Chelsea’s Comments (group member since Jun 08, 2015)

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

Caly ☯ wrote: "Also the legal drinking age was 18 back then so you did not need to look that much older and faking an ID was easy as they were nowhere near as sophisticated. "

Ah, good to know! That makes it easier to believe that a tall and muscular 14/15 year-old could pass for 18.

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "I think it is also the time period. Getting into the 70s where rules were optional ;) "

I feel like my parents would disagree with that since they grew up in conservative families in the South, so I wonder if it's more about the location. NYC in the 70s was surely a lot rougher/open-minded than the South at the same time.

I'm a bit behind since I've had so much going on lately, but I just finished part 2. I'm really hoping it picks up because these kids have it so hard right now! I'm still finding Vincent's behavior pretty shocking for a 15 year-old- what kind of bar willingly serves a minor hard alcohol? But I suppose if he looks older and he can find a ratty bar in huge NYC that doesn't care, it's not totally improbable.

I'm about 25% through now.

As for the mother sending all three instead of just Franny, I'm guessing it's because they tend to do things together and don't wish to be separated. From what I remember of the movie and from what we've seen here, the siblings in each generation have very strong bonds and they don't like to live apart. So perhaps their mother just accepted it as normal for them to all travel together.

Vincent's actions are mildly shocking, but there are certainly plenty of other boys his age doing the same thing, even if it's not something widely acknowledged or accepted in our society.

In general, I'm really enjoying the book. I like the writing style and hearing about all the interesting things they can do. I love magical realism, so this just falls a bit more onto the magical side than you ordinarily see, but it's still believable.

Day 5 Questions: end of book

18. What did you think of the book overall? Will you continue with the series?
I loved it! I liked the style and the characters and the mystery. I'm definitely interested in continuing the series.

19. Who do you think the "she" is that was orchestrating this from behind the scenes?
My first thought was the Queen, but I think Veronica's assumption that she stays out of that kind of stuff is probably accurate. Otherwise, the only female character of genteel breeding we were introduced to was Lady Cordelia who was helping them (or at least appeared to be; after all, the police apparently knew where they were staying the whole time they were at Belvedere); so unless it's her, we haven't been introduced to any other possibilities.

20. Do you think "she" will leave Veronica alone or will she become a target again?
Veronica may be left alone for now but if she finds herself in the spotlight again, which I daresay she will, then she may be sought after by the police and "her" yet again.

21. What did you think about the relationship between Veronica and Stoker? Were you hoping for more or did you like that they didn't act on those urges?
I liked the honesty of it- the fact that they had urges but logically overcame them. I don't like when authors just throw people together for the sake of a romantic drama, and yet it's not always honest if there's no chemistry at all. So I thought this was dealt with nicely.

22. Did you like the ending? Did you like how it wrapped up and where Veronica and Stoker will be going from here?
I was convinced that Veronica was going to leave, so her return to Belvedere felt a little awkward to me. But I'm otherwise very pleased with the ending and the fact that they get to work together some more.

I suppose I'll go ahead and post my Day 4 DQs without any preceding them.

October 15 Chapters 18-22 DQs

13. What do you think of Lady Cordelia? Do you think she'll have any larger part in the story besides a helpful friend?

14. We finally know Veronica's mother's identity. Do you think Veronica's father is the one who killed her mother and pursued Veronica as a child or do you suspect a more complex plot?

15. Can you take a guess as to why Veronica's mother simply referred to her as "Baby" in letters and photographs? Do you think it was an odd habit or a deliberate attempt to keep her identity a secret?

16. De Clare is acting the villain in abducting Veronica despite their relation. Do you think he truly has Veronica's best interest at heart despite his tactics?

17. Do you agree with Veronica and Stoker's decision to stay in England despite the danger and the warning to leave?

Well, I've had my DQs ready for awhile now, just waiting on the Day 3 DQs to be posted first. Moderators, perhaps someone else needs to take those over?

Day 2 DQs Ch 7-12

6. Edmond approaches Veronica and tells her she is not safe with Stoker. Do you agree with him? Or do you think Veronica made the right decision to stay with Stoker? Was it wise of Veronica to not tell Stoker about Edmond?
I think she made the right decision to stay with Stoker. The Baron took her to someone he trusted with instructions to remain only with him, so I'm sure it was for good reason. At the moment, it doesn't seem like it matters that she didn't tell him about Edmond.

7. Stoker takes Veronica to a traveling show. The professor seems to harbor ill will toward Stoker. Why do you think there is tension between them?
Well, we find out in this section that Stoker caused his best act to leave.

8. Veronica is reading a book, The Unlikely Adventures Of Acadia Brown, Lady Detective. I did a search to see if this was a real book, but did not find anything. Why do you think Veronica enjoys this series so much? Would this be a book you would want to read?
She probably likes it because it's so much like herself. We all enjoy books that we can relate to.

9. Do you agree with Salome that Veronica’s disinterest in Stoker’s previous lovers means that Veronica does not love Stoker?
Not necessarily. It's very common to be jealous, but some people can be very understanding. It was common knowledge back then that men slept around before getting married, so a confident woman may not mind hearing about it. Although it's true that knowing about it and actually meeting a past lover are two very different things.

10. What did you think about the knife throwing act? I am not sure what the traveling show has to do with finding out who killed the Baron. LOL Are you enjoying the tangent the book has taken?
Yeah, it seems like just a temporary situation until they move on and start some kind of investigation. Although perhaps they will be tracked there and there will be some big scene while with the traveling group. It's fairly interesting though.

DQs Day 1 Ch 1-6

1. Have you read other books by Deanna Raybourn? Why did this book appeal to you?
Nope! And I like any stories about fearless women doing what they want despite societal expectations. :)

2. Veronica isn't heartbroken over Aunt Nell's death and is very outspoken. She admits to dallying with men and has traveled the world. How do you feel about Veronica after learning all this?
I love her so far! She's so refreshingly honest and free-spirited. She seems very capable and yet straight-forward: she knows what she can do and admits defeat for what she can't.

3. Stoker and Veronica don't exactly get along. Do you think they have chemistry? Do you think a romance will develop?
I think there's already chemistry despite their bickering, or maybe because of it. He is clearly coming to respect her and she has fair admiration for him. As for a romance, I'm not necessarily rooting for one except maybe a short dalliance, but it wouldn't be awful if they developed a proper romance.

4. Veronica has had a very non traditional education. Do you think this was good for Veronica? Why do you think her guardians allowed this?
It seems to have worked out for her just fine- she's logical, level-headed, and clever. She can take care of herself and make her own money. As for her guardians, I'm wondering if they knew who her parents were or not and perhaps they let her run wild because of who her parents were, if they knew them.

5. The Baron has been murdered. People are after Veronica. Do you have any theories about why?
It seems to be something to do with her parents since the Baron obviously knew her mother. Perhaps they were in a secret society or daring explorers, etc. It could be that Veronica was placed with guardians who moved around a lot to keep her safe because of some knowledge her parents had, and now people are hunting her for it.

I plan on reading this one as long as a copy is still available at the library and can do some DQs if there is. I don't have a particular date preference at the moment.

Discussion Questions September 29th
Chapters 51 - Epilogue Pages 410 - 497

32. Do you think killer went after Rose deliberately or she was just there in the right place and at the right time? Why?
I think it was a deliberate move to hurt Kendra and he got lucky that she was easy to grab. He wanted to see Kendra upset before kidnapping her, which worked.

33. Alec is taking Kendra's story quite good. If someone told you a story like that, how would you react?
Do you think that living in our century would make your reaction different than if you heard it in last one or even before that?
I think it would be much easier to accept it today with all of our time travel stories, etc., so I'm surprised that Alec and the Duke took it so well.

34. Thomas!?! He was acting strange all the time, but I don't see him really as the killer. He's probably the last person I'd suspect. Did you even think about him? Any idea what's going on?
Well, he wasn't the killer and he was hiding something, so in a way it's not terribly surprising, but I didn't guess that the killer had an assistant.

35. Do you think any of the agents still after Kendra (in present day) are also involved in trade from the start? Do you find it interesting that there was no trace found of the second killer? Could that person also ended up in past, but we just haven't seen him yet?
Involved in trade? I'm thinking the second killer was just really good at cleaning up his/her tracks, which Kendra would also have done if she hadn't disappeared into a wormhole. The only reason they found so much evidence against her was because of her unplanned exit. I don't think the second killer also ended up in the past because wouldn't they have come out into the same house as well?

36. Final thoughts about the book?
Do you plan to continue with this series?
There were a few tidbits that were annoying but on the whole I enjoyed it. I'll have to wait a few months to continue to the second book since I have too many other things on my immediate to-read list, but I'd like to continue.

Bonus: How were your detecting skills this time? :P
Well, both Kendra and my suspicions about one of the three guys was correct, but we both didn't guess he had an assistant, so at least I'm on the same level as the main character lol.

Discussion Questions September 28th
Chapters 41-51 Pages 334 - 409

27. Gabriel and captain are definitely hiding something. I do have a hunch what, but I might be wrong. Any idea?
What do you think about Kendra's interrogation technique with Gabriel?
I think they both participated in the ritual evening where they were drinking and sleeping with the prostitutes, which means they know who the killer is. But I think they're too ashamed to admit they attended such an event. And it's unfortunate that Gabriel attacked Kendra, but it was good for her to push him.

28. I'd really like to know what happened to Gabriel for him to act that way. We do have few hints, but I'd really like to know more. What would cause him to be like that? And what is he really afraid of?
I just think that he had a really awful childhood with his mother and it messed him up. He obviously has some deep psychological issues.

29. Any thoughts on the new doctor (Munroe)?
So far he seems open-minded and accepts Kendra's opinions. Do you think (since this is the first book in series) there is the possibility of them working together in future too?
Yes, I like him well enough. And if Kendra stays in the past for awhile, I suppose it's possible he'll keep popping up.

30. Oh no! Rose is missing! Will they find her in time?
This question is already answered at the very end of this section...

31. With new facts from this part, anything changed in your opinion on who could be the killer?
I agree that the three she has narrowed it down to are the most suspicious, but considering that these novels always have plot twists when it comes to the identity of the killer, I'm prepared to be surprised.

Discussion Questions Chapters 27 - 40
September 27th

22. Kendra seems to have been found out for her lies of her origins by Alex and perhaps the Duke. How long do you think her silence on the matter will be tolerated? Do you think she might find herself dismissed after all? Do you think she should tell them the truth?
I don't think they'll send her away before the killer is caught since she's helping so much, but I bet they'll grill her as soon as he is. Maybe the Duke is open-minded enough to hear the truth and at least not send her to an asylum, but I don't think the truth is something anyone can hear and just believe right away. I think Alec would be a lot more skeptical.

23. We now know fairly certainly that this is a serial killer as there have been 12 other girls go missing in the last 4 years under similar circumstances. How do you think this changes the investigation for the Duke and Alec? Do you think this will make them rely more or less on Kendra's expertise?
I think it opens their eyes even more, showing them how serious it really is, which helps Kendra. It's hard for them to believe her, but since she keeps being proven right, they trust her opinion on the killer more and more now even if they know she's lying about her identity.

24. When they find the madame's body, Kendra blames herself and wonders if anything she has done has changed history in her future. Do you think she has done anything that might change the future. What kind of impact (if any ) do you think kendra's presence in the past might be having in the future?
I don't think she's altered the future yet. Even if the police hadn't interviewed the madame and perhaps pushed her more quickly to try to blackmail the killer, I think she would have done it eventually anyway. It seemed like she had already guessed what happened and resented one of her girls being killed, so I think her fate would have been the same. As for other ways of changing the course of history, maybe something could change by some women not being killed when they would have been before if the killer wasn't stopped. So if some women are spared because of Kendra's influence, their children could potentially have some large impact on the future.

25. The killer seems to be escalating. Do you think Kendra or rebecca may be in danger?
Definitely Kendra. When we briefly heard from the killer himself, he knew who she was and vowed to kill her, so she's most definitely in danger. Maybe less so for Rebecca unless he kills her first as punishment before killing Kendra (or trying to).

26. With this latest death and the interviews/interrogation we have heard so far, do you have any further theory on who the killer might be? Is there anyone you have ruled out?
I can't remember all the names, but the guy with the crazy mother and the vicar are definitely still near the top of the list. And they still haven't been able to talk to the other guy who went to the cockfight. I kinda hope the surgeon isn't the killer because the poor guy has just had a rough life and I would hope he used his experience to better himself instead of going crazy. But there's still information to speculate too much.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS SEPT 25 - CHAPTERS 18-26

18. Half way through the book and we are still being introduced to new characters with no clear suspect. What are your initial impressions of Thomas the Hermit and Lord Gabriel? Have you picked up any clue that may point to the identity of the murderer?
The Hermit is kinda funny but still a little suspicious. I definitely don't think he's the murderer, but it's possible that he saw something. Gabriel for sure has some issues, but honestly he seems like too much of a drunk/emotional to be capable of the precision necessary for the murder. The killer seems very calculating, and while Gabriel has a bad history with his mother, I don't think he's currently mentally capable of such calculation.

19. Kendra has fallen on her feet again as Rebecca asks her to be her companion. One aspect of the book which I find a little far fetched is the ease with which the Duke and his associates accept Kendra a mysterious stranger in the Castle leading the investigation. How do you feel about this and why do you think they let her do this?
Yeah, it's definitely very unusual. I think the only reason she's allowed to stay is because of the Duke's trust in her. However, she is showing clear intelligence about the murder, so I think there's also some intrigue for a woman who could be so smart in their time.

20. There seems to be several likely suspects including Morland, Dalton, Captain Harcourt and Mr Harris, the vicar. Do you think it is likely that any of these gentlemen is the actual culprit? And do you think there will be any link between the murders in the past to the events that happened in the future?
The vicar is definitely a d***, so I won't count him out yet. But Dalton, the surgeon, seems unlikely since he did the autopsy. We haven't really seen enough of the others to form any opinions yet. And so far I haven't seen any connection to the present.

21. Despite much of the story being set in 1815, what similarities and differences do you see in people's behaviour compared with our time.
Well, human nature doesn't really change over time. Relationships are complicated, people are selfish and egotistical, sociopaths exist, etc. If you take anyone out of a setting in time, they're always going to have huge similarities to anyone from any other time. Today we may be more open about sexuality and divorce, etc., but there were times in the past both in Europe and in other places where those things were acceptable once as well.

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Mods, as I have caught up I can do a day's questions if you are short of people. "

Lisa, I would say you can go ahead and do the DQs for the 25th if you're willing since no one else has stepped up and the mods are obviously busy.

Discussion Questions September 24. Chapters 11-17

12. The reason for Kendra's presence in 1815 turned up in the form of a dead girl. Do you think this is the same girl from the prologue?
Yes, absolutely. We hear from the killer very briefly about them finding her, so I'm assuming that it's the same one. It makes sense that both the murder and her time-travel happened on a full-moon.

13. Alec seems to be treating Kendra differently now. Is it because he had anything to do with the girls death?
I don't have any particular suspicions about Alec at the moment. He honestly just seems like a discerning man who doesn't trust strangers easily, which is perfectly valid. But it's true that we have to keep our minds open as to the killer's identity!

14. For all her historical knowledge, Kendra keeps acting like an outsider. Why do you think it is so difficult for her to act more within the time she is at?
Well, it's one thing to learn basic history at school and another to know how to act according to the societal standards of the time. She's trained in criminology, so she can't just forget those habits simply because she's in the past.

15. I like that we get a lot of historical facts throughout this book. Do you like the history lesson? It seems very well researched by the author.
Yes, it seems fairly well researched.

16. We hear from the killer again. He is definitely one of the party. Who do you think it is? Is he one of the men we met and were present in the Duke's study or is he someone else in the party?
I'm leaning more towards someone else in the party that hasn't really come to light yet. He didn't comment on the body being found, so it makes me wonder if he didn't actually witness it.

17. I like Rebecca and enjoyed reading how she joined the meeting. What do you think of her? Will she be able to make her mark on the investigation?
I like her insistence on participating and the fact that Kendra is enlisting her help. Very progressive for the time! I hope Rebecca can help and enjoy the experience as much as a murder investigation can be enjoyed.

Discussion Questions September 23
Chapter 6 - 10

6. Kendra is now going rouge. She has obtained false passports and rented/obtained rooms in other countries in order to throw the FBI off her trail so she can go after Sir Jeremy Greene. What do you think her first reaction will be once she sees him? Do you think by her posing as a member of an acting company that she will be successful? Or will her plans be foiled by someone else?
I wasn't surprised that the poison didn't work out because it's a bit suspicious when only one glass is poured. But I certainly wasn't expecting someone else to come in and kill him instead.

7. Imagine Kendra's surprise when she finds out that she went back in time. The Duke of Aldridge is sure surprised to see her stumble out of the passageway. Why do you think it took Kendra so long to realize she wasn't in the her own time period? Why does Alec seem to distrust her so?
Well, I certainly wouldn't just assume that I had traveled in time either, even if things seemed odd. She was just at a costume party, after all. And I would also not trust her if I was Alec because she's behaving really strangely.

8. What do you think of Aldridge Castle? To me castles are romantic and intriguing. I could get lost in one and just wander around for days exploring it. I looked it up online to see if there really was such a place and there is. Do you think this is where the author got the idea for the castle?
That's certainly possible. She may not have been there personally, but I would assume some sort of connection with the real one.

9. How do you think Kendra is taking this actually being a maid? She is out of place and out of her time and it seems such a struggle not to blow her cover, and she is constantly being yelled at. I am stressed out just reading this and I am not sure I could handle this.
I think she's doing ok so far considering what she's going through. She has no idea how to be a maid in that time period, so it's going to take some adjustment.

10. In chapter 9 Kendra is wondering "Where are the manners in this era?" What do you think? I find the upper class lacking in manners and I do suppose that is how they treat the servants, but I find it rather irritating. I had to keep putting the book down because I found myself wanting to scream at them about their manners and feeling sorry for Kendra at the same time.
I think it's perfectly normal for that time period. There's always going to be some people who are nicer or meaner than others, but when you're raised with the idea that you're better than others, then that attitude is standard.

11. What do you think of the story so far? Do you think Kendra will soon find herself back to the present day?
I wonder how long she will be "absent" from the present time?
I don't think she'll go back to present day any time soon. Especially if it had something to do with a full moon. Plus the fact that there's no real story if she can go back now. There's probably someone important she will meet who is connected to present day and their current case.

Ok, I'll clarify my first question:) I made the assumption that the group in the prologue is a cult because the leader performed a ritualistic killing in a setting with violent motifs on the walls and said something about how his followers had no idea what was coming. In my opinion, that sounds like the beginning of a cult- you reel them in with something fun and exciting only to pull them gradually deeper and deeper into your dark ways. And if you add to that the fact that it will somehow be connected to present day, only a long-lasting cult can survive to influence someone today, not just some random serial killer from hundreds of years ago unless his actions simply inspired someone who read about him.

But you are all allowed to disagree with me! We all have our own interpretations of the text and that's what makes these discussions interesting!

Discussion Questions September 22
Prologue-Chapter 5

1. Have you encountered Satanic cults in other readings? If so, is there anything you can predict based on similar cults' actions?

2. Despite Kendra clearly being highly intelligent, she's still not good enough in her parents' eyes. What is your opinion of their relationship?

3. Do you agree with Kendra's decision to go after Greene on her own?

4. How do you like Kendra? So far, I like her personality but find her "super genes" to be a rather convenient plot device. Do you agree with the author's decision to make her good at everything?

5. We haven't yet seen the connection between the past and the present. Do you have any hopes for how the two will come together?

To Kelly/Moderator,

I just wanted to make sure I'm still up for DQs the first day since the breakdown hasn't been updated.

Thanks!