Where to Start with Nora Roberts - Suspense & Mystery Edition

Overwhelmed by where to start with Nora Roberts/JD Robb? You're not the only one. Homegirl has written a lot of books. These are my suggestions on where you should start with her standalone suspense/thrillers and mysteries.
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Books Mentioned:
THE OBSESSION
WHISKEY BEACH
TRIBUTE
NAKED IN DEATH
THE SEARCH
THE WITNESS
BLUE SMOKE
SHELTER IN PLACE
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Goodreads: goodreads.com/bookslikewhoa
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I also review on Read Bliss: / channel
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You can find me here, or elsewhere on social media at @bookslikewhoa.
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Disclaimers: Unless specifically noted by me in this video, title, or description, this video is not sponsored and I have not been compensated for its creation or publication. If I receive any form of compensation, or if I am provided with any books or goods discussed in this video for promotional consideration, I will disclose that in the video or description.
Any video on my channel is reflective solely of my opinion and is for entertainment purposes only. Any copyrighted materials or excerpts are for "fair use" for such purposes as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. (Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976)

[@MissRyanAngel]

I so appreciate this approach to commercial fiction. I think there is still such a weird (disdain) separation between reading “good” books vs reading for dun. I don’t think a love for books should be elitist in any way and i so enjoy your breakdown here and in other videos. Reading is a joy and I hope peoole are never ashamed of loving what they love.

[@Jeannified]

You are spot on about Nora Robert. She is such a massive talent…solid writing and a worker. She really puts the work into her writing. Thank you for this great video!

[@jessicakoster2543]

I don't even remember my first Nora Roberts book. When I was a teenager I would buy boxes of pocket novels and there would always be a few Nora Roberts in them. After a while I realised I liked her the best and dropped the rest. What I like about Nora Roberts is her abilit to make what she writes about come to life. I want to meet these people, visit the towns and see the houses that were renovated. What I find astounding is not only the quantity but the quality. She's never lazy in her research. I know she probably has someone collecting the data, but she has to go through it, understand it and incorporate it.

[@cara423]

Nora Roberts was my first romance author/books besides the early teenage YA books. I started my first Nora at 14-15 and then now i'm 21 and still deeply in love with her books!

[@stephenwolfe8332]

I started with the Three Sisters Trilogy then went to the Key Trilogy. After that i was lost in Carolina Moon. I could go on and on.

[@nesa8115]

I absolutely love Nora Roberts. I have only read about five of her books so far but every time I go to buy books I find myself only searching for her books.

[@evansquilt]

Loyaty in Death. Just terrific.

[@kalliebauck3736]

I have loved Nora Roberts, and she’s been a favourite author, since I read The Reef and Montana Sky as a teenager. I agree, The Obsession is really good. I have a few of these books you’ve recommended, but haven’t read them yet. I also would recommend Birthright. It’s fantastic and also has some of these recurring themes you’ve discussed.

[@audrak.7066]

I’ve been wanting to read some Nora Roberts books, but didn’t know where to start...thank you so much for making this video!!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Yay!! You're welcome- that's exactly why I wanted to make this... to spread my obsession ;)

[@virgilflowers9846]

I’m pretty new to Nora Roberts, my first was Northern Lights and I really liked it, in fact it’s still probably my favorite, partially because of the Alaska setting admittedly. What I really like about her are her settings-she really puts a little extra into her settings. Her books are almost like part travelogue, it’s really nice from time to time. I’ve been trying to decide between Whiskey Beach and Black Falls for my next one, so thanks for helping me with this dilemma, lol.

[@jenidowney2347]

I started the In Death series when I was in middle school. Always loved reading and my sister gave me Naked in Death, I've followed Roberts ever since. I am 32 now. Ha ha. Thanks for the reviews and thoughts.

[@rebeccag.4263]

I have also gone back to reading Nora Roberts after a long time and couldn’t couldn’t place why I have been liking them so much until you articulated that there is a clarity to her writing. That clarity makes her books very easy to read without sacrificing content. When I am very stressed I find that her books are engrossing and relaxing.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Yes, exactly! You can just get sucked in because of that window pan prose + compelling characters

[@christine2931]

I started with The Cousins O'Dwyer series.... I am a big Fantasy/Magic lover... so like the whole opposite of this... lol.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Haha, the good news is she has something for everyone!

[@leonief8066]

I must have re-read Whiskey Beach and The Obsession and 5 time each. Perfect comfort reading.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Agreed!!

[@lilys120]

I just read Shelter in Place as my first book of hers and just such a great book I would definitely recommend I just love it so much 🥰

[@momofsparky8205]

How have I never seen a video from you before? I’ve read a lot of Nora Roberts over the years and I love videos like this for the authors who have a plethora of books in multiple genres. Thanks for sharing, so glad I found you.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Welcome! Glad to have you :)

[@AikiraBeats]

For my first Nora roberts book was shelter in place and I feel it's a good book to start in to her. It's about a mall shooting and it's in three parts she breaks down every character throughout the book and how it affected them. Someone from the mall shooting decides to kill the rest of the survivors and it's a really good book to start with

[@lilys120]

Just finished reading that book a few days ago and I am in LOVE. Such a great book

[@TundraBlue11]

Great video! I’ve been a Nora Roberts reader for over 25 years, and rarely have I encountered a book I didn’t thoroughly enjoy. I adore The Obsession and Witness, and had similar issues regarding The Search (mostly reread that for the gorgeous pooches). Another great book is Birthright. Has a great family drama plot, plus murder and mystery set on an archaeological dig. Then there’s Black Hills. A great story set in an exotic animal wildlife rescue centre. Anyway, I could chat all day about Nora Roberts, and I won’t even mention JD Robb or I’ll be here for a week, so I’ll leave you here.

[@bookslikewhoa]

I liked Black Hills pretty well- especially the setting! Birthright is getting some love here in the comments, so I'm bumping it up in my backlist reading list :)

[@Jaimeheartbeat]

I have reread all of these as well.

[@lifefullofwords]

My favorite romantic suspense novel by La Nora is Montana Sky. I don’t think it’s necessarily a great entry point though because it has a lot of romance. It also came out in the 90s but like most of her older books it has held up well. I do think it would be perfect for someone who likes Roberts’ contemporaries and wants to get into her romantic suspense. I also love the In Death series. I’m rereading it right now. Can’t wait to get to the books I haven’t read!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Haven't gotten to Montana Sky, but good to know it holds up OK! I'm finding I'm about 50/50 on her pre-2000 books

[@ConstantlyRead]

I just picked up my first Nora Robert's book The Obsession. I cannot put it down.I cannot wait to read more. Thank you for the recommendations.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Yay!! Glad you are enjoying

[@leegoulter514]

I first started reading Nora Roberts with her Eve Dallas books. I have read all of them to date, and all but the last two at least twice. The only reason I haven't read the last two more than once is that they're so recent. You're very definitely on target about the character growth in these novels. I've grown to really love the cast, and it's great to see how Robb has increased the roles of some of the minor characters as the series progresses. I also love listening to this series on audio. It's the same narrator throughout, Susan Ericksen, and she seems to get everything just right! Unlike you, I prefer Roberts' paranormal books to her contemporaries, which seem to have gotten progressively darker and more violent. I liked, but didn't love, Obsession, Whiskey Beach and Search. I really enjoyed Witness. I just finished the second book in her new post apocalyptic series. I really enjoyed the first one, Year One: Chronicles of the One, but the second book, Of Blood and Bone, didn't quite hit the mark for me. I'll continue the series, but will probably borrow from the library first. These also definitely have a paranormal bent, but the post-apocalyptic aspect might appeal to those who enjoy that genre. Thanks for the video. It's nice see Roberts/Robb getting some love.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Yeah, I'm hoping that the YEAR ONE series can thread the needle between what I like in her mysteries vs. what I don't like so much in her paranormal ones-- we shall see! Glad to see another lover of La Nora out there

[@debralavoie9095]

I loved Obsession! I'm also waded through the wonderful In Death series. Great video!

[@Imaginetheday1967]

I started reading Nora Roberts back in her Silhouette days, but stopped about 10 years ago. You've got me picking her up again. I used to read her contemporaries, but am now headed more in the direction of her mystery/suspense. I'm reading the In Death series again (I'm on book 4, so I have a ways to go!) and have The Witness and The Obsession on my shelves. :)

[@bookslikewhoa]

Yay!! It'll be interested to see how you like her more recent stuff-- I think she's done a good job keeping up with the times in terms of sensibilities in her books

[@tippytoe1250]

I’ve been reading Nora Roberts for decades. Since I was in High School. More like 2 decades ago😆 I find her books entertaining. But I haven’t read the new stuff yet.

[@zachwoodward7333]

I actually started with midnight bayou and from there read cousins O'Dwyer. Good stuff.

[@bookslikewhoa]

I've not even hit those yet! So many books :)

[@yangdrops]

i just randomly came across Montana Sky one day in the library last year while trying to distance myself from the YA section. I’ve since read two more of her books (The Reef and recently Midnight Bayou). I’m amazed because Midnight Sky is one of the most memorable and enticing books I’ve read and I’ve seen most people not even list it in their top ten favorite books by her! Thanks for this video, I can’t wait to read more!

[@thegreenwoodhub1279]

I’m looking forward to more Nora Roberts reviews from you! Following!

[@Violette7475]

Great video! I love in death series! I have read all the avalaible book series a bunch of time now. I am looking for new books to read so I am going to try the other one. Thanks for the suggestions!

[@jasminnat]

Thank you for making this video. 👍😃 I love The Witness and Whiskey Beach.

[@Day-tm2pb]

Birthright, the Chesapeake bay quartet, the witness, the river, end home port, the search, the dahlia trilogy, the Ireland trilogies, etc etc. so many of her books are just fun to read.

[@theresaramey7086]

The obsession is one of my favorites along with whiskey beach but two of my earlier favorites were Angel falls and Northern lights.

[@katherinemarion631]

Definitely agree with the 2 earlier favorites, especially Northern Lights.

[@buffymarielogue7827]

Midnight Bayou (oh a must read in your spare time 😉) was my first NR book years ago and have just began the In Death series ... due to your recommendation! Loving it so far!

[@lindadeebaker8154]

Thanks very much: this was exactly what I needed!

[@freedombeckoing]

Thank you so much for your excellent video.. I found your suggestion list very very helpful. love your lipstick too :-)

[@Warden_Papa]

i recommend the dragon heart legacy series trilogy by Nora Roberts! it's full of action mystery and adventure. its deals with fairies an Magick

[@christopherbagley300]

Asa fan of both science fiction, and crime-detective thrillers, the "In Death" series is a great discovery - I can recommend every one in this series. I love too how Eve and Rourke reparent one another in overcoming abusive childhoods.

[@theresac9099]

I just picked up Blue Smoke today @ the thrift store, it will be my first NR read.

[@heathersbooks816]

I read my first Nora Roberts books last year, which were the first two books in the Chronicles of the One series. I really loved them, so I bought a couple of her mysteries that I haven’t read yet. Thanks for the recommendations! I’ll definitely start with The Obsession. 😊

[@bookslikewhoa]

I'm so glad you've enjoyed her so far-- YEAR ONE is on my TBR this year, so I'm hoping I enjoy it too :)

[@inksplat]

The In Death series is my FAVORITE! It’s so different from what you consider “Nora Roberts” to be, but I love it so much. I haven’t read many of the newer stand-alone books yet, but have many on my TBR!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Enjoy your deep dive into that whole world of fun! :)

[@kaylacurrently]

I had read some Nora Roberts in the past as a teenager, but a video on the Read Bliss inspired me to try The Obsession. It blew me away! I thought it was interesting how she shifted so well into the romance part of the book that I forgot what type of book I was reading. There would be these small things that would bring the 1st half into play and I thought that lined up so well with the main characters perspective on how she was handling her experience. It’s a bit difficult to type without spoilers lol Now for 2021 I may go down the Nora Roberts rabbit hole.

[@MsNonaElShanona]

I've read the library at mount char because of you, thank you😍, I added you just recently and your becoming my favorite ♥️

[@bookslikewhoa]

Yay! So glad you liked it!

[@localboogeyman]

Thank you for the video! Nora Roberts has always been one of those authors that I've been curious about, but have been intimidated by because of the sheer amount of them. I might give her a shot!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Yay, I hope you enjoy one of her books -- there are so many that it can be intimidating to shift through them all

[@blackcatseye22]

I’ll have to pick up some of these.

[@cjar8989]

Just started a new to me cozy mystery called crime with the classics. The first book is called Arsenic with Austen

[@mollyolly10]

Other good ones are The Liar and Black Hills ❤️❤️ but yes this list is spot on!

[@2341vivian]

Great video thanks so much!!

[@harisa-esquiredtoread7367]

I'm here after your announcement that you are reading her blacklist hahah, I just bought the obsession on audio bc its $5 right now

[@nicolelee8331]

I love this kind of videos, please keep doing them!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Noted!!

[@franciscaneumann1803]

Thank you so much!

[@lynwebster]

Thanks for this! I've read all the In Death books to date and two of Nora Roberts' contemporaries. I didn't love the contemporaries, not bad, just not really a genre I love. But I didn't even know she had written other crime novels. And my library has The Obsession, so it's on the list now.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Hope you enjoy! Yeah, they are solid suspense type books, and very crack-alicious (at least for me:))

[@vallik4337]

The witness is my favorite 👌

[@mias2685]

I personally love Nora Roberts because of the predictability! For some reason I find them really relaxing, although the male characters are very cheesy and don't get me started with the house reno scenes! I struggle to sleep and listen to audiobooks so need a slow burn book to help me fall asleep! My favourites by far are Shelter in place and Dance upon the Air. I really enjoyed them.

[@gicsome7997]

Dance upon the air is my all time favourite!

[@mariahray4666]

Spot on

[@sheilaparsley1562]

Just finished the obsession wow great book

[@lunallena244]

Wow, this is actually the first video I've found about Nora Roberts books and for me is real pleasure to watch it all. She is one of the first romance autors I read in the beginning of my journey in the book world. Very productive autor. I think that her suspence and mystery books are her best. Her romance series are also good but they can't be compared. In the mystery and suspence books Roberts really can play with feelins, situations and human's low passions and vices. My favourite titles include Sanctuary (our first meeting), Public secrets and Sweet revenge (where I really appriciate the way she treats violence and sexual abuse),Divine evil (amazing ending) and Honest illusions. I am fan of the stories where she shows the entire life of the heroes from childhood to adult. Homeport, The villa, Carnal innocence,Black hills, High noon and Genuine lies are another recommendations from me, but I don't think I will read them again. On the other side compered to the other titles which I have already mentioned I still come back to them sometimes to refresh some details. Thank you relly for this video! Is there a video about Sandra Brown's book? I will be interested. Greats :)

[@WomanVsBooks]

Hiya, thanks for this video, have been wondering where to start with her ☺

[@bookslikewhoa]

Glad to help!!

[@jenniferpaschall7278]

The Obsession 💕 one of my favorite NR. I hope she doesnt stray from romance too far and for too long...shes one of the best at it.

[@bookslikewhoa]

We'll see how her writing progresses! I'd rather her minimize those elements if her heart's not in it, but I will read whatever she writes tbh :D

[@kimberlymaxwell3114]

Love your channel.

[@saraspangler890]

I feel like I should read her because she lives close to me, so thanks for the insight. I think I’ll start with the Obsession.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Hope you enjoy!!

[@andeeheartsbooks7447]

I am not a romance reader but read Year One and the rest of that series and decided to try The Obsession by her (which was a 5 star read, one of only 13/127 books read this year!) So checking out your videos for other I may like...not too romancy! How are you coming on your challenge?

[@sharonforbes162]

Nora Roberts has been my favorite author for many years now. As you mentioned, she's written in several different genres and I have read through all of them except the JD Robb books! Don't ask me why I haven't gotten around to those yet, and I DO own several of those books, just so many other great books out there as well. I agree with your choices here, I've read all of those you mentioned, and they are great, solid mystery reads. I have a question for you, though: have you read the dystopian style series she's started about a year or so ago? The first book is called Year One. I read it, even though I'm not a big fan of dystopian novels, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. Nora has this way of drawing me jn with either the character's or the subject matter, and in this one, it was both actually. I haven't read the second book yet, but I would love to one day soon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and recommendations on some of her books, very interesting! 😊💖📚

[@bookslikewhoa]

I have started but not finished Year One... mostly I just got distracted from it, so not a reflection on quality :). It's on my TBR this year!

[@Day-tm2pb]

Also The Fates. Great books

[@Cinia18]

In death series is great to start with !

[@aphroditereads]

thank you SO MUCH for this !! i'm an avid thrifter so I always see her on the shelves but i've never known where to start do you have thoughts on year one?

[@bookslikewhoa]

Glad this helped!! I haven't read YEAR ONE yet, but it's on my TBR for the year, so stay tuned :)

[@theresac9099]

Another thrifter here and have never read Nora Roberts before, but I'll be on the lookout for these now - thank you so much!

[@MacSusi10]

My favourites from her are Northern Lights, The Villa and The Witness. I read Whiskey Beach last year but unfortunately, I didn't like it. The heroine was too perky and annoyed me to no ends. I also read The Liar and liked the story and character development a lot more. I'll definitely try The Obsession next because the plot sounds really exciting.

[@bookslikewhoa]

The Villa is the next up in queue for me with her standalones, so I'm glad to hear it's a good one!

[@justdeb6091]

Mara, I’m wondering if you’ve read any of Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series. They’re set in a small village in Quebec and I love how the characters are just as important as the plots.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Not yet, but it is on my list! :)

[@rachanau5174]

I would love to know what you think of mary higgins clark's books

[@bookslikewhoa]

I haven't read her since I was a teenager... she was one of the few secular authors that my school didn't have a problem with for whatever reason. I think my fav was PRETEND YOU DON'T SEE HER

[@MellyWilliams]

Tribute is probably my favourite book from her. The Bride Quartet comes close

[@Robbieleecats]

Love Nora Roberts! I think I’ve read everything she’s published except maybe a handful of books. I started about 15 years ago with her MacGregor series which are straight up romance. I have only had a few I didn’t care all that much for. Someone mentioned Birthright and I agree it’s pretty good. I struggled with Witness but I’m not exactly sure why it just wasn’t one I connected with. The J. D. Robb books have to be my favorite. I love the characters probably more than anything.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Yes, the characters in the In Death series are what make those books special I think

[@jacquelineboyster5607]

My two favourite are Birthright and The Villa. I haven’t come across a book of hers that has really held up to those two...even though I like all her books so far. I definitely intend to dive into the In Death series soon. Great video!

[@bookslikewhoa]

The Villa is up next for me, so I'm glad to hear it's a good one!!

[@jenniferjanezic8716]

I’ve never read any Nora Roberts. I now have some titles to look for at the library. Thanks for this wonderful video!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Yay, glad this was helpful!!

[@jennifergonzalez4975]

Hi, just one question. On the ending of the obsession, when mason leaves while her uncles are prepping food, where does he go? To visit his dad ? Im sorry, im unclear about this

[@MuzakFavo]

I really do NOT want to start with Nora Roberts BEST book (and subsequently be slightly disappointed with the rest of her writing). Therefore this was a very informative guide, as I can simply start further down on your list instead and save the best one(s) for later. Thank you! - And don't get me wrong, I got very curious about NR (I'll just jump past the sex crime descriptions and the renovation scenes that you say are recurring themes, the rest seems really worthwhile to get into.) Thanks again.

[@burculuks]

Noice! You are the first KZbinr I've seen who isn't sneering at romance. I used to be a Noraholic but then in one of the books from the Bride series I believe the hero says something along the lines of "soccer" is girly and not as great as 'Murican football. And that pissed me of for 3 reasons: 1. That she called it "soccer" 2. That football isn't as skilful a sport as American football: objectively not true 3. That football is something girls play: not true and even if it were what would be wrong with that? That pissed me of so much I never read anything by her again, lol.

[@MandaFandaa]

Big d energy 😂😂😂 Just curious why she sticks with this renovation type theme... maybe she likes renovations in RL.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Haha, I think she must!

[@rosemaryfeeney4625]

I think I read somewhere her husband is a contractor.

[@jujulevie4057]

Birthright?!

[@katiefarewell]

Content warning: the Obsession and Come Sundown contain scenes of sexual assault