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

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

Laura's Questions for Chapters 38 -End

49. So they capture Tanguay, but he seems innocent. Wow, losing all of your manhood must do a number on you. What did you think of Tanguay's past? Did you think he was the killer?

I didn't think he was the killer.

50. Wow figuring out how the real kille is by a piece of cheese! How crazy is that? Anyone know a detective in real life? Does this kind of stuff really happen? Did this seem completely random to you? Thoughts?

I don't know a detective in real life. I like reading mystery/detective books, but don't think I have the right skills to be one.

51. OMG, Fortier is in the house! That whole scene with the chains was extremely creepy. Way to go Tempe! Do you think you would be able to fight as well as she did if you were in the same situation? What did you think of Fortier being wrapped up in a wet suit?

No! I'm not a fighter! But she shouldn't have been there by herself.

52. Claudel saves the day! Did his note make you feel any different towards him or do you still think he is a jerk?

Actually I did have a little change of heart after his note.

53. Katy is safe! Did you at any point think she was a gonner? What did you think of her going to a friends house? It doesn't seem like she tried to reach her mother very hard to me. Thoughts?

I did think that the killer had her after her bookbag was left outside the door and Tempe couldn't reach her. You would have thought she'd leave a note or something.

54. What will you rate this book? Will you continue on with the series? If you watch the TV show, how did it compare?

I rated this book 4 stars. It was suspenseful and enjoyable but a little too detailed for me. I am dvring an episode of Bones to see what it's like but don't think I'll become a fan. Not sure I'll read any more in this series either. Maybe I'll give number 2 a chance and see how it goes from there!

I just finished for the NBRC monthly read. I'm hoping to finish today to get at least one book in for the pink cover mini challenge! I'm trying to round up some books off my shelf for red for next week. What a great way to get books read off of my own shelves!

Sonia's Questions and comments to chapters 32-37

38) The plan, find Julie, follow Julie, find nightie guy, follow nightie guy. Tempe is just crazy. Again, without telling no one. What is something goes wrong? And this nightie guy, can he be the killer? Isn't she playing with fire, on the wire and without a safety net?

Uh.....yeah!! It's actually kind of annoying now that she keeps doing this alone!

39) So, she arrives home, and her garage lock is beeping, with a killer on the loose, and she doesn't think it is strange? I'll be paranoid by then, and totally freaking out. Would you go to the apartment without calling no one?

No! If my garage lock is beeping I'd probably turn around and go someplace else. It's like she's naive. She's digging into this investigation with a murderer on the loose who knows where she lives. He already left a head in her yard and she's so nonchalant about everything!

40)Finally she decided to share. And she backs off from her friend. Why? Wasn't she worried anymore? What would you do?

Again, annoying. You finally share the info about your friend but then say,"Oh, don't worry about it. She's done this before!" What?!!!!

41)Oh no, Gabby. It wouldn't matter if she stayed true to her friend or not. She was already gone. But the picture. That got my attention. Does that mean that the killer has made Tempe a target, and will go after her daughter next?

That's what I was thinking when the picture was first discovered.

42)So we have a little boy, alone, in a building, with that creepy guy out there. I understand Ryan's concern. And the animals in the kitchen, no words for that. Does that mean that he's the killer? And can he be the one that killed Alsa, the little monkey?

That's what it seems like.....

Not answering 43-48 because I finished the book and already know what's happened!

Sonia wrote:

31. I can't believe Tempe has gone around asking the victim's relatives questions. Do you think that she went to far with this? I don't think it got her anywhere closer to answers, what do you think?

When I saw her doing I thought what the hell? Is she nuts? She was curious I get it, but she's clearly overstepping some boundaries here. I don't think she would appreciated Ryan or Claudel to enter the autopsy room and start analyzing some bones... If I were one of them, I'm be majorly pissed off.

Good point Sonia! She would be so pissed off if Ryan and Claudel got involved in her process/investigation!

Laura's Questions Chapters 26-31

31. I can't believe Tempe has gone around asking the victim's relatives questions. Do you think that she went to far with this? I don't think it got her anywhere closer to answers, what do you think?

Yes, she definitely went too far. I thought it did end up getting her somewhere, but I forget, after the interviews is that when she noticed the for sale signs?

32. So the connection is possibly Metro stops and real estate. Would you have ever made that connection? Were you surprised by the connection? Do you think the advertisements and brochures in St. Jacques hidey hole makes him the killer?

I don't think I would have made the connection. I was a bit surprised, but sometimes serial killers have these weird obsessions.

33. What did you think of J.S. and his explanation of sexual sadism? Do you think we have a case of this with our killer? I would be completely freaked out if I was Tempe, what about you?

I thought so with the different objects shoved up the women.

34. Gabby has disappeared again and we have a sick note. Do you think she left of her own accord this time or was she taken? It seems like she is in big trouble....

I actually finished the book last night so I know what happened......

35. Finally a task force! What do you make of the two new cases? Are they worth looking at? Tempe seems to have a logical reason for thinking they don't fit. Are you surprised that the investigators are not making the same connections?

Honestly Tempe is a woman and the rest are men. I think women often see things differently than men.

36.Can you believe Tempe went out on the street again? She is one brave cookie? Would you have done the same thing? I keep thinking, why isn't she calling Ryan?

No, I couldn't believe she did that. She really seems to think she's invincible. And to think that she does all of these things without a weapon to protect herself!

37. What do you think is going on with Julie? Do you think she is the way she is because of the killer? Something is not adding up. Thoughts?

Poor Julie, is all I could think. I hate to think of young girls getting into prostitution. I don't think it was the killer who made her that way. I think it's probably the job, drugs, etc.

Laura's Questions for Chapters 20-25

24. Oh My! I could never do Tempe's job. An infant? Would you be able to determine the age of an infants bones or would it be too much for you? What do you think so far of all the different scenarios she has had to deal with (bones not related to the murders)?

From the beginning I could never do her job! With the infant....no way!

25. I wonder what Aaron was thinking Book Quote: "Guy uses a chef's saw. And he goes about cutting' up a body like he knows what he's doing. Knows what's where, hot to get at it. And does it the same way every time. Do you think its a doctor or a butcher? I keep wondering if it is Dr. Bailey. The monkey guy. Thoughts?

Not sure. He definitely became a suspect though in my mind after her visit with him.

26. Finally we hear from Gabby. I can't believe she has been hiding from Tempe this whole time. I would have reacted the same way Tempe did, what about you? Do you think there is more to her story? Do you think her newest stalker (her informant) is somehow a part of the killings? I feel like there are so many unkowns.

I was so annoyed that Gabby showed up like that! At first I was thinking maybe it was Katy who came home to her mom. There's definitely more to her story but I would be annoyed if I was Tempe. She doesn't talk to you, you go trying to find her being worried about her, and then she just shows up in the middle of the night?!!

27. Do you think Tempe is on to something with the monkey or has she gone overboard? Dr. Bailey seems to be hiding something. Do you think he knows more about Marie-Lise's disappearance from school and the monkey? Other thoughts?

I think she's on to something with the monkey. Definitely a connection with Dr. Bailey and yes I think he knows something about Marie-Lise's disappearance.

28. Claudel is a jerk. I can't believe that he is going so far as to file a complaint. Do you think his complaint is valid or do you think he is overreacting? Does this change your opinion of Claudel any if you thought he was okay before?

I can't believe he's filing a complaint.

29. I can't believe that the killer left a head in Tempe's yard! I wouldn't have stayed in my house after that. I would have moved to a hotel or something. Any ideas on the type of message the killer is trying to send to Tempe? Do you think she is the next target or is the killer just wanting her to solve the mystery?

Hmm, that's an interesting take.....like the killer is challenging her to see if she can solve it. Maybe.

30. Do you see a link between all of the victims? It seems like the only connection is the dismemberment and crazy mutilation of the bodies? Any ideas on who it might be?

I don't see a connection and still have no idea who the killer is.

Hi everyone! I have just signed up for the Team Read and been assigned Team C! I'm going to start my bookshelf and update for what I've read since Jan. 1! I'm very excited to join!

Questions and Comments for Chapters 13 - 19

16)Oh boy, I got lost with all the saw talk. I'm with Claude, a saw is a saw, it cuts things.But she finally got the link she was after. Go Tempe. And Ryan was there again. I'm beginning to not trust him. Thoughts?

Yeah, I think my eyes kind of glazed over and I kind of skimmed that part! I agree about Ryan.....beginning to have my suspicions.

17)She's going to check the third X-spot. I would totally do it too. Even if it mean trouble, I am really curious about the x-marks on the map. How about you?

I'm curious about the third x-spot, but really, going by herself at night?!!! No thank you! I'd wait until morning and bring someone along.

18)So, she discovered the bags, was attacked, discovered a fresh dig, and got the hell out of there. I would have nightmares too. I had to check on the published date to see how on earth wasn't she grabbing her cell to call... and the the date hit me. I'm wondering if all the marks she left on the sport won't be used to the killer to trace her... or against her.

Yeah, Gabby was using a pay phone so didn't think cell phones were really popular!

19)Did you thought that the bags would be gone by morning? When I read that the gate was locked, I share Tempe's fear about they will found anything or not.

Yeah, I was thinking, Oh no, she brought all the police and now there will be nothing and she'll look like a fool. But fortunately she lookks like a hero!

20)Was Tempe thinking that the street girls would answer her? Really? After all that Gabby said about the unspoken rules? I'm starting to be really worried about Gabby. I'm really hoping that we will not find her on several trash bags.

I think she was just really desperate to find Gabby and the girls were her only lead at this point. But no, I didn't think that they'd help her.

21)I didn't get Jewel's answer. Did she meant that all females are in danger, or was she agreeing that Gabby was in danger by stating the obvious?

I got the idea that all females were in danger around that guy.

22) Who do you think was the one on the pursuing car. The Killer? The guy on the church propriety? The creepy guy that was staking Gabby? Maybe Jean-Marc? Or are they all the same person?

I'm thinking possibly the killer....who at this point I have no idea who it could be!

23)Am I the only one that thinks that the hangs ups on the message machine are weird and can be related to the photo with the X on it?

No, I think that they are possibly related. Maybe checking to see if she's home....I'm thinking there was no caller ID back then! So, if no one answered the killer knew she wasn't home??

Laura's Questions Chapters 7-12

9. Hmm.. So Gabby is being stalked by a guy asking her creepy questions. Do you think he is the killer or just someone who is a stalker? I have a bad feeling about Gabby. Do you think it is wise for Gabby to be blending in with prostitutes for research? Would you be willing to go that far for research?

I don't think it's a good idea for Gabby to be involved with prostitutes for research and no way would I be willing to go that far! It seems way too dangerous. I'm thinking that Gabby's stalker may be involved with all of these murders. I fear that she may be the next victim!

10. Impression so far of Andrew Ryan? I don't know much about the TV show, but it sounds like Mr. Ryan is going to play a large role in this book. It sounds like he is at least going to be fair to Tempe. Thoughts?

So far I think he's much nicer than Claudel!

11. What did you think of the old timers at the convenience store? I was surprised at their mistake in not talking to them at first and that Tempe was the one to actually go up and start the conversation. Do you think that the old timers and the clerk knew more than they were telling? It seemed like the old timers were giving each other telling looks.

I think the old timers knew more than they were saying. And that they were in disagreement, I felt like one wanted to help and one didn't.

12. What did you think of Jean-Marc's apartment? It sure seems like he could be the killer. All of the newspaper clippings were creepy. I can't believe he was there the whole time. Do you think Claudel is so wrapped up in the fact that Tempe has all of these ideas that he is getting sloppy in his job? Should he have known that Jean-Marc was there all along?

I think it's his hide-out and not where he actually lives. They didn't find any evidence though so I don't think he's the guy. It seems too early for them to have found the supsect!

13. What did you think of the chase scene? Were you surprised that Claudel assisted Tempe? I thought for sure she was more seriously injured when they talked about her neck popping. Would you have chased after the guy?

I didn't think there was any way they were going to catch Jean-Marc with all of the people in the streets. It was just too perfect of a set-up for him to get away. I was surprised that Claudel helped Tempe and from the description it did seem like she was more badly hurt. No I would not have chased after the guy!

14. Wow, the guy had a picture of Tempe with a circled X. Any predictions on what it means?

I'm not sure because I don't think that he's the killer.

15. It seems like no one is taking anything seriously. What do you think about everything so far? Is Tempe just grasping at straws or do you think she is the only smart one? It seems like no one else really thinks Jean-Marc is involved. Thoughts?

I'm thinking he's not involved either. I'm curious as to what Tempe's going to do since she was told to do her job and stay out of their investigation. Maybe she'll find something by looking at the dead girls' bones??

Questions and Comments for Chapters 1 - 6

1) First impressions of Dr. Temperance Brennan? Do you like her or dislike her? Has anyone seen the television show Bones, inspired by this series? If so, how would you compare Bones to Tempe?

I think she's okay, but don't really know her very well yet (or remember much about her or the book, since this is a re-read!). It definitely takes a certain type of person to be able to do the job that she does.....and that person is NOT me!! I have never seen Bones and don't know if I'm really interested.

2) How do you feel about the amount of French in the book so far? Is it distracting, or realistic given the Montreal setting?

IT's realistic given the setting, and I took French in high school so it's not too distracting for me.

3) Much of the praise this book has received from critics has been about how accurate it is, given that Kathy Reichs is herself a forensic anthropologist. What do you think of her attention to detail?

It's a bit too detailed for me. I kind of skim over the parts that go into too much detail.

4) What do you think of Claudel? How did you feel about the way he dismissed Tempe's theory so quickly - and so angrily?

My first impression is that I don't like him.

5) Will Tempe's sobriety be tested before the end of the book?

It's definitely seems that way. There's already been a couple of mentions about how badly she wants a drink.

6) First impressions of Gabby? What do you think of her project? How do you think she managed to get in over her head? Will Tempe rescue her from whoever is trying to kill her?

From Tempe's perspective she's acting really strange. The two seem really different to be such good friends. Her project seems kind of dangerous.

7) Any clues or ideas as to the serial killer? Or is it too early? Could Gabby's project be related in any way?

I think it's too early to tell. I think Gabby's project is related.

8) What did you think of the first section overall? Are you hooked? Any thought not covered in the DQs?

So far it's been a quick read and keeping me interested enough to continue reading. I read this back in 2004 and don't remember anything! It's like a brand new read for me!

Okay, I've been holding off but I've finally given in. Can I please join too? I read 174 books last year.

I'm in. I have my copy from the library . This will be a re-read for me. It's the only book I read of Reichs. Maybe it will interest me more the second time around!

Questions for The Secret- End Game

67. Was anyone else shocked that Alexander was helping Mireille? The whole scene with the Abbess made me sad. What did you think of Charlot and his prophecies?

I was definitely shocked that Alexander was helping Mireille. I thought that he didn't like the abbess or his mother and Mireille was connected to them in all of this. I was also saddened by the Abbess' death. At least she did not die in vain and she was able to pass on the cloth. I thought Charlot had an amazing gift with his prophecies. I kind of wish someone could tell me about my future!

68. Poor Talleyrand, in the beginning I hated him, but then I ended up really liking him. I wish things had been different for him and Mireille. I think they truly cared about each other. Can you believe that everyone wanted him to marry Catherine the Grand? Thoughts?

I was suspicious of Talleyrand in the beginning but grew to like him too. He was really upset that he was being forced to marry Catherine Grand since he loved Mireille. I think marrying for the game is kind of crazy! Did they even know what the end result was or were they just guessing that it was something big and important?!

69. Nim and Solarin are brothers? Wow, it seems like everyone in this book is related in some way. Did you find it hard to keep up witih all of the surprise relations? Would you have been able to give up all that they did for the sake of the pieces? I know I did.

Yeah, all of the connections/relationships between the people were a bit difficult to keep track of. I was very surprised about Nim and Solarin! I din't think I'd be able to give everything up for the pieces.

70. Wow, Minnie is Mireille. I wondered this towards the end. Was anyone surprised? What did you think of the elixir of life? I was a bit upset that she had actually taken it. How did everyone else feel?

I was very surprised to discover that Minnie is Mireille. I think that elixir of life is very dangerous and no one should live that long. I figured that she thought she had to see what the elixir did considering the great lengths she went to procure it. That made her work hard later to make sure that the formula didn't get into the wrong hands.

71. Would you have been tempted to take the elixir?

Absolutely not! I don't want to live that long!

72. What will you rate this book? Any comments or questions not addressed in the DQs? Will you read the sequel?

I am giving this book 3.5 stars (rounding up to 4). I found it enjoyable and in the beginning I liked the historical figure references but like others have mentioned it began to be a bit much when Neville seemed to put anyone of fame living in the time period into the book. I probably won't be reading the sequel. As much as I enjoyed this book I don't really have any desire to know anymore about what happens!

Questions and Comments for The Eighth Square - The Storm

59) So I don't know about anyone else, but I'm still at a loss as to how this game got started. Do you think we'll find out in the last section? Anyone else confused? I can understand why people would want the chess set, but am miffed how everyone going after it became known as chess pieces.

I have no idea how this game got started and not sure if it ever ends!

60) So you can leave the game if you find a replacement. Anyone else surprised that with all the people in the game who are related that they'd opt to drag in an outsider to replace the Queen? Who is the Black King?

I think that Minnie was just tired of being in the game. Still not sure why they chose Catherine - because she studied music?? to be the new black queen though.

61) Wahad is Theresa's, the switchboard operator's, son? The "tour guide" kid with the lice. Why didn't she tell that to Catherine? Does this have a little bit of the feel of Alice in Wonderland to anyone else?

There seems to be a lot of secrets.

62) Do you think it was wise for Maurice to leave the Chess pieces unguarded in the US?

Not at all! Couldn't believe that. And does anyone else know besides his assistant?

63) So the Abbess was taken out of the game. Was she a part of it? What piece do you think she could be? Did Plato replace her? I'm a little confused.

Not sure if she was a part of the game or just a protector/overseer of the pieces? I'm confused too!

64) Will the guys, (David, Talleyrand, and Napoleon), figure out who Catherine Grand is? I think there are way too many Catherine's in this book.

I agree that there's too many Catherine's! Not sure if they'll figure it out.

65) So Solarin and Catherine hook up. I didn't see that one coming. Smart move or is Catherine totally out of her mind? Do we know what piece Solarin is? He did say he wanted to bring her into the game. Could he be the Black King? Didn't they say he was brought in several years ago by his grandmother? Could that have been when Kamel's father, the previous Black King died?

Hmm, maybe Solarin is the Black King?! I was waiting for Catherine and Solarin to get together....although on a boat and he has a head injury?!!

66) What do you think of the formula deciphering Solarin, Catherine, and Lily are doing? Looks like Sonia was right. The formula may be all about alchemy.

That's what it looks like. I can't believe that they figured that out!

Questions And Comments for The Black Queen - The White Land

50)We finally found the mysterious fortune teller. What do you think about her? And Cat & Lily as a team. Yeah, I would like that as much as Cat did.

Ha! Yeah, Lily seems such a great partner! Not! The fortune teller risked a lot to get to Catherine and now she wants to make her the Black Queen so this game seems very real now! I can't believe she's been prisoner in Algiers for so long since her husband died.

51)Wait. The formula hidden in the Montglane service has something to do with the elements and is the key to Alchemy? That doesn't sound so mysthical

Yeah, I'm not sure I understand. I think it's supposed to make gold??!!

52)And Sharrif is still threatening Cat. Why doesn't he say what he really wants? His he really a foe, or is just a strategy to appear so?

I can't tell. So far he seems foe. He's intimidating Catherine. If he was going to help her I think he would have told her already.

53)I still don't trust Kamel. He seems.. too cooperative to my taste. First the project was too important, and now he's helping a friend of a worker? It smells fishy to me.

Catherine seems to trust him so I'm going with friend.....hopefully.

54)A road trip, in the middle of the desert with no markings. Are those girls nuts? uh-uh, not me. Much less in the 70's. Of course, they had to get lost. Now what? I'd be dead by now, for sure.

I would so be dead! And they went the wrong way! If that plane didn't come they would be dead. They were so lucky!

55)A labyrinth inside a cavern, a trapdoor, bats. For a moment I thought I was reading Indiana Jones. But they finally get the pieces just to find out the police waiting for them. Can I say "Zugzwang" too?

Yeah, it did get pretty action-filled there. But again they were able to escape! Somehow they are really lucking out.

56) So They are trapped by the white king. And by the police. Now what? Let's jump to the Mediterranean. Really?

And I'm sure they are going to escape or that would be the end of the story, right?!

57)So, it seems that Maurice is as smart as they make us believe he was. But even so, he and the pieces are now moving to America, while Mireille went to London. I'm wondering if they will found each other again.

I'm really hoping so. I'd like him to discover he has a son and reunite with Mireille.

58)And Benjamin Franklin solver the riddle. What?!

The list of famous historical figures mentioned in this book is enormous! And Benedict Arnold meeting up with Maurice.

Questions for The Sound of the Desert - The Death of Kings

37) What did you think of when Mireille was told she'd have to kill someone and that she and her son had been prophesied about? What did you make of the cave paintings?

It was kind of confusing and a little unbelievable.

38) So are the Queens the only ones marked and are they always born on 4/4 or is every player?

It seems to be that they are all born on 4/4......(4/4/04 is my wedding anniversary! Is that bad luck??!!!)

39) Were you shocked to discover that Mireille was the black queen? Is that because she's for the Moors?

I am surprised because she had no idea!

40) What did you think of the white Queen? Is it the same Catherine as the modern day one? Does that mean they'll be another Queen Mireille?

Not sure.

41) Do you like the idea of a real life chess tournament, as Catherine and Lily surmise, going on?

No, I think it's scary! To think that once the pieces are elminated, the people die is gruesome. And some of these people seem to have gotten involved in this game involuntarily.

42) What role would Mireille's the little boy play?

Will he be one of the "good guys"?

43) Who are the kings? Was Marat one or is it just real life Kings in this game that get killed and there are no other Kings?

Again, not really sure.

44) What did you think of Mierille's escape? What about David's betrayal? Did he have a choice?

Was so surprised! I thought she was going to die and then to discover that she's the Black Queen! I don't think David really had a choice. I think that he would have been killed if he didn't tell.

46) Who is Catherine Grand? How can she look so much like Valentine? It can't be Catherine the Great because she is too old? Any theories?

Not sure.

47) Who are all the players? Do you think we've met all of them that are still in play?

I don't think we have. There should be 32 players altogether and I feel like we didn't meet 32 people. Is Catherine in a new game, or is it still continuing from the past?

48) Will modern day Catherine acquire the pieces she sought? What do you make of her not knowing who or what part she has in the game?

I think that she will get the pieces but it will put her in great danger. I'm just as lost as she is as to what she's doing and her role in the game!

49) Do you enjoy all the codes and the deciphering of them? How would you have fared trying to unravel them?

I am not really into codes and such. I see Catherine trying to figure out the code that Nim sent her and I'm thinking, how did she do that?!! I would have been horrible at unraveling them and if my life depended on it I think I would have been a goner!

The Middle Game - Position Analysis

29) So is anyone else wondering what happened to the Moors that were protecting the chess set? Could they have settled down and could their offspring be looking after things? Could that be who was on that horse when Valentine and Mireille left the abbey?

Possibly and maybe Mireille will encounter them when she travels to Algiers.

30) The Bishop of Autun is going to give the chess pieces to the next ruler of France? Is that wise. I think I know who that will be. Now I'm starting to wonder if the set somehow stimulates the owner's greed or dark side. What do you think? The first glimpse of Napoleon makes him seem rather nice.

I don't think it's wise and I'm not sure who it will be :) But the set was hidden in the abbey and the abbess wasn't greedy or evil......so not sure. I like how important historical figures of the time are included in the story (like Napoleon, who yes seems very nice).

31) If I was Catherine Velis, I think I'd be going nuts right now. She seems to be taking things well. So the fortune teller picked her to be in the game? Why and why is everyone so secretive about it with her? I'm not sure we have the full picture yet, but we seem to be getting there.

Yes! She's taking it very well. Why was she picked? How is she connected to all of this? I'm dying to find out!

32) Who is connected to who in Algiers? Who is bad and who is good? Any ideas? Was anyone else surprised that Kamel and Sharrif weren't on the same page?

I have no idea. Was very suprised that Kamel and Sharrif weren't on the same page. And Kamel knew that Catherine was a "rule breaker" so they picked her out?

35) Were you surprised Mireille teamed up with Napoleon and his sister and trusted them?

Yes, although if she didn't I don't think she would have gotten out the way she did. I think the soldiers would have taken her on her travels alone. It seemed beneficial to both sides.

36} Were you surprised Mireille turned up pregnant? I wonder how this will affect things?

A little. When I first read she was throwing up and sick that's what I figured. I'm hoping Antun turns out to be a good guy and they get reunited later on.....wishful thinking!

Questions and Comments for The Knight's Tour - The Center Board

18)So, chess is the Russian national sport. Do you think that the Russian tradition is connected with Catherine the Great's obsession with the chess set?

Possibly. Not really sure.

19)J-A-D-O-U-B-E/C-V. That was weird. Do you think is an omen of some dark event to come?I would have nightmares too.

Yes, it definitely has some meaning. Like Catherine mentioned, those were Fiske's last words before he died.

20)Everyone seems to think That Cat is destined to have some key part on finding the chess pieces. That made me think that perhaps the whole go to Algiers trip was some kind of a set-up and not as a punishment as we were lead to believe. What do you think?

I think there's definitely a connection between Cat going to Algiers and finding the Chess pieces. Just like Mireille was planning to go to Algiers after Valentine's death.

21)Again, the reference of the enigma of the Knight's Turn on the chess master's tale. Do you think that's the great enigma hidden in the Montglane service? Or is the secret of the Word as the chess master believed?

Wasn't sure about this. When they get into too much historical talk and chess references, she loses me.

22)So Valentine kept her vows, while Mireille didn't to protect her cousin. I'm still at shock with the two cousins' fate. Who do you think was the foul judge? I'm wondering how much of the original set was recovered through the ages.

I was so not expecting Valentine's death!! Have no idea who the foul judge was but from the description he seemed pretty vile! I don't think he had a good reputation either since David was telling Mireille to be quiet. And I didn't like that he went back on his word that if Mireille disclosed the location of the chess pieces he'd let Valentine go.

23)Mordecai said that computers were the eigth wonder of the world, ad then they connected with 'on the forth day of the fourth month, then will came the eight', does that mean that Catherine is THE Eight?

Again, not sure about this. Which Eight are we referring to?


24)Wait, just wait a minute. So Saul disappeared, and the resigned, just to be murdered on the room that Cat and Solarin were talking. Does that mean that he was involved on the conspiracy to get the chess pieces? That could explain he's expression about Lily playing chess on New Year's Eve. Or did he died trying to tell Cat and Solaris something? Is it just me, or this is getting really confusing? What do you think about his dead being totally unknown?

I thought it strange that no on knew about his death. There wasn't really any back info about him, only that he was the chauffeur, so I wasn't thinking that he knew anything about or was in on the conspiracy. Of course, to have been shot, there must have been a reason, so I may just be in the dark here!

25)To grieve her cousin Mireille ends up in bed with the man that Valentina loved. Worse, she confided the pieces to the same man that caused them to be removed from their secret place. Isn't that ironic? Wasn't she supposed to be the well behaved one? But at least we have the lead how all connects to Algeria. Although I don't get it. If she send the pieces to London, how did they ended up on Algeria?

I couldn't believe that Mireille slept with Talleyrand! I want to believe that he's a good guy now, wanting her to escape and use his pass to leave France. We'll see.....I thought she was sending the pieces that she recovered to London and was going to Algeria to get to the bottom of the story of the pieces.

26)The Rads' maid has a brother living on Algeria. Could he be the contact that informed Llewellyn about the chess pieces?

Possibly. I think it's too early to tell.

27)'I will meet you at Algeria'. Wow... that sounded like a promise and a warning. I would have lost my ability to sleep. Hoe about you?

Definitely!

28)How about Mordecai? I was wonder if he had a part in this whole story. And then we learned that he is Harry's father, that was a surprise. But no as much as him being responsible for the mysterious fortune teller. Thoughts about that? I know my head is drawing a knot, or maybe an eight. Each piece of the puzzle has an hidden puzzle itself.

Yes I was suprised about Mordecai being Harry's father. At first I thought he was on the other side when he pointed out that Catherine was at both murder scenes and didn't do anything/contact the authorities. I thought he was implying that he thought she was guilty. But then we discover that he sent the fortune teller and now he's sending Lily, a professional chess player, to Algiers with Cat, I think he knows about the real-life chess game being played. He is DEFINITELY involved in all of this somehow!

I am really enjoying the pics that are being posted! Thanks so much!

Questions for A Game of Chess - The Knight's Wheel

10. What are your first impressions of Lily? Do you think she will play a larger role later in the book or is she just a small part?

I'm not the biggest fan of Lily, but don't know that much about her. My first impression is that she's kind of full of herself. I think she'll play a much larger role in the story.

11. I didn't realize how popular chess is. Anyone know anything about chess or been to a match like the one Lily and Catherine attended? It seems all very political. Thoughts?

I know nothing about chess. My husband knows how to play but isn't a huge fan of tournaments or anything. I wonder if it's still so political as it was in the 70's.

12. Who do you think Solarin is? Do you think he is a reincarnated protector of the Montglane Service or just a modern day government agent? Any thoughts on who he is working for? The mysterious secretary?

I have no idea. He seems to be on Catherine's side.

13. Who do you think killed Fiske? Is it a government or a rich individual? Do you think Solarin knows who it is? It sure seems like he knows more than he is saying.

I'm thinking government conspiracy and I think Solarin may have an idea. I agree that he knows more than he's saying.

14. So the Abbess' friend was Catherine the Great. Were you surprised that the Abbess knew Catherine was after the service? Is it just me or does the Abbess seem to be saying that the 8 placed on her wrist was put there by God? Thoughts?

I was a little surprised that the Abbess knew about Catherine. That's the impression that I got about God placing the 8 on her wrist.

15. What did you think of Catherine's story? Does it make you believe that she is only looking out for the chess set and truly cares for her old friend, or is it another story cloaked in sneakiness?

I think everyone's hiding something, including Catherine the Great. I think she's looking out for herself.

16. We have a mysterious white clad bicycle man and a woman feeding birds in black. Do you think we will see more of these people? Do you think they are more protectors of the chess set, or enemies keeping a watch on Catherine?

Yes, I think these people will reappear again. They must have some significance to be mentioned. I think there are more enemies keeping a watch on the set.

17. What did you think of Nim? I have a sneaky suspicion he is not the nice man that he seems? What role do you think he will play in the story?

Nim is interesting. Very hard to get ahold of. Very wealthy. And yes, he seems too nice. Again, I think he knows more than he's letting on and is possibly interested in the set.

*Side Note* Did anyone else make the connection between the names of the two Catherines being the same. Do you think this is something to do with the story or is it merely a coincidence?

I only realized the coincidence as I was answering these questions. Not sure if there's a connection.

Questions and Comments for The Defense - Fianchetto

1) Who do you think the horseman who witnessed the exodus from the abbey of Valentine and Mireille was? Will he come into play later?

Not really sure but definitely think he will come into play later.

2) What do you think of the powerful chess set with a a formula hidden on it for universal power? Do you think it really has such a formula or is it just spelled or cursed?

I think there's a spell or curse on it. Not really sure if such a formula could really exist.

3) Was Velis, the girl from the 1970's, a reincarnation of Valentine or one of the other nuns? Why did the information the fortune teller gave her sound so familiar? Could Lily end up being Mireille?

Hmmm, didn't think of that. That might explain the info from the fortune teller and her deja vu moments.

4) What did you think of the ghost story? Do you think the Bishop made it all up?

I was thinking that as I was reading.....like a way to find out if the girls knew anything about the chess set.

5) Do you think Valentine will be able to keep her vow to protect her chess pieces?

I think she will try her best to protect them.

6) Who do you think is collecting the pieces in the 70's?

I think Llewellyn and/or Blanche. When they asked Catherine to try to get some rare pieces when she's in Algiers I thought they were just setting her up for trouble.

7) What did you think when you heard the Abbess' friend was Catherine the Great? Will the Abbess be safe?

I was surprised. I don't think she'll be safe since the Bishop seems to know where she is/who she was going to see.

8) First thoughts of the Bishop of Autun? Is he the devil incarnate? Do you think Valentine will sympathize with him because she was almost forced to become a nun? What did you think of his excuse about never wanting to be a priest so he doesn't feel the need to live by the vows he took?

He seems so suave and the girls are eating him up. I haven't figured out if he's being sincere or just trying to feed the girls stories to earn their sympathy.

9) 8 seems to be a repeated and significant number throughout the story. There were 8 Moors, 8 Nuns to hide the 32 chess pieces, 8 large oil companies in the OPEC. At this point do you think 'The Eight' refers to the Nuns or all the things dealing with the number eight?

I think it relates to all the things.