Passions in Death is in stores and on e-readers (and I hope library shelves) today!
And this is the spot to discuss all things Passions in Death.
What did you think? And did you spot any of the teasers from the last post?
Share in the comments below — and be aware that there can be spoilers in the comments.
Laura
Heading to the store now!
Part way through & have spotted several teasers: tribal & murder face spring to mind–Laughed at the location to start that 2nd one–get such a variety there! Looking forward to the “ratdog” one!
Still reading( the mechanics and house cleaning keep calling my name) but I have a theory about the Candy Thief! It’s all of them! I think the whole squad at various times goes in to steal her and they keep quiet because if they know if they implicate one they will implicate themselves!
I think the Candy Thief is someone we least expect. He started before Peabody and McManus came on scene, so that should give us a hint!
No, it’s Roarke
The candy thief was around before Roark had free rein in Central. He may know who it is but I don’t think it’s him. As per Ms. Roberts, we will never know.
Oh I think he’s in on it too! I doubt the squad would bat an eye if he went into her office when she was out! Though let’s face it if he didn’t want to be seen he wouldn’t be seen!
I think the candy thief was in Naked, actually pre-Roarke.
Really enjoyed this one – kept me guessing who the bad guy was! Another great installment – so excited for the Mavis/Peabody families and their new house coming along!
I really enjoyed it. I finished it today. The epilogue was everything to me. Eve and Roarke. I’ve been reading these books for decades and they never disappoint.
Man, I bounced ALL OVER the place on this one! It’s her! No, it’s him! It’s them! Don’t let it be….(whoever my fave is at the moment). I even had this brief — “Hey, Casto is messing with Eve from prison!” moment. Geez, I’m exhausted.
Excellent story as usual, and I really did love all the thinking time in this one. And “rat dog” deserved the name, based on behavior, but I love that Summerset is the one to give the teaser quote!
I’m going to keep an eye out for murder faces….
love the casto thought, because I had a glimmer of it in the beginning of the book also! She really did an amazing job with keeping us on our toes about whodunnit this time.
She did! And I’ll admit I cheat and scroll to the back of the book to see who did it! But I love to see how she gets us there! I will admit she had me several times thinking I had read who done it wrong. Can’t wait for the next one!
I wanted to do that so many times but I kept telling myself to resist. This was a great story and it kept you trying to figure out the real why of the murder. Trying out who could have done this. I do so love these In Death books.
I briefly thought the Casto thing too! Great minds think alike. 😆.
These books still need a better editor…too many errors (grammar, punctuation, and spelling)! But the storyline was great as usual.
I hope it’s the editor adding all the ‘woke’ crap. I have no problem with same sex relationships… but the comment…’good-looking white male, just shy of thirty. That brought a built-in sense of privilege.’ Really? It does not. So all these books and Roarke felt a built-in sense of privilege?
I think it’s been pretty well-established that Roarke fought for all he has. There is no woke in this, it’s how Nora described a character.
Laura
Another great In Death book, I stayed up until 4:00AM to listen to the book. Love the update about Dorian & Mouser, also love the update about the great house project.
Also love there’s only 1 victim 😀
I’ll admit only one victim was an adjustment but i enjoyed it and this book was certainly different, in a good way, than her other books. I did miss her sniping with Summerset but there out always other books for that! Plus I’m sure he was aware she was investigating a case where the murder happened in the same room as she was attacked on her own bachelorette party so he gave her a break.
Read it in one go. Great story. I liked the personal interactions and the update on the house and Dorian and Mouser. I also love Crack and Ro. Something I noticed was the lack of urgency in this one. I like it occasionally, but I also like the stories where they’re racing about. This was a nice change of pace. A more introspective side of Eve.
I’ve been reading these in Death books since 1995. Haven’t read a bad one yet.
I loved it……started it last night and finished it this morning.
Who is Janet Evans listed on the boarding pass on the dust jacket on the hardcover book?
It’s a made up name for the game.
Laura
She was actually an Olympic swimmer.
So just under a hundred pages into the book. My issue is my fault as I am also reading Conspiracy in Death. Sometimes I like to reread the whole series. When Peabody and Eve were discussing Charles I was confused for a second as to how he and Louise were together. Then I remembered different book. Hee hee
Loving the book so far. Love exploring the relationship that Eve has with Roarke and all her family that she has made over the years.
Oh my! Well done! Current and timeless at the same time. Loved every minute of it.
I liked how Dallas wasn’t sure who the killer was — that’s a nice contrast to books like “Imitation in Death” (one of my favorites) where she intuits the killer the first time they meet.
My only issue was that everyone quickly realized that the killer was also the “backup”, but the killer had no way of knowing that Erin hadn’t told Donna (in particular) who the backup was…
Personally, I think it was pretty well established that Erin kept things very close to the vest in order to make surprises happen.
Laura
Good point.
OMG, so far so good. I am almost done and holy cow. Can’t wait to see who the murderer ends up being. Whichever of the two it is, it is going to totally devastate the “tribe” either way. I’m not sure if I’m leaning towards Peabody’s or Eve’s choice. Either one checks all the boxes for me. Can’t wait to find out who it is.
I enjoyed the teasers and discovering them as we went. Some I was way off on, some I was on target.
It’s interesting to read this one and see the development of Eve and Roarke’s marriage. It was interesting for him to need Eve for a change, and for her to know how what to do with little second guessing.
This reminded me of the original Star Trek series. Some currently relevant social commentary incorporated into a story from another time. Well done. Well developed characters whose loss and grief touches the heart. And a murder that is stupid, mean and senseless. And again “Passion” which can mean so much. Thanks for the book.
Just finished! As always, totally enjoyed. This one is so different because that sense of tension and urgency are not there, but how fabulous to take part in Eve’s awareness of her “family”, in the growth of Eve’s and Roarke’s relationship, and even the growth of the Somerset/Eve relationship. This one is a true WOW!
My library still has it listed as on order, so yesterday after dental surgery, I ended up buying the e-book!
Loved it, and I didn’t even think about how uncomfortable my mouth was while I read it! Thank you!!!!
Nora never disappoints, I’ve read just about everything written as Nora from the McGregors in Scotland to their descendants in USA, to the fairytales and witchcraft stories. I bought my first JR Robb book back in the 1990s and have them all including the short story anthologies, even bought a jigsaw with a short story included. Loved this one, it kept me guessing just as it did Eve.
Jigsaw with a short story???
I did not enjoy Passions and was disappointed with the storyline. I have read 6 times all In Deaths book and am sad to say Passions won’t be one I’ll re read.
Nora is the first you say that not every book will work for every reader. Hope you enjoy Bonded in Death come February. -Laura
Bonded in death ‘cover reveal’ is cool and very lovely looking quite unique too 🙂
I didn’t vibe with this story either. I had a problem keeping all the characters names straight in my head. Ended up confusing Erin and Shauna a few times which made the story make less sense. I appreciate how much work went into the story and maybe with the next read later on down the road, I’ll enjoy it then. Loved catching up with the rest of the gang and how much work Peabody and Mavis had put into the house. Always love Belle.
Enjoyed the book. Loved all the thinking time and that Eve had two viable suspects. I liked that ChiChi’s abuela wanted her handcuffed – needed to face the consequences of her actions. I can’t wait until the house is finally done and they all move in! I also like how all the characters have evolved and grown over the course of all the novels. One thing that always gets me is when Eve or someone mentions how long they have been married; given the number of books, murders, etc., it always boggles my mind – it’s only been three years!
Thank you Nora! You never fail to delight. As an avid reader since the nineties, I look forward to a new In Death or NR book like other people look forward to vacation. Thank you for Passions in Death. I love the slower pace, allowing us to enjoy the story a little slower as well. What a satisfying mystery. I am very excited for Bonded in Death.
Finished Passions ID today and I really loved it.
When the killer isn’t identified up front, I’m always trying to guess who in the cast of characters it is.
I was way off on this one, which TBH just added to my enjoyment.
As others have noted, the development of the main characters and additional ones introduced along the way only adds to it.
I own them all and have reread this series so many times, I’ve lost count, as I have with many of Nora’s other books.
She’s the only author I’ve ever enjoyed rereading.
Thanks, Nora!
I agree with Nora, Eve and Roarke are not ready for kids! Please insert a small segment about her birth control, monthly, yearly, long term?. Thanks, because I really can’t believe that people want it. I figured that Mavis is doing the job and I love!!!
I really love your books!
I was looking forward to the big move and then receiving the gifts, so bit sad we didn’t get to that yet, maybe next one since they are quite close.
Reread all the previous books last month, so couldn’t wait for this one to come out, this is my comfort reading at the moment.
This one was pretty mild, no emotional upheavals, no urgency, despite the title, very little passion in the actual death, but I always enjoy the cast of characters and adore how Bella loves Das.
Can’t believe its been over 60 books and still no clue on the candy thief.
I wanted to get a bit more interaction between Mcnab and Eve – they haven’t had too much since his injury, so would be nice to see that friendship a little, and I missed Nadine in this last one.
Nadine played a substantial part in Passions so it wouldn’t have made sense for her to be so visible in this one. And the house/family/new baby are truly secondary to the case, which will make that housewarming and baby’s arrival all the more fun when it happens.
Laura
And once they move into the house and have the housewarming, it will be so much fun for us to read. Can’t wait to see the gifts and more interaction between Bella and Das.
Really good book
What are the 2025 JD Robb title & Nora Roberts stand alone
I’ll post that after The Mirror comes out in November. -Laura
Thank you Laura. It helps me get my library list in order . I try to be in the first 10 in the list . As much as I like buying the book. I 💜supporting my local library. The few times I bought hard cover from turn the page bookstore I was impressed by the impeccable service I received in the receiving of the books.
Paula, Bonded in Death is the Feb 25 JDRobb & Hidden in Nature is the one for May.
Really? -Laura
Sorry, Laura, I didn’t see your response until I’d sent mine. If it helps, I have my copies pre-ordered already; not exactly like the info isn’t out there. Hey, if the Sept. JD Robb was listed, I’d have it ordered as well.
I know it’s out there for anyone to find – after all I do post the cover reveals. But the full list will be out in November. -Laura
It took 3 1/2 days to read the book. I love to savor the books, so I don’t miss anything important. The fact that it happened at Crack’s club, kinda made me angry, because I love Crack! I was back and, like a lot of people were as to which one it was. Once she eliminated her, Eve had to really think of how He actually did it. I loved it! He was an egotistical dimwit, who, of course was a narcissist. Excellent book!
I stayed up practically all night the first night it came out reading this book. I had to finish another one before I could start it, so it was about 3am when I came across the “ Murder Face” conversation! I laughed so hard, I was afraid that I was going to wake up my Daughter and son-in-law upstairs. Love these books!
I think Feeney is the candy thief. Speaking of which, it occurred to me he has already been born in this year of our lord 2024. I put him in his mid 40s in Naked in Death. So there is a little Feeney , roughly 6 to 10 years old, running around, being given lots of trail mix that will lead to his sugared almonds addiction. I feel there has been a lot of skill on Nora’s part to handle the smooth transitions from book to book to keep it futuristic.
Like others, I enjoyed the police procedural aspect in this story where the perp wasn’t intuited in the first few chapters and hope there are more stories like that. I almost wish Eve hadn’t run into him in the hall.
I think you’re on to something about Feeney. Readers need to note that the candy thief has been around since Naked In Death, and that Feeney is a wily one.
I think Feeney is older than 40s as he has grand children and I believe was already Lieutenant when even joined the force 12 years ago. Plus I believe he was a cop during the Urban wars with Commander Whitney
Actually Feeney is older than that. Probably 60-70
He is a father and grandfather. He was partnered with Commander Whitney and was already a Lieutenant when Eve joined the force 12 years before Naked , in which she was 30
Also, don’t think she would see someone who is just 10ths older than her as a father figure
Loved the book. But have a question. I typically also purchase the audible version the day after publication via Whispersynch so I can continue if I’m on a trip or at the gym, etc. It’s a nice little price break since I am getting both.
This book is not being offered via Whispersynch. Are the JD Robb books not going to be offered in that fashion going forward?
That’s a decision for Macmillan Audio. I will check after the weekend. -Laura
Thanks Laura! I appreciate your checking on this.
Nancy
Macmillan is looking into this as the Whispersync function should be working. -Laura
Thanks Laura. It is fixed and I have purchased. I don’t know why the people at audible would/could do nothing more than tell me that not all books will be eligible for whispersync and would not look into anything. But since i have 51 of the In Death books on audible, I greatly appreciate your effort.
Regards.
Glad it’s working again! – Laura
This felt like a love letter to the City of New York. It’s people and places really dominated the story! Was it one Nora was working on during the Pandemic? The timing feels about right.
The slower pace and single victim also felt a bit like a throw-back to earlier books in the series. It was definitely a change in pace that offered a breather from the complex, fast-paced storylines we’ve gotten in the last few books.
I loved Passions in Death. It’s nice when Eve gets a variety of cases, some not so intense, so they can kick back some, and allow you to see more into the lives of the characters.
I came here specifically to check on what happened to Nadine. I notice that it has already been answered above (although it mentions Passions?)
I really like the book, the change in pace and the police procedural. Reminded me of “Salvation in Death”. I felt that was also solidly rooted in the process. And of course the snippets about how she likes being married. Fabulous.
Felt very sad for Shauna and Erin. On the cusp of so much happiness. I am trying to think if there was a victim I didn’t care for and I remember Dr. Anthony Strazza, Trey Ziegler, Larinda Mars etc But the subsequent victims I liked.
I will need to re-read the series to see if there is an entire book with victims I disliked ! LOL. I don’t think there is such a book !
Eagerly waiting for the November release and .. the days cannot pass fast enough for Bonded in Death.
I was bitterly disappointed in this book. I have read every other In Death book and loved them, but this one just seemed to regurgitate situations and dialogue from past books. I am so sick of Roarke putting his finger on the dent in Eve’s chin for example – the author puts this in every book and I am finding it tiring. I also wanted more of Peabody and Mavis in the story. I gave up on the book and just skipped to the end to see who the guilty party was Not sure I will read any future books in this series, perhaps just borrow them from the library.
Nora always says she knows that not every book works for every reader. Hope Bonded is a fun read for you in February. And we always support getting books from the library! -Laura
I really enjoyed Passions in Death.
The case was heartbreaking and, as Eve pointed out, mean. Getting to the bottom of it was an enjoyable ride that had me guessing throughout.
This series is the embodiment of “I love everyone in this bar” in terms of characters so even though not everyone showed up, I did love the glimpses of characters that did, like Crack and Ro. The variations make the world so rich and lived in.
I’ll note that I was really pleased with how compassionately and respectfully Donna was written.
Another enjoyable gift from the talented Nora Roberts! The change of pace in this one worked for me. While I enjoy the urgency to solve the case so aptly conveyed in many of the In Death novels, I can most usually figure out “who dun it” before the reveal. This one was frustrating, in a good way, as there weren’t really many clues in the first half of the book. I had to work for it this time, and changed my mind several times as to who the murderer would be. Well done!
As for the identity of the Candy Thief, my primary suspect is Feeney, with Eve’s squad as accessories. Although at various times I have considered the NYPD Maintenance Crew, Dr. Mira, Nadine and my sleeper candidate…The Dragon who guards Dr.
Mira’s office. Thank you so much for the hours of enjoyment your books have given me and my “tribe”! Looking forward to Bonded in February 2025.
Does anyone else sit back and think about when they are talking about food in the Post-Urbans era and think, Soy Coffee or Soy Dogs and think, I would die if there was no more real bean coffee available to the masses. As for Soy dogs, nope. I would love an autochef. Who actually stocks these. I want a food replicator for Star Trek. That would be heaven.
Oh I am on a In Death re-read zone and I came across this snippet in “Ceremony in Death”. “Don’t eat my candy bar.” – Eve to Peabody. So now I am convinced it has been Peabody all along !!!
Just finished reading it, after special requesting my library to order for me (they are really kind like that)… What can i say probably that this one was a more ‘relaxing’ kind of read than most other In Death books…. was a nice experience to be so gentle in a way… handy for going thru jetlag too 🙂
Now that its done, can barely wait for Bonded 😁
I missed writing here when it first came out. I too await each book and and love listening to every book. I LOVED how Ms. Roberts put in lots of treats for us to reminisce upon and to get some “catch up” info on other characters. I always read an “In Death” book for comfort when needed 🙂 Murder and comfort…sounds strange but I think it’s more about remembering “who done it?” and also be amongst characters you know and love. Thank you Ms. Roberts!!! One of the Best!!
I *need* to know more about the autochef. Is it a microwave, a fridge? A storage space for already prepared food? Do you stock it with ingredients and it cooks the food? But then why does Summerset cook? Does it store dishes inside it as well? How is it small enough to be in the car and at her office and still holds food and coffee. These are the answers I need.