Audrey Jane’s Comments (group member since May 27, 2014)

Audrey Jane’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Sammy wrote: "Currently scouring said list for non-YA books erroneously tagged, lol."

Haha, finally misshelved books are working in our favour ! ;)

And agree with Sonia. Would rather have MG, for some kind of reason it works better for me.

DQs Day 2 Chapter 9 through 16

4.) What did you think about the attack of the Spring Green Man? Surprised he came back or were you expecting it to happen at some point? Any thoughts about 'the list' and 'Oberon was supposed to take care of you'?
I didn't connect the murder of the girl with the Spring Green Man but it makes sense in hindsight. I thought he would show up later in the book. It seems obvious now that Oberon has a problem with magickers but don't know if it's sactioned by the state/Duchess.

5.) The getaway from the constables on bread slices! Was that fun or what? How strong of a baking wizard do you think Mona actually is? Side note: I loved that that gingerbread man was making faces at the constables.
I think Mona is going to show that even with a little 'silly' magic she can achieve big things. It seems she gets more creative with her kind of magic.

6.) What do you think of her gingerbread man? The faces, not letting her cheat at solitaire, but also chucking a dough person out the window for knocking over the card house. I wish he had a name. Would you want a . . .pet, familiar (?) gingerbread man?
Yes, absolutely, he seems like a great companion and I believe it has more agency than a pet.

7.) What do you think of Spindle? Why do you think he's helping Mona?
At this point not much. He lost his big sister so I see why he stays with Mona for the moment since she's similar to his sister.

8.) The end of this section has a lot of changes to society rules are requirements. What do you think Oberon's end game is? Any thoughts on why the Duchess is allowing it to happen?
He seems to have an irritional fear of wizards, maybe something happened in his past with a wizard. I'm not sure how much the Duchess knows about what's going on in her duchy.

Please sign me up for easy level.

Finally able to pick this one up.

Day 1 DQs - Chapters 1 through 8

1. I absolutely adore Mona. I'm really enjoying the writing style too. It's very conversational and humorous. What do you think about Mona and the story so far? Anything that stands out to you?
I agree with the others that Mona reads older than a fourteen year old but I'm not surprised since I would categorize this book under Middle Grade instead of YA. And in my experience MG books are in many ways more mature & less angsty than most of YA. For example Mona makes me think of Tiffany Aching in the Discworld series

2. Who's your favorite magical person/creature so far? I'm imagining Bob to be this ball of squishy goo that I kinda want to touch! And I really want to see more of Lord Ethan (was that his name? I can't remember.)
Knackering Molly seems fun and a carefree kind of person.

3. Now, the murder and Oberon's handling of it was (1) biased (2) so illogical. I'm so glad the Duchess had a brain on her. What did you think of those scenes?
At this point I think the inquisitor (and others) dislike wizards as a whole and not Mona in particular. However I wonder what the Duchess and Lord Ethan's role is in this.

DQ Day 4 - Chapters 25 to end

13. How did you enjoy the book? How was the pacing and how the story was told?
It was alright although I didn't really like the last 1/3 of the book, unnecessary and unrealistic things happened. The pacing was good though, it was a quick read.
I gave it a 3 stars, I liked it but wanted certain scenes to happen differently, including the ending.

14. Did the romance with Juan surprise you? Thoughts on it?
It's sweet but a bit tacked on.

15. How did you like the ending and parallels with the pillows and the actual murderer? Did anyone guess it?
Didn't like both pillow scenes. And no, there was no way we were able to guess. I prefer to follow along, get clues bit by bit, and guess instead of the author to deliberately omit everything.

16. Finally, thoughts on Molly’s development as a character? Most guessed she was an unreliable narrator, but do you think it realistic that she knew the murder and the nuance there but not the drugs?
I agree with Karen regarding Molly's inconsistent behaviour. I thought it showed early on with the deliberate lying and deceiving. No, I thought it was not realistic. Her social skills and navigating intricate situations went from 0 to 100.

NBRC BOM Participation Point

- Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
- Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
- Day 4: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

DAY 2 DQ'S - CHAPTERS 6-13

5. The plot thickens as we find out that the hotel is being used in illicit drug deals. I felt so bad for how Molly has misconstrued her friendship with Juan Manuel and "date" with Rodney. Your thoughts on how they are using Molly. Does the fact that Molly doesn't seem to understand the true nature of things kinder to her in the long run?
I felt for Molly (Rodney is despicable)! Yes, honestly, I prefer Molly not knowing how deprived and mean some humans are. However now her gran is gone, she really needs to befriend someone that sees through their bullshit. Mr. Preston is way too subtle with his warnings to Molly.

6. I'm not quite sure yet what to make of Giselle. Gold digger or victim? Do you think she is sincere in her fondness for Molly or just using her?
Sincere or not, you don't suddenly barge in someone's home the day after a potential murder risking drawing suspicion on that person; plus asking that person to retrieve a gun for you. Do your own dirty work! I don't trust her, she's using Molly in a way.

7. Uh oh, the tide is turning and Molly has become a person of interest in the Black murder case. How much do you think Molly's personality, how she interacts with people and sees the world is a factor in this?
Honestly, Molly kind of put herself in that situation. It bothered me as a reader that she would deliberately omit things to the detective while at the other hand telling everything to Rodney because of a crush? It's fustrating to see that she falls for the same ploy again. It seemed out of character to me since she seems pretty literal/straightfoward/honest so don't see why she felt compelled to lie to the detective.

8. Half way through do you have any theories on the circumstances leading to Mr Black's death and whodunnit?
There are a lot of not so nice people in that hotel but Rodney knows/questions too much, Giselle's behaviour is suspicious too.

Cat wrote: "Interview with Ken Follett today: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandst..."

Thank you for posting this. I see him regularly on French tv (his french is so good!); last time promoting his book about Le Notre-Dame. He's really passionate about it.

I'm planning to start this book during Uno as well.

DQ Prologue - Chapter 5

1. I found the prologue to be thought provoking. Tipping customs seem to vary from place to place, country to country. When you stay at a hotel, do you clean up your room before checking out or do you leave it messy? Do you give consideration to items you're leaving behind (receipts, notes, etc)? Do you leave a tip for the housekeeping staff?
Haven't stayed in a hotel for a while but I keep it as clean as I can. Can't deal with unhygienic/unrespectful people.
Once an AirBnB owner commented that we left it tidier than before (my sister and I were just obsessed with the Korean household appliances so we had a field trip haha).
Usually in Europe we don't tip. But in more upscale hotels they might.

2. On pg. 18 (of the hardcover edition), Molly discovers the body of Mr. Black. After she calls the front desk she looks up into a mirror. "On the wall in front of me was a gilt-framed mirror, reflecting not only my terrified face back at me but everything I'd failed to notice before." What do you think Molly means when she says everything she failed to notice before?
No idea. I don't think she understands its significance or maybe she dismisses it as unimportant. I guess she will tell about it inadvertently or when asked directly.

3. The reader learns that Molly is a little different. She struggles in social situations and often takes things said to her in a very literal fashion. It also seems she lives by a strict code of morality and cleanliness instilled in her by her Gran. Were you caught off guard when Molly has a run in with Cheryl and begins to fantasize about the things she'd like to do to Cheryl - spray bleach in her face, strangle her with a bathrobe tie, push her off the balcony? Could Molly have a dark side?
She does it twice. She fantasizes doing the same to Wilbur as well. I think it's her way of coping with her anger. I don't think she has a dark side, it's just her social awkwardness.

4. Are you enjoying the book so far? Any predictions as to Mr. Black's killer?
I think so, at this point I'm waiting for something to happen.
Maybe Molly is involved? She hates cheaters and liked Mrs. Black. Or another staff member ? Don't know.

I'm glad this book was nominated and won the BOM, I wouldn't have picked it otherwise. Discovered a new author.

Tracking the participation posts:

Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQs day 5: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

DQs Day 5: Chapter 32 - end

1. What a shift! In just a couple of chapters we went from 'solving a murder case' to a 'sleeping with the enemy' type of situation. Judith was right, Cameron is indeed a wanker (I call him Cameron the Gaslighter). Were you expecting these kind of revelations from Katy and Ilse regarding Cameron ? Especially knowing that Cameron tried not to be like his father and was trying his best according to Liz and Ilse. Did you like how the author gave subtle hints throughout the book?

2. Turns out Jenna was a red herring and she's in Bali after all. What do you think about how she handled the situation and her letter to Cam ?

3. What do you think about Nathan's character development/redemption arc for what happened 10 years ago ? Were you satisfied with how his character was handled ?

4. So Liz huh ? How did you like the ending and Nathan's decision to not inform the police?

5. Any final thoughts ? Did you enjoy it enough to try other books by the author? Or books set in the same kind of environment like the outback ?

Eldarwen wrote: "I was wondering that, too! Was that why there was a hole at the grave? Is that why Cam forbade his family to touch the painting? Or is a different kind of secret hidden behind that odd patch on the painting, or behind the painting itself?

Sooo many questions!"

Indeed ! I really enjoy these kind of group reads. Reading everyone's theories as we go along is so much fun. And also helpful.

Hope to finish it tonight. Hopefully I don't fall asleep before the end because I need to know ! *fingers crossed*
I have a suspect in my head, I'm going to stick to it and see if I'm right by the end of the book :)

DQs Day 3: Chapters 15 to 22

10) I think most of us guessed correctly about the Jenna incident. Any guesses as to why she was looking for Cameron after all these years? Thoughts on Xander's reaction to hearing the story compared to the older men?
Agree with Eldarwen here regarding Xander. He has more modern views. I like that he questions things around him, and is not blinded by the fact they are his relatives. He actually liked Cameron but still questions his past.

I might lean towards pregnancy as well. Jenna and her boyfriend left almost immediately after the incident. I say there's no smoke without a fire. Cameron and co. might have dismissed it but Jenna had to live with it. Why come back if nothing happened ?

11) Anyone else get the feeling Cameron is a bit of a wanker? Like a person who wants things so others can't have them, not necessarily because he actually wants them himself. And has a vindictive streak?
Yes and yes. He's not the innocent guy I initially thought he was. It seems he was kind of the patriarch of the family after his father died. He also could face their father more than Nathan or Bub could, and got a kick out of it (when burning his books). I think there's some resentment between the brothers. It's not like they were sad he died. I at least didn't feel that.

12) What do you make of Lo's comment at the dinner table? What do you think the secret is? What does Cameron want Ilse's forgiveness for (re: the card Nathan found)?
I think Cameron has some secrets and Ilse maybe found out about it, at least part of it. It seems to me he kept secrets from her. And indeed, not a happy marriage, if you're not letting your wife know that you're hiring backpackers, seems like there was a lack of communication.
I thought it suspicious that Harry was pressuring Lo so much. Like he wanted to see if she would say something pertinent or possibly snitch on somebody.

13). We are halfway through now. Thoughts on the book? Predictions? Who do you think is involved?
Are the missing items or money in the painting or at the Stockman's grave? Is that why Cameron wants nobody to go there or touch the painting ? Because he hid something there, part of a secret maybe. Needless to say, I'm liking Cam less and less the more I get to know him via Nathan's stories.
We need to know where Jenna is asap!

Eldarwen wrote: "Ok, basically I know nothing. But that's what I like about Harper's books. In The Dry, it also took me a very long time to finally get that "ooooh!!" moment and that was practically..."

Same here. By now I would make some educated guesses, maybe figured some parts out but nope. I read a bit further to get more information but nothing.

Keli wrote: "I've got Sworn to Silence tagged at my local library. It's going in my Feb reading pile"

Nice! Hope you like it :)

Keli wrote: "Thanks, i will check them out. I love books that teach me a little something or get me to go down Wikipedia rabbit holes."

Haha, Wikipedia rabbit holes are the bane of my existence. Once I start I should basically put my book down and call it a night, no progress will be done today. You will be in for a treat, Keli ;)

Keli wrote: "Eldarwen wrote: "Her other book - The Dry - is also like that. It moves at its own pace and it just pulls you in. It's slow but never boring. I almost felt myself sweating alongside the main charac..."

Added The Dry as well. Thanks for the recommendation :)

@Keli: Don't know if you're familiar with them but I'm liking the Kate Sugak (A Cold Day For Murder) series, set in Alaska, the MC is an aleut woman living in the middle of nowhere with her dog, and the Kate Burkholder (Sworn to Silence) series, set in rural Amish community in Ohio. Both are contemporary. I like that you learn about the location and its people next to the story.

DQ Day 2: Chapters 8 - 14

6. The plot thickens! Or not quite so much yet. There is definitely a lot of secretiveness going on however. Xander is keeping his eyes and ears open, and it's maybe helpful that he is more of a city boy because he notices things that Nathan wouldn't have, such as Harry knowing exactly where to go. In and of itself, Nathan may be right, that Harry knows the land like the back of his own hand because he's lived there for many years, and yet. Do you think the man has something to hide? Does Harry know more than he lets on?
I want to know why he's being so secretive. My theory is that he doesn't trust Nathan because of what he did in the past and the similarities with Cam's death, I think he wants to investigate this by himself. But his behaviour is suspicious and the fact he knew where the car was. We still don't know enough about him.

7. Why do you think Bub is pissing on his father's grave from time to time? Just because the man wasn't fond of his sons, especially the youngest, and known to be a bit of an ass? Or is there more to it?
He was defintely not an exemplary father but I don't see the point of doing that even if you disliked the person. I think at that point he needs to heal from past experiences but urinating on the dead is not the way to do it. I think the father also has a background though. Nathan's family has some interesting personalities to say the least.

8. What do you make of Nathan's history with the community? Most of which is all somehow related to his ex-wife's father, Keith. Nathan broke one of the cardinal rules of the outback but do you think he still deserves to suffer this punishment over a decade later?
This is a grey area, I understand both sides but almost ruining someone's life over this is extreme. They didn't give Nathan a chance to redeem himself, for changing his mind and turning back to help. I was really glad he stopped being petty and decided to do the right thing but turns out he got ostracized anyway. I still don't understand why Keith was so hell bent on taking his son away from him. Did he disliked Nathan just because of his father?

9. Jenna Moore. Now I do wonder what was going on there. All shall probably be revealed in the next chapter. What do you think happened? She and Cam seemed to have a good time, flirted, kissed, had sex, all seemed well - except for the fact she had a boyfriend whom she cheated on - so what do you think went wrong?
It seems to me that the Bright brothers have no luck with women. My suspicion is that she will claim she got raped and it will be her word against his, as I remember correctly they were alone when Nathan left.

DQs Day 1 - Prologue - Chapter 7

1. How amazing and hard is the outback. Did you find yourself thinking why do people live in such inhospitable environments? What kind of people choose to live there? Would you visit, let alone live there?
I agree with Judith and Eldarwen here. Definitely not for everyone but I can understand the appeal. I really like stories set in that kind of environment though. My favourite mystery series are set in remote areas/small communities. Personally, as much as I like to live in the countryside, I need a minimum of social interaction. Also I'm a 4 season kind of person :) I cannot function properly in that kind of extreme heat.

2. Why do you think Cam left his vehicle? Suicide? Did he take to long searching for something?
I don't think it was suicide either. If true crime documentaries learnt me anything is that most of the time the perpetrator is someone the victim knew. Nathan's family seems to have lots of secrets and shady personalities.

3. As we are only just beginning to get to know all of the characters and some of their actions and/or behaviours, is there anyone who really stands out to you as questionable or shady? Anyone you particularly like?
I need to know more about Nathan's brother, Bub and Harry. I didn't think about the backpackers, I think Judith might be right saying that's a red herring. So far I like Nathan's son since he's questioning things. I would like to say I like Nathan as well but don't know how reliable he's as a narrator.

4. Do you think the story of the Stockman is significant to Cam's death?
There are some similarities between both deaths. I do wonder why I died right there, expect maybe for the shade it provided ? Maybe someone put him there on purpose ?

5. How are you enjoying the writing style?
Never read anything by this author before but I'm liking it. Everything becomes gradually clearer with each chapter. I only had to adapt to the Aussie slang at the beginning, I know they tend to abbreviate a lot, but now I'm speeding through it.

Suzanne wrote: "I got through 350 this morning - not sure how many I deleted - maybe 50? But it was fun and kind of addictive."

Agree ! That's a reasonable amount :)

Finished and , two books left in that series. Hope to finish it by the end of the month. Maybe. Let's see.

I've realized that I add less books to my TBR than when I first joined GR. I've also noticed that the amount of series that I've abandoned compared to the series I've finished is quite high, last year I attempted to keep my TBR manageable by focussing on standalones instead of series. I would only add a new first in a series if I meant to read it immediately or was pretty sure I was going to enjoy. Turns out that the amount on my TBR remained the same throughout the year instead of increasing. And of course the annual deleting spree helps as well :)