Tina ❣’s Comments (group member since Mar 09, 2016)

Tina ❣’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Go it. Thanks Tammie! :P

I'm happy with our current plan. I'll look out for some sin bingo books to read over the next two weeks. Though I wish other teams could just tell us what green covered young adult books they read this year to make it easier for us to get sin bingo haha

Tammie wrote: "@Tina ... you indicate Fan Girl is an option for Sin Bingo...that would be preferred...do you know who else read it in 2019?...found it...Jammin Jenny read

Also, please correct the version you hav..."

If this is for Chestnut Man, then the version I read was a white cover. I wasn’t 100% sure if the red cover would be okay. On the BOM the have a little list of what it would the book work for and they had red on it so I thought it would be okay. But otherwise I don’t mind if it’s used for Vanity or Envy!

Book of the Month: December
(Ninth House)

1 Ruby Coin for half DQ participation
1 Ruby Coin for Writing Disscussion Questions
1 Ruby Coin for completing ALL days DQs within month of BOM start

by Leigh Bardugo

Day 7 DQs - Chpt 114-End


31. When Genz started to torture Rosa, it made me think back to the other murders. It started off with 1 hand, then 2 hands, then 2 hands and a foot. What do you think the significance was of cutting of the victims' hands and feet? It didn't appear that he did the same to his prior victims so why the escalation?

It makes sense if he does it because of the song. It kind of reminds me of hangman. You get one letter wrong, you draw a line. He kills on person, he cuts one thing off

32. On that same note, now knowing that the girl was not Thulin in the first chapter, do you still believe the same or have another theory on why Thulin reacted the way she did when she saw the chestnut man at the first crime scene? Was there a valid reason which was not explored, or was it more for dramatic effect?

With how it ended, it seems to be more of dramatic effect. I never knew chestnut men were a thing but maybe in Denmark it's a national thing to know?

33. Some of us guessed earlier on but we now know what happened to Kristine. Why do you think Genz kept her alive this entire time? And after what was done to her, why do you think Astrid went along with this plan? Was she of sound mind?

To torture Rosa and Steen. I think she was stuck there psychologically and physically. He trapped her there. Where could she have gone with no money and no home? He had a wealth of money plus his tech skills to track her wherever she would go. I think she also wanted to be with his as he is her twin brother.

34. I thought the plot was wrapped up nicely in the end but that last chapter with Linus Bekker was a little ominous. What do you think he will do next? Do you think he'll take over where the Chestnut Man left off?

Ugh I hope not but if there's a second book then probably. It'll be him as a copycat killer.

35. With how lengthy this book was, did it keep your attention throughout? Did it end as you expected? How did you rate it?

The second half was easier for me to read. Definitely a lot of twists and turns and I liked it. I gave it a 4

36. I read that not only is Netflix adapting this novel into a series, but that the author is writing a follow-up novel. Are you interested in reading more by this author? Interested in reading more in this world/series?

I might. It's a hard read and watch probably. Not light and fluffy at all

Day 6 - Chapters 99-113

26. How convenient that Hess found the chestnut people & animals by accident in the photo from the case in 1989. I honestly thought this could have been carried out /written better. What were your thoughts? Did you still remember they had requested the photos but never looked at them?

I remember him requesting them. I thought it was written okay

27. Lol after the chapter in which Genz and Thulin went for a run I made a note to ask you guys what your thoughts were of him, and then there was this big reveal! Did you suspect him at all?

The run was weird. I didn't but I thought it was someone who was working on the case who could steer evidence away from him. He would have to know when and where the police would be with his murders. Like with what happened to Jess.

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

No, I kind of brushed it off. I didn't think they'd know each other through the foster system

29. Wow, that last chapter 113 - didn't expect this background story to hit me so hard. Did you expect anything like this? How do you feel about Rosa, her parents and the twins right now?

I didn't think that what happened would be the reason he started killing. I think he's just focused on Rosa because maybe when he left there, his life got worse? Maybe it was his one shot at a family and happiness?

30. Also, where is Frederick Vogel??? Do you think he plays a part in this, or was it just a coincidence that he wasn't there when Rosa asked about him?

Not too sure. Maybe fluffing around

To kind of pick up on the bonus question of Day 4 - I think this book would make an amazing tv show, do you think or hope it'll get made into one? Would you watch?
I would actually watch it. Probably with my partner

DQs Day 5 - Chapters 79-98

20. Why do you think all the victims were from abusive or neglectful homes? And how do you think the minister Rosa Hartem ties into these chestnut men? Is it more than just her daughter’s “disappearance”?

It has something to do with the killer's childhood. I think he went through the same or similar things. I think it might be related to when she was growing up. The killer is connected to her somehow

21. I find the character of Lunas Becker fascinating. I think he makes a great scapegoat for the crime of Katherine’s disappearance, and he seems to know something about The Chestnut Man.. What did you think about the interview Thulin and Hess have with Lunas Becker in the facility for the criminally insane?

He's a creepy guy. I would run from him. He knows what's going on and know how to lie well and manipulate. Sometime I don't know how police do their jobs

22. Eskar Neergord and his wife Benedicta come up with a plan to infiltrate the Minister’s house by having Eskar hired as her private driver. That gives him direct access to her son Gustav, and when things start to go awry, Eskar and Benedicta decide to kidnap him. At the same time, the police broke into Eskar and Benedicta’s home and find all sorts of photos of the minister’s house. Do you think they are involved somehow with the chestnut dolls showing up?

No I don't think so. I think the killer is going to frame them

23. Hess appears to be the only one in the room who thinks Eskar and Benedicta are not involved in the murders of the women, even if they are involved in the kidnapping. As he looks around the command room, he seems to think they are all still dancing to invisible strings in the air. Why do you think Hess thinks that and do you agree?

I think that the police want the quick answer, the easy answer. But Hess wants the correct answer. I'm on his side.

24. Eskar is able to stop Benedicta from hurting Gustav when they pull off into the woods. Then a strange car pulls off into the woods behind them and someone starts walking up. Later we find that both Eskar and Benedicta are dead outside the van, and the boy was saved by the task force that arrives. Who do you think followed the couple into the woods and killed them? Do you think it could be Frederick Vogel the minister’s advisor?

Chestnut Man! I don't think it's Vogel. I think it's someone in the police who is the killer

25. Who do you think put the cut off hands and feet in the mini-fridge in the slaughterhouse?

I think it's the Chestnut Man framing them and trying to get the trail off himself

DQs Day 4: Chapters 63-78

16. I could not believe how much abuse Eric afflicted on his wife and children. It made me sick to my stomach reading about how he justified his actions and knew he would get away with it. Even when he found out about his wife’s death after learning that she was planning on running away, Eric thought it was justice being served. How was your experience reading this section?

It was pretty disgusting. I do think it's believable honestly and it's disturbing that these things happen. I didn't think that would happen though. It's just ugh.

17. Hess is annoyed when he finds out that Nylander is in communication with his ex-boss from Interpol. There’s been hints so far as to what resulted in Hess’s dismissal from his previous job. Do you have any ideas what it might have been?

No! I'm still wondering. I think he was upsetting his seniors

18. The killer keeps distracting the police officers with incorrect leads. Did you think the killer was going to come to Jessie’s apartment? Were you surprised that her lover came instead?

Yes I did. I wasn't surprised that the lover came. I though it would be the lover first and then a while before the killer went there but nope

19. One of the things I really like about this book is how you get multiple viewpoints from the various characters (the women before they are killed, Nylander, the cop in charge of Kristine’s case etc.) It really helps to flesh out the plot and character development. What are your thoughts about this? Do you like this type of narrative or would you have wanted the focus to be on Thulin and Hess?

I agree with you. I'm wondering why the author doesn't show the thoughts running through the victim's mind as their being murdered but I'm totally okay with us not having the pov. We don't need it.

Bonus question: The author of this book is a writer for the TV show – The Killing. Have you watched it or are you interested in watching it after reading this book?
No I haven't watched it. I might in the far future.

Starts next week btw

I'm writing discussion questions again for BOM guys! Day 2 for Ninth House

Still need to get a copy though :P

Day 3 DQ's– Chapters 39-62

11. Steen finds out from Kristine's friend Mathilde that they didn't make Chestnut Men last year like Rosa said. Do you think Rosa was just mistaken when she told the police Kristine made and sold them or that she purposely lied? What were her intentions if you think she lied - did she just want the cops to get out and leave her grieving family in peace, or do you think she kI nows something about the chestnut men and/or the killer?

I think it was a mistake

12. Both victims families were reported to Social Services through an anonymous tip and evidence of sexual/child abuse are later discovered. Do you think the anonymous tipper is the killer?

Most definitely

13. When Hess calls social services he speaks with social worker Henning Loeb who gives him information on Magnus, but lies about finding information about the two girls, Lina and Sofia Sejer-Lassen, after he "sees something he doesn't fully grasp, and that makes him wary." What do you think he saw and why did he lie? Do you think there is a connection here with Rosa who is the Minister for Social Affairs?

I don't know! I want to know. If he didn't say something to help the case, I think that's really bad. No, I don't think there's a connection with Rosa

14. A few people have speculated that the basement Officer Marius enters in ch. 1 could have been used some sort of abuse, possibly child abuse. Given what we now know do you agree and do you think the killer was possibly a victim?

Oh yes! Good theory. If that's the case, I can see where he is coming from

15. While it's clear Hauge was the one abusing Magnus we don't know for sure if Lassen was the one abusing the girls. Do you think the abuser was Lassen or his wife? (He seemed ready to offer up info on his eldest's broken nose which is the only thing giving me pause.) If the killer is reacting to the abuse, why target the mothers and not the abusers (assuming Lassen is the abuser)? Is Thulin right in speculating that in the killers eyes the mother "ought to have know... didn't react to the report."?

Lassen, definitely. The wife was just trying to escape the abuse without raising any alarms to Lassen. I think that he might be killing the mum's to end their suffering from the abuse they're put through and to make the father figure suffer. Which I don't thin is right. Children shouldn't have to deal with a parent's death and their abuse.
The killer needs help and it's sad that he didn't get any if he did indeed suffer through abuse as well

Day 2 DQ's– Chapters 20 – 38

6. We have got a fair way into the book now and my first question is to ask how you feel about it? What do you like / dislike about it

I think it's interesting but for some reason I haven't been sucked into it. Whenever I pick it up, I manage to read only a chapter or two and then I stop for a day or two. The storyline is interesting especially with the chestnut men. I'm getting a bit confused with the characters but that could be because it's taken me so long to read it.

7. What are your impressions about the time line from Marius to Kristine to Laura?

I'm under the impression it's the same killer but I'm curious as to why there's a gap

8. Hess and Thulin are not necessarily bosom buddies How do you see their differing working methods and relationship developing?

It's actually interesting to me to see partner's who don't see things the same way and I feel like they're clashing a bit. I think seeing how they are together might be my favourite thing of the book so far

9. Hess insists on visiting Magnus Kjaer and showing him some photographs. What do you think is the significance of "The chestnut man" being something new?

Definitely a calling card. I think he's trying to link things together

10. Erik Sejer Lassen is arrested - there is a lot going on during the chase - How do you read the events leading up to the arrest and during the questioning

I feel like the Chestnut Man is trying to get back at the people who are doing no good. But is doesn't necessarily mean that they should be caught by the police or something

I’m happy with my date

Tammie wrote: "ღ Tina ❣ wrote: "Tammie wrote: "ღ Tina ❣ wrote: "Hey mods, was my extra points counted for writing DQ for Two Can Keep a Secret?"

Yes...I entered 3 teamies for DQ's on that book for this last week..."

oh yay! That's awesome! (:

From all the other team challenges I've been in in this group, I've found that mods have definitely gotten stricter but I don't think it's a bad thing. A lot of people 'cheat' or bend the rules to win, and I think the mods have just set more rules to make it fair to everyone playing and therefore more enjoyable.

I'm in Turf Wars and I'm just staying away from the drama there.

So I definitely agree with you Ambi! Have fun, read new books, challenge yourself and make new friends! That's what I focus on ;P

Tammie wrote: "ღ Tina ❣ wrote: "Hey mods, was my extra points counted for writing DQ for Two Can Keep a Secret?"

Yes...I entered 3 teamies for DQ's on that book for this last week :) Nice work!"

Wait I'm a bit confused. Shouldn't I have gotten 40 points instead of 20 points though? I wrote the day 2 questions and answered all of them too

It's too late now isn't it to put it in? D:

Hey mods, was my extra points counted for writing DQ for Two Can Keep a Secret?

Day 6 - Discussion Questions, 11/21/19 ,Chapters 32 - End

24. Ellery keeps coming up with somewhat plausible theories, but is getting shut down in chapter 32 since another theory was proven false. Still, her mind is always working. Do you think she's showing intelligence with some of her theories or do you think she's reaching too far and just making a fool of herself playing detective?

I think she's showing her intelligence. She could be a detective with proper training. She did okay for a teen without experience...

25. Do you think Declan is being fair to Malcolm in the apartment getting so upset? What do you think about them making up later; was this all realistic?

Yes I think he was unfair. I liked them making up later. With what I know, my family takes a long time to forgive people and forget, so not entirely realistic to me.

26. Were you surprised about who the killer turned out to be? Was this a good twist and well done for a mystery, or were you not satisfied?

No I wasn't surprised. I don't think this was a shocking murder mystery

27. Do you think the mother had something going on with the killer in her past, based on the last line that he whispered in Ellery's ear?

I think he was jealous of her but also he got the twins confused and killed Sarah instead. I don't entirely know why she wouldn't tell anyone what he said to her. I can understand giving them some time to absorb and deal with what happened. But she could tell them later on in life to give the family closure...

28. Overall, what do you think of the book? Would you read more of the author?

I actually would read more of the author's works. She's actually not that bad of a YA author... I can handle her reading as it's not eye bleeding for me

I finished my book!

I have two assignments to work on this week so I don't think I'll get much reading done. I'm nearly finished with Wideacre though

Can we do #1, #1, #1, #2, #3, #3, #4 or does it have to be #1, #2, #3, #4?

DQ Day 5 - Chapters 26-31

20. We now know who the father of the twins is. Have you suspected him? Do you think that the way they have discovered it was too accidental/not very realistic?

I didn't think of him at all. I forgot about him as well. I was kinda surprised that she found the linking evidence quickly but I don't think it was too accidental.

21. How do you think why did Sadie lie about who the father of the twins was? Was it only because he was a married man and she didn't want to ruin his family?

I agree with what you think. I guess it's also hard for people to tell their kids where they're really from... afraid of change maybe?

22. Ellery now has Kyle and Liz as her suspects. Do you agree with her? Or do you have somebody else in mind?

No I didn't think they were suspects lol.

23. Malcolm invites Ellery to a clown museum, which sounds very interesting to me. Would you like to visit such a museum? Or have you visited a similiar or other non-traditional museum?

Nope. I like the glam clown version better so would not go into a clown museum. I haven't been to many museums yet but I'd like to see more