It’s finally February 4th, and DO OR DIE, the first book in my new “Reluctant Heroes” series is available.
In fact, it downloaded into your e-reader last night, and, being a speed-reader, you’re already on your second time through. Right? Right? Some of you are nodding now and saying, “Yes, that’s right.”
But far more likely, you’re reading this on February 8th or 9th or 10th or 20th, after you’ve finished all 558 pages of this giant murder-weapon of a book.
If you’ve stumbled onto this page WITHOUT having read DO OR DIE, this is your second and final warning. There are spoilers here. Click on this page and scroll down to the comments section at your own risk!
This discussion page is for you to post questions and discuss DO OR DIE both with me and with other readers. FYI, I’m heading out on the road for a book tour for most of the month of February, but I’ll try to drop in from time to time, to answer your questions cryptically and torment you by not telling you very much at all about the upcoming sequels. Feel free to talk amongst yourselves and speculate wildly. And please keep in mind that this website is my virtual living room.
Oh, and one last thing? Bookmark this page so you can find it easily. I’m going to be posting many other new pages with info about my upcoming book tour events, and this discussion page won’t sit at the top of my blog for very long. Here’s the URL: https://suzannebrockmann.com/dod-reader-discussion/ (Added: But oh! Look! I managed to put a link to this “Reader Discussion Page” on the “Upcoming” menu over to the left. See it? Yay! Go, me!)
Hugs,
Suz
Okay, let’s get this discussion started with me asking YOU a question. Casting Call: Who do YOU see playing Ian Dunn and Phoebe Kruger in your personal dream-version of the movie of DO OR DIE? 🙂
Dear Suzanne,
first off I would like to say that I’ve read every book from the TS series and the Tall Dark and Dangerous series too. I loved ALL of them to pieces and got a friend to read them too, first book and she is already hooked (yay!)
I’ve read through the comments right after I did a happy dance because I discovered that there is a spin off to the TS Series and you were asking about a casting call. Is that for real? IS there going to be a movie or is it just a “what if” kind of question? Because if there is a movie, I dont really care about the actors, I will be the first person in the cinema here in germany, you can bet on that one!!
I will go on with re-reading Flashpoint (loved that one) and then hop right on to reading DO or DIE! I cant wait!!!
I see either The Rock or Vin Diesel because you kept talking about how built he is, with that naughty smile… For Phoebe, I like Jennifer Lawrence, she’d kick butt at it 🙂
Autumn, I’d be good with Jennifer Lawrence playing any of my heroines, ever since I first watched WINTER’S BONE!
Good choices!
I’ve got a question of my own: How far into the book were you when you “got it” about Shelly and Aaron? I love the way Suz kept us in the dark, for a while, on that. And I really love Shelly and Aaron, too, don’t you? Are they real, or are they real? Can’t wait to read about them in her next book! (Write faster, Suz!)
Hi, Mom! 🙂
Thanks for having an AWESOME daughter Lee! I got a clue about the sexual orientation of Aaron and Shelly when Ian told Phoebe that Shelly was Aaron’s spouse. I have friends who call themselves ‘spouses’ rather than partners or husband or wife. It was really well done.
I think I knew right away when they were doing the first mission… something about the sister/ sister in law thing seemed like it was written more vaguely than Suz usually writes when introducing new characters, so I figured something had to be up, and I would have guessed female, female except Aaron was double a, so it had to be masculine. And because Francine and Pauline had -ine I was trying to figure out the long form of Shelly and nothing made sense with -ine, so it couldn’t be a girl… lol!! Yes, I way overthink names, but families that form a pattern stick with it 🙂
And Suz, no matter what your adorable mom says, it’s ok to take a breath and enjoy a few minutes before you give us Martell and ????’s story 😉 It has to take a lot of energy to write someone as funny as him, it’s like being a stand up comic!! Ok, deep breath over, write faster please 😉
Autumn, you are very perceptive!
I actually wrote the prologue AFTER I finished the first draft of the book. And I found myself back on the Shelly-tightrope in terms of pronouns, and descriptors. Hmmm. How to inform the reader without revealing too much…?
And yes, to the whole Pauline/Francine thing. I agree, families that have patterns in children’s names usually don’t stray from that. (Although Pauline/Francine were both from their mom’s first marriage, and Sheldon was from her marriage to Davio, so Shelly could’ve been short for Michelle.)
One of the hardest things about this book was the Sheldon/Francine family tree, and I tried (desperately!) to make the relationships clear. (I didn’t want there to be any ick with the Francine/Berto relationship. They were, technically, step-siblings, but they didn’t grow up together, and they’re not related by blood. I think I always marveled at the Brady Bunch — you can’t just tell boys and girls that now, boom, they’re brothers and sisters. Attraction doesn’t work that way!!!)
Family can be very complicated in the realistic world of divorce and second (and third) marriages!
It was useful that Phoebe was a “fish out of water” character. Like the reader, she didn’t understand the relationships, and needed explanations and reminders. I was able to let her ask the questions that the readers might be asking to help explain. 🙂
Clever how Suz does these things, isn’t she? (Proud Mom here!)
I didn’t get it until I was smacked upside the head with it…. *sigh* should’ve seen it sooner!! In my defense though I was just so excited to start reading I didn’t notice that the prologue was written to be such as it was.
A question first…was I the ONLY ONE who received my autographed book on Friday the 31st? I didn’t want to post that ANYWHERE since I don’t know what kind of ‘trouble’ you’d get in for my book arriving so early…I certainly appreciate that! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! I’ve finished it…and…WOW…I need to take it in. Fantastic story and with the twists and turns….just WOW. I love Aaron and Sheldon. I’m not a movie goer…so I’m not up to date on actors and actresses so I really don’t have an opinion about who would be the best Ian and Phoebe. I. Can. Not. Wait. to see where this series goes. Another great read Suz! Thanks
Thanks, Perrin! No, that was our having to shift our schedule. We usually send many, many of the books on the Saturday morning before the release date — it makes it possible for most books to show up on the actual Tuesday release date. But a friend’s memorial service was being held on Saturday morning, and I made the command decision to send out the books earlier (rather than later) so Ed and I could attend. I figured Ballantine wouldn’t mind, and I was pretty certain you-the-readers would be okay with an early delivery, too!
Win/win. And my friend, Doug, who was a long-time reader, would’ve approved, too! His service was lovely — it was so wonderful to celebrate his life with his husband, his family and his friends!
I see Evangeline Lily playing Phoebe Kruger. She was in my head when I was reading the story.
I’m a fan from LOST. She’s just so freaking watchable, isn’t she? But a little too tiny for my personal vision of Phoebe. She could totally play Tess (from FLASHPOINT), though.
I always had a tough time creating an image of Tess. I’ll try that one on. Is Evangeline short? It’s always tough to tell on TV.
I gotta admit, while I caught that “spouse” reference, it didn’t occur to me that Shelly was a man until it was revealed. Then all those clues came crashing around my head:)
Interesting how societal assumptions are hammered home to us, huh? 🙂
I was playing fancy footwork with the pronouns right up to the moment that Phoebe sees Shelly on the surveillance camera. Artful dancing a la Fred Astaire. LOL!
I was smirking at your cleverness when I figured it out but really annoyed with myself for trying to box Shelly in as a woman. I was creating the character list on Shelfari and wrote he was “married to Aaron” but also “Rory’s mother.” Sometimes you just get stuck in paradigms:) Kudos to you for this little subterfuge!
Like an excited child on Christmas Eve, I waited up until midnight hoping for delivery of my E-Book on February 4. Like a child tearing into gifts left by Santa, Suz in this case, I tore into this book and read all night! What a fantastic book! Thank you for the pure enjoyment being able to devour another of your stories.
I’m ashamed to say that I had my doubts I could love any characters as much as Sam, Jules, Izzy and all the other Troubleshooters but how wrong I was. I can’t wait to read more from the Reluctant Heroes series! When is the next book coming out Suz? To soon to ask….? I agree with your mom though, “Write faster!”
In answer to your previous question, my casting call for Ian Dunn would be Tom Hardy (sigh) and Emma Stone for Phoebe Kruger.
Next book: ALL OR NOTHING, is Martell’s book, and comes out next February. (Tentatively.)
I love Emma Stone almost as much as I love Jennifer Lawrence. Easy A was so much fun. (Stanley Tucci, too…) So that works.
Tom Hardy…? Why don’t I know his name? Details, please!
Whee!! Can’t wait, but I guess I’ll have to:)
Tom Hardy played the villain, Bane, in The Dark Knight Rises. He was in This Means War with Reese Witherspoon but his best was a movie called Warrior where he played a boxer. Dark and brooding, soulful eyes and those lips…. Check him out!
Now here is my question- Does Martell end up with Deb or Francine?? I think Suz did a really great job writing it so that I could see it going either way!!
Hmmm. This is a good question… 🙂
Can we vote on that?? 🙂
But I’m not even sure which one I would pick, I want to know them both so much better (but we can’t put them thru a 7 book story arc like Suz usually likes to)…
It took me longer than usual to read it, I downloaded it yesterday at 4AM and didn’t finish it until an hour ago. What I liked is the pedophile being horrified by homosexuality and the homosexual couple being horrified by the pedophile. Just as some of the people I worked with didn’t understand there is a difference, Putin in Russia doesn’t! What cave have these homosexuals are pedophiles people been living in?
One in which there is no such thing as science or facts, I’m afraid.
I’m glad you enjoyed the book!
When is the next book going to be released?????
Loved the book and I look forward to Martell’s story. However, I must admit that I continued to reach for more tibits about the “troubleshooter s” characters throughout the book.. I miss them! Retreads aren’t helping.
Loved the book and I can hardly wait for more information on Deb.
That was a wicked fun ride, Suzanne!! Loved every minute of it 🙂
I went audio book this time because I’ve never heard the Patrick/Melanie combo so the book took longer than if I’d had a hard copy to read way into the wee hours of the morning 🙂 Currently my fav ‘voice’ in Martell. I really must listen to Patrick doing Izzy. My question is does Phoebe put her glasses down twice in the flowery room with Ian? I would have a better idea if I was reading it but I ‘thought’ I heard she put her glasses on the bedside table then saw the shadow that was Ian. Then she takes them off again before they get more ‘busy’!
I’d go with any actors you choose, Suz, and no I never thought one way or another about Shelly’s gender until Phoebe saw him but I didn’t feel surprised either so maybe subconsciously?
My guess for Martell is Deb. No reason, just my gut feeling. Can’t wait to find out if I’m right or wrong. Feb 2015 is soooo far away! I also hope that ol’ Berto redeems himself more, possibly by working undercover for the FBI and finally wins Francine back. Can you tell that when I invest in a story, I invest long term? 😉
Loved it!! My virtually signed book came just in time for me to read this weekend :-). I really loved that it tied into the TS world, I think it made the story new and familiar at the same time :-). As for the characters- Ian I would have to say either Hugh Jackman (although he may be a little short for the role), Christian Bale or Kellan Lutz and as for Phobe (honestly Allysa Milano keeps coming to mind, but I think that’s because her character on Charmed was Phobe 😉 how about Natalie Portman?
Another wonderful story from you, Suz! The characters are almost always people you’d love to have as friends and the conversations are ones you have (or would like to have) with those friends. Your way with dialogue and description is the best…I usually laugh and cry, and smile my way through your books. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your talent.
AND, I found a lovely little surprise in my stocking this Christmas…my very own copy of “The Perfect Wedding” DVD! Yay! Now I need to tote it around so I can get autographs if I ever run across any of the actors, writers, crew, etc…;->
And how about Ryan Reynolds and Jennifer Lawrence for Ian & Phoebe? The bulked up Ryan from that vampire hunter movie…Ian is muscular and tall – needs to be taller than Phoebe, who is described as tall and built.
Hi Suzanne,
Like many of your fans, I really appreciate your commitment to representing a diverse array of characters and story lines, and your attention to inclusion re: issues of gender, race, class, and sexual identity. I was therefore somewhat surprised to see some language in this book that feels as though it normalizes violence against women. “Bitchslapped” was used several times, as well as “beater,” which I assumed was a reference to the term “wifebeater,” meaning a white tank top on a male. While this kind of language may be realistic, having characters meant to be heroic/sympathetic use these terms casually felt like a mixed message. Thanks for considering this feedback.
I did love the story. I have all your books and have re-read everyone of them over and over again. The problem I ran into with this book (not that it is abnormal for you to be developing a sub plot for another story), but where was Jules? HE would never willing leave his team out on a limb like he did in this book. You did bring up that there as a leak at the FBI, and the other thing, where were the rest of the troubleshooters? I find it very hard to believe that Tom, Sam and Alyssa would have one of their operatives take a serious hit on a job and not be there or not take over the job.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Ian, Phoebe, Deb, Yash, etc. and the story was great, but I couldn’t stop asking where everyone else was? So, I sincerely hope there is a story out there that will answer my question.
Loved the book !!! Oh how I’ve missed you Suzanne Brockmann!!! Pure joy in my heart whenever I read one of your books 🙂
I loved that you tricked me with the whole Shelly/Aaron thing. Didn’t see it coming!
Please please please don’t make Berto and Francine a couple ! Please !! Don’t see her with Martel so maybe you have someone new that we haven’t met yet ( finger crossed ) I might be able to live with Berto coming to the good side and maybe finding love but not with Francine. She deserves her own story and a Hero of her own!
I see Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence as Ian and Phoebe
loved the book…read it twice…but I keep wondering abt. Yashi and who would rock his world…he is such an implacable guy…my imagination races…I can’t wait to see who Suz hooks him up with…knowing how Suz likes to include history…maybe a descendent from the Japanese internment era…Yashi having to work on a farm could be hysterical..okay a peach farm…think of the possibilities….okay so maybe my imagination is running too wild
I am so glad that you wrote this one. You always have such amazing dynamics between your characters and also great plots. I forgot how much I missed that until I started reading this one. So much action. So much fun.. Thanks so much…
It’s all your fault!! After reading the Trouble shooters series, no other book stands up!! Hurry & write more!!
Amazing as always!!! I just finished Do or Die and was instantly peeved when I sadly realized the sequel wasn’t immediately at my fingertips. I have now marked in big red circles the entire month of Feb 2015. I was so pleased when Franci and Berto went their separate ways, and totally saw that Martell date cancel coming – i’m so excited to see where you take both him and my name sake, it will be epic I’m sure. Tom Hardy (of Bain from the last Batman movie fame) is a total match for Ian in physicality and attitude and Emma Stone for Pheobe. PS: a Team Sixteen and/or Troubleshooters movie would soooo be a dream come true!!!
All or Nothing out in Feb 2016 now it seems. ;(
OH man…over a YEAR to wait! I’m sure it will be worth it though…anticipation!!
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