Vikki’s Comments (group member since Dec 11, 2011)

Vikki’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Thanks Ashleigh

Can I check what way this book will work - it's 3 in 1. Looks like the first 2 books are pretty short but the 3rd one is longer. Do I have to count each book separately or does it just count as 1 book??
A Gingerbread Cafe Christmas

Finished my book for silver

Can someone PM me the words for the next mini-challenge?

I’ll have my book for this week finished tomorrow

I’ve finished my first book which I updated on spreadsheet. I’ll probably only get 1 more read this week which I’ve already added to spreadsheet

My books are done for this week, I won't finish any more by deadline

I can read Searching for a Silver Lining for card 2 if that helps

Finished The Chestnut Man & updated on spreadsheet.
If you need references for participating in BOM discussion I answered questions in post 206, 213, 223 and 228 (+ earlier questions, I can find posts again if needed).


would this pass for a (light) blue cover? My paperback copy does look light blue...

Day 7 DQs - Chpt 114-End


31. When Genz started to torture Rosa, it made me think back to the other murders. It started off with 1 hand, then 2 hands, then 2 hands and a foot. What do you think the significance was of cutting of the victims' hands and feet? It didn't appear that he did the same to his prior victims so why the escalation?
I think the escalation was because this was the build up to finally getting revenge on Rosa. Although that was always going to be his end goal, this was the final build up. The significance... probably to resemble the Chestnut Men, they have arms and legs but no hands/feet.

32. On that same note, now knowing that the girl was not Thulin in the first chapter, do you still believe the same or have another theory on why Thulin reacted the way she did when she saw the chestnut man at the first crime scene? Was there a valid reason which was not explored, or was it more for dramatic effect?
I'd say it was mostly for dramatic effect. The valid reason could have been because it's something she did as a child, or that her daughter has done recently. Something that is associated with childhood but suddenly at the scene of such grotesque murders is probably a shocking and chilling sight, hence her reaction,

33. Some of us guessed earlier on but we now know what happened to Kristine. Why do you think Genz kept her alive this entire time? And after what was done to her, why do you think Astrid went along with this plan? Was she of sound mind?
Perhaps she reminded him of his sister in some way. He wanted to hurt Rosa, and didn't do anything to hurt any of the other children. After everything that happened, it's likely that Astrid wasn't of totally sound mind, and wouldn't reason the way most adults would. She may have been afraid to go against her brother.

34. I thought the plot was wrapped up nicely in the end but that last chapter with Linus Bekker was a little ominous. What do you think he will do next? Do you think he'll take over where the Chestnut Man left off?
I'm not sure if he'll pick up these crimes, but I think he will certainly go on to commit crimes. Perhaps looking at photos of murders will know longer be enough and he will escalate to commit murders himself. Based on the images he looks at, I image they will be shocking and violent.

35. With how lengthy this book was, did it keep your attention throughout? Did it end as you expected? How did you rate it?
I gave it 5 stars. Really enjoyed it and it definitely kept my attention. I didn't have as much time for reading at the start of the week otherwise I would have finished it a lot sooner. It made me want to keep reading. I liked the ending but I didn't have it all predicted.

36. I read that not only is Netflix adapting this novel into a series, but that the author is writing a follow-up novel. Are you interested in reading more by this author? Interested in reading more in this world/series?
I'm definitely interested to read more by this author. This actually came up as an offer on my Kindle, then I saw it was a BOM here which is why I decided to read it now. Glad I did.

26. How convenient that Hess found the chestnut people & animals by accident in the photo from the case in 1989. I honestly thought this could have been carried out /written better. What were your thoughts? Did you still remember they had requested the photos but never looked at them?
I actually forgot that the photos had been requested. Personally I wouldn't have described it as convenient.

27. Lol after the chapter in which Genz and Thulin went for a run I made a note to ask you guys what your thoughts were of him, and then there was this big reveal! Did you suspect him at all?
I tend to think that everyone could be a suspect, but he wasn't someone I had strong feelings about for being the killer.

28. It had been mentioned before that Rosa was in the foster system. Did you pick up on it back then and already make the connection? What was your theory?I have to admit it had slipped my mind.

29. Wow, that last chapter 113 - didn't expect this background story to hit me so hard. Did you expect anything like this? How do you feel about Rosa, her parents and the twins right now?
No, I wasn't expecting that. Well, I wasn't shocked that there was a connection between Rosa & the killer, but I didn't expect her to have played such a part in what happened to the killer & his twin. I thought this chapter was well written and good to tie up some lose ends. I actually don't entirely dislike Rosa. Sometimes kids make huge mistakes and it can be hard to come back and tell the truth. It does also explain more about the killers motivation.

30. Also, where is Frederick Vogel??? Do you think he plays a part in this, or was it just a coincidence that he wasn't there when Rosa asked about him?
I'm not so sure he's involved with the killings now, but I still think there's something dodgy about him.

To kind of pick up on the bonus question of Day 4 - I think this book would make an amazing tv show, do you think or hope it'll get made into one? Would you watch?
I think this would work well as a TV show and I'd definitely be interested in watching it.

I should finish my book later today

20. Why do you think all the victims were from abusive or neglectful homes? And how do you think the minister Rosa Hartem ties into these chestnut men? Is it more than just her daughter’s “disappearance”?
I think it has something to do with the killer's background, they came from an abusive or neglectful home. I'm still not sure how Rosa ties in with the chestnut men or what happened to Kristina.

21. I find the character of Lunas Becker fascinating. I think he makes a great scapegoat for the crime of Katherine’s disappearance, and he seems to know something about The Chestnut Man.. What did you think about the interview Thulin and Hess have with Lunas Becker in the facility for the criminally insane?
I enjoyed reading it, I thought it was well written, especially the ending of the conversation. I do think he knows something about the identity of the killer. But I'm not convinced he's as insane as he's meant to be.

22. Eskar Neergord and his wife Benedicta come up with a plan to infiltrate the Minister’s house by having Eskar hired as her private driver. That gives him direct access to her son Gustav, and when things start to go awry, Eskar and Benedicta decide to kidnap him. At the same time, the police broke into Eskar and Benedicta’s home and find all sorts of photos of the minister’s house. Do you think they are involved somehow with the chestnut dolls showing up?
No, I don't. I think their plan is much more straightforward - she blames Rosa for her son being taken in care and wants to get revenge. I don't think they're behind the murders or responsible for leaving the chestnut men at the scenes.

23. Hess appears to be the only one in the room who thinks Eskar and Benedicta are not involved in the murders of the women, even if they are involved in the kidnapping. As he looks around the command room, he seems to think they are all still dancing to invisible strings in the air. Why do you think Hess thinks that and do you agree?
I agree with Hess. I think the rest are possibly accepting the most straight forward solution without looking at every angle.

24. Eskar is able to stop Benedicta from hurting Gustav when they pull off into the woods. Then a strange car pulls off into the woods behind them and someone starts walking up. Later we find that both Eskar and Benedicta are dead outside the van, and the boy was saved by the task force that arrives. Who do you think followed the couple into the woods and killed them? Do you think it could be Frederick Vogel the minister’s advisor?
I think it might be the real killer, silencing them and hoping the police will pin the blame on them. In this section of the book I have to admit I have been getting suspicious of Vogel....

25. Who do you think put the cut off hands and feet in the mini-fridge in the slaughterhouse?
I think it's the killer, trying to put the blame squarely on Skans & Neergaard

16. I could not believe how much abuse Eric afflicted on his wife and children. It made me sick to my stomach reading about how he justified his actions and knew he would get away with it. Even when he found out about his wife’s death after learning that she was planning on running away, Eric thought it was justice being served. How was your experience reading this section?
I wouldn't say I was shocked. I've a strong interest in crime, criminology, criminal pyschology etc and I'm not easily shocked. Unfortunately there are people like Erik in real life. It's certainly not pleasant reading, and it's horrible to think a husband/father could behave in such a way.

17. Hess is annoyed when he finds out that Nylander is in communication with his ex-boss from Interpol. There’s been hints so far as to what resulted in Hess’s dismissal from his previous job. Do you have any ideas what it might have been?
Probably insubordination, not following orders, disrespecting his bosses, something along those lines. Probably with bad consequences.

18. The killer keeps distracting the police officers with incorrect leads. Did you think the killer was going to come to Jessie’s apartment? Were you surprised that her lover came instead?
I didn't think they were going to catch the killer, although I wasn't expecting her lover to show up either. I thought they would just sit, wait, and nothing would happen.

19. One of the things I really like about this book is how you get multiple viewpoints from the various characters (the women before they are killed, Nylander, the cop in charge of Kristine’s case etc.) It really helps to flesh out the plot and character development. What are your thoughts about this? Do you like this type of narrative or would you have wanted the focus to be on Thulin and Hess?
I've no strong preferences. I've read both types of narrative and both can work well. With the multiple view points, I just like it to be clear who is narrating at that point. So far I haven't had any major problems with not knowing in this book.

Bonus question: The author of this book is a writer for the TV show – The Killing. Have you watched it or are you interested in watching it after reading this book? I haven't watched it, I hadn't even heard of it before picking up this book. But I would be interested in watch it.

11. Steen finds out from Kristine's friend Mathilde that they didn't make Chestnut Men last year like Rosa said. Do you think Rosa was just mistaken when she told the police Kristine made and sold them or that she purposely lied? What were her intentions if you think she lied - did she just want the cops to get out and leave her grieving family in peace, or do you think she knows something about the chestnut men and/or the killer?
My initial thought was that she was probably just mistaken. But I am beginning to wonder if there was something more behind it and if Rosa is connected to everything that's going in some way other than what happened with Kristine.

12. Both victims families were reported to Social Services through an anonymous tip and evidence of sexual/child abuse are later discovered. Do you think the anonymous tipper is the killer?
If the tipper isn't the killer I'd suspect they were involved in some way or knew something about the killer.

13. When Hess calls social services he speaks with social worker Henning Loeb who gives him information on Magnus, but lies about finding information about the two girls, Lina and Sofia Sejer-Lassen, after he "sees something he doesn't fully grasp, and that makes him wary." What do you think he saw and why did he lie? Do you think there is a connection here with Rosa who is the Minister for Social Affairs?
Possibly a link with the anonymous tip, or someone involved in the case... maybe something he suddenly realises he overlooked.
I think there's probably some link with Rosa but I'm not sure what that link is yet.

14. A few people have speculated that the basement Officer Marius enters in ch. 1 could have been used some sort of abuse, possibly child abuse. Given what we now know do you agree and do you think the killer was possibly a victim?
My initial thoughts of child abuse have been strenghened. It wouldn't surprise me if the killer was a victim as that's a common trend that the abused becomes the "abuser" - either repeating the offences they suffered, or seeking vengeance on other people.

15. While it's clear Hauge was the one abusing Magnus we don't know for sure if Lassen was the one abusing the girls. Do you think the abuser was Lassen or his wife? (He seemed ready to offer up info on his eldest's broken nose which is the only thing giving me pause.) If the killer is reacting to the abuse, why target the mothers and not the abusers (assuming Lassen is the abuser)? Is Thulin right in speculating that in the killers eyes the mother "ought to have know... didn't react to the report."?
My gut instinct tells me that Lassen would have been abused his daughters rather than the mum abusing them. If the killer's mum didn't realise, or turned a blind eye to abuse, then I think Thulin is right in her speculation. The killer could blame their mum for letting the abuse happen, and now as an adult they are seeking vengeance on other mum's who haven't done enough to protect their children.

I’m still on The Chestnut Man, it’s been a week when I haven’t had as much reading time as I’d like. But I do aim to finish by the deadline

It's been a busy week so I'm not getting as much reading done as I'd like. But I'm working my way through The Chestnut Man which I'm really enjoying

6 We have got a fair way into the book now and my first question is to ask how you feel about it? What do you like / dislike about it
It makes me want to pick it up & keep reading which is always a good sign! I like the plot so far, it's making me think a lot. Dislike... it's a stronger word than necessary, but I'm still not really warming to Thulin & Hess.

7. What are your impressions about the time line from Marius to Kristine to Laura?
I think everything is connected, not sure how yet, or why the gaps in time.

8. Hess and Thulin are not necessarily bosom buddies How do you see their differing working methods and relationship developing?
I think they will actually end up complementing each other and working well together. I think they will bring different skills / viewpoints to the case and that combination will help them solve it.

9. Hess insists on visiting Magnus Kjaer and showing him some photographs. What do you think is the significance of "The chestnut man" being something new?
It's been left there for a reason, like a signature. The killer wants to leave his stamp on the scene. I did also wonder if it's an indication that Kristina might still be alive.

10. Erik Sejer Lassen is arrested - there is a lot going on during the chase - How do you read the events leading up to the arrest and during the questioning?
I think the killer is behind this for some reason. I don't that Erik is the killer. Perhaps he is connected to the killer in some way, and perhaps the killer knows something about Erik. I think it opens up another series of questions in the book on top of the ones there already are.

Day 1 DQs

1. At the very beginning we are hit with a chilling image and as Officer Marius is descending into the basement looking for one of the little girls he "...becomes aware of the room. Glancing around, he realizes what it's been used for. He's disgusted." What do you think this room was used for?
My first instinct was paedophilia, but my other thoughts would be some kind of sexual abuse or torture.

2. We get brief look at what happens to Laura before Thulin and Hess get called out to the scene. While looking over the body and the garden Thulin notices a chestnut doll and has an odd reaction to it. "It's a simple doll consisting of two spheres and four sticks, but briefly, for some reason she can't explain, it makes Thulin's heart stop." Why do you think she had a strong reaction? Could it be a repressed memory?
I did wonder if she was the girl from the start of the book. It could be a repressed memory. Or perhaps it's something she's come across (either in personal experience or read about) in previous crimes. But I think it would have mentioned it in the following chapters if that were the case.

3. Speaking of Thulin and Hess. I'm a bit put off by the both of them. Thulin seems to think homicide is boring and Hess just seems to not give a flying rat's behind about anything. What do you think of our MCs so far?
So far I haven't really warmed to either of them, especially Hess. Really not sure what to make of him just yet. But I'm keeping an open mind.

4. Then we have Rosa and Steen, the parents of Kristine who is missing and presumed dead. They each have a different way of handling their grief. Rosa has thrown herself into her work as a politician and Steen is drowning his sorrows in alcohol. As a parent it's really hard to imagine losing a child. How do you think you would handle losing your child? Do you think their reactions are typical for parents who have lost a child?
I'm not a parent. I honestly don't think anyone could know how they would handle losing their child until they would experience. I was at a funeral of a 7 year old who lost her battle with cancer. Even know I didn't know the child or her parents (I was friends with her aunt & uncle), it was heartbreaking. I think both reactions can be typical of anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one, particularly in those kind of circumstances. Although Rosa has had a year off work, it seems to be only now that she's throwing herself into work. I get the impression that she is actually coping better than Steen at the moment.

5. Do you think Kristine Hartung is still alive? Or is it a cruel joke being played on her parents? Why or why not?
I'm not sure...

I've finished my second book & am well through a third, I'll get it finished. They're lower page numbers but work for the mini challenge

In mini challenge for 142, book with poison in title, would Pumpkin Spice & Poisoning work? Can't add link but it's the next book in series after my current book Blueberries & Bereavement by Katherine Hayton