Nancy’s Comments (group member since Dec 31, 2012)

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

Okay I couldn't stop reading this last night and finished it before bed.

Questions and Comments for Darktrees/The Black Mountains Page 301 "Then we slide down into the river.

29) I liked how Saba seemed to be getting along better with Emmi even if she's still ruff on her. Seems like she's starting to appreciate her sister. What do you think?

Yes she is starting to appreciate her more. Saba always had Lugh and ignored Emmi. I think all of the time together and the common goal of finding their brother is bringing them together. Saba finally has a chance to get to really know her sister.

30) Were you surprised that it was Emmi who noticed they were being followed? I can see the family resemblance between the two sisters. Emmi sets her mind on something and there's no stopping her just like Saba.

I wasn't that surprised that Emmi noticed. We discover that she really knows a lot and is pretty smart and resourceful!

31) Were you surprised that Ash and Espona followed them?

Yes, I was suprised. I thought Ash and Espona would stay with the Free Hawks.

32) Nero seems to be taking to Jack. Do you like that he seems to be smarter than your average crow? It's almost like there's a person in there.

Yes, it's definitely an interesting animal character that I haven't seen very much in books!

33) The river they crossed was pretty creepy. If everything is a dangerous as the river on this trek then I'm not surprised not many know about the Freedom Fields. What did you think of the waterfall and the bones floating in the water?

I was grossed out! Get me out of that water!

I finished which was okay and which I really enjoyed. I think that's it for me for white bookcovers for the week. I've started reading .

Questions and Comments for Chapter entitled, Hopetown: One Month Later

19)Do you admire Saba's loyalty to her brother or do you think it odd? What do you think of her?

I admire Saba's loyalty to her brother. The extent of her risking her life to save him is amazing. I like her. She definitely has spunk and a strong will to survive!


20) What did you think of Helen's revelation that they will sacrifice Lugh for the King? I wonder what in the world is going on--Sorcery or a severely demented King? What's wrong with him that he'd need to sacrifice others? They said he sacrifices people so he (the King) may live? Do you believe Helen?

I was suprised and first thought Lugh was a goner! I'm not sure where that thinking comes from, that he has to sacrifice a boy born at a certain time to get his power.....I do believe her, it seems plausible and her father knew things.

21) Do you think Helen's father, John Trask, is dead? It didn't sound like Helen thought much of him. Did he abandon her or did he get killed? I'm still curious why they killed Procter?

For some reason I thought we knew he died, or maybe I just assumed. So, yes, I'm going with dead. I think they killed Procter because they didn't need him anymore.

22) Would you have sent Emmi to find the free Hawks and give them a message? I would have been afraid they'd do something to her. I guess she didn't have many options however.

Yeah, at that point sending Emmi was pretty much Saba's only hope.

23) What did you think of Saba's plan? Did you like how things didn't go as plan?

I thought that her plan was good, although there seemed to be a lot of details that she and the Free Hawks assumed would work out. Things not going as planned definitely added excitement!

24) Do you think Saba would have saved anyone who was left in the cage when the fire started or did she do it because it was Jack? Did you find it as interesting as I did that one of the dreams was a look into this future event?

I think she did it because of Jack. She wasn't interested in even helping the prisoners until the Free Hawk made her help them.

25) Do you think Jack is Saba's heart's desire or he's the one who can get her her heart's desire? What is your first impression of Jack? Do you like him?

Right now there doesn't seem to be a big attraction between them. I'm on the fence right now between him being her heart's desire and him being the one to help her get her heart's desire.

26) Perhaps I've seen way too many horror stories, but would you have assumed the King and everyone else aboard the Desert Swan was dead just by looking at them or would you make triple darn sure they were all dead? I think I would at least check for a pulse. Interesting that she made sure Mrs. Pinch was dead, but no one else.

Honestly I'd probably just try to get the heck out of there!

27) Were you shocked when they revealed the relationship of Mr. & Mrs. Pinch as the King's parents? I wonder why one of them wasn't Queen or King? I wish they'd explained. Did he make himself King or get born into the role? I thought it odd Mercy didn't mention anything about a King.

Yes I was shocked to find out that the Pinch's were the King's parents!! And he treated them so horribly. I wonder if we get a back story eventually. It leaves a lot unexplained if we don't.

28) Were you surprised they burned everything?

If we are talking about the Free Hawks, no. I think they wanted to destroy the place where they have held so many prisoners to their deaths.

@ Christina - You are a reading machine! And all those purple covers! Kudos to you!

@ Barbara - Definitely thought Guilty Wives was one of Patterson's better newer releases!



I finished . Didn't think it was that great but finally got it off my bookshelf! Now on to .

@ Sophia:

#6 - I don't remember there ever being a mention of Emmmi having a tattoo.

Questions and Comments for Chapters Sandsea - Hopetown

9) So a lot is happening. Were you surprised Emmie ending up tracking her sister down?

Yes! I had to go back and look at how old she was....she's 9!! I am very surprised and almost in disbelief that a 9 year old would be able to steal the horse and find her sister like that.

10) What did you the of the Sandsea that would uncover a town and recover it in a short period of time? I thought it was both creepy and cool.

11) Did you suspect the Pinches would be so cruel? I didn't have a good feeling about them, but did expect them to do what they did.

No. I was a bit surprised at how cruel they were.

12) What do you think of the cage fighting? Any idea how she'll ever be able to leave or escape?

I figured she'd be a goner....but know she's going to escape somehow. The whole idea of the cage fighting disgusts me. I wonder if this is the comparison to The Hunger Games. Reminds me too much of the Coliseum in Rome....I'd hate to think that in the future we are going back to such ancient forms of entertainment.

13) Do you think Saba's dreams mean anything significant or are they just her fears manifesting
themselves into nightmares?

I think they may have some significance, but what, I don't know yet.

14) What did you think of her pet Nero? They say birds are the harbingers of death and now she's earned the nickname Angel of Death. Could there be a link?

Not sure. I think Nero is loyal to her and may possibly help her.

15) What did you think of the Tonton(I thing his name might be DeMalo?) who looked her in the eye and everything went cold like he was seeing into her?

Creepy!

16)Why did the Cage master seem frightened of Mrs. Pinch? Could she have at one time been a fighter who one all her fights? She sounds scary.

She must hold something over him but I don't know what. She definitely sounds scary and even her husband is afraid of her.

17) They shaved her hair and took the heartstone. Will she get it back? Are the Pinch's days numbered?

I'm thinking that she'll get it back since they made such a big deal of the necklace earlier in the story. I think the Pinch's will be here for awhile.

18) Anyone else hooked? I want to read on.

Hooked but also disgusted. Feeling really bad for Saba and her sister right now. I kind of know they will escape but can't see how at this point!! Reading on....

Questions and Comments for Silverlake - Crosscreek

1) So everyone comments about the grammar, spelling, missing quotation marks, etc. What did you think? Is it bothering you or do you find it interesting?

The grammar and spelling is distracting, so it is bothering me.

2) Do you think Willem, Lugh and Saba's dad, could truly read the stars? Did he foresee what happened? I wonder why he said it had started and couldn't be stopped. I so want to know what he was referring to.

Yes, I think he could read the stars. He seemed to know about the future and know the rain was coming. I too want to know what he's referring to when he mentioned it had started and could't be stopped.

3) What did you think of Saba's hate for her sister? Should she have left her with Mercy?

I think by leaving her with Mercy Saba was protecting her sister. Though it seemed like she hated her I don't think that she really did. I think everyone at some point finds their siblings annoying! I think leaving her with Mercy was the right choice. It seems like she's going to be headed into dangerous situations and doesn't want her sister involved.

4) What did you think of the sand storm? Was that strange or what? Was it coincidence or does it signify the men who took Lugh have some magical abilities?

I think the men have magical abilities and they need him for some special purpose.

5) Any thoughts as to why they took Lugh? The one forgotten man, Trask, who was at their birth seemed ecstatic that Lugh was a boy born at midwinter. Do you think if he'd know he was one of a set of twins they would have taken both of them? I wonder what's significant about him being 18? I hope there is some sort of prophecy involved. I love it when those are included in a story.

I mentioned in the previous question that I think they need Lugh for some special purpose. I don't think that they know that Lugh has a twin or else yes, I think they would want them both. Is 18 considered an adult? Maybe they get special powers or something....

6) I wonder if the tattoos on Saba's and Lugh's faces will somehow have a significant role later? Seems like a strange place to put one.

Yeah, I'm trying to imagine what the tattoos would look like on their faces like that. I think they might have a significance later.


7) What do you think of the 4 men in the long black robes? Mercy thinks their the Tonton. Do you think Saba has any chance at all of saving her brother?

Seeing that this is the first in a series, I'm going to go out on a limb and say yes, she's going to save him! Not positive but I think the fact that they are twins, don't think the author will have one killed....

8) I wonder how the heartstone that Mercy gave Saba which lets you know when you've found your heart's desire will come into play later. Will it warm when she's near her brother or is something else her heart's desire that she hasn't encountered yet?

I think it will definitely come into play, even though Saba kind of blew it off. I think she doesn't know yet what her heart's desire is and will be surprised when it warms.

I finished yesterday and have started and .

I finished which was a surprisingly enjoyable read. I have just started which I realized I can use as a purple cover book for this week!

I too went in through post #54 and was able to view it that way. I noticed there were no points for me for The Restorer.

Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 35 – Epilogue

54. Could you understand Amelia’s mother not telling her she had cancer? Do you think her mother knows about her father’s ability?

No, I think as a daughter I would want to know if my mother had cancer. That seems like too big a thing to keep secret. I think her mother knows something about the father and I don't like that we never find out. It seemed like she had something important to tell Amelia but then never does!

55. Stunning news that Devlin was Dr. Shaw’s protégé, right?! Does this make you (even more) suspicious of him? Why did Ethan give Amelia Devlin’s address? Why was Devlin coming out the palmist’s house?

Yes, was very surprised! Devlin seems to be connected a lot but is very secret about it! I think Ethan gave Amelia Devlin's address out of concern for his friend. They used to be good friends and maybe he knows that they have gotten friendly. Not sure why Devlin was coming out of the palmist's house.

56. Okay, what in the world was going on with Amelia when she went to Devlin’s house? Was she “possessed” by Mariama? I didn’t think this the first time I read this book; however, on this second time, I’m really wondering what Essie’s “Life Everlasting” does to someone! That whole encounter was pretty creepy. Comments.

Not sure why she went. I don't know if she was "possessed" though.

57. What in the world?! So the “café au lait complexion” guy (see DQ #7) calling himself Tom Gerrity wasn’t Tom Gerrity?! Do you feel sure that he is really the ghost of Robert Fremont? Why didn’t Amelia know he was a ghost? Does all this change your opinion of how Devlin responded when he asked her if she’d been talking with Gerrity? What did you think of the real Gerrity?

This was all kind of surprising/confusing. I was surprised to find out that Tom Gerrity was the ghost of Robert Fremont. I don't know how Amelia didn't know, since she was able to see the other ghosts!

58. What did you think of Clayton Masterson’s history? And there were two killers! Were you pretty sure of that? When did you realize the other killer was that “quiet, scrawny little thing,” AKA Daniel Meakin? When Tuly Mackey said so, or later?

I was not sure of the two killers. I didn't know that Daniel was the "quiet,scrawny little thing" until he showed up at her apt!

59. So Daniel Meakin was posting the epitaphs for all three reasons (warning her, taunting her, and helping her), don’t you think?

Yes, it seems there were several reasons for the epitaphs.

60. Did you like how Amelia got away from Daniel, with the help of Shani and Robert Fremont…and the flies?

It seemed a little far-fetched and unbelievable. But I knew that this is the first in a series and that she was going to escape.

We got the answers as to why Amelia’s home was “hallowed ground.” And I’m assuming, when Daniel said he “finished” his last book, that he was the one who took Dr. Shaw’s research papers. We know that – even if Daniel committed the murders against his will, and killed Clayton in “self-defense” – he was still guilty of killing Camille because she was on to him. We know why the shadow men were there. Comments.

62. Nevertheless, there are many more questions to be answered. What will happen with Devlin & Amelia’s relationship? Are you still suspicious of Temple’s behavior? Of Dr. Shaw’s? Who is a Claw and what exactly does that entail? What of the ghost of Robert Fremont; did he help Devlin find Amelia at the end? Will he get justice? What of Amelia’s father’s secrets? How about exactly when Amelia crossed over into the veil? Or is there another question to which you really want the answer?

Yes, I'm still curious about the medallion that Devlin's wearing, who is in the secret society, why was everyone being so secretive about Afton's death, and what did Amelia's mom want to tell her about her father?

63. Do you think you’ll go on with the series?

I think I will, though probably not right away.

64. How did you rate the book over all? Did it help to have it as a “buddy read” with others?

I gave this 4 stars. I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this. At first I didn't think this was my type of read so wasn't going to join in. But I like to try to read the group reads and decided to give it a try. This is what's so great about book groups/reads. I find new books/authors that I definitely wouldn't have read on my own! I really enjoy the discussion questions for all the group reads. It really makes me think about what I'm reading, versus doing a quick mindless read.

Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 28 – 34

42. Were you surprised that Devlin gave Amelia his gun? Can cops do that (surrender their weapon)?

I thought he was trying to protect her and didn't want her hurt. Not sure if cops can do that, but if it's in self-defense???

43. Unlike the others, Afton Delacourt’s body was not buried. Did anything else about her death stand out as different from the others?

Hmm, didn't even realize that. Can't think of anything that stands out.

44. Devlin went to Emerson! He doesn’t call his wife by name! And why did Amelia tell him, “It’s not this place. It’s you…” when he fell asleep? He is leaving her physically weak when he sleeps at her house, but not elsewhere? Comments.

I think he's just very protective of his personal life. Again, didn't pick up on the idea that he's leaving her weak when he sleeps at her house.....

45. What do you think about what Dr. Shaw said about a psychic vampire? And who stole his notes – and why? Is it, as he suspects, the killer?

I'm not sure. He seems to be on the verge of a breakdown. I'm thinking yeah, maybe the killer is making rounds....stealing Amelia's briefcase, Shaw's notes. This is obviously something pretty big that is trying to be covered up so maybe it's the society and it's a group effort??

46. BOOK QUOTE: “If one has enough money or influence, one can make anything disappear,” he said softly. True or false? Do you think someone has finagled the county land records?

I think this is true to some extent. Someone could have definitely finagled the land records.

47. Eep! What do you think about the emblem of the snake coiled around a talon being on Devlin’s medallion? Does this mean he is a member of the Coffin and the Claw? Is there another explanation? Do you think he was personally involved in Afton Delacourt’s murder?

I thought the medallion was his wife's. So maybe his wife was? I don't think he was involved in Afton's murder. He seems interested in learning details and getting blocked by the sealed records.

48. What about his guilt over his fight with his wife, ignoring Shani, and over not taking Mariama’s last phone call? Is this something over which he can ever recover?

I don't think he can ever recover....maybe the guilt will lessen but I think he will always carry it with him.

49. Did Amelia’s conversation with Macon Dawes trigger anything for you? We find out later that Jane Rice (remains of the second grave) was an emergency room nurse; does this make you suspicious of him?

No, I feel like we don't know much about him so I was/am not really suspicious.

50. Camille Ashby! Whoa. BOOK QUOTES: “He is setting them free.” and “A quite life, a quiet death. Sleep now, Beloved. Our secret is safe.” Do you think Amelia really has figured out the symbols? If so, what does the last epitaph mean with regards to this latest victim? Is the secret just about her sexual orientation? Why wasn’t Camille strung up like the others?

I was so surprised that Camille's body was found! I really thought that she was involved with the murders.

51. Okay, I can understand a little delay, but why hasn’t Amelia confronted Devlin by now? Why were his ghosts gone when he told her to go home at the end of Chapter 32?

Maybe she's afraid of his answers?!!

52. Finally! Amelia and Devlin kiss. Why did the dead tree limb smash through her window? Comments.

I'm thinking Mariama had something to do with it.

53. Okay, I almost don’t even know where to begin – or end – with Amelia’s encounter with Gerrity in Chapter 34, so I just let you make any observations or pose questions you want.

What a cliff hanger ending of a chapter!! I thought he was interested in Devlin and now he wants her to talk to Ethan Shaw?!!! What is going on?!! And how did he find her....that, saw the pics on the blog excuse doesn't explain how he knew she'd be at the cemetery then.....he must be following her. Reading on.....

Finished #20 and my red cover book . I will finish up this week and am reading . Don't have any purple cover books for next week :( but am planning to hopefully read at least one white cover book for the final week!

Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 21 – 27

30. So, the “Prophet” is NOT Gerrity’s nickname! Then whose is it?

I'm thinking maybe Devlin. Gerrity knew that it would catch Devlin's attention when Amelia passed on the message.

31. Uh oh. Devlin isn’t happy about Amelia going down to Beaufort County. Can you blame him? Or should he have been more understanding about it. Do you think it was Essie or Rhapsody who told him, or someone else entirely?

I think it was Rhapsody. She seems a little naive and probably didn't think it was a big deal to let him know.

32. There goes Temple again, implying that Amelia doesn’t need to be at the exhumation, and not to research Afton Delacourt’s murder. Do you think she is lying about being a Claw? Do you think, as Temple assumed, that Daniel Meakin really did try to commit suicide, or was it something else that caused that mark? Was she just laying the groundwork, so to speak? Comments.

The more Amelia digs into Afton's murder Temple avoids discussing it. I'm thinking more and more that she's a Claw and knows more about what happened.

33. If you were Amelia and had that weird spell happen at Essie’s house, would you be more suspicious of the tea served you? Would you wear the amulet she gave you after that?

I would wear the amulet because I'd be superstitious and want to follow Essie's directives. I don't think the spell had to do with the tea only because everyone else was drinking it too.

34. What do you think about the epitaphs being posted on Amelia’s blog? Are they warning her, taunting her, or helping her?

I see it as a taunt, playing with her.

35. Who was the woman with Devlin when he called Amelia back? A colleague? A relative? A date? If so, do you think Regina right? Is Devlin always watching Amelia?

I don't know. Maybe some random woman?? Don't think it's anyone we've been introduced to yet.

36. Exsanguination. Ugh. Not a pretty way to die. Looks like the killer(s) really do want the person to die slowly. Is Devlin right? Is the killer a hunter? Is Devlin right about Amelia not having to be involved in this? Could she walk away? Or is she too far into the thick of it?

It seems like the killer's a hunter. Amelia is WAY too far into this to walk away now! She would never! I'm curious since they keep calling the killer a "he" and even made reference that most killers like this are male it has me wondering if this is foreshadowing that the killer is female?!!!

37. Eep! I’m glad we didn’t stop at end of Chapter 25. (Bad enough it was at #27!) Would you have followed the flies? There were a lot of creepy things in that dank cellar (view spoiler)[Amelia fell into, but I thought the creepiest was the chair. Was it for the keeper? Or an audience? Comments. (hide spoiler)] What did you think was the creepiest?

I would NOT have followed the flies! Totally gross and a bit scary. I do not like bugs and spiders!

38. So, Devlin commented that his wife wore an amulet to bring her good luck. And he doesn’t carry his father’s lighter for good luck. Then why does he wear the medallion? Is it just another keepsake to him?

I agree with others and think the medallion was either his wife or daughter's. I think it's more a keepsake than an amulet for him.

39. What could be the significance of the skeleton (beginning of Chapter 27) being bound at the wrists and not strung up by the ankles?

No idea!

40. Would you have waited for back-up to explore the tunnel further? If your partner wanted to go ahead on the chance there was another victim, would you go with them, or stay behind? Or would it depend on the person you were with?

First, I would never have been down there in the first place. If I had fallen and was stuck there then I would wait for back-up and let my partner go if they wanted.

41. What did you think of Amelia’s childhood nightmare about tunnels and outreaching hands? Could it have been a NDE, as Devlin suggested?

Again, no idea!

On a side note, love the pics of the sweetgrass baskets. I read Sweetgrass by Mary Alice Monroe which was all about women who make the baskets. Nice getting to see what they look like!

Sonia’s Questions for Chapters 13 – 20

20. The sizzling attraction between Amelia and Devlin is so great that even Temple noticed. Do you think it is fueled by the ghosts? First the child, then the wife, they seemed to search for her only after her interactions with Devlin.

Possibly. Are the ghosts trying to get them together? Maybe that will help Devlin let go of his pain.

21. I didn't like Temple's reaction when Amelia mentioned Afton Delacourt’s murder. It is only the idea of a murderer around a small town? Or do you think she belongs or is connected somehow to the Order of the Coffin and the Claw?

She definitely knows more than she's letting on. For some reason in the beginning I was thinking the secret society was male only, don't know why. Maybe she is a member.

22. The ring weared by Dr. Shaw and the incoherence of it's origin caught my attention. I'm wondering what the ornate symbol is or means. Do you agree with me that it may mean something, or is it just a little tidbit like Amelia dismissed it?

I think the ring means something and am curious as to how he really got the ring since the story keeps changing.

23. OK, the whole nightmare just freaked me out! But it also made think that maybe Amelia is right and the door opened with Afton Delacourt’s murder caused some dark entity to enter to this side of the veil. Could all of them (Camille, Ethan and Ruper Shaw, Temple, Tom Gerrity and Daniel Meakin) involved some how in the ritual? Or was the weird behaviors, the attack with the scissors and Meakin's attempt on suicide be influenced by this dark entity?

That got me thinking that maybe they are all part of the secret society.

24.A mouse in a box in a basement with rows and rows of packed shelving...right... I'd be scrambling out there kicking and screaming, but I have a problem with closed spaces. So, we get to know Daniel Meakin. What did you think about him? Is his suspicious reaction to the reference Afton's murder just a way to tricks us, or there is something there?

He was kind of dodging the question too! Everyone is so tight-lipped about what really happened. I think he's kind of creepy but don't know a lot about him.

25. Shani means "my heart" and she draw a heart on Amelia's window, but before that Amelia made a heart from the shells on top of the girl's ring. Didn't that mean that she was the one making the bond before? And what (view spoiler)[Granny says without her help, Shani won’t ever leave you
alone. (hide spoiler)] could possible mean?

I don't think Amelia made the heart intentionally. I think it was out of respect. But now that she did it, maybe that was the sealing the bond.

26. Amelia crossed the veil and back. What? How? When? She started to see ghost with 9 years old? How can she crossed the veil? Was it before the adoption? If so, how did she only start seeing the ghosts at 9? And how can her father saw them? Does that mean that he's the one that took her there? And what about the (view spoiler)[Somebody uh-comin’ for dis gal. Somebody with a soul black as midnight. Somebody dat walk with the dead. (hide spoiler)] part?

I don't know! That really confused me.

27.A car without lights and speeding in Amelia's direction...oh my... who do you think was? The killer? Camille? Her eavesdropping and leaving the basement without talking to Amelia was suspect. But all the reactions of the people she talked about the Order were too. I'm starting to think she stepped someone's toes and the need for secrecy will try to get her. Don't you agree?

Yes, agree that the need for secrecy is going to get her in trouble. She's asking too many questions to too many people.

28.Wait, a big paranormal expert is saying that the dark entity is a optical illusion? Isn't that suspicious? I didn't like Dr Shaw. What do you think of him?

I wasn't really suspicious of him since we got the impression from Amelia that she wasn't concerned about him (since she knew and liked him previously before learning about the allegations).

29.Aha! There's the ring incoherence again. What is this guy hiding? Do you think it was wise of Amalia telling him that she saw the symbol on a grave? Isn't that the reason the killer is after her?

He's so shady with this ring business! Probably not wise of her to tell him about the symbol. But if it was wrong of her, he brushed it off convincingly.

Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 7 – 12

10. Is there any significance in Devlin being able to sleep in Amelia’s place? Do you like Amelia so far? Do you like the way she interacts with Devlin? What’s with Devlin’s silver medallion he wears? It knocks the wind out of her?

I thought that it was mentioned that the house was built on hallowed ground - and people are protected from ghosts there. So that's why I figured he was able to sleep. It was peaceful....which makes me think that maybe he can see ghosts too and is being tormented by the two following him. I'm liking Amelia so far.

11. Any thoughts on the angles Amelia’s father is restoring: “all fifty-seven with nothing more than patience and a set of vintage masonry tools”? Why is Amelia suddenly seeing the first ghost she ever saw “after all these years”? Is he really only a messenger? If so, is her father right about the ring?

I thought it was interesting that her father told her she needed to return the ring...but to who/where?!! As for the angel restoration project....wow! What a lot of patience needed for that. I think it was a really thoughtful gesture by the community though.

12. Do you think Afton Delacourt’s murder 15 years ago is connected to the current crime spree? Is the Order of the Coffin and the Claw definitely involved? Who could be a member of this secret society? Any suspicions? Or are you like me, and suspect everyone. LOL!

It sure sounds like it! And yes I think the secret society is involved. I'm going with you though...suspect everyone!

13. Book Quote: (view spoiler)[ A skeletal hand rising out of the dead leaves like an early spring crocus.” (hide spoiler)] Eep! What a visual! Or was it too cliché for you? Comments.

No, it wasn't cliche but maybe a little too detailed. Yeah, you definitely get a good visual with that line!

14. Another character is introduced: Charleston County coroner, Regina Sparks. Comments on her personality? I totally think there is something to the symbols on the gravestones. Are you with me on this?

She seems very outgoing.

15. Devlin’s wife was a student of Dr. Rupert Shaw? Interesting. Comments?

I'm so curious to find out more about her. The couple seems very intense together from Temple's observation.

16. Book Quote:(view spoiler)[The air went very still and I sensed hesitation, like an animal sizing up its prey. Then the weeds parted violently, as though an invisible scythe cut a path straight toward me. Whatever it was, it came at me like a freight train, preceded by an unnatural chill the like of which I’d never felt before. I stood there breathless and immobile, bound by a nightmarish paralysis. (hide spoiler)] Eep! What was this shadowy creature?

I'm thinking a ghost of some kind!

17. What do you think about Tom Gerrity? His “gift”? Why did Devlin’s wife back away from that strange – or rather, creepy – ménage à trios immediately when Tom Gerrity’s name was mentioned?

He's intriguing to me. I want to like him and think he has good intentions. Was he somehow connected to the wife's death when he was a cop?

18. Now that you’ve heard Temple Lee’s story (Chapter 12) of Dr. Camille Ashby (who originally recommended Amelia’s services to Devlin), what is your impression of her? To backtrack to the end of Chapter 8, how do you think eavesdropping on Camille’s conversation with Devlin was a “turning point” in Amelia’s relationship with Devlin: by its content or her decision to do so? Or something else?

I was so surprised to find out about Temple and Camille's fling way back when! That was kind of unexpected.

19. What did you think of Ethan Shaw and Daniel Meakin? Did either of these two stand out to you? One more than the other?

They both seem a little weird/quirky. But I guess in the fields that they are in, it's be expected. I'm thinking Shaw's father is possibly involved?

I just picked up my copy of this book from the library today so I can be added to the list. Honestly wasn't sure if this was my type of book or not but after reading the first 6 chapters it had caught my interest!


Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 1 – 6

1. Eeep! At age nine, Amelia Gray stared seeing ghosts pretty early. Does this make it more ‘conceivable’ to you that she can see them? Icy fingers trailing through her hair? Brrrrrhhh. Do you think she’ll heed her father’s advice? Or that her life will remain “dull”? Do you think her biological mother had any special abilities?

I think her mother had special abilities....she had to get it from somewhere. Amelia seeing ghosts so early definitely makes it conceivable that she'll see them later. I highly doubt that she'll heed her father's advice. It seemed like foreshadowing when we found out about them in the beginning.

2. Whether you’ve been to the American South or not, do you get a sense of place? How do you like this author’s “voice”? Do you like the graveyard settings? The “luxuriant landscape of lost dreams”? Or does it creep you out?

I haven't been to South Carolina (which I think is where the story takes place....can't remember exactly!)but through the writing definitely have been getting a sense of the place.

3. Whoever are the ghosts following John Devlin, the police detective to the Charleston P.D.? Does he know they are there? Ghosts aside, what is the sense of foreboding that Amelia feels around Devlin? That she seems hyper-aware of his presence?

Possibly his wife and child? I don't think he knows that they're there.

4. Why ever would anyone want pictures of the graveyard Amelia is restoring? Do you have any theories yet?

Have no idea yet!

5. So, Amelia’s word – or promise made – is sacred to her. Think this will come into play later?

Probably....

6. What were you thinking when (view spoiler)[Devlin’s ghost child “penetrated” her defenses and showed up at Amelia’s house? How is this possible? And what about the garnet ring? A warning or a message? (hide spoiler)]

I'm thinking a warning.....the child is trying to help her somehow.

7. Who is the stranger with café au lait complexion? What vibe is Amelia picking up about him? Why is he following her? (view spoiler)[Is he the one who broke into her car and took the photos? Or maybe he’s the killer? (hide spoiler)]

Not really sure, we didn't find out a lot about him.....will he appear again?

8. Scene of the Crime: What is it about that particular gravestone? Is it that the inscription is facing away from the body? The epitaph? The morning glory vine, or feather?

Have no idea....

9. What is your impression of Amelia’s double exposure photos? Is there a hidden message there?

I don't think there's a hidden message.

I have just started . Haven't gotten too far into it yet and haven't had a lot of reading time. But hoping to get it read so I have one book for red week!

January 1-December 31, 2013
Level: Devil May Care
Progress: 24/20

January
1. Maine - J. Courtney Sullivan - ★★★
2. Interred with Their Bones -Jennifer Lee Carrell-★★★
3. Apron Anxiety - Alyssa Shelasky - ★★★★
4. Stolen - Lucy Christopher - ★★★★★
5. Winter's Bone - Daniel Woodrell - ★★
6. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy - ★★
7. Girls in White Dresses - Jennifer Close - ★★★
8. Good Omens -Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman- ★★
9. Any Bitter Thing - Monica Wood - ★★★
10. Bared To You - Sylvia Day - ★★★★
11. Heads in Beds - Jacob Tomsky - ★★★
12. The Eight - Katherine Neville - ★★★★

February
13. Push - Sapphire - ★★★★
14. Dark Lover - J.R. Ward - ★★★★★
15. The Restorer - Amanda Stevens - ★★★★
16. Awaken - Kate Kacvinsky - ★★★★
17. River, Cross My Heart - Breena Clarke ★★
18. Y: A Novel - Marjorie Celona - ★★★
19. Blood Red Road - Moira Young - ★★★★★

March
20. Pope Joan - Donna Woolfolk Cross - ★★★★★
21. The Magicians - Lev Grossman - ★★
22. The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio - Terry Ryan ★★★
23. Remember Me - Christopher Pike - ★★
24. The Lost Recipe for Happiness - Barbara O'Neal - ★★★

Yes, I finished on the 8th but my computer was having problems and I haven't been on in a couple of days. I'm finishing up hopefully tonight or tomorrow so I can start reading for red cover week!