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Our In Death Buddy Read moves on to Witness in Death in November. We invite everyone to join us on this journey, whether it's your first time reading this series or you're indulging in yet another reread. We welcome & encourage all to take part.

Synopsis:
When a celebrity is killed right before her eyes, New York detective Eve Dallas takes a new place in crime—as both officer and witness to murder....

Timeline:
Starting March 26, 2059

- Warning: Possible Spoilers



Character List:
Eve Dallas
Roarke
Ryan Feeney
Mavis Freestone
Nadine Furst
Ian McNab
Charlotte Mira
Delia Peabody
Laurence Summerset
Troy Trueheart
Jack Whitney
David Baxter
Galahad
Charles Monroe
Morris

Minor & Peripheral Characters - (Under Spoiler to save space)
(view spoiler)[Ralph Biden
Officer Clark
Richard Draco
Herbert Finestein
Maylou Jorgensen
Carly Landsdowne
Tomjohn Lewis
Lombowsky
Areena Mansfield
Marcina
Nurse Ormand
Michael Proctor
Linus Quim
Eliza Rothchild
Kenneth Stiles
Captain Stuart
Pauline Trueheart
Tricia Beets
Mayor Bianci
Natalie Brooks
Hanson
Detective Harrison
Judge Levinsky
Judge Nettles
Pete
Allyanne Preen
Rochinsky
Detective Zeno (hide spoiler)]

Are you about ready to begin?? Only 1 more day!

Starting my reread tomorrow, I think! :0

Starting now! It is currently 7.30am on 1st November here in Sydney:)

Phrynne wrote: "Starting now! It is currently 7.30am on 1st November here in Sydney:)"

You'll have a head start! lol I can never quite wrap my head around the time difference between here & there. I know what it is, but never think about it. :)

Don't worry. I can't either! It makes it very tricky when I join something like a Readathon with fixed dates:)

I loved the beginning of this book. And after the last few this wasn't as intense. As usual I'll start just before this becomes a spoiler zone.

Just came in from the library and will read it next.

I'm almost finished with my reread. I like the beginning of this one too, Michelle.

Open discussions in 3 days! :)

Feel free to discuss Witness in Death openly.


Share your thoughts on WID. What do you consider the Momentous Moments? What scenes stand out?

Most outstanding scene has to be when Eve tries to set up a beautiful dinner for Roarke and he misunderstands why she is doing it. For once he is wrong footed but he soon makes amends:)

I'm really struggling with this read thro . . .

Phrynne wrote: "Most outstanding scene has to be when Eve tries to set up a beautiful dinner for Roarke and he misunderstands why she is doing it. For once he is wrong footed but he soon makes amends:)"

My favorite scene in the book!

Michelle wrote: "I'm really struggling with this read thro . . ."

This book in particular? Or the series buddy read as a whole?

Phrynne wrote: "Most outstanding scene has to be when Eve tries to set up a beautiful dinner for Roarke and he misunderstands why she is doing it. For once he is wrong footed but he soon makes amends:)"

I agree! Great scene.

Eve is actually a witness to Richard Draco's murder - a different twist to what we've seen before. What did you think about this case? How soon did you figure out who the killer was?

Just listening to for it for the 2nd time to refresh myself.

Sandra ~ � Cross My Heart � wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I'm really struggling with this read thro . . ."

This book in particular? Or the series buddy read as a whole?"

Just this book in particular Sandra. Part of the problem I think is that it's not my favorite in the series. The other part is the case itself. I know why it was done. Draco was just a dispicable person.

Michelle wrote: "Sandra ~ � Cross My Heart � wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I'm really struggling with this read thro . . ."

This book in particular? Or the series buddy read as a whole?"

Just this book in particular S..."

I agree. Draco was scum. And yet Eve works just as hard as always to get him justice - even with a few parallels to her own background coming out.

True Sandra. I just finished the scene Eve tells her. that was a tough scene. I really felt sorry for Peab. Wonder who got Roarke home first. Peabodyor Summerset afterwards.

Why is Nadine so distraught over the murder of Richard Draco? What did you think about this turn of events?

I'm still in the early stages, so I hope it is ok if I just make a comment here....

Laughed myself silly when it was revealed that Ms. Mansfield had gone for drug treatment at the Keith Richards Center!!! I didn't catch this before , hilarious.

Now back to reading

All comments are welcome. Good observation!

That is a good one. I'd missed it myself.

Me, too! Love it.

Finished it a few minutes ago. The mystery is very good and I enjoyed the setting of Witness for the Prosecution, which was one of my father's absolute favorite movies and one I've seen many times.

The Agatha Christie vibe was another bonus although I did figure out the culprit pretty early on perhaps because the style is so Christie-like. This is definitely the first time in the series that the culprit was 100% justified in committing murder.

Phrynne wrote: "Most outstanding scene has to be when Eve tries to set up a beautiful dinner for Roarke and he misunderstands why she is doing it. For once he is wrong footed but he soon makes amends:)"

That was a great scene and it was entertaining seeing Roarke try to remove his foot from his mouth after misreading it, lol!

I also loved the scene with McNab asking for Roarke's advice about women. It's so sweet how he wants to have more than just a sexual relationship with Peabody.

Sandra ~ � Cross My Heart � wrote: "Eve is actually a witness to Richard Draco's murder - a different twist to what we've seen before. What did you think about this case? How soon did you figure out who the killer was?"

I actually suspected Michael Procter for a while because I thought he might be Draco's son. Once it is revealed that Carly is his daughter, I realized how evil Draco was and that the killer would have wanted to stab him in person, which meant it had to be Areena.

Sandra ~ � Cross My Heart � wrote: "Why is Nadine so distraught over the murder of Richard Draco? What did you think about this turn of events?"

While it showed some great insight into Nadine's character, it did not really contribute anything to the plot. Nadine was never really a suspect and Draco's character was appalling enough without this information.

Nadine also knew if she kept her relationship with Draco a secret from Eve, and Eve found out about it through her investigation of Draco. It would not have been pretty.

Eve would have hunted her down and thrown her into an interview room at Cop Central and Eve would not have been so nice as she was in the bar listening to Nadine's story.

Lauren wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Most outstanding scene has to be when Eve tries to set up a beautiful dinner for Roarke and he misunderstands why she is doing it. For once he is wrong footed but he soon makes amen..."

McNab seeking advice from Roarke is just priceless! I really love McNab - such a fun, unique, colorful character. And perfect for Peabody, imo.

Eve really pushes Carly hard in interview... Did she go too far?

Sandra ~ � Cross My Heart � wrote: "Eve really pushes Carly hard in interview... Did she go too far?"

It's the one part of the book that I had a tough time accepting. Yes, I think she went too far. She broke this woman, even when she knew it wasn't entirely necessary.

Sandra ~ � Cross My Heart � wrote: "Why is Nadine so distraught over the murder of Richard Draco? What did you think about this turn of events?"

This was the first time in the series I felt Nadine's vulnerability. While it didn't add much to the plot, it certainly added lots of insight into Nadine. It was also a test of Eve's relationship with her as she stretched a lot of boundaries in an effort to protect her reputation. It was a strong moment in the series.

I think Nadine was so distraught because she saw her interlude with him as a mistake from her past. He was an awful person and she evidently didn't see past his surface. He was probably an early lesson.

Sandra ~ � Cross My Heart � wrote: "Eve is actually a witness to Richard Draco's murder - a different twist to what we've seen before. What did you think about this case? How soon did you figure out who the killer was?"

I loved that Eve was a witness to the murder as it created even more drama (pardon the pun) to the story. I suspected the killer at the very beginning and soon talked myself out of it:)

Jonetta wrote: "Sandra ~ � Cross My Heart � wrote: "Why is Nadine so distraught over the murder of Richard Draco? What did you think about this turn of events?"

This was the first time in the series I felt Nadine..."

I felt the same way. It gives readers more of an inside look at Nadine...and shows that she is vulnerable...she has made mistakes and isn't always as polished as she comes off. I think it was huge for the story & series because as you said, Eve stretches boundaries a lot for Nadine. Also an indication of Eve's feelings for Nadine.

Jonetta wrote: "Sandra ~ � Cross My Heart � wrote: "Eve really pushes Carly hard in interview... Did she go too far?"

It's the one part of the book that I had a tough time accepting. Yes, I think she went too far..."

She truly was brutal. Every time I read it, I ask myself "Why?" Why push her so hard - to the point of completely breaking her? It wasn't necessary, imo.

I think that adding Nadine's was more that Draco preys not just on the weak but on the strong as well. Granted when Nadine thought she was in love with him she was younger, probably less tough and ripe for Draco. Don't forget he tried to get back with her. He had no concept of anything other but what needs of his needed to be filled. To me it just was a rounding out of who and what he was. That he had never really changed but had become that much more ...evil? narcissistic? Digesting

I also think this was to bring to the forefront that she is still in therapy for what Morse did. It was a cycle and she had come to some sort of breakthrough when Draco appears in her life again. And yes all of the above mentioned on this topic is also valid. Eve and Nadine's friendship , however baffling to Eve ,has grown and more and more she is having to juggle not just her case but personal interactions.

That scene with Roarke and Ian ( here I feel I have to call him by his first name) was just sweet. I really like that it the guy that's falling in love with the girl.

I must say this book had some stunning scenes it between our main and supporting characters. Summerset and Eve when she's trying to set up her romantic dinner! Wonder if he looked at what she had and tweaked it some.

Let's not forget that the candy thief was almost caught?!?!? Lol. Lots of reference to him in this book.

Sandra ~ � Cross My Heart � wrote: "She truly was brutal. Every time I read it, I ask myself "Why?" Why push her so hard - to the point of completely breaking her? It wasn't necessary, imo. ..."

I've read it three times and still finish with the same impression.

Sandra ~ � Cross My Heart � wrote: "Eve really pushes Carly hard in interview... Did she go too far?"

I understood her reasoning (as an actress Carly is skilled at faking her responses), but it was definitely excessive. She pushed it harder and further than necessary to attain her goals. It also had immediate repercussions though.

Karen wrote: "Laughed myself silly when it was revealed that Ms. Mansfield had gone for drug treatment at the Keith Richards Center!!!"

OMG, I laughed out loud at this! SO FUNNY!!!

I really loved the opening of this book. It was the perfect set up to reintroduce Eve & Roarke. I love that Eve is so focused on the play and figuring out the killer and the motives, and I love that Roarke enjoys watching her watching the play. This scene perfectly sets up both their characters.

More so than the dinner itself, I really enjoyed the scene where Eve is trying to arrange it all by herself. She's so overwhelmed by the choices of place settings! I laughed out loud again when Summerset came in and tried to help, but Eve told him to go slither out under the door - bah ha ha! I love the banter between these two!

I really like Charles Monroe so I was glad to see him again in this book. I hate that he's a tragic character because he’s a nice guy who’s looking for meaningful love and friendship but can't find it due to his profession. I wish Eve wasn’t so mean to him. But they finally admitted that they like each other, so I hope this means that in the future Lieutenant Sugar won't take digs at him.

Monroe: “She’s a friend. It just happened that way. I don’t have many friends who aren’t clients or in the business.�

Eve: “Watch yourself. They start to multiply when you’re not paying attention. It complicates your whole damn life.�

I see from the comments that some people weren't crazy about this book/story/plot, but I thought it was one of the better ones. For some reason the previous book, Loyalty in Death, was "off" for me, but this book was back "on" and charging full steam ahead. Good character development in this one for Eve, Peabody & McNab, and Nadine.


Well my friends, I finally caught up to the buddy reads but I'm going to have to leave you behind and sally forth through the rest of the series. This is my first time through and I have the insatiable need to devour them. There's just no way I can read one book a month with these juicy characters. ;)

Belles, most of us devoured this series...the first time! So, we completely understand. The buddy read for many is not the first read so you go and enjoy your first foray. We will join in when you post your comments in the older threads. Aren't you so glad to be able to share with so many others who love this series?

I, too, wasn't a big fan of Loyalty, also struggling to define what why. This book had so much to sink into and is one I enjoyed, most remarkably because of that whole dinner scene, starting from Eve's pitiful attempts to plan it. It continues to be a standout for me.

I watched the movie this book is based on before reading this story so I was delighted at the connection.

Belles wrote: "I really loved the opening of this book. It was the perfect set up to reintroduce Eve & Roarke. I love that Eve is so focused on the play and figuring out the killer and the motives, and I love tha..."

Can't blame you for charging ahead with the series, Belles! I did the same thing the first time. The last time we went through the books, we did 2 a month - but it proved to be too much for some in addition to all the other books read each month, so we slowed it down to 1 a month this time through.

Love hearing your thoughts. You're spot on with the way I feel about these scenes. I love the banter between Summerset & Eve (think you'll really enjoy it as the series continues) and I also enjoyed Charles - I think you'll like seeing him in future books too.

I envy you Belles. Reading this for the first time. And know we understand that you're leaving us in the dust. I remember thinking " do I really have to wait till the next one? I want it now!!!!

I don't mind the one a month speed...until it comes to the short stories which I don't think they all necessarily need their own month for.

I attempted to let the group catch up to where I am, but when it'll take at least a year to get to where I am in the series, I decided to just read the threads and read the books at my own speed.

Myst wrote: "I don't mind the one a month speed...until it comes to the short stories which I don't think they all necessarily need their own month for.

I attempted to let the group catch up to where I am, but..."

That's good, Myst. Whatever works for you is great. I think all of us wanted to rush through reading as fast as we could the first time through. I know I did! lol

Totally understand the desire to read ahead considering how many books there are in the series. Personally, I'm happy with the one per month even though this is my first time reading the series and I don't mind the idea that it will take me three + years to get through it. Something to look forward to every month :0)

Lauren wrote: "Totally understand the desire to read ahead considering how many books there are in the series. Personally, I'm happy with the one per month even though this is my first time reading the series and..."

I try to read 1 book per month from each series on my tbr just so I'm not wearing myself out on 1 series or author. It doesn't always work though as other people take forever to return books sometimes. Or the library doesn't get the new release in a timely fashion. I had 4 new releases on Nov 1, and I've *yet* to get any from the library as mine didn't get them, so I had to ask a friend and I get to wait through the hold list. My library usually gets everything by 3/4 of those authors too for double irritation.