The Collector is now available in the US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand. This is the place to congregate and chat about the book, so please know that spoilers are 
very much allowed in the comments. This time, I thought we’d focus with some questions that you can answer in the comments, use as a starting point for your own post or ignore completely.
It’s up to you!
Did The Collector make you curious about the ins and outs of housesitting?
Did you prefer one apartment Lila stayed in over the other?
Did you see any hints of Nora’s trip to Italy last summer in the stay in Florence?
Do you need a spreadsheet to keep track of your extended family? (It’s so clever, isn’t it?)
Feel free to ask questions of your own in the comments. Have fun!
Laura
I just finished the collector and I have to say what an amazing book! I’ve read all of Nora’s books (yes I meant all of them!) and I wait impatiently for new releases. I fell in love with the characters of this book immediately. As always Nora has a way of pulling you into a book, into the world she creates and make you believe it.
Keep up with the amazing work I’ll be waiting for more.
Thank you!
I could not have Said it any better. I agree with you completely I wait for the next book with bated breath.
I hope there’s another story to follow from the spreadsheet of family members.
I really enjoyed this book. When they got gelato in Florence I thought of Nora’s blog and how she got gelato everyday 🙂 There were a lot of humorous moments in this book.
GREAT JOB!!!
Hi, I just finished listening to the book and loved it! I’m a devoted In Death fan and it was neat to get a view of today’s NYC compared to Eve’s view. I had to quit looking for a soy-dog vendor – lol. Good questions!
I would have loved the housesitting when I was younger and pretty much lived out of three boxes. It was pretty interesting, the duties involved, what a ‘premier’ housesitter would do. There wasn’t any mention of whether Lila had permission to have guests, I think if it had been my house, that would be a factor.
I liked the first apartment for the herb garden, the toy poodle for the other. I especially liked hearing the details, wondering if Nora was describing places she’d already seen. I loved the idea of Ash’s house – all kinds of room. I also realized I couldn’t live in NYC, spent my career in too many big cities and I’m too happy not to be in one now. Also liked the glimpses of how many of the upper 10% live, amazing.
I was thinking about Nora’s vacation when they went to Italy, enjoyed the extra descriptions.
Actually, a spreadsheet would be a good idea, considering my siblings’ multiple marriages. I got a great laugh over that. But my favorite was Lila singing Rawhide in the kitchen. I had to pause the audiobook to get over my giggle over that!
This is going to be one of my repeat reads. I received it in the mail Tuesday, and by Wednesday afternoon it was finished..Thank goodness I’m retired with no obligations, so once my nose was in the book on Tuesday, it didn’t come out again, so I could quickly eat, until about 2:30 or so Wednesday morning. I had to make myself STOP! when I got to part 3!
Also for me, so refreshing to see the lack of too much bad language, and bedroom scenes. Those I usually pass over, as not too interested in reading that.
I liked the apartment with the little tea cup poodle, Earl Grey. If I was going to have a dog, I’d want one of those…
Thanks, Nora, it was great…
I picked up my book yesterday and gulped it down last night! I found it super fast paced and loved the characters in it. I was a little suspicious of the trusted translator at first thinking he might be a connection of the boss, but glad that didn’t pan out. Also enjoyed the many quirks of Lila and her trusty multi tool! Now my hubby is ready to start reading it tonight!
What a great book! House sitting sounds interesting and made for a great set for the story! Keep up the good work!
Laura, since you said we can ask questions – even though I checked the ‘notify me of new posts’, I never get an email that there’s new posts. Is there something else I need to do? Thanks!
Paula,
That may refer to an answer to this comment. But usually checking that box is enough.
Let me know if you got an email about my reply, ok? Thanks!
Laura
Laura, I didn’t get an email from your comment. It only occurred to me to look here after reading Nora’s latest posting, so thanks for answering, but I’m not sure what’s up with not getting the email. I’m going to check my spam box, though it shouldn’t be in there since I always get an email when you start a new thread. Will let you know. Thanks, Paula
Laura, checked my spam and nothing there for the 17th or 18th. I get every new post, though, so who knows? Anyway, thanks for getting back to me!
Paula,
I dove deep into the Word Press menu and found the box I hadn’t checked that gives a commenter the option to see follow up comments. It’s checked now and should work going forward.
Thanks for the challenge — still learning word press even after a year.
Laura
I think I have read every Roberts book. Love the Death series the most. Did really enjoy The Collector. The descriptions of apartments, of NY and of Italy made me feel like I was there. Nora’s strength (to me) is her ability to capture the characters in only a few words. She paints captivating scenes with a word or phrase. From her first romance into the future, Roberts rules.
I loved this book. I bought the e-book for my kobo on tuesday and was up late on wednesday night reading it. I did not finish the book until 3am!! The mystery of the book and the characters all worked for my. Loved the artist and house sitting concept of the story. I also love the fact that lila was a writer as well and could do to jobs at once, plus visit all these amazing houses to live in for whatever time the clients wanted her there. And the backstory behind the fabreca eggs was very cool. I am due for a re-read very soon.
As for what one of you posted I would not want people to have guests in my house if they were house sitting for me. That would be strange.
I really enjoyed this book, Nora! Another winner!
I would just like confirmation on something. The title is “The Collector” and one would think that Vasin was The Collector; but me? I’m going with Jai being The Collector! What with all those things she…collected!
One of the things I really loved about this story, and it ties in with past books, is when you weave real-life history–with this one, it was the history and tragedy of the Romanovs, and I’ve read everything I thought there was about them and learned that in 2007, it was discovered Anastasia, the real one, really had died. Just like with Three Fates, reading about the Lusitania, which I had vaguely heard about, but Nora, you brought it to life, like you do with everything you write.
Just finished The Collector last night. Nora you’ve done it again!! I have ALWAYS thought being a house sitter would be a fun job. While an elevator would’ve been fun, I would’ve preferred the first apartment Lila stayed in. When they were in Italy, the first thing I thought of was gelato! The next day I got three pints at the grocery store. I don’t necessarily need a spreadsheet for my extended family, but now that my cousins are starting to have kids, I may need to borrow this idea. It would be a handy tool for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. I truly enjoy reading Nora Roberts’ works. It was a highlight of my life to meet her at the RWA in Dallas a few years ago.
I am not finished reading it but far enough to say that while Earl Grey was nice and the house with elevator sounds neat, the first place seems better. Then again, I think the cat was nicer than the dog and I like cozy comfortable for size. Plus it had all the great views for her binoculars even if she did see something bad.
It is another Nora Roberts book that I am glad to add to my collection that I think is now only 4 books from complete (missing 4 in death books that I read borrowed from my mother).
I thought all of the apartments she stayed in were lovely.
I really enjoyed the romances. I think I liked the secondary romance just a tad more than the main one, though both were well-done.
I wish we’d gotten more of Jai toward the end. She started as such an interesting character. I thought the mystery was rather run of the mill. But it did not detract from the book for me. Overall I quite enjoyed it.
Once I started The Collectors I couldn’t stop. I read straight through the night until I finished because I was so caught up in this world Nora had created in New York and Florence. Lila is now one of my favorite Roberts characters to date. For a “tender” to have such a fragmented, disrupted childhood with all of the family’s military moves and the dad being away and in peril while in service, Lila forged such an adaptive personality by turning to writing for creating her own “stable worlds” while house sitting for continuing adventure and because she really doesn’t know how to put down roots. She bright, funny, compassionate, curious, strong, unique…very unique. I just love her. Ashton Archer could have been a sophisticated snot of a moody artist, but she didn’t write him that way. He is strong and assertive, yes, and willful and sure of himself, but also compassionate and cares a great deal for his family. I’d fall for him too. He’s her perfect counterpoint.
When they arrived in Florence, boy, that part of the book really brought back Nora’ blogs about her own trip to Florence, shopping for shoes and leather goods, eating pasta, drinking wine, the bridges, the views from her window, the colors on the drive to the villa. She really incorporated observations from her time there into the book very masterfully.
The Collectors gave me many hours of enjoyment And it will give me many more when I re-read it. Thank you, Nora, for sharing your marvelous gift.!
Once I started The Collector I couldn’t stop. I read straight through the night until I finished because I was so caught up in this world Nora had created in New York and Florence. Lila is now one of my favorite Roberts characters to date. For a “tender” to have such a fragmented, disrupted childhood with all of the family’s military moves and the dad being away and in peril while in service, Lila forged such an adaptive personality by turning to writing for creating her own “stable worlds” while house sitting for continuing adventure and because she really doesn’t know how to put down roots. She is bright, funny, compassionate, curious, strong, unique…very unique. I just love her. Ashton Archer could have been a sophisticated snot of a moody artist, but she didn’t write him that way. He is strong and assertive, yes, and willful and sure of himself, but also compassionate and cares a great deal for his family. I’d fall for him too. He’s her perfect counterpoint.
When they arrived in Florence, boy, that part of the book really brought back Nora’ blogs about her own trip to Florence, shopping for shoes and leather goods, eating pasta, drinking wine, the bridges, the views from her window, the colors on the drive to the villa. She really incorporated observations from her time there into the book very masterfully.
The Collector gave me many hours of enjoyment And it will give me many more when I re-read it. Thank you, Nora, for sharing your marvelous gift.!
Loved the spin with the Faberge Eggs! In fact, it had me googling. Awesomeness! Thanks for the invite into your fascinating world!
Just finished the Collector and thoroughly enjoyed it. As always, the characters are wonderful and this story is begging for a sequel.
I was hooked from the first page to the last! This will be a repeat read for me as well. I thought of Nora’s vacation and the gelato…the shoes…the leather jacket…the descriptive scenery. I laughed out loud many times because I just love Nora’s humor. The private plane was a hoot. These were characters that will be enjoyed with each re-read. I just loved the tea cup poodle!! I now want one! The concept of house sitting…the people watching….murderer….and Fabrege eggs!! Brilliant!!! This was definitely a great read!!! Thanks Nora
I believe that Sanctuary, followed by The Villa, were the first books I read by Nora. Having been a fan of Christie, Cussler and Clancy, I found I loved reading Nora and voraciously consumed all of her earlier works, then went on to J D Robb. I eagerly await each new novel and finished The Collector a few days ago. I hated for it to end, as always. I enjoy the research that Nora does for each work. As so many characters and stories have Irish roots, I was compelled to visit Ireland and found it as fascinating as Nora describes. I belong to two book groups where we read literature from various genres and cultures, but for fun and adventure, I turn to Nora Roberts. The Collector was fun and romantic, dangerous and adventurous, and thoroughly enjoyable! Can’t wait to visit Florence!
Unable as usual to put my book down I am so into The Collector after just finishing Shadow Spell (addict!)
Just got Bl@@dy soap all over the cover in the bathroom grrrr good job I remove dust covers as ASAP…know myself well. Is there such a thing as Book Police…I would be in trouble. This book as usual is making my working days very hard …who cares.. i married the Boss LOl sue me. Enjoying a lovely British Spring…hope your day and weather is as nice as mine wherever you are in the world.
Christina
The first thing I liked about this book was the likeness to the set from Rear Window , that graced it’s cover. One of my all time favorite movies. Another was the gypsy painting from The Art of Deception. One of my favorite Nora books. I love to re-read them. It’s like a visit with an old friend
Hi Laura,
On all feeds you mention the availability of Nora’s books and where they will be. I am British and yet you never mention it being available in the UK. I have had Nora’s book since it’s release in April and am almost to the end (Sob). I follow and buy all her books on the market and have from discovering her. I am curious how many Brits including the Irish are on here since I am new. I have left a few comments and feel this is a more fun and faster flowing page than the official fan page. I wish you both and well and keep up the good work.
Christina
Hi Christina,
Since they now are usually the same date, I’ve started adding the UK,NZ, AUS dates when I talk about a release on Facebook. To get specific details you can add their Facebook page to pages you follow. That’s where they announce contests that are only open to LB UK readers and other neat things. I know there’s also a link to subscribe to their newsletter too. This way you can get all the news from both sides of the Atlantic.
Thanks for posting. We’re working on ways to make this place a little livelier and it’s good to know that people enjoy what we do.
Laura
Thank’s Laura, it is nice to be part of a big circle of people who love the same things you do and be able to see what other people think and share.
Kindest regards to you and all on here
Christina
Is there no honor amongst theives………what kind of evil steals monolos? Perfume and lipstick maybe but a girls Monolos…. Nora has invented her worst baddy to date.
Bits in this book I chuckled at:
“Let me see your ploy”
“My ploy?”
“The famous Earl Grey” Being british and a drinker of said beverage, the idea of a tea cup poodle by this name is genius.
Another was
No man should walk a dog the size of a hamster
I enjoyed this little adventure. The great thing about having an E-reader is being able to look things up online and follow along with the story. I researched the Faberge eggs and like how Nora incorporated the historical truths on these articles into her story.
I will be honest and say that Lila had me really interested in learning more about her book. I think I would have like to read her Moon Rise story. Too bad it stays in this story. I do have to say that Nora you’re a Genius! To write a story within a story that takes some major talent. Someone sure gave you an amazing gift! I for sure am happy that you continue to share that gift with us.
This made me laugh (of course, there are others too):
Giselle to Ash: “. . . We had lunch . . . Well, I had lunch. She had a leaf and a berry. Half a berry” (p.163).
Lol She must be like Keenser from the new Star Trek.
Scotty: Aye, that’s me. You’re in the right place. Unless there’s another hardworking, equally starved Starfleet officer around.
Keenser: Me.
Scotty: Get aff! Shut up! You don’t eat anything! You can eat, like, a bean, and you’re done. I’m talking about food. REAL food! (Star Trek 2009)
I have just finished The Collector…..sob…..sob…I read on Nora’s official page that some supposed fan said she needed to write something different….well here is the different but with the Nora Roberts writing appeal that makes me want more of her. It has ticked every box for me. I have never read a book about a House sitter, especially one that takes on Manolo stealing psychos and Christopher Lee type russians with delusions of aristocracy. Funny, fresh, scary, quirky, and such appealing characters, hands up if you have a handbag like Lila, maybe not the WD40 but mine is close. Hats off to you Nora all I can say is more, more, more.
Christina