing a baby or child into the series are all things I’ve thought all along, but couldn’t express them nearly as well as you did. If Eve and Roarke ever did decide to include children in their lives, they would be the good parents. Because that’s who they are.
I’m not anywhere near ready for the series to end. So many thanks for the books you’ve shared with us so far and for those yet to come.
Happy Easter!
I agree with you that a baby (or child of any type) would change everything in the characters lives. I personally am really enjoying Eve’s interactions with Bella as my “baby fix” for now. But the fans I talk with are all very clear, we don’t want a baby to appear like the wedding did (off screen). Just one book for us after a baby instead of the promised end of the series. And let me add in here that we are all also just as clear that we do NOT want this series to end anytime soon. Even a bad JD Robb In Death book is better by leaps and bounds than most of the other crap out there. Maybe Peabody and McNabb could start moving toward a wedding?
Oh I forgot to add in that most people forget to think of the In Death timeline. They think in terms of we have been reading the series for almost 20 years, not that they have been married only 3.
I don’t see a wedding for Peabody and McNab for years. They’re so young! The series is certainly, absolutely about interpersonal relationships, about love and friendships as it is about murder and investigation. But it’s not about babies and weddings. It’s just not.
It’s not called In Death by accident.
Well done! I look forward to many more stories about Eve and Roarke based on ‘good drama’ 🙂
I’d like to see Eve deal with Nadine falling in love with some inappropriate but charming individual , disturbing their weekend… or Morris develop more with the new doc Garnet DeWinter as he deserves some happiness
I love your books about Eve & Rourke for the reasons you’ve outlined above. THanks for giving me people I feel like are friends in my own life. I started rereading from the beginning, am about half-way through. Looking forward to the next book.
Love all the in death series .will rourke ever find out that Somerset killed his father an how will he react..
I love the interaction of the many different relationships in the Death series. I have read and waited for the next installments over a number of years now and a child is not in the card for Eve or Roarke at least at this time. Eve is still working on getting her “sea legs” when is comes to love, sharing and opening up to the ones that she has allowed to become close to her. I love the description that Ms. Roberts laid out of the character representation of the close friends equaling family. Eve still has a lots of growing and learning to do in the trust and emotional areas. Always so well written.
I love Eve & Roarke, I love her attitude, and I love the way they love each other, including the bickering! Keep it up Nora for ever if you can! Bless you!
There’s an addendum to the original post — at the bottom, in green. So for anyone with adoption for Eve and Roarke on their mind, please read it.
Thanks!
Laura
Definitely NO to babies! I absolutely love the way the characters have grown through the series. If Eve and Roarke had a weekend without a body they would be enjoying some time together without interruptions. Unless of course, Roarke was buying another planet or something.
Thank you Nora, so much, for all of the times I have been able to get lost in the worlds of your imagination! They have helped keep me sane in this one!
Saw the addendum–I will keep reading this series, no matter what!
Nora is the boss!
“The Eve we met in Naked In Death wouldn’t have been capable of opening herself up to that family, to that circle. The Roarke we met in Naked In Death would only have accepted that family and circle on a very surface level.”
This is so true — that earliest Eve and Roarke are like cardboard cutouts when you compare them to the people into whom they have evolved, in no small part due to the relation ships they have developed with their “chosen” family. I love these books because of the way all of the characters’ lives have become more intertwined, and how obvious it is that they care for each other. Thanks so much — I wish it could go on forever! 🙂
I’ll add my two cents too! This is not reality, this is fiction and Nora is quite right! At least to me! I love Eve and Roarke, they have grown so much during this series! I should hope all of us that have read all of them have grown too! Thanks Nora for wonderful stories!
Nora, keep up the excellent work. I still like the idea of E&R’s interactions with nature and wildlife on a mountain hike. But I can use my own imagination with that one! It’s not a concrete jungle out there!
I agree with Sharon. But I would like to see Roarke finally get Eve on a horse. THAT would be rolling on the floor funny. But something she would probably come to enjoy.
I love your books so much! Eve Dallas is a strong savvy career woman – what a pleasure to read books where a woman can be all of those things and still have love in her life.
I have been wondering if there will ever be a book where Eve ends up staying in the much-hated-hospital because she either took a bad risk or it was just bad timing? It would be interesting to see her sidelined while Peabody, McNab and Roarke had to solve a crime, especially one where she was quite injured.
This wouldn’t appeal to me. Eve is the central character and for me the driving force. I wouldn’t be interested in writing a story where she’s sidelined. She’s the primary.
I understand. Thanks for the response.
She was already sidelined in the book where they took her badge. I ADORE the ‘In Death” series and am convinced that at one point when I lived in Florida, I drove the bookstore people batty calling every couple of weeks to ask if a new “In Death” book had been released or had there been a press release stating a date for the next book.
I think it’s important to remember that while we have known and loved these characters for years, in their world only a few years have passed. Although Eve and Rourke have helped each other to deal with so many of their own demons they are still helping each other heal, and are the center of each other’s universe-that is part of the beauty of watching these two fiery, independent people come to lean on and depend on each other. Children change that dramatically. Nora has written about many wonderful, wonderful characters with children, and those relationships are just as beautiful to read about, but due to my attachment to Eve and Rourke over these many years, o am not at all ready to see the series go in a direction that would surely spell the end. Please keep staying true to your vision, add I count the minutes to each of your releases!
I 100% back Nora’s reasons as to why a child doesn’t and probably won’t be brought into the situation… If you really think about it , they have a somewhat kind of honorary child with Mavis & Leonardo’s Belle! That being said though I think it would be great just to add some type of dynamics to Galahads coziness as their only 4 legged child that they get a dog… this would be great to see how it would not only fit in their lives but what it would do to Galahad! It would be fun to watch… you don’t have to have a dog in every scene… And of course it has to be a Labrador of some kind since Nora has two!!!
Just my thoughts!
Mary
Since I have dogs, and always have, I don’t see how one would fit into their lives. They’re cat people. Dogs are pack animals, want attention and companionship. And must be walked–at least in the city. A puppy isn’t for them.
It is possible, because Summerset does handle all the home needs. He takes care of the cat the majority of the time, they have plenty of property to keep a dog and it would give the cat a companion to play with also 🙂
They’re cat people.
lol ~ I love your replies to these endless ‘what ifs’ …. and it’s fun to read them!
Right on, Nora! I opted for a weekend away to a seclude place, which to me is exactly what they would do.
I love that you took the time to write a response. Your characterizations have always been one of my favorite things about your writing. Strong women who funny, creative, and willing to work on love are such a pleasure toread. Thank you.
I was not one who suggested children for the reasons you gave. I just would not be the same series.
I love the little moments where Roarke is terrified that something might have happened to Eve and then comes to find her well and safe. His concern for her and her always being his number one priority is so heart warming.
And while I absolutely adore Eve’s exterior of tough cop, authoritative, and not for showing off her private life, I really enjoy seeing some of her friends catch glimpses of her tenderness with Roarke.
I have always thought they would never have a child anytime soon. When Eve was finally offered Captain’s bars and turned them down because she is not ready to sit behind a desk, that pretty much cemented it. And she was right, the series wouldn’t be the same. I can see her at some point far far away in the future getting Whitney’s position and maybe then, but for now, the series is perfect the way it is.
Ms. Roberts,
I have enjoyed your In Death series since the beginning. I have every book in the series and really treasure them. I recently donated my entire collection of books (about 1,000 or so) to our local public library so that others could enjoy them also. BUT, I could not part with any of my In Death books (hardbacks, paperbacks and Kindle) which continue to give me such pleasure. I reread the entire series occasionally and like them more every time.
Thank you so much for sharing your gift.
Wishing you many more years of happy writing! Gail
Going off subject…wouldn’t it be grand to see the In Death series come to life as a television series? Wonder what the chances of that are.
If it ever did come to TV or the big screen, I hope you have massive input on the casting, Nora. Some of the actors who where cast as characters in your other books were no where near the characters you wrote. (Heather Locklear may have looked physically okay but she moved like the older woman that she is.) I know we all have our own picture of Eve ad Roark and the rest but some actors just don’t fit.
Just realized I got some movies mixed up with another author. But I hope you will have much input if it ever comes to the screen…because casting people can be soooooo wrong.
I will add my two cents worth. These books are a work of fiction, it is up to the author to decide what the characters will and will not do. I really enjoy these books and see no reason for Nora to change from her path. In saying this, I personally would like to see some more easing up of the relationship between Eve and Summerset, (it has happened a few times already). I would also like to see what happens of Mavis falls pregnant again, that would be fun.
SO many great points in Nora’s response!! I’m not an advocate of the baby/child addition to the series and am grateful to have this addressed. It just doesn’t fit the characters and I’ve always understood why an Eve Dallas pregnancy would signal the end of the series. Thank you, thank you!!
I’ve been wondering lately since the evolution of Eve and Roark what would happen if…..Eve was taken hostage by someone wanting to get at Roark or if Roark goes missing on one of his business trips. Maybe his plane has to go down somewhere, a tropical locale, somewhere in the wilderness but he finds out it was no accident and someone is trying to kill him while Eve is frantically trying to find him. She could bond with Summerset, even go looking for Roark in the wilderness with Summerset. Two unlikely partners linked only by their strong bond with Roark. Maybe from a mole in one of his corporations, who starts killing off others who would be able to trace things back to him. Eve could be taken, maybe have flashbacks to her childhood but becomes enabled by the woman she’s become and is no longer a victim. Or an Eve lookalike could be found dead, freaking everyone out, while she’s being held away to torture Roark. I don’t know. I think I could go on and on but I’ll stop there.
I don’t know why so many people want them to have kids. I love the dynamics as it is. Life totally changes when a couple have children and the books wouldn’t be the same.
To all the wonderful Nora fans who would like to plot the next Eve & Roark adventure, may I share a few words of wisdom? Some of us are meant to be great story tellers (i.e. Nora) and some of us are meant to be great readers (i.e. you and me). This is a symbiotic relationship, good writers need appreciative readers. We all have a role in this exercise. 🙂 If I were to tell Nora my idea of the next plot (assuming I could think of one) and she were to try to write it, no one would be happy. Trust me on that. Part of the charm of Eve & Roarke’s story is how each has grown because they met each other. Remember the somewhat awkward, “keep my distance Eve” of the first book? Hasn’t it been fun watching them both grow? Since Eve & Roarke live in Nora’s head and not mine, I’m content for her to be the writer & me to be the reader. If y’all think about it, I’ll be you are too. 🙂
OMG, thank you!
Pat,
As I’ve been reading through all of these comments. I was trying to find the words to say exactly what you did! Thank you so much for putting my thoughts into words! lol As weird as it may sound, I actually feel a bit relieved!
I would never assume to be able to tell Nora how to write her story it is already perfection. I think most of us are just pointing out things that we thing would be funny or try to picture how something would happen. I would think Nora would be flattered that we are all so in tune with the characters that we fantasize about different things going on in their lives. And that we in our imaginations can picture these off the wall things happening in our heads..
So dang true. There is a reason the stories are written by Nora. It would be a whole different story coming from someone else.
I totally agree with Nora. Eve and Roarke have “made” their own families in the people surrounding them now and they are better people for it. Please do not change the dynamics of the story line of this series. It is fantastic as is !!!! Bring in a tad more Irish mysticism into some of the plots…..well, I’m all for that 🙂
I love the “In Death” series just as they are. Eve and Roarke have created their own family with the people they have gathered around them, and they are already parents. Roarke parents his employees in the way he looks after them, and Eve parents her squad, as well as those she stands for. We’ve already seen how Eve reacts when Dr. Mira is threatened–why does the connection need to be genetic?
On a different note–I have thought about the horrific abuse Eve suffered starting at such a young age and the physical effects that could have on her reproductive system. Having heard of actual similar cases, it would not surprise me in the least to discover that the abuse had caused irreparable damage and infertility.
This is my favorite series of all! Enjoy your books.
The author must trust her vision and that of her characters. As a reader, it’s always fun to think about what a character might or might not do. That’s the joy of being a reader. When it’s time, the characters will tell the author what they want to do. It’s just not time yet…
Nora Roberts created these amazing and colorful characters, this family – and “small town” in crazy-big New York! – and I cannot imagine trying to create any changes that Nora cannot envision. She IS the compass, she is the true North when it comes to her characters and their worlds, and I am profoundly grateful, every day, that I lived in the time in which Nora wrote!! Thank you, Nora Roberts, for your boundless imagination and your wonderful voice in your writing! Enjoying reading Nora is one of my favorite pastimes in my world! Thank you for the gifts your writing has given to me and to millions of fans throughout the world. Happy Spring and Happy Easter to you and your family! Enjoy every moment!
I agree with Dawn, we need to remember the time line, all of the books have taken place in a short space of time, they are still exploring their relationship….no children, thanks, just more of these wonderful books please!
No Babies!! EVER!! I never want the In Death Series to end. It would be funny though if Eve and Roarke somehow had to take care of Belle for a weekend!!!!!
Thank you, Nora. I can’t imagine Eve having a child. The way she responds to Bella is a comic relief and helps take the intensity of the subject (which is why I miss Mavis and Bella when they don’t have a larger part in the story, plus, I just love Mavis and Bella–and Leonardo is so sweet). Anyway, I love your vision of the In Death Novels. I hope they never end. However, if they do, I think some of us would like to think that Eve and Roarke have passed down their wonderful DNA. The most important thing (in my opinion) is for your to be true to your creations! Your long-time readers love your vision. Thank you for your great talent.
As much as I want Eve & Roarke to eventually be parents, I completely agree it would end the series. And I for one am not ready for the series to end.
Well, I can’t believe this discussion is still going on. YEARS later. Really? If you want the couple of have a baby, this isn’t the series for you. Read a romance.
I began my Eve & Roarke saga truly mid-stream with Remember When. I loved the interaction between Sommerset and Eve. It was so funny to step in cold turkey to their interaction, but I had to know the roots of that relationship and how Eve and her ever-so-sexy husband got together. I went on my quest to find these books and read them in order. I now have them all (except the last anthology, but will get it eventually) and have read them all multiple times. The stories keep the reader’s attention and get them involved.
I do agree with Nora and Laura, neither Eve or Roarke are truly ready for a child (although I do see Roarke getting there well before Eve). But they have Bella to practice on and they also have Roarke’s new-found family with their children as well as Nixie Swisher for the older child factors.
I absolutely love the series and look forward to the next book (just wish they came out faster, but just like a baby I guess they arrive when they are ready)!
I absolutely love the dynamics of the In Death series. Nora knows what she is doing. Don’t chane it. It is much more fun watching Eve and Roarke deal with Bella. I love All the characters personalities. Very dynamic series. Keep up the good work Nora!
Considering I anxiously await each “In Death” book, and have yet to be disappointed, I believe Nora knows exactly what she’s doing!!!! 🙂
Counting down the days until the next chapter in the continuing saga….
I Agree with Nora on everything she said It makes since to me.
I have always considered Eve’s family to be exactly what Nora (JD) outlined. I have a very dysfunctional biological family so I, too, have cobbled together a family of friends to fill the roles in my life that my “real” family is unable or unwilling to fulfill.
Some of my favorite parts of the In Death books are Eve and Roarke’s interactions with their friends/family and Eve’s bafflement and amazement that she now has all these people in her life that mean so much to her. The only thing I’d like to see is Peabody and McNabb get married!
Silly me. I just thought they would go to the Island and sleep naked on the sand.
Write them your way…it works. I’ll just keep on reading..it works.
I agree also. Eve and Roarke as parents would completely change everything. I have really enjoyed watching the evolution of Eve’s relationship / interaction with Bella, having started out as sheer terror even before Bella was born and grown into adoration on both sides. Now that’s a special relationship!
Have read all the books, three times. Thank you for writing them. No babies, children, dogs or anything else the readers have mentioned. I believe Eve will let you know the direction she wants to take. I have always felt if you write that Eve is expecting , that will be your way of ending the series. Hope that doesn’t come for a long time.
How about a relaxing vacation, then 1/2 way thru death in the tropics? I’ve read all of the series. Has this happened before? I love the books, keep them coming.
I actually fell in love with the series from a blurb at the end of one of Nora’s books and I have loved watching Eve and Roark adjust to being together ever since. I don’t think a child would be right for them now either … maybe after she finally takes those Captain’s bars.
I guess many people are just using preconceived notions of family here. We’re a Christian-oriented society, even if individually we’re not Christian. Many of our notions and preconceptions of family derive from that. It is somewhat expected that a couple that falls in love have children after they marry.
So, many people get stuck into that and never go beyond. It’s 2060, people, not the Regency. A woman doesn’t need to have children to be considered a fully-grown, mature woman. Couples don’t have to have babies just “because”. Children are both a gift and a lifetime duty. There’s no going back or taking vacations of being a mother or a father, you don’t have that option.
Being a doctor, I know what I’m saying (I may not be working all the time, but I just can’t pass by someone in need of medical attention and say “Oh, I’m not on duty right now, go find someone else!”. It’s a LIFE in risk. It’s a LIFE in risk, also, when a woman gets pregnant. If the child isn’t born by choice or with loving parents that are ready for it, he or she will suffer the consequences.
Eve is definitely NOT mother-material, and Roarke is such a perfect uncle that I don’t see the need for him to “change status” right now. No, none of them are ready and none of them NEED it.
As Nora said, they have plenty of family (chosen or blood-related). Maybe, one day, when they are both older and Eve has settled into more of a bureaucratic duty (like, say, Chief of Police! LOL), they may think of that. Even doesn’t want to be promoted in the near-future exactly because she isn’t ready to give up her routine and become more of a desk-based cop. She doesn’t want that. Can anyone imagine her chasing a criminal down the street in full sprint with a huge seven-month-pregnancy belly?
Yeah, I thought no either. Let’s just let her be for the time being!
Hey, Nora, greetings from Brazil for you and a happy Easter!
May
I disagree with the not mother material. She may not be ready, but she loves fiercely, protects what’s hers, leads. She can handle motherhood, but she’s not ready yet emotionally. Hell, she’s still getting used to her family as it is.
I love how the characters in the series have grown thru the years. One character I would like to meet and who I bet would be a hoot is Peabody’s Gran.
Nora, you have so eloquently replied to all the comments about Eve & Roarke. You are so right. Thanks for the years of wonderful reading. I still own a lot of your original Harlequin books from way back in the day, along with all of your newer books. Take care.
I can honestly say that I am thrilled that Eve and Roarke will not be having children (natural, adopted, or fostered) because as you and others said, children change the playing field completely. And she would not be able to be the type of cop she is, and not be able to focus her whole self like she does. That all said, it would be funny if she and Roake did have to baby sit Bella for an evening, without having Summerset to fall back on. And I agree with you, that family is not always blood but is also made. I have people in my life that I think of and call “sisters,” “cousins,” “Aunts” and “Uncles” that are not related to me by blood or marriage. Family is what you make it…and Eve and Roarke have made theirs from the very tight circle of friends they have. What I would love to know is if or when Peabody and McNab will be getting married…I look forward to that side story! Love your books, as both Nora and JD, and can’t wait to read more!
I agree with all of your comments of course, but if you wanted some comic relief, Dallas and Roarke could have to watch Bella while Mavis and hubby have an emergency. This could only occur if there was no death and everyone else was around to call during the emergency.
I tell you what Nora Roberts may have created these characters and considers them her family and a part of her. They are that for us as well. From book one they have become people we love to read about. Book after book they become more of a friend that we laugh, cry and pray for… After what is it now I lose track 39 or 40 books in? These people have become our family.. They hold a strong place in our hearts and waiting each time for a new book to come is at times torture. Wondering what is going to happen next and how the people we care so deeply for are doing… Thank you for sharing these amazing people with us Nora, you have an amazing gift for story telling and bringing these characters to life and giving them meaning to us.. Wishing you much success and many years to come. Your fan Till Death.. 🙂
I remember back when you used to help run the Adwoff forum. You mentioned there answering many questions that if Eve had a baby, that’d be it for the series.
I accepted that and am fine. It still surprised me that people are still wondering. But I figure, maybe some of these people are new. Statistically, there’s probably a group of new readers every few years who ponder this question again. The nature of things.
Anyway, don’t feel pressured. I admit I have a softness for any time Dallas interacts with a kid in her books. But what makes those moments so awesome is knowing children aren’t in her future. So getting all these little gems of how soft she can be… how she has a fondness or smartass kids, how she can boss around a teen with no issues, how she can flash her weapon just so a little boy can see what it looks like. Those are treasures.
Funnily enough, I wouldn’t want Dallas to have a kid for the humor. I’d want it for all those emotional bits. Like in the dream where Bella was held hostage by Stella and Dallas pretty much lost her shit. Or in Judgement where those bad cops after her snagged a 10 year old and again, she got incredibly furious so when Webster came and helped, she yanked him under the car and ordered him put. Then of course, Nixie Swisher at the end of Survivor. How Dallas exclaimed she should beat the crap out of her for taking the risk she did.
Those are the moments I want. But I can get them just fine with any old kid Dallas runs into and not alter dynamics at all.
When I want kick ass, murder, puzzles, comedy AND romance all gift wrapped into one I read J.D. Robb IN DEATH SERIES. When I want Ireland, Romance, etc I read NORA ROBERTS. Yes they’re 1 and the same and yet, they are 2 different ‘sides’, so to speak. of 1 whole person and I ADORE IT!! Alright now, having slobbered all over one of my all time Favored and Respected authors on here (and publicly no less…lol) time for me to address yay or nay to a bouncing bundle of mini Dallas or Roarke (my gosh I often imagine Roarke having that beautiful look like actor Ian Somerholder has only with a more masculine & dangerous sex appeal and charisma and of course the eyes that pierce straight to Eve’s soul in every story…whew I’m having a bit of a hot flash I think). NAY! With the whole story line & created FAMILY that is now both Dallas and Roarke’s, with their extensively time consuming careers and both of them still, in a way, digging deep roots into their own marriage, a baby, no matter which manner it was brought into their family circle, would completely ruin the series as it is….right now. Part of the hilarity (for me) of Eve’s character is her seemingly terror of kids & her knee jerk dependency upon Peabody/She-body (cracks me up!) to handle those more sentimental, sensitive, emotional, 1 on 1 connection, family & friends type of moments. Kids scare the holy crapanoli out of both Eve & Roarke (right now). I do, however, truly enjoy whenever Mavis brings little Bella around; the chaos that ensues in Eve’s mind never fails to entertain. I think having them babysit Bella at times and perhaps even take on again, sometime in the future, temporarily another child/victom as happened in SURVIVOR IN DEATH is more than enough, for the next few years which would be a good decade in Eve & Roarke’s time. Those moments will lend a nice texture to the story and some serious tears rolling from laughing so hard for the reader. No….kids being born into, adopted into, or fostered into their family as an official family and household member is NOT right for this series anytime soon. One day, yes, one day far into the future.
I love love love the series. My qurestion /comment is this: Can you please outlive me so that I will always have a new NR or JD Robb book to read? Thanks in advance!
Nora-
I think you write beautifully and entertainingly. I don’t understand how some people can say the latest “In Death” installment didn’t feel like a JD Robb book. I for one loved to see the fact that Eve is starting to grow. She has filled her family circle with friends and loved ones. She has started to become comfortable, to understand, and to trust in that circle. People are supposed to grow and change. These are the things that make the reader feel like they are visiting with friends when they pick up one of your books.
She’s lost some of her “rough edges”, but she will probably never lose all of those edges. We have no idea what the future holds for Eve or anyone in that world. It’s not ours to decide. It’s your world, and we have all been lucky enough that you share that world with us and allow us to go along for the ride!
I only wish that the work and artistry involved didn’t take so much time so we could visit with Eve, Roarke and company more often. However, that truly just makes the book releases more anticipated and coveted! I also wish I had a bit more control to pace myself instead of reading the whole book in one day (maybe two)! Of course, I have no problem rereading them over and over!! I can’t wait to see where you take us next.
On a side note, your works have made me fall in live with Ireland. My goal is to go there this year for my birthday for my first visit. I hope to find there the magic that you so often write about.
Happy Easter to you and your family! I can’t wait for your next book! Thanks for all of your hard work and for keeping us entertained with fantastic worlds and stories!
Thank you,
Jen V.
As awful as it sounds, I’d like to see someone get closer to getting to Roarke. Eve has been beaten and injured, nearly to death, and he comes in often to save her. I’d like to see her truly get his perspective. Not that I actually want anything serious to happen to Roarke. That would suck. But they often fight about her risking herself and his terror when he doesn’t know if she’s okay. And I’d like to see her become Captain. I would also like to find out what Roarke’s first name is 😉
As of Thankless in Death, Captain’s not coming any time soon. I’m willing to bet it’s in the same category as children. The day Eve Dallas takes the Captain’s seat is the day she’ll even think about having a baby.
And I have a theory about what Roarke’s name is. I might be wrong and I’m not gonna bring it up now but this theory makes so much sense when explaining why Roarke would choose to never use that name ever again.
I totally agree about Roarke’s name. In an effort to respect the fact you didn’t list it in your comment. I’ve often thought his full name maybe a name that runs in the family. On the flip side, if that’s the case then why did he decide to go by his last name. Both names are easily recognizable within the right circles.
Roarke”s name is Roarke. That’s really it.
I totally agree with Nora on this. I love the series and it just would not be the same if they were to have a child – and as many others have commented – they are just not ready. Thanks Nora for being true to the characters. The “In Death” series is my favourite ever. Thanks for the great stories!!!!!
Absolutely agree about Eve and Roarke not having kids yet, NR! I could see Eve’s pregnancy being the culminating few books in the series, as she prepares to stop being a field cop and take that Captaincy Whitney offered her in THANKLESS…. , and makes sure Peabody or Baxter are ready to take over as her successor. I’m thinking Baxter, just for the fun of seeing Mr. Slick&Flashy have to become a Commanding Officer.
OTOH, while I agree about Eve having built her own family – reluctantly, but that’s how it goes! – I was kind of surprised you decided Roarke needed a family. I really liked that for all Roarke had, he recognized in Eve another broken soul and loved her enough to help her heal. Why did you decide he needed a big happy Irish family?
I didn’t decide so much as the storyline did. And when it started to evolve that way in writing Portrait In Death, I liked the emotional crisis for Roarke, then the contrast to the starkness of Eve’s bloodline.
Nora, I truly love reading your books and agree with you about having no babies for Eve and Roarke. Same as others, I’d like to read a story about Eve and Mavis, a very interesting friendship. I’d like to know Mavis’ background, where she came from. And I also like someone else’s idea of Eve and Roake babysitting Bella for an evening, without having Summerset to fall back on. What a hoot that would be! I love the “In Deathe” series; my favorites of all. Keep writing!
I dont think Eve is ready to have a baby it would totaly freak her out but any chance for a romance for our dedicated reporter Nadine Furst it would bring another dynamic to Eve’s litle family not to mention it wil make her panic at anybody new.
Not at this time. Nadine’s not in the market for a serious relationship.
Aww… damn. I was hoping enough books had passed by now for that to happen.
Oh well.
I agree with Nora, having a kid would not work for the Eve and Roarke. I do think it would be funny to have Eva and Roarke baby-sit Bella for a night. The out of their element fear would be great. As for long lost Family for Eve…. Because Eve seems to wonder about the nature vs nurture debate I have HOPED that she had a kindly grandmother out there, like Roarke has his aunt. We all come from more than just our parents.
I completely agree with Nora about the ‘no children’ concept. For anyone that has been abused, there is (or should be) a fear that you will abuse your kids the same way. I never had kids when I was younger because of that reason; plus, I was still dealing with my own monsters. By the time I felt like I wouldn’t repeat the same pattern, I was well into my 40s and didn’t want to have children that late in life. I love babies and children and am sometimes sad that I don’t have any. What helped me through it is I taught piano lessons to kids for many years. I developed a close relationship to most of them and they kind of became my ‘kids.’ Eve (and Roarke) has been through more than I can even imagine, and while it would be a ‘happily-ever-after’ type storyline, it’s just not feasible right now. In fact, Eve may NEVER be at a point that she wants to have children. Unless people are truly ready and willing for all the changes a baby brings in the home, they should not get pregnant.
I’ve started from the beginning again this time in audio books, I travel over 100kms to work each day. Eve and Rourke keep me company.
Why on earth would there be a baby anyway. That’s what Mavis is for. Lol.
Am totally enthralled by this series and have recommended to everyone.
Keep the writing happening.
YAY! Glad there are no babes in the foreseeable future! More Roarke and Eve! (i remember a while back reading that you would end the series when they decided to have kids…)
I love your books. Write faster 🙂
Nora I am surprised that no one else has commented on your characterizing Mcnab as Eve’s little brother. I personally started laughing my head off when I read that. I can just imagine EVE’s reaction to the thought of McNab as a brother. I can hear her yelling NORA ARE YOU NUTS?
I agree with Nora about no kids, no family for Eve and about the “extended” family that they have in their close friends. I LOVE the series and am always awaiting the next book very anxiously. I would be interested in more of the Mavis/Eve history in a story. Though JD is my favorite author, just to be clear, Nora is right up their close:). Please keep up the great stories.
What I love about Eve is how much she has grown as a person. She has learned to love and accept being loved. The process is what makes the books so compelling to me. Too much angst always bothers me. Seeing Eve learn to let go of some of that angst and become a more peaceful person inside is wonderful. Not that she will ever stop being that remarkable intense person but that she does not stay the same. Thank you Nora, for making Eve and Roark such interesting people. I always listen to the Death series on An audiobook from Audible. Susan Ericksen does an amazing job making all the characters come to life.
i believe Eve and Roarke will always be that great aunt and uncle. because of the lifestyle they lead. Yes i agree it would be great to see Eve pregnant but i don’t want her to be a mother not yet. She is just getting warmed up and i think if she becomes more involved with other people and their lives she will have a bigger impact on them and the storyline then just becoming a parent like everyone else. I think that is point of Eve and Roarke they aren’t like everyone else and we should expect them to become normal when they are so extraordinary as a murder solving couple .
I’ve been here since day 1 and am in it for the haul because of the ride on YOUR vision. I started loving Nora from Irish Thoroughbred and haven’t looked back. Wherever you take Eve, Roarke et al — I’m in. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every word every pause every punctuation mark. You are the queen of this writing stuff and I remain a devoted fan — 30 years and counting!
Totally agree and I applaud your response. Keeping to the truth of these characters is what keeps me reading and anticipating the next book and the next!
Laura –
See what you started? And it was such an innocent scenario – what would Eve and Roarke do on a weekend and there are no bodies to be found? Personally, hot, wild, monkey sex comes to mind at some place Roarke owns that he hasn’t taken Eve to yet. It would be so sweet to see Eve cater to Roarke, as he usually takes care of her. Lots of sleeping and lazy days where there’s breakfast in bed, brunch/lunch overlooking something scenic and peaceful. They rarely get any down time with their crazy schedules. No in coming calls (Caro and Summerset would be running interference for them).
Nora –
I truly can’t believe how much you cater to your fans – your responses to the post, sharing with us your vacation, and now your vision for Eve and Roarke. I think it’s great that you’re allowing us a small view into your life and your vision for the series. I am such a huge fan and always impatiently wait to get my hands on the next book. Your fans are lucky that you write so prolifically that we are not waiting two years or more for your books – honestly, that may drive me to drink.
It’s hardly surprising that a lot of us, your readers and rabid – I mean avid – fans feel they can opine on future scenes for the series. Your characters are so life-like that we develop our own fantasies about them. Personally, I prefer to be surprised on the twists and turns of the series as you develop them. If I want to fantasize about Eve and Roarke with my own scenes, I can happily and safely do that while commuting on the train to and from work. But I would rather re-read the series – what my own fertile mind can come up wouldn’t be as rich and colorful as what you have provided us in your books.
Thank you for these megalicious books. In Death is my go to read whenever I’m traveling, on vacation or just chilling. It’s better than watching movies.
Also, thank you for giving us (your fans) a means to express ourselves so we can tell you how much we appreciate the series, your books and you. I know this medium is a double-edged sword as some people feel the need to question your writing style and your vision for your characters – that pesky first amendment rule. But it is gratifying to see so many people defend you and In Death. I can honestly say, you are loved, admired and respected.
Sincerely,
Another avid (rabid) fan =)
Please don’t fix what ain’t broke!! The In Death books are great as they are. The story lines are terrific and the evolution of Eve and Roark as a couple and individuals is stunning to read in each new book. Great work, Nora. You have been my favorite since your category romance days.
I think a quiet weekend at home for Eve and Roark is how I would like to see them spend time off. Really, they have everything they need in that “castle” of theirs without traveling, don’t you think?
You are the best and don’t change anything.
Absolutely spot on. Thank you, Nora. They are your creations. Stay true to your vision.
I think it would be great to see Eve and Roake taking care of Bella for a weekend
This has come up a lot, so let me address it here. I can’t think of a single realistic, logical reason Mavis would leave Belle with Eve and Roarke for a weekend. They’re busy people, cases are so often hot, and Mavis obviously has regular, reliable child care when needed.
If it flowed into a storyline for a REASON, that’s one thing, but just to do it, no. It just doesn’t make sense to me.
I’d have to agree that it just doesn’t make sense for Mavis to have Belle babysat by Eve and Roarke. I’m sure with her success she has the resources to have someone else take care of Belle if the need arose. In my mind, if she did need someone in an emergency then Trina would probably be the more sensible choice than Eve. Mavis is a lot more perceptive than she seems and knows her best friend very well. Thanks for the series!
I’ve been reading your books since you early days (still have every single book) and I bow to your wisdom! No more baby suggestions! 🙂
I agree about the no baby.and I love the way she is around mr.mira
I love the In Death series. I also completely agree that no baby/child in the story line for Eve and Roarke it would change way to much. I also agree that they do not need to have a long lost family member to come into the story line. They already have their family, family doesn’t always mean blood related.
Dear Nora, I love the In Death series, and almost all your other books too. I have been a fan since your very earliest publications (I’m 60+). I have the entire In Death series in audio books (as I work for the military overseas, I don’t have room for the hardbacks in my tiny room, and they don’t always make the MWR libraries when first published), downloading them the day they are published. About once or twice a year I listen to the entire series from beginning to end, usually just before or after a new book comes out. I don’t often contribute, but I feel a very close connection to Eve and Roarke. Each time I listen to the series I pick up new nuances. I love Susan Ericksen. I really like the ways the characters have evolved over time. Thank you for your vision and ability to make your characters come to life. In several of the books you refer to “degrees of separation”. Eve has come a long way in coping with her personal background, especially after recognizing her mother in ‘New York to Dallas’ , and the later ‘head conversations and interactions’ she had with both mother and father in later books. I was wondering, if in some future book, through one of those ‘degrees of separations’ that in one of her possible suspect interviews, or possibly in a victim family interview, Eve might come across someone who was possibly related to her mother (step brother/sister or a neighbor who might have known her maternal grandmother), where she learns that she, at one time, had relatives who came from good, steady stock (similar to Dave Palmer’s parents). They don’t even have to be alive anymore so there is no interference in her current life. It should be something that slips out from the conversations — “Mrs. ??????? once had a daughter, …………. Eve doesn’t even have let on she recognizes the connection (until later with Roark and later still with Mira), but it helps settle her mind a little more, something to the effect that not everything in her past comes from bad — despite her immediate past relations, at one time there was good and kindness somewhere. Or maybe a great-grandmother/grandfather, someone with that warrior’s heart like Eve, maybe someone who Somerset had some connection with during the Urban Wars. Just a thought — no matter what hardships we all face in life, and emerge out the other side for the better, there should always be a little light in the darkness. V/R SJB P.S. I think Baxter needs some sort of love interest in a future book.
I have read through the comments and suggestions listed here ~ I agree with some, don’t with others….. Ms Roberts, you are by far my favorite author, I am amazed and often in awe of the diversity of your stories and their settings. You have made me want to travel the world just to see some of the countries you have taken us to with your characters.
One of the things I love ~ and am always looking for ~ is your references to other characters and places you have written of in a particular book. And like others have already mentioned, it might be fun to see Eve & Roark visit some of these places, or meet some of the characters (or descendants thereof) while in the grips of an investigation…. wouldn’t it be interesting to have one of the “Mighty Quinns” help them with a piece of evidence; or a glass sculpture of Maggie ConCannons play a prominent roll in a case….
Anyway, I love your stories and am always waiting for the next one to come out!
Thank you for all of your wonderful work to date, and thank you in advance that all that are to come~
Kris
Comment from Kris—
“And like others have already mentioned, it might be fun to see Eve & Roark visit some of these places, or meet some of the characters (or descendants thereof) while in the grips of an investigation…. wouldn’t it be interesting to have one of the “Mighty Quinns” help them with a piece of evidence; or a glass sculpture of Maggie ConCannons play a prominent roll in a case….”
She has done that before. In “Innocent in Death”, Roarke met an old whore, I mean Magdalena, in Sisters Three Restaurant? Seems like a great cross over from the Three Sisters Island Trilogy. I automatically envisioned that after the cafe was expanded in Mia’s bookstore, Nell became so popular as a chef and caterer that Nell and Mia expanded their investment. Not only did they keep the intimate cafe, but expanded into a restaurant. Over the years, that restaurant got lots of good press by visiting tourists to Three Sisters Island and it expanded eventually becoming a 4-star restaurant in NYC.
But that would be more in Nora’s talent than mine. I just have a vivid imagination with my beloved characters and books.
I have often wondered what the sexes were if the babies the three sisters had. I think Nell had a little boy, Ripley was written as having twins, so I will imagined she had the same as I had, one boy, one girl. But I am not sure about Mia. I could see the character with either sex, but for the first one…maybe a little red haired girl like herself?? I probably should ask Nora!!
I agree with Shelia, No baby
I agree with Nora no adoption, no surprise distant relative
I love the character of baby Belle and her mom and Dad (Marvis and Leonardo)
For a No Body weekend they can keep going to the island or Roarke can take her off planet for lots of sex and fun. Or maybe even Trinidad!!!
I love my visits to Roarke and Eve’s world, and I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in September
Thanks, Nora
Thank you, Nora, for many years of magnificent reading. I have been with the “In Death” series from the beginning as well as reading every book you have written (I might have missed a couple from WAY back). When I see a new book released I immediately get it because I know it will always be a great read.
In answer to the original question this whole blog started with, I think Eve & Roarke would spend a free weekend relaxing at the beach on one of Roarke’s planetary conquests. They do mention it from time to time but never seem to make it. In lieu of that they would probably spend the time at home. Why leave when they have everything they really need there-the holo room, pool, great food, real coffee, workout room-and each other.
In comment to all the hub-ub everyone is going on about-I absolutely love the way you are writing the series. It’s exciting, sexy, has characters that you come to love-or hate-or wish you could be friends with or work with, and stories that are so interesting you can’t put the book down. Plus, under all the murder & suspense is the touching story of how these damaged people have found each other and are healing and growing together. They are learning how to become part of a meaningful relationship one step at a time-how they handle situations sometimes will make me cry-or give me a good laugh. The growth of their relationships with the other characters in the series is a part of that growth. They may not realize it yet, but they have a family. We see a little more of that in each book. But, they are in no way ready for a child. Not only emotionally, but it would be too hard for Eve to stop doing her job. It is too much a part of her. I might see Eve & Roarke in a mentor capacity, maybe at the home in “Concealed In Death”. She doesn’t need to “find” family members either-if she had a kindly grandmother or other family member around wouldn’t they have shown up at some point earlier & changed the course of what has made Eve Eve? Definitely no dogs. It wouldn’t be the same. I can’t see Eve & Roarke sitting there with a little lap dog shaking & yapping or having to take time for walks or putting up with a dog running around. Anyway, Galahad would NOT be happy and would figure out a way to do away with the offensive creature invading his space. I wanted to say I really think the time period is a stroke of genius. Just far enough in the future to have cool technology and an interesting “history” that explains the changes but close enough to still be familiar. It’s part of what makes the series so appealing for me. Also, as much as I would love to see the series on TV, please don’t. We have seen what happens to a series when it’s taken over by TV executives. It’s amazing how the story ends up in what seems to be an alternate dimension where the characters have the same names (sometimes) but the story is so different it’s unrecognizable from the book.
But, no matter what any of us say, you have your vision of the series and it’s working very successfully. Please keep your stories coming 🙂 I’m always ready & waiting for your next book to be released.
I agree…adding a child to the mix would just not fit. I’m glad you feel that way because it does change things and their dynamic is so great as it is it would be a shame to ruin it.
Eve and Roarke have had to deal with children for brief periods: the tech-savvy grandson of a murdered cop, the sole survivor of a family massacre. It would be nice to see them in such a situation again, as a time-out from a plot (or perhaps in furtherance of it). How about a visit to Ireland to Roarke’s family, a weekend spent babysitting, and a rascally child who drives them to the brink?
Nora if I could give you a hug I would. I’m so happy you’re taking this stance. You’ve made it clear a baby would signal the end, and I’m certainly not ready for that. Not only that reason, I don’t see Eve or Roarke being ready. Actually, I’m fine with it if they never have kids, I enjoy their relationship just as it is. No one knows them better than you. I’m looking forward to more adventures, whether they be job related or personal. Oh, and thanks for all you give us.
Oh thank goodness. I love Eve and Rourke. I love them as they are. I love seeing them both still come to grips with the love they feel not only for each other, but for their family. They aren’t ready for kids. I don’t want that story. Remember what happened when Paul and Jamie had a baby on Mad About You? It ruined the show. No babies. Leave them alone.
I’ve been a fan of the In Death books for the last few years and have read every one. I agree that Roarke and Dallas having children would change everything. I agree they’re not reading to have children yet. They both have issues to resolve before they will. We seem to forget that they’ve only know each other (in the In Depth time) for three years. She is only 32, he is 35. Plenty of time to have children but not yet.
I like the idea of their adopting but they’re not ready for that either.
I adore the dynamics of the In Death family…exactly as they are! After reading all the comments and opinions the best thing to me is no matter how we all see these characters or where we think they should go, the emotional ties are there and bring so many people from different backgrounds together in this forum. Nora, thanks for making characters who touch this many people constantly!
For years I wasn’t a fan of the In Death series. There would be an excerpt in the back of a books from time to time but they never caught my interest. I stumbled upon the series through the Remember When book. I wanted…need to see how the story line played out so I read the In Death half of it….that was it I was hooked…I was intrigued by this hard nosed but quietly loving cop. I was enthrall with Roark the dark haired Irish man and the love they had for one another. I wanted to know how they met and when. So then began my journey through the future that is Eve and Roarks.
My heart broke for her ever time she had a nightmare and watching her and Roark struggle with her childhood and the memories of it. I became frustrated at the both of them for not seeing what was plainly right in front of their faces when they fought! (I still want to punch Roark over the whole hoochie ho Magdalena deal lol)
I have always felt that Mavis and Peabody are her sisters not just friends. I love how she feels towards Dennis Mira & the way both the Mira’s feel for her.
I think a lot of times people forget that though it’s been 19 years for us (since the first one was released) it’s only been 3 years since they have been together. They are still newlyweds really.
I love this series and the ride that I have been on with it the past 7 years. I have ready them all at least 3 times…and I’m sure there will be a 4th and 5th times.
Yes I have things in my head that I would like to see/read them do…but they aren’t mine…they aren’t ours. We just get to borrow them for a little while. They are J.D.’s creations….her babies. I am just thankful that I am allowed to get a peak into their lives every now and then.
For those of you who have gotten mad because she isn’t going to bow to your requests….get over it! It’s not up to you to decide whats written or how the story line goes. If you don’t like it then don’t read it. I’m sure she appreciates each and every one of us but lets be real her…she won’t miss you. Because for every one of you that leave there will be 3 that discover the world of Eve and Roark.
I absolutely agree with JD. A baby would completely mess up the books.
Besides that, aren’t we past the point where we need to have a child in order to “fulfill our roles as women”?
If that is some religious crap, then stow it. It is after the millennium. Women can do a lot of things with their lives besides fulfilling a role some guy in a robe thousands of years ago dictated.
Even if we get married, who says we all need to have children to be complete or happy?
Don’t get me wrong, I like kids, I had one myself and he is now an adult with his own family. But I do not understand that of all of the ideas readers could have come up with, the majority is for Eve and Roarke to have a baby?! Seriously? Isn’t the 50’s over, people?
I would like to see Eve open up just a little with Dennis Mira. I have read every single In Death book several times and only in one did she allow herself to turn into him for a bit of a hug and then she got all embarrassed about it. I think it was in Memory in Death.
Eve does have a grandmother, sort of. Even though she isn’t old enough to be her grandmother, I thought of Peabody’s mother as a pseudo grandma. Eve already has a Father-in-law as JD states in Summerset, but she has a step-mother-in-law in Roarke’s aunt in Ireland too.
I do wholeheartedly agree with Christy’s response to Magdalena. For a street smart, super savvy guy, Roarke was really stupid not to see he was being used from the get-go. He deserved more than a punch in the face he deserved Eve’s knee in his balls. Just my opinion.
As mentioned in another comment, the crossing over of books. Didn’t Roarke meet Magdalena in Sisters Three Restaurant? Seems like a great cross over from the Three Sisters Island Trilogy.
I want JD to keep on writing the books as she sees fit. There was only one book that made me want to crawl inside of the pages and kill that little bastard myself. Thankless in Death. That little scumbag killed his parents, killed his girlfriend, kills his computer teacher,but when he threatened to cut the paws off of her little dog. THAT was when I wanted Eve to kick the crap out of him for me.
Good job JD! Keep writing the way YOU want them!! I will keep buying the hardback and the Nook versions.
Don’t forget to add Jamie into that family, as well as, oh gee, I can’t remember her name – the little girl who’s family and friend were all murdered in her house but the killers didn’t see her, so she didn’t get killed? The one that I believe the parents of murder victim in the first book have taken in and are adopting? Nixie, is that her name? I loved that book, and I love how she came and visited for Thanksgiving dinner and the picture she drew (now hanging in Eve’s office) and what she wrote. They are family, too, even though we don’t see them, other than a couple of times.
Oh! And don’t forget Nadine as a sister, too!
Eve and Roarke are still almost horrified by the thought of holding Bella for very long, it seems, and still have a long way to go to recover from their childhoods before I think they would consider themselves “in the right place” for a baby. But I LOVE seeing her interact with older children – I guess Nixie’s age when we first meet her, and up (since she’s not sure what to do with Bella yet, lol).
As for the kindly grandmother thing? Well, I could see there being one out there that she didn’t know about, because neither one of her biological parents were likely in contact with their own parents, but once she found out his name, she didn’t need to look. She had all she needed already. I don’t think she realized, at the beginning, how full her life was; she realizes now.
Why can’t we all just be happy that we get to watch Eve stumble around dealing with Bella? That is honestly the only thing that makes sense at the moment and fits, because Nora is right, there is no way the stories could continue in the way we love them so much if Eve and Roarke have a child or one comes into the picture permanently.
Can’t everyone quit telling her what they think she should do and let her write the books we all love? After all she’s written and published (as of today) 39 …In Death Books. I think the woman knows what she is doing. If you want babies and other things like that, go read one of her other books!!! They are just as good as her JD Robb series!!!!
That’s exactly what I was thinking! She’s getting better at handling Bella, and when they can talk, she can sometimes get along with them, and with Roarke’s neices and nephews and cousins and such, THEM having kids is such a game changer. I don’t see her as being ready to stop giving herself, sometimes 24/7 into cases.
That’s my opinion as well. And since I’ve started re-reading the series, seeing Eve’s interaction with not only with the growing Bella, but Kevin, Nixie, and the young children of Roarke’s now large extended family work well enough for me, and those scenes are precious. She was able to handle Kevin, Nixie, and even the kids in Roarke’s family pretty well, but to see her little bits with Bella, as she has to adjust her thinking because this is a person that, well, isn’t old enough to be a Kevin, or a Nixie, or one of the irish boys, so she feels like a fish out of water, and her reactions to Bella are the best!
Not only do I agree with the author, I recognize that I am NOT the author. NR has written 40+ stories in this series so, what she says, goes!
The original question was asking for readers opinions. Though I agree with Nora’s reasons you can’t fault people for there opinion when you asked for it. I like the way the books are and how they have developed over the series and wouldn’t dream of telling an author how to write her characters stories, but if I was asked this question I would feel like a could offer my opinion. My opinion would not be for them to have a child it would be more like they should take a trip to explore someplace new and discover a mystery along the way.
Janette,
The original question was along the lines of how would Eve and Roarke spend a weekend without murder. Sex was a consistent answer. That’s all fine and good, but it morphed into a discussion of sex in order to have children and the comments were off and running. I’ve learned from my mistake and will frame the question with a couple of choices like travel to the island or spend the weekend necking on the sofa. Open ended can be dangerous.
Laura
I can’t remember if it was one of the books I bought and read THIS year, or one of the books I’m re-reading, as I have been for about a month or so now, but I think it was one of the later books, if not Festive, I’m not sure. But I remember in Eve’s first “scene”, so to speak, it was morning, possibly even a Sunday, if not a Saturday, and I think it MAY have been after a morning sex session, but I remember her thinking about getting a rare uninterrupted weekend. I remember thinking, “Wait, oh yeah, cops are SUPPOSED to have days off, just when there’s a major case going down (one worth a book), she doesn’t take “days” off, heck, she barely takes time to sleep off.”
IMO, when they get a weekend, and it’s been mentioned in past books that they’d spent the previous weekend or a few days at the island or wherever, I’m up in the air. The island, or they could spend time with friends, although that would wear on Eve’s nerves even if it was, say, dinner at one person’s house one night, and dinner at another person’s house another night – unless it was Mavis. Or a Mavis/Mira weekend. But I’ve LOVED seeing throughout these books the times that they get to relax, how they relax. The cuddling in screen room watching vids or whatever, playing games, spending sexy time together. Well, there’s pretty much nothing about this series that I DON’T like. But I like to see those little, well, homey bits of their marriage, too, even though these are police procedurals. I’m one of those that when I finish a book, or even a trilogy of books, I want to know more, so the In Death series, like (sorry for mentioning another author) the Women’s Murder Club books, are perfect for me, because I can still follow my favorite characters.
Eay to stick to your guns Nora! I like many would love to see what kind of parents they would be and in fact would love to see what kind of kid they would raise, but as Eve has said many times she is not ready. If people are wanting to see adoption so badly have Mavis and Leo adopt (not a suggestion in any way I just know Mavis and Leo have enough love to adopt and have a whole brood of kids). Hope to read a hundred more books about Eve and Roarke. You are my favorite author by far!
I love Eve and Roarke just like they are….They help others and I love the family they have created. I have listened and read each of the books and enjoy them just as much the second or third time.
Well, I didn’t see in the comments but feel I want to mention, in the extended family, they have lots and lots of nieces and nephews, even tho they are all in Ireland,,,, also, look at all the orphanages and abused shelters etc. they have or support,,,,,, who says they don’t have kids? They have a bigger family than most of us will ever hope to have. Good work Nora! You keep me so intertained. I love it.
I read where you said “NO” and I respect that and as a fan of the books I will continue to read them. However, I think a book with a pregnancy scare could help other more stubborn readers understand why you say “NO” more than any statement made, and maybe there wouldn’t be the continuing requests for a baby. Iif the reader had to live through Eve and Roarkes’ reaction to just the possibility of a child, they would get it and stop. For a single book, it would also be a very interesting read. Just saying.
I feel a pregnancy scare is not only pandering, but unrealistic. It’s 2061 now In Death. Pregnancy scares would surely be as anachronistic as eyeglasses.
And I don’t want to write their reaction to the possibility of a child. It’s not my idea or my direction for the characters.
Thank you thank you THANK YOU for the In Death-series, and all your other books, they have been a treasure to me! Now to this nonsense, I know it’s the age of social medias and whatnots, but really? There may be a market for DIY-books, but these can never be those! All these people suggesting different plots, characters, etc, would they really enjoy the books as much knowing they have influenced the writing in a very real way? If I want to read someone else’s books, I will. When I pick up an In Death-book, or books by Nora Roberts, I expect to read a book by her. Exactly the way the dozens upon dozens I have so far, enjoying every minute of the story, the action, the emotions, the humor that is so very familiar to me, and yet new in every book. There really is no need for the author to have to keep repeating herself on the reasons why or why not. BECAUSE. That’s what I tell my son in situations where required, and that’s what should be enough here as well. Thank you again, and I wish you a pleasurable and writing filled fall from rainy Finland!
I just want to say thank you. I’ve been reading this series since was in high I am now 30 this is the only series I have never missed a book. I completely love this series and wish they could make it into a TV series because I want to see if the characters look the same as I picture them. However I also don’t want my imagination ruined. I will continue to read them and be sad if and when they stop. Nora you are a wonderful and skillful writer and no one knows these characters better then you do. I am so thankful to you acrid your skills and also that I love to read and came across the in death series. I look forward to every book that comes out. I can’t wait until my daughter is old enough to read these books and hopefully enjoy them as much as I. Again thank you so much for the wonderful skill that you have and share.
Nina
Wow, I would really dislike having so many people telling me how to do my job! Bless you for being so patient, I would have lost my noodles around person #2! I love your books, been a fan since I was 18 and started with Carolina Moon(still have it!) I’m almost 32 (22days!) and can’t imagine life without my Nora/JD books! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me so many adventures, and so many characters to love. There are so many different lives I’ve lived through your books. Best to you and your family, now and always.
♡♥
This must be the unenviable result of the enviable situation successful series writers face when they maintain a single character or couple focus. Readers identifying so closely with the characters that they want to take possession of the story. I find it admirable that you can even bear to engage with your readers on such a level. I have read a few statements by frustrated writers who have been a lot less gracious (understandably) in their single or final reply regarding character/plot direction mostly in the manner of an exasperated (if silent) scream. Thank you for your writing, for giving us cogent reasoning regarding the topic of Eve and Roarke remaining children free and most importantly being a writer (in both your guises) who consistently avoids the use of cheap plot devices.
Regards
Forgive me, when this topic got active again, I just re-read the original post, including about charming orphans. Well, we’ve already had two “charming orphans”. Well, one orphan who definitely needed a good, supportive family to help her through what she witnessed (Nixie), and one, a neglected boy that again, needed a supportive family, since his mother was leaving him to his own devices and he’s started trying to steal food from the glide vendors (and ALL THE FOOD Roarke bought the boy). Money definitely talks, and Roarke got both of those two placed with the DeBlass couple (or DeBlass and Barrister, since she kept her maiden name, right?). I could also see Mavis and Leonardo, or Louis and Charles being open to a charming orphan in need – heck, with the right child, life with Mavis and Leo would be like dying and going to superstar heaven. A rocking singer AND THE HOT designer! So there are plenty of other couples in the books if orphans ever happen, but I wouldn’t want Peabody and McNab to have a kid yet, because that would necessitate them cutting back on the OT when hot cases are going. I don’t see Peabody being ready to step back yet, although she’s definitely more open to children.
You know, I thought we have grown as women. Obviously some of us have not.
WHY do we need a child to enhance our lives? WHY would anyone want to ruin this story with a kid of any kind??
Before someone starts with me over my not having kids, let me say that I did have a child, raised him into a fine man who has given me grandchildren. But my career was not as dangerous as Eve’s.
Somerset would be raising the child as we can see Eve and Roarke tend to spend long hours at their jobs. I do not think that would sit well with those very same women who have 1950’s mentality nor would it with Roarke, Eve or Somerset. Eve and Roarke were both abandoned (in a way) children, if they had a kid of any kind they would not want it to be abandoned by them as parents. As for Somerset. he woild willing raise the child…to a point. Then he would be getting on the two of them for shirking their duties.
If he gave Eve a load of crap over her responsibilities with a holiday party (Festive in Death) just think what he would do over a missed birthday party or feeding!
A baby of ANY age would be the end of the series. Every time a baby is introduced into a sitcom, it gets cancelled. Cheers, Moonlighting, Mad about You is just a few where the main couple has a kid and boom, show over.
The same for this. I want to read about futuristic bad guy catching, ass kicking and dangerous situations for my heroes to bust out of. I do not want to read about how Roarke is pissed off that it was Eve’s turn to get up for the feeding but she wasn’t there due to being called out on a dead body. I can read other stories for that (which I won’t).
Childcare is an everyday thing that every parent has to deal with. I don’t need to read about how a fictional couple does it when I remember doing it for me son or watch it happen live with my grandchildren…or anybody’s children.
Eve may pack a blaster, but I know several moms who pack .38’s.
The rearing of a child will always, basically, be the same.
I do not want to read about it, nor should Eve need to have one in her life to be fulfilled. SHe is having a good enough time being fulfilled (in more ways than one) by Roarke.
Leave the series alone.
everyone needs to let Nora Roberts alone about how she is writing her books she is the writer no the fans what every she does write is fantastic she knows how they should be written. i agree with her about no children for them at this time. it would take away from what eve is at this point. Nora just want to say that i love all of you books and that i have most of them keep up the good work and don’t ever let someone tell you how to write you books they are great
I’ve read the Facebook saga and I’m just sitting here shaking my head. People want babies in books? Let them write their own. Only the writer chooses the story lines. Only the writer chooses the characters. Only the writer writes the damn books. I am in awe of your patience and tolerance for these absurd attempts at interference with your creation.
“What fools these mortals be!”
I love the books just as they are!!! Nora, you are the most talented author I know. I have the entire In Death series in print & audio and am on my fourth time through them. The characters have evolved over the series so much and I am so envious of the relationship that Eve & Roarke have….their love is a thing of beauty to behold. Keep up the wonderful stories and take the characters wherever YOUR vision leads – you have a winner here!!!!!
No sarcasm intended, I swear I think your response to the baby question should have always been something like, “Keep reading, you never know what life will hand you, even in the year 2059.” Even now, they’ve only been married two years. What’s the big hurry?
Honestly, I prefer not to know what’s coming or not coming. I just want to go where your imagination takes me. My imagination can fill in the blanks.
Thanks for the years of entertainment.
Ah, if we knew then what we know now.
Personally, I would love to them add a dog…a happy go lucky pup that irritates Galahad, that Somerset sniffs at, exasperates Eve and Roark, but everyone secretly loves. A big mutt!
Oh now this idea did give me a big smile. The thought of a big comical mutt that manages to jump in the back seat a few times, save a few lives, sneak up on the bed…. You know the one they threaten to find a new home for every other week, whom they secretly talk out all their problems to… until they realize they can’t remember life without him for comic stress relief… oh sorry, I know it’s not my story. I’ll save it for my book. LOL! As if Somerset doesn’t have enough to do.
Nora I love the death series I started reading years ago and then for some reason stopped reading them I picked them back up last year got a list of all the books in order and read them all in a matter of a week or two . I agree with you on the no baby issue it would take from the story that has developed so far. Roark and Eve has a great relationship and I love when their lives go in different directions. When they have different issues on problems I love how the tense separation of beliefs tends to add suspense on how things will work out for them. Keep them just the way they are a little more steamy sex will be fine lol.
The series is perfect the way it is. Eve and Roarke have Nixie, they have Jaime, and they have Bella. How many more kids do they need? These are who they can handle right now. Eve wouldn’t be a cop and a mother. She’s one or the other.
No baby or kids! Doing this would end the series and I for one don’t want that to happen. I love the time I get to spend in this reality that Nora has created for us. A baby or a child changes everything and it would change Eve on a personal level. so I think that if she was to become a parent she would stop being the cop / woman that we love.
So in my opinion this is awesome news because this means that I will be able to step into the world of Eve and Ronake for many more years to come.
I am one of those new fans that was mentioned in the post. I love the books. I love Eve and Roarke. I believe strongly that a baby for them would be a big mistake. It would ruin the dynamic of there lives. I honestly they are not willing to share each other with a baby that would take a lot from them and leave little Eve and Roarke time.
I TOTALLY agree. While Eve isn’t ready to be a mother yet, well, Eve couldn’t be Eve, working round the clock to catch the murderers (and sometimes bad Feds, heist conspirators, and the other things that get caught up in the process of the murders she solves). And like someone said, they’ve only been married two years, and she’s still just figuring out the “marriage rules”. These are two people that are incredibly career driven, and I think a baby would change that. They have “honorary” kids that make appearances from time to time, and that’s good enough. I would like to see Jamie Lingstrom make it on to the NYPSD, but since he has to finish college first, understandably that’s light years, in real time, in the future.
I understand the point about how things would change when/if Eve and Roarke start a family. They are a long way from being ready for that. As others have pointed out, they have only known each other for three years and have been married for two and a half. They are still young and have plenty of time.
They both have issues that need to be resolved before they’re ready. First they just need to be around children more. I do like the idea of them finding more abandoned children (i.e., Kevin & Nixie) and finding worthy parents for them.
If they had a weekend with out work they would likely do two things – have lots of sex and watch old vids.
It’s been said over and over but FWIW I totally agree. I was a bit afraid the series was going to go there – happily ever after, babies, bla, bla, bla. To me there are several reasons for Eve NOT to have kids during the series. First, she was psychologically and physically tortured for years. While she’s improving and dealing with it that kind of trauma doesn’t go away (and most likely would get worst) if she had a child. Second all the elements within the story (relationships, living the job, etc.) would change? Yuck! This series (for me) is an escape. I don’t want to read about a baby (I’ve had two, I can remember). Can you imagine Eve kicking ass and 8 months pregnant? NOT! Finally, this is the future. People live to be 120. If they want to have kids they have plenty of time.
I hope that when the series ends (don’t think about it, don’t think about it) that Eve will still be “weirded out” and not ready. Heck it’s the future – maybe Roarke will be the one to get pregnant. lol
Nora, Thank you for an amazing series. You are not only a prolific writer (lucky us) but an exceptional one as well. I’ve enjoyed every one of your books. Long live Eve and Roarke baby-free 🙂
Kendra
AMEN!!!!
I know that this is an older topic but since reading the most recent in the series I had a thought. I understand why Roarke and Dallas do not have children in their immediate future. They both need to be around children a good deal more before they would have any of their own. They have encountered children (Kevin in Vengeance and Nixie in Survivor) and found good homes for them. I do like the idea of their encountering more and doing more of this.
Thank God, Eve won’t be having a child. I don’t think she’s the type of person for that. And since she’s kind of like a role model for me (I even went to high school with classes like forensic science, shooting and self defence because of her :D) I’d be very disappointed if she’d become a mother, because I don’t want to be one.
I realize I’ve come to this discussion VERY LATE. But I agree with NR — Eve and Roarke should not become parents — but what about a weekend taking care of Bella? That could be fairly entertaining . . .
Thank you for your thought out responses, I can’t understand people telling you how to write, lol, that’s why I read you, because I can’t write novels!
And the question of children, I love that you point out that a child, whether biological, fostered or adopted, requires and deserves the same level of selflessness and devotion. The reason we all love Eve is that she puts a complete stranger first, because of justice for those that can’t seek it.
exactly! 🙂
As an abused kid myself, I made the conscious decision not to have kids. I helped raise two stepsons and they still keep in touch with me more than their father but I know abuse is a multi-generational disorder and I NEVER wanted to risk that on a child too young to reason with. I completely support “their”(and of course the author’s decision) to be that esponsible.
Yeppers and totally with NR on insisting she’s not writing children into their dynamic. They are caring and supportive in their unique ways, and it fits them perfectly. She writes in many different ways for the characters to add their loving qualities into their world. Thanks for adding them into mine with your amazing stories and rich and wonderful characters!
hurrah!!! The series is great. As. Is. No babies for Eve. Careful what you wish for folks, sounds like the book in which Eve & Dallas become parents will be the last book. Love you Nora! 🙂
I do love the relationship between Eve and Roarke. I don’t see them having kids either. I think their relationship is perfect as it is. I have only read two books from this series, and they were more recent and just started to read the first book from the series. It is too bad that the series wasn’t translated from the beginning in my country, but I can read them in English too.
Bummer. I feel like the books have stalled. There doesn’t seem to be any character growth or change. I still love the series though.
RIGHT ON…..Nora.
You are the creator of these fantastically, wonderful individuals and should absolutely have the last word on what goes on in their lives .
For people to argue with you….would be like arguing with God on how he handled the “Adam and Eve” event in the Garden of Eden.
So….Nora….thanks for the many, many enjoyable hours with Roarke and Eve.
CARRY ON….!!!!!!
I never realized the kind of pressure readers can put on an author…Wow.
I haven’t read any of the In Death series. But I have read, probably, most of your other books. And I couldn’t even imagine trying to tell you what you should and shouldn’t include in the development of your characters.
Having said that…I understand that these are futuristic themed stories, right? And this is just an idea , not a suggestion, because I obviously know nothing about the story line or characters.
What if they put some embryos on freeze for a future when they both see themselves able to be parents and the worlds a better place…..or I don’t know, is this futuristic enough that there would be things like pods…maybe I’m going to far here. Anyway…just a thought.
Hope I didn’t embarrass myself to bad 🙂
I listen to the “In Death” books while soaking in the tub. My player is in the bathroom. My husband has gotten used to hearing me laughing out loud in the bathroom. 🙂
Very funny moment: Mavis felt the baby move. Eve told Roake the baby moved. “To where?” or “Where to?” Laugh out loud funny, as being totally clueless non-parents with no siblings this would be a typical response. Keep them coming, and thank you so much.
I made a comment a year or so ago about Eve and Roarke moving on in life and having a baby. Having read through this blog (is it a blog or a comment?) I can fully understand why a baby isn’t a current option and why a possible adoption may be the road to go.
What about Sommerset though? He can’t be THAT old that he’s not got a love interest which could become complicated…
WHY, why, why are there so many questions about babies and romance in a MYSTERY series? No babies. As I clearly, very clearly, stated in the blog above, biological or adopted. A parent is a parent, a child is a child.
There is no earthy reason for Eve–a busy murder cop, an Roarke, a busy man to babysit for Bella when Bella’s parents have friends galore, and the financial means to assist with any necessary child care.
If and when a relationship for Summerset works in and adds t a storyline, we’ll see it. Otherwise, why?
And one more why. Why would a reader assume I’d need or want ideas or suggestions, ESPECIALLY about babies in this series or any of my work.
Please, I’m begging you, enjoy the books, leave the writing to me. If I don’t write what you like, there are so very many other writers and books to choose from.
Nora, sing it sister! Can we get an Amen?
Amen!!
KEEP ON WRITING AS YOU ARE DOING!!!! I have the entire collection look forward to the next book when I’ve finished the current…I’ve re-read just to understand who all the characters have developed into over the years. And NO BABIES!!!!!!!(my only suggestion!)
Just keep letting me exercise my imagination and reading skills…! (love reading the sex to my husband!)
Don’t know if it was mentioned before, but I agree on the no baby yet for Roarke & Eve………. BUT what about them babysitting for Bella?!?! That might be an experience?
After reading all (a yrs worth) of comments my question is….. what was the original question??? Lol! everyone got side tracked. Nora, bless your heart!!! You’re a patient Lady. Please keep writing and I will keep reading.Thanks!
I agree totally with Nora, these characters she has developed are so great as they are and would certainly change dramatically if children entered the picture, no no, love them the way they are and look forward to any new book with Nora Roberts or JD Robb on the cover. Thanks so much for your constant stories. Love them each and every one 🙂
What is wrong with some people? These are Nora’s characters; she created them. Why would you want to ruin the series?
Eve is a kick ass murder cop right now. A baby would ruin the whole series and everything would be about the baby.
It is not up to Nora to prove a woman can work and be a mother too.
If people don’t like it they should create their own characters and write their own stories full of babies.
Once again, thank you Nora for creating such a great series and putting up with all the whiners who want you to change things.
While I agree that no baby is wanted or required from this reader, in all fairness the original question was phrased in a “what if” format. Boo to those who won’t let it drop, but to those who only threw that option out once I’d cut them some slack.
I agree, no babies for Eve and Roark. They just have way to much going on. BUT Why couldnt they have a weekend with no bodies, or worlds to buy, and babysit (emergency only) for Mavis?
I don’t know — I think the limited interactions are handled really well for comic relief (as are Eve’s dealings with other very young children), but IMO it would be over the top to have this played out for an extended stretch.
More, I have to wonder: Wouldn’t they logically be at the bottom of Mavis & Leonardo’s list of people to contact for a weekend of emergency Bella-sitting? Mavis knows that Eve’s job comes before anything and everything else (how many times has a call from Dispatch torpedoed Eve & Roarke’s plans for an evening together, never mind a weekend?). Plus, I’d assume Eve (as Mavis’ best friend) would want to be at Mavis’ side if at all possible were there an emergency involving Mavis which prevented her AND Leonardo from looking after Bella for a weekend. Surely Mavis has a list of other moms/dads she’s friends with who’d be willing to help out (such as the woman Eve rescued whose baby was born across the hall from Mavis’ room at the hospital?) Plus she has Peabody & McNab, friends who conveniently live right next door — and while their NYPSD duties might prevent them from covering a weekend, they could probably juggle being tapped for very short-term emergency backup, with a hand-off to the ultra-efficient, eminently capable Summerset. (I imagine that, as he’s a father figure for Mavis, he’d feel at least somewhat grandfatherly toward Bella.)
Jesus, people, get a whiff of reality. NORA’S world, that she graciously allows us to wander through. It’s an alternate universe, not a Disneyland resort that panders to the most vocal about what is wanted. Are there scenarios I’d like to see? Oh, damnbetcha. Am I going to be arrogant enough to demand she write them? No. You know why? I respect her vision of her world, her people. I respect her. And quite frankly, I’ve noticed that quite a bit of what I want to know, she gives me. Not when I want it, no, but as it advances the overall storyline. Concealed gave me quite the happy because Mavis intrigues me. Be patient, the characters will tell her when the time is right. Show the woman some respect.
I understand your point, but at the same time I enjoy reading others’ thoughts on storylines they wish NR would pursue…part of the fun of belonging to the E&R community. :-}
And to put my thoughts on a free weekend out there, so many things puzzle Eve, and alot of them are in her own home. I think it’d be very interesting for them to tour the house. Like at Louise’s bridal shower, when Eve found a room she had no clue was there and hid out in it. Maybe pull one of Roarke ‘s books from the shelf and either love it or hate it, or they just spend quiet time, learning even more little things about each other.
I really like this thought I always wonder why she hasn’t explored the house yet. Whatever they do I’m sure it will be romantic, but I definitely agree babies are not on the menu for these two.
Or go over all the options on her DLE, the car made just for her by Roarke. …Auto Chef in the back? What? Hmmm, still didn’t read the manual on the car?
I’ve just re-read Born in Death, and after scrolling back through a lot of these comments I would encourage anyone who still thinks Eve and Roarke ought to have a baby –assuming there’s anyone who hasn’t let go of this despite NR’s clear, well-reasoned, many-times-repeated explanations of why it’s NOT going to happen — to go back and read that particular book again.
In Born in Death, Eve manages to “escape” to the fringes of the group during the latter part of Mavis’ shower and is joined by Mira. As Mira is explaining to the thoroughly confused Eve how women at the shower feel connected to one another through the experience of giving birth, she tells Eve: “One day, when you’re ready, you’ll know.” Eve responds: “Seeing all this [behavior and conversations at the shower] — and that birthing class I had to take [with Roarke, to prep as coaches for Mavis’ labor and delivery] — it’s pushed the idea [of ever having a baby] –which is actually more of a concept — way, way down on my to-do lists.” Mira repeats, “When you’re ready.”
In my opinion, this was the author’s way of telling us that we are NEVER going to see Eve pregnant, Eve and Roarke having a baby, or even a serious discussion between them about adding to their family (unless Galahad brings home a friend, perhaps?).
What would they do for a weekend…I love the idea above of touring the house; Eve’s suggested that more rooms keep appearing…maybe the house is having babies; and that’s as close as we need to babies! But I also love it when they manage to get away to their beach (either by plane or holoroom) for a weekend. Wow, a weekend on the beach with Roarke; heaven, I’m in heaven…
I loved Nora’s concept of Eve’s created family, altho’ I rather see Dennis Mira as “grandpa” even tho his wife is Mother figure. He just strikes me that way; but if Nora says Dad, he’s Dad, along with Feeney!
I was so terrified when word was coming about “New York to Dallas”; I just knew that it was going to turn out that the bad guy was Eve’s brother or half-brother. as if the woman doesn’t come from nasty enough; add him to the family gene pool! Serial rapist & torturer of young girls, and combine that with Eve’s history. Yikes! So I wasn’t bothered so much by actually meeting her mother. I already knew she was bad, and so did Eve. But I admit; thoroughly glad that she didn’t live, & I like the way Eve’s been dealing with her in her dreams in the books since then!
Good for you for sticking to your guns. They’re your characters – you can do what you want! I completely agree with you – Eve and Roarke wouldn’t be Eve and Roarke if they had a child. They are perfect the way they are, and why mess with perfection?
My mom and I live for the dates your books come out. Thank you for what you do!!
And we, your readers, should all just say Thank You and keep reading the wonderful books you provide us. A baby would definitely NOT improve on the perfection that is the In Death series.
Please….. NO baby! I don’t want to see the series come to an end.
Nora Roberts.
Love your IN DEATH series. Just the way it is…
Amazing that readers would try to write the stories for you.
For an author with fascinating multi-faceted characters and their stories, your patience in responding to some of these comments is commendable– but not necessary.
If you write it, we will come. Any way you write it.
You author. Me reader. The way it is. And, that is the only way it should be.
Thanks for the years of stories, characters, laughter, tears, wishes and dreams.
Loved to see a history completely focused on Roarke where he was the main , main target . Which the attacker was trying to target people close to him personally .
Just so we can have a more insight in his life how he works and stuff like that
I have read the entire series and have re-read many of the books several times. I’m re-reading Naked right now, (I always go back to the beginning and want to re-read about how Eve and Roarke met and fell in love) …..one thing continues to drive me crazy….Roarke indicates to Eve that he knows she had testing that day because he has “contacts” in the NYPSD…he actually mentions having “contacts” twice…..Did Nora have specific contacts in mind when she wrote this? Is it just for the reader to speculate on? I keep thinking it must be his good buddy Commander “Jack” Whitney….but it shouldn’t be the Commander at this point in the series, so who is it?????? Eve really doesn’t question Roarke about it all that much either…..Ummmmmmm…….maybe she doesn’t want to know?
This kinda reminds me of a William Shatner comment made at a Trekie convention….when asked “remember in episode***, when someone stole the plans out of your safe? What were they….” or something to that extent, on Star Trek. His reply “You really ought to get a life”. It was a TV show….in this case It was a BOOK with 1 statement? Don’t mean to be a troll BUT how can this worry you this much…?
Nancy, yah I get that…..but I don’t think about it unless I’m doing a re-read, and then it just bugs me that I can’t figure it out. Maybe there is no answer either, but I wanted to see if others had thought of this, and if perhaps they have ideas….and no offense taken or given; it doesn’t worry me at all. I leave all of the worrying to Roarke! LOL
I hadn’t thought about “the contacts”, but I figure back when they first met, Rourke still had a couple things on the shady side. I figure he had either ways of monitoring the computers & communications in the police dept. (way he works, easily done), or he had a couple cops he could check with. I’m betting the computers. Otherwise, the cops could come back to bite him. Of course, when he realized how those “shady” operations would hurt Eve, he dumped them. His way of acknowledging his feelings for her. Then it irritated him when she didn’t seem to feel the same way.
KC, thank you. That makes sense. And, while I realize that Nora (JD) wrote these early books back in the 1990’s, I just discovered the series during this past 12 months…..I’m still in the honeymoon phase with these books! (ha,ha,ha)
I think you really have to let that go. Nora wrote Naked in 1994 and even with her future-sense superpowers, she didn’t look beyond the initial trilogy that was Naked, Glory and Immortal. Perhaps the series evolved in a way different than she meant those passing references to “contacts.” Perhaps the references weren’t pertinent to anything other than those scenes. Many different perhaps.
I do know it’s not a question that’s kept Nora up for 22 years.
Laura
Good point, Laura! Wow, hard to believe some days, 22 years!
I loved the In Death series and I always look forward to reading the newest book. I am an avid reader, but only in books that catch my interest and this tops the list.
Lol. I love how the door is slammed, then nailed shut on this issue! Eve has only one real boss-Nora Roberts! Adore the stories and the growth of the characters.
I agree 100% with you Ms. Roberts and was quite worried about the possibility of children in the near future. I knew the Roarke and Eve (and Somerset) we love could no longer exist in such a scenario. Thank you!
To JD Robb
Yes Ma’am, you’re the creator, the start and the finish! no one knows Eve better than you. I appreciate that she always finds something new about herself or her world with each book. The character keep growing.
I’d like to see her taken and injured (not mentally). Her detectives, Roark and the gang, find her and plunk her down in the dreaded hospital. Then figure the who, what, where, when and why. Essentially it takes all them to be one of her. Also, maybe use some of the characters that she’s helped in the past. Make for a great read.
Nora, we need the sequel to Divine Evil. That awful woman went to California to wreck havoc and she needs to be put down like a rabid dog.
Pretty much whatever you write, I’ll read.
Ms. Roberts,
I have been a big fan of yours since I was a teenager. I have all of your books. Would not change one word. Love your movies as well.
1 thing I think would make all of us really happy is if your In Death series could become a t.v. series.
I will continue to collect your books, cd’s, and movies and enjoy them all. Keep up the excellent stories.
Thank you, Nora Roberts, for having the insight to NOT give Eve and Roarke a baby, foster, biological, a nice kid they like, whatever, in the series. It just doesn’t fit, as you have explained repeatedly. Thank you, too, for not finding a long lost family member for either…if you do, I am going to ask, Where were these folks when Eve and Roarke were very young and needed them desperately? Thank you for sticking closely to the complex nature of who they are and why they are that way.
That is why I like your writing. You do have complex characters, but there is a reason. Keep doing what you know is better. It works well.
Ok someone mentioned a child from Roarke’s illustrious past…but what if someone just claimed it was Roarke’s child…I know, I know in those future years they can test paternity, probably within hours…but wouldn’t it be fun to go through the scare with them…test results could get lost??? In the end Roarke tells Eve…she is all he needs, she completes him!!!
Hi Kate — Those are things that are just not going to happen. As Nora explained in this post, she’s in charge of the direction in which the series goes so we’ve just got to trust her.
laura
I started reading this series as a competition with my cousin. We were trying to see who could read the most, Well I have WON and have enjoyed every book in this series except 1 and that was fantasy in death( guess I don’t get the virtual stuff). I love that the character Eve and Roarke are still getting to know each other, habbits, taste, little quirks, stuff like that, so adding a baby or adopting a child is really too soon in my opinion and they are not ready yet for that added responsibility. I do think if they did a weekend off I would like to see more of the spur on the moment get together’s with their friends dropping by for a meal or just hang out, or Mrs. Whitney joining in on one of the “Girl’s Night” yes I know Eve is terrified of her but it would be nice to have her included so she can get to know eve a little more and what drives her.
I have been a fan of both the Nora Roberts books and The JD ROBB books. I would have to say my true love is of course the ROBB for the murder and mystery. The way you get into the details and the turns and twist. I feel that Eve and Roarke covered the child/ baby issue way back when and both said that they could enjoy Mavis baby and that was enough. I don’t agree with others who want them to be parents. I feel that the way you have the characters designed are perfect and I wouldn’t change a thing. Each book makes me count the days till the next. I am currently going through reading them in order in hopes of completing my collection. I have a pretty good collection, I have even found some of the older ones. A movie would be amazing, but I fear that they would ruin the characters or not portray them as I do in my head as I am reading. To much is missed in a movie and they remove to much of the details. Nora you are an Amazing writer thanks for keeping readers like me entertained for hours.
I happen to agree that Eve and Roark should not have baby(s). If they have the urge they absolutely have Bella to fawn over, spoil and hand back. They do have children they are adopting and providing for (Dorkus House)sp. These come from their hearts and souls. Also, they absolutely do have a baby Galahad.
So I say let Eve and Roark be Eve and Roark.
Eve and Roarke finally make it to a sporting event.
Eve and Roarke, and Roarke’s family could got to a Hurley match in Ireland. I think Eve would enjoy the fast flowing viciousness of the game.
Then again I think it’s about time that Eve took Roarke to a baseball game instead of using those tickets to bribe lab techs 🙂
I like what you’re writing. It would definitely change the dynamics of their story if Eve got pregnant. You’d have to add in elements of comedy/black humor, which would change the tenor of the series. My only thought is that, if you ever change your mind, give Eve twins since Roakes mother was a twin. My iPad will not let me put in an apostrophe. For now, keep writing this wonderful series and growing their family through friends and colleagues.
Dang!! I wish I would have read this post earlier (I had to really scroll down to get to the end and I don’t think anyone reads comments at the bottom. Ha!). I love hearing about Eve and Roark’s trips (my favorite is their trip to visit Roark’s family to reveal the park). I guess I enjoy reading of them just spending time together. I think you are great at finding the balance!
Not every family or person needs a child to “fulfill ” their lives. Many are beautiful, empathic people who really are complete without children. Far too many children are used to fill a need in someones mind, that SHOULDN’T have children, just not the personality for it, or abusive in some way.
Roarke & Dallas are a complete unit, not perfectly aligned but the old description of “soul mates”. There isn’t room for any other right now. Dallas has just come to grips with her past. (Been lots of books, but the time line is just a couple years?)
Folks, just hush and read!!!
I discovered the in Death series when I started driving professionally 11 yrs ago became addicted. Then I got my husband addicted?. I have enjoyed all the books I listen to them as I drive. Each time a new one is due out I start from book 1 to the new one. Some I can almost quote word for word…lol… wish we could have more in a year ?
i can’t wait to see what the next anniversary gift will be, knowing how eve hates shopping. lol what about a old place close [ but not to close] to the irish relatives, something without the bed that makes noisies. that Roarke can fix up ?
I know this would probably bring the whole baby issue back, but I think it would be interesting to see a day where Summerset is going to babysit Bella then after she is at the house he gets food poisoning or something that keeps him from fulfilling that duty and Roarke and Eve have to babysit. Even 3 hours of that could be comical. It may also lead to Eve becoming just a little bit more comfortable with little ones (but not too comfortable).
I agree with Nora. It is her creation and our trying to change that is crazy. These people live in her and we are just lucky enough to be able to follow their lives and get to know them. They are so well written that those of us who have read and reread the series feel they are part of us as well. But, they are not our creation. Eve is nowhere near ready to become a parent by accident or any other way. She can only handle Bella for a few short minutes without freaking out. Give her time and know that if and when babies do come along, we won’t have Eve and Roarke anymore. So enjoy the ride and let Nora do her thing.
I have to agree with Nora’s decision. Eve can barely handle being around Bella. At the same time, I think Roarke’s response to finding out he was going to be a father would be priceless. I don’t want the series to end, but perhaps when it does, it can end with that.
I’m all for Roarke and Eve having a baby but I do agree that now is not the time. They really aren’t ready for it. Eve still sees herself as a cop. She has gradually come to see that she’s a woman and a wife but I think she has a long long time to go before she sees herself as mother material.
However I do admit that I’m in the baby camp, even if them having a baby is the end of the series. While Eve’s relationships with all the characters have progressed a lot since the first book, I think it’s her interactions with kids/Bella that really highlights how far she has come. So I hope when it DOES end, it’s not with her finding out she’s preganant. I would love to see some scenes with Roake, Eve and baby.
In the mean time, Ms. Roberts, I would love a short story where Eve and Roarke are stuck babysitting Bella one weekend with no help from Summerset or anyone. ?
Mai, you need to keep reading Nora’s statements re: babies. It also states there will be no babysitting stuff, etc. I’m afraid that if you want to read about it, you’re going to have to write it.
Mai,
You may want to look at this page on the blog: http://wp.me/P3r6zu-iV Babysitting is a no-go.
Laura
“Dear Lord,” Help me bite my tongue. Or fingers. Or poke my computers until they die. Amen.
Remember…Eve and Roarke have a “son” in Jamie, also goes into their expanded family. I would love to hear how Nixie and Kevin are doing also, as I see Eve and Roarke as pseudo Godparents to them. And a couple of chapters of them coping with Bella on their own would be absolutely hysterical!
With Roarke’s family in Ireland, they have plenty opportunity to spoil children in the future!
I LOVE THIS SERIES. Believe it or not I reached now Thankless in Death but i stopped it and went back to reading certain events that happened before like the events in Vengeance in Death and Divided in Death. I am absolutely addicted to the stories whether they are centered about Eve and Roarke or the plot itself. To be honest I am very curious about when Eve would get pregnant; however i completely understand NR’s point and she is correct. The dynamics is what makes this series an addiction. But I hope in the series I’ve left to read that to see more of the “marriage relationship”. You know marriage has ups and downs especially when you’re in love.
I’m not sure if this would make for a good weekend without a body but….what about having Eve and Roarke take a couples cooking class seeing as they both have a weakness in the kitchen. No cheating with the auto-chef.
I’ve read the comments on having babies…Realistically…no way…it would be the death of the series! (no pun intended)…Since not only do I love the challenges Eve faces with her “job”…it’s the personal interactions between Roarke and Eve…the tension and conflict in their relationship keeps me reading. My favorite re-reads have been when Roarke and Eve have had serious problems such as with Roarke’s old flame Margdelana. I would like to see her return to raise havoc between the two of them again…but I also have fallen “in love” over and over again when Roarke is taking care of Eve. Where can I find a man like him!!!! Where does he come up with such beautiful words for his feelings for Eve??? Thank YOU Nora Roberts! New York to Dallas…Obsession in Death…Visions in Death…all of them…such wonderful dynamics!
I agree that now isn’t the time foe Eve and Roarke to have a baby.
Are we ever going to find out Roarke’s first name?
Am I the only one who doesn’t like the character of Delhia Peabody?
Yes they are partners…..I get Eve Dallas trusts her, but for me personally, I would never trust her with the secret of my background, or my friends. I could see her blurting it out. in a moment where she would think she was helping, or using it to stand up and make a point.
Does she and McNab have friends away from Roarke and Eve?
Seems to me they are hanger-on-ers, and to me they are the ones you must watch the most,
I think Eve and Roarke will have children when they are both ready for them. They both have active and on going careers, they both have issues they have to overcome, before they reach that point.
It would make sense if they waited until Eve and Roarke were both on the same page
As long as this absolutely will not die, I think Peabody will get pregnant well before Eve ever would. She’s the type, and the story line could possibly handle it.
I also do think Eve can trust her with a huge secret.
She hangs around with Mavis and is close to her. She seems to know people from everywhere – cops, freeagers, neighbors, etc. She is even closer to some of Eve’s friends than Eve is, like Charles and Louise.
Just my personal thoughts, which are no more valid than yours. 🙂
The more In Death books you read, you “watch” Eve and Roarke lean about babies, parenting, and most of all, themselves and their relationship. They don’t need babies…They need each other and that’s one of the best parts of the books. I’ve gone back and re-read primarily to appreciate how much they are learning to love each other, how Eve has grown in her ability to share feelings that she never thought she could or deserved to have. I’m so glad Nora Roberts isn’t ending the series…and have pre ordered the next book.
Best not to speculate on future happenings…except that I personally have enjoyed Roarke getting his dander but and being so male with his self righteous anger…then “setting” his world right by his love for Eve. Gosh…what a man!!!!!
I love the character Delia Peabody (and her relationship with McNab). NR has done a fabulous job, IMO, of showing how Peabody has grown as a detective. She and Eve have a bit closer to a peer relationship, because Peabody knows about a lot of non-cop stuff that Eve never learned due to her hideous childhood and her focus (one might say obsession) with becoming a police officer. The tone of Eve’s relationship with McNab, and of the Roarke-McNab friendship, seems perfect to me.
I definitely see the potential for Peabody and McNab to have a child/children at some point, but not any time soon. Peabody’s got a (great) sarcastic side, but she loves kids and is so comfortable around them that I can’t imagine her remaining childless for life. However, I also see her as having potential to move up the ranks at work — the only issue there is it looks like NR wants to keep Eve as an LT who spends more time doing field work/solving cases than supervising her unit. (She takes that part of her job just as seriously, but her sense of identification with victims, her determination to get justice for them and her talent as a detective combine to make her feel she needs the hands-on work to be satisfied with her job.)
Anyone else who wants to see Eve make the move to Captain, ideally setting a new standard by continuing to handle select cases? She has a real gift for spotting potential among the “uniforms” and for training/developing the members of her team — I think it would bring a new dimension to the stories if she continued doing this at a higher level. In addition to how Eve would handle the increased administrative (and political) responsibilities, promoting her would create an opening for Peabody and/or Baxter. Just my thoughts…regardless, I’ll keep reading and re-reading every book in the series!
I love the character Delia Peabody (and her relationship with McNab). NR has done a fabulous job, IMO, of showing how Peabody has grown as a detective. She and Eve have a bit closer to a peer relationship, because Peabody knows about a lot of non-cop stuff that Eve never learned due to her hideous childhood and her focus (one might say obsession) with becoming a police officer. The tone of Eve’s relationship with McNab, and of the Roarke-McNab friendship, seems perfect to me.
I definitely see the potential for Peabody and McNab to have a child/children at some point, but not any time soon. Peabody’s got a (great) sarcastic side, but she loves kids and is so comfortable around them that I can’t imagine her remaining childless for life. However, I also see her as having potential to move up the ranks at work — the only issue there is it looks like NR wants to keep Eve as an LT who spends more time doing field work/solving cases than supervising her unit. (She takes that part of her job just as seriously, but her sense of identification with victims, her determination to get justice for them and her talent as a detective combine to make her feel she needs the hands-on work to be satisfied with her job.)
Oops – no idea how I managed to post part of a comment twice. Worse, I can’t figure out how to delete the 2nd (duplicative) comment! I shouldn’t be commenting when I’m short (WAY short) on sleep…
It makes sense to eventually move Eve up the rakes and she is a really good supervisor…but NR has the final say….just want her to keep writing In Death series!
Good point, Jackie! I have my “wishes” for ways NR could take this series, but as long as she keeps writing the books, I’ll keep reading them. For that matter, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve re-read my collection of (second-hand) In Death novels and novellas. They never get old; in fact, I sometimes find I enjoy them more the second (or third, or fourth) time around, because I might have overlooked something that provides context for events in subsequent books. At the moment, I’m “meeting” Leonardo all over again (“Immortal in Death”), and as soon as I’m done with that one I’ll be suffering through Alice Lingstrom’s death and meeting Jamie once more. I sometimes feel I’ve gone back to my childhood, when I was horse-crazy and practically memorized every Walter Farley book at the local library!
I’m re-reading again…, like you Betty, I thoroughly enjoy finding more insight into the characters with each re-read…When I first found this site, I read all those questions about Eve and Roarke baby “stuff”…wow…when I re-read Born In Death…THERE is all the answers to the baby “question” answered by “J.D.Robb” via Eve, Roarke, and Mira! Every interaction was hilarious! I have been lucky to be able to find all the books but really would like the first three hard bound…What’s so fun about these books is how involved the characters are. I think the more we read…the more we are emotionally tied to these characters…Eve has changed so much…grown/matured so much from Naked In Death…And that’s what makes re-reading these so much fun. As a “blood and guts” mystery reader…this series always keeps me involved and intrigued ! And PLEASE N.R. just because you have a new series…don’t forget about our favorite series…IN DEATH…and I have already pre-ordered the next book…will be my birthday present to me!
Happy New Year Betty! and all other blog readers!
Kay, as you read further into the series, you’ll find that Selia isn’t a ditz and makes quite a reliable and trustworthy friend. As for other friends of Delia and McNab they really don’t have the time for much socializing. There are inferences to friendships with some of Eve’s friends and within the cop “house.”
I would love to see an April Fools day tricks story. I think R. could come up with a doozy or three.
Just keep writing this series. I have all of the series in audio form (which makes everyone seem even more real to me), listening to them all the time and have gone through the series from beginning to end over and over again.
Just stumbled onto this website… Kudos to you, Nora! You write them, I’ll read them…absolutely NO suggestions from me!!!
Thank for the many late night hours,
Kay
I don’t know how you do it Nora, but keep on doing it! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Your books! No babies for Eve! I would like to see a storyline on Baxter, McNab, Morris, Leonardo any of the supporting cast. I love the color you add to the books with the descriptions of clothes, rooms, the faces and bodies. I can see them in my mind. Susan Erickson does a fantastic job as the multi voiced narrator. I so want a drying tube, autochef and vertical on my car!
The drying tube is the absolute TOP on my list!!! I love the series…Nora, keep it going!!
Loved “Year One’…waiting for #2 is painful.
I read books because I’ve always found comfort in them. An author such as Ms. Roberts/Robb is a great find. I always look forward to her next one. I think it a disservice to her gift of writing (which is what drew me to her in the first place) to impose what I want for her characters or story line to be. It defeats the purpose of reading her books. A big thanks and please keep them coming.
I wanted to let you know I am so so happy and thankful you’ve made the decision you have made with NOT bringing a baby of their (Eve and Roark) own into their lives. The whole story plot would change which i dont want
No baby or child – very good! It would change the story too much. The fun of the candy thief is the mystery. Would like to know how Leonardo made a blue eyed, blond child. Perhaps he has a Scandinavian ancestor?
I think it would be kinda great if McNab and Peabody had a kid in the future. Peobody would be ecstatic, and it would make for an interesting character development in her bullpen. Personally, I think there is a rotation on the Candy thief, and that it’s the whole Bullpen, and they’re all in on it, and one watches her place the candy, and tells the others so the others alibi them, and they all split the bounty. Could Trueheart have the first Homicide kid? He is the parental sort, and I like to imagine how they would all rag on him. I hope more Nadine/Jake relationship in the future.
Let Nora write them!!! I’ll just continue to read them.
I absolutely agree !!! Let the lady write the damn books !!! I don’t understand why so many people are obsessed with having more babies in the series ?!? The books are about murders and how Eve and her team deal with them. If another person she cares about gets pregnant it is only going to contrast the difference between death ( as the In Death series is called) and new life ! She already has enough emotional baggage to deal with. Why would anyone want to stress her out more. Also lets not forget that in the last few years Ms. Roberts has changed the timing of her books. Each new book picks up a day or two after the last book finished. With putting out two or three books a year it would take about 10 damn years for the ‘longed for’ pregnancy to come to term !!
Again I agree, let the very talented lady write the books her way. I enjoy them the way she does it !
Easy way around that make them adults. 😉 I like writing fanfic on my fav shows and I played with an idea for fic for Eve and Roarke. Someone tries to kill them but a young woman intervenes and saves them but is injured in the doing. They treat her and Eve/Roarke wait for her to wake up to talk to her to get answers then Louise comes to see them.
No she isn’t awake but there is something strange about her dna. The dna test which Louise has repeated shows she’s the bio kid of Eve and Roarke. How is that possible? They don’t have a kid let alone one who is of legal age and can she tell them who wants to kill them?
I Would love to see Eve becoming a captain. She deserves already. The youngest captain ever! Would Be amazing!
Thought you (she) covered this before in a book? Did she not state that she was made a cop, a cops, cop? It’s what she IS, and needs to be? You can’t BE on cases as a capitan,! Roarke understands this, even when she arrives home all bloodied up, with another coat ruined, party missed? When he’d like to wrap her up in bubble wrap!
Dallas was offered a Captaincy in Thankless in Death and she turned it down. She’s not ready for it. Maybe someday, she prefers being an investigator.
a while back I read a short story about Eve getting kidnapped. She was going to be cremated when she was found. I barely remember this but have not seen it since. Was this something that was written or do I have this wrong? Thanks
That is not an In Death plotline.
Laura
I would like to see what will happen to Morris. He is a nice guy but is he doomed not to find love anymore after what happened to Amaryllis?
And what about Webster and Darcia. Will they appear in the other installments of the story? I kinda miss relationship development in the last two books and it makes me wonder…
Good! Glad to hear that Eve and Roarke will not be coming parents anytime soon. That would be another whole series. I like the series as it is now. I could see Peabody & Ian getting married in the next couple years, but not having children in the foreseeable future. I like how Nora doesn’t bump off all the criminals, but brings them back in future books. It’s always fun to read a sequel about some of your most favorite or most notorious characters. Eve and Roarke’s marriage is still young. There is still room for a lot of character development with them . Somehow, I just couldn’t see Somerset changing diapers, and I doubt any parent even in 2065 would be willing to leave their child with a droid.
Why not Earth would someone at their right mind want to punish a child with a mother like Eve. She is behaving like a child herself – needs others to tell her what to eat and when, what to wear, when to sleep what to say not to embarrass herself and others.
You want a happy family with babies read Nora Roberts family series. I love them all.
This is criminal series featuring a broken soul of Eve Dallas who is trying to function in the marriage and society and more often than not failing but making it work.
Please let Nora write.
Bottom line….
Nora is the author. It is her business to decide how to write the books. Personally I like the In Death Series just as it is ( as I am on my 5th read through). Don’t read it if you can’t like it as is! Nora constantly amazes me with her talent for writing books! Keep up the good work!!
Well said !!
So, I understand the whole baby thing. I’m not ready for that either. But as far as Eve’s family goes, I don’t know. During New York to Dallas, Eve found her “mother”, partner of Issac McQueen, confirmed by blood test, but still has no background on either of her parents. So, it’s unlikely, but quite possible for her to have some good people in her family. She never had Roarke do deep background on Richard Troy or Stella. So eventually Nora could write it. Unlikely, but absolutely possible for her to have that happy ending. She could have extended family. On another note, when are the Forensics going to find out who the last bones belong to found in Roarke’s property in Concealed in Death??
I have loved Eve from the accidental moment I borrowed the book at the library. It is the one of three series I purchase hardcover. I do not believe Eve should be a mom as I too, have been through some very similar experiences in my life as our main character it has taken many years to embrace motherhood. I think you can settle this incessant nagging from the obsessed fans with this topic. Now that Bella is a toddler two years of age, meaning she is walking and getting into everything, send Mavis and Leonardo on a Galactic concert weekend in which the sitter is deathly ill at last minute and have no to back her up needing to bring Bella over on Eve and Roark’s off weekend as Summerset is out on vacation. Eve does not have the heart to say no to Mavis as she is on frantic and on the verge of tears, we all know how well Eve handles tears…. okay I am dying just thinking how fun the weekend will be Eve drafts Roark who is just as adept at working with children. Eve offers all kinds of “favors” as she knows this is his weakness. I have stopped laughing seeing the possibilities of this story line… it is only one book which could involve all the supporting characters coming in to help in some capacity or another. That would get the nags off your back. It’s a thought just a thought hope you like it.
I agree entirely about the decision not to have children, though I would like one story set ‘far’ into the future where we can glimpse the changes in Roarke and Eve (If they changed each other, I’m fascinated to see how a child would impact them). I agree Eve made her own family…except I’ve always wondered if there wasn’t a half-sib out there from her father’s side. Even a cousin, could be interesting. Eliminating the parents from her story doesn’t eliminate the likelihood of another ‘close’ relative.
I have actually thought about the baby thing with Eve and Roarke and I totally agree with you , Nora, about you being the writer, and about these two ‘survivors’ not becoming parents. So, Eve must be on contraception and readers should be satisfied with Mavis having the babies and how Eve reacts with Mavis’ children.
I cannot express how much I admire your amazing ability to write all the fantastic books you put out, a few a year, all different and all devoured as soon as possible by me. Staying in the Eve and Roarke room is definitely on my bucket list. So from this Libran to Nora Libran , thank you for all the wonderful reading and I look forward to your future ones. Peace and love from Barbara Wollongong, NSW Australia
Nora, THANK YOU!! The world you created for Eve and Roark is perfect. I would never ask you to change a thing in the way you’ve written that world or how you foresee their future. YOU ARE THE WRITER. YOU.
I am the READER and will continue to be. Your worlds are my escape. I love my world too, but you allow me to see and feel a different one while walking in the shoes of others. I’ve always felt that being a reader and walking in those different “shoes” helps us build a skill that cannot be taught…empathy.
So I beg you, please continue to be the WRITER of YOUR stories and I promise to always be one of your dedicated READERS.
Beautifully and truthfully said👍🏻😊
Agree that all Eve’s relationships are fine and Bella is the best child for the series as Mavis’ kid.
Idea for weekend with no crime fighting: yes, a trip to the island would be great, or swimming and enjoying a tropical rainforest. Though it doesn’t make a great story line], I keep thinking that both Eve and Roarke must be exhausted and frustrated with all the after hours work at home. Eve doesn’t like the country so the tropics might be good! I can recommend the Daintree rainforest north of Cairns in Australia.
Request: could Eve please start being a bit nicer to Summerset? Could she realise that she can maintain the ‘form’ of being irascible with him without being hurtful?
Another idea: perhaps some relaxed friends time might be good in a way that isn’t excruciating for Eve; just hanging with one other couple with no need to dress up for a fancy party. Roarke would be a great raconteur during dinner!
Well, as this long ago thread was about Nora having all the story ideas she needs on her own, I think it’s safe to say those things won’t happen. But it’s always fun to imagine characters off page.
Laura
WOW! I am amazed at all of the comments about different ideas. I just devour each book and eagerly await the next. I feel like part of the family as I am so familiar with the characters. Before I read Golden, I reread the whole series (quite a task to find them all) and that was quite a thrill. Some I vaguely remembered and some I didn’t. Thanks for all the books you write. You continue to write (your thing), and I will continue to read (my thing) as I eagerly await Shadows in Death and Hideaway.
I once read that when Eve and Roarke decide to start a family, that that will be the final book in the In Death series. If that is still the case, I’m all for it. Please continue writing as you’ve been writing! I love your stories!
I’ve read all the In Death books available to date, as well as many of the Nora Roberts books. I printed out the booklist and cross off as I complete that book. I’m with you – I don’t believe Eve is ready for parenthood, and may never be. She’s a murder cop through and through and I see her retiring many years down the road as a murder cop. When Eve and Roark become parents (adopted or otherwise) you will lose the whole idea behind their existence AND the need for In Death books.
So obviously you guys posted on Facebook that you wouldn’t allow any talk of Eve/Roarke babies anymore, but I also need some clarification. Now the one rare occasion that I would bring it up was mostly a hypothetical scenario between Eve, Roarke, Mick (from Betrayal), and Don Webster. I won’t go into details, but I will acknowledge my scene as unrealistic.
Now in terms of how you end the series is your thing, the only thing I’m concerned about is whether or not you keep the series going long enough before it becomes too stale. I much rather see the series end on a high note as opposed to ending on a whimper.
So I guess my question is, are you not going to allow hypothetical scenes on Facebook anymore?
I’m waiting to pre-order Shadows In Death, as I have read the entire In Death series 1-50 and back again more than once and I really want to say IF YOU COULD WRITE A BETTER SERIES YOU SHOULD DO IT and stop trying to tell Nora how to write hers!!!I have been hooked on In Death for years because I love Eve and Roark and their relationship, if they were meant to have kids they would have them but apparently that’s not where the characters went in their journey; so Nora couldn’t take them someplace they didn’t want to go. Nora Roberts is my ALL TIME FAVORITE AUTHOR!!! In my eyes she can do no wrong. I want her to keep writing exactly the way she has been writing since I first encountered her ( my first NR book was Rivers End). and I am still reading her ( just finished reading Hideaway for the second time). Waiting for #52 ID. Don’t change anything anyone who wants to “suggest” you take the storyline in a different direction should wait until THEY have 400 million book printed, then talk. you are the very best.
I’ve read every book in the series and will continue. Your writing takes me into the future right there with all your characters. I will admit, as I read sometimes I wonder if a baby will come, and then I think, how would that work? I’m curious enough that I actually stop to think about it, however, writer I am not, so my imagination does not get me very far. My final thoughts are if a kid comes along, we’re looking at the series wrapping up. What a sad day that would be. Thank you for sharing these stories, and all those written under Nora Roberts. I just finished Hideaway and as always wish I wasn’t. Every book leaves me wanting just a little more. I’m one of those without power for the next few days….good thing I’ve got two to read – Golden and the 3rd in the one series, should keep me busy for at least three of the 5 days. See there’s a silver lining in everything.