Vicki’s Comments (group member since May 01, 2018)

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

Book: Watching You
Read: 11/13/19
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 320
Sin: Pride
Genre: Tagged Contemporary by 33 people on the 1st page of tags.

Mini-challenge: Card #2 - Power (Freddie wanted more power in his life.)

Gosh, Carmen, thank goodness you were't hurt! In the city I live, I swear our drivers are reckless and think no one else is on the road! I've witnessed people RUN through both red lights and stop signs, not roll or ease through but run! My son-in-law was in his 3rd accident with this past year. The latest one in a roundabout with a young inexperienced driver on the inside and he was on the outside lane. She decided she was going to go OUT of the roundabout and hit his brand new car he bought about 3-4 weeks ago. He was upset but when he saw she was just a young girl he felt bad for her. LOL But thank God no one was hurt!

I read How We Fight For Our Lives today and for the LIFE of me, I can't figure out why but it has "poetry" as one of the genres on the MPG. I didn't read any poetry. He talks about how he wrote poetry and the PRELUDE has "Elegy with Grown Folks' Music" which is 1 1/3 pages, and I guess that one is considered poetry. Then at the very beginning of each section, PART ONE, PART TWO, PART THREE is a two-line poem (or saying) and one has four lines. PART FOUR has a letter introducing the section. I don't see that as poetry, but at any rate now I can't use it since we can't use "poetry."

At least it wasn't a LONG book like The Odyssey. It was only 192 pages.

That’s a good question for the captains to ask! Maybe that penalty is eliminated during this mini-challenge.

Book:
Read: 11/11/19
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 493
Sin: Sloth
Criteria: Blue Cover 75.7%
Per TinEye 75.7 %Link Water (Blue)

Mini-challenge - pretty - cover, wealthy - MC (Ryan)

Lol oh I’m SO GUILTY of that!! I bought a gorgeous set of a series a year or so ago but haven’t read them yet. But in my defense they LOOK BEAUTIFUL on my bookcase. Lol

The San Francisco library is HUGE, 3 stories, an entire floor devoted to YA, a huge audio room, etc. I got a notice about MacMillan a couple weeks ago from the library saying it was a 90 day hold whether the library services the largest of cities/communities or the very smallest. They can only purchase ONE per library. It’s absurd!!!! I won’t be forced into buying a book either. I don’t know what other publishers, if any, are included in the embargo or will end up deciding to do the same thing. It’s upsetting!

Wow! That’s a strong theme for 6th graders. Curious, did they allow all the cussing too? I love Lenny!!! And Curly’s wife was so flirtatious! I can’t see 6th graders getting to the deeper themes of that one: sexism, racism, ageism, etc. it’s a true classic!!

Plethora wrote: "I'd wait until next round Vicki. We are very close to our 120% right now."

I waited mainly because I didn't actually finish it until round 6. Man was that an intense book!

Plethora wrote: "Here is what we came up with for our story:

Frozen stiff Karina and Stiff Jared meet in the deep for a little pandemonium. Karina wore a little black dress while Jared wore a red dress. Karina sai..."

Hilarious...you're the flume of my destiny? LOL

I love story challenges like that one. They're fun to read!

Book: The Chestnut Man
Read: 11/10/19
Rating: 5 stars
Pages: 528
BOM: My First Response
Posts 230-233, 238, 244, 248
Sin: Lust
Criteria: Red Cover 83.9% per TinEye (and MyEye)!

Mini-challenge: Fits the word man as shown in title and the serial killer was called The Chestnut Man

DQ's Day 7 Ch. 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 off the victims' hands and feet? It didn't appear that he did the same to his prior victims so why the escalation?

My mind can't think in those terms without some insight into the killer's mind. I understand through reading/TV shows, etc. that killers will often escalate since they don't get the "same thrill/rush."

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

I think it simply helped the reader to focus on the potential importance of it, especially after the pre-chapter 1 when we had already read about the distorted and unfinished dolls.

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?

Genz took her in the first place to separate them so Rosa could get a sense of what happened to him and his twin. I think it was mainly his twin who wanted to keep Kristine alive and Genz might've killed her previously or after he'd accomplished his revenge in totality, whatever that was. I don't think anyone who went through what Astrid did could be of sound mind without a lot of hard work in therapy or perhaps through a belief in a higher power's help.

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?

The way the book ended, I'd say yes; however, I don't see him having the same drive to be a serial killer. If there's another book, it'll be interesting to see.

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

It did keep my attention, but I had both the physical copy and audio, and the audio really helped exemplify the urgency and fast pace of certain scenes. I didn't have any real expectations for the ending, except I didn't expect to see Rosa go through what she did in that room. I also wanted or know more about Hess's wife and her death. I wanted to know more about their relationship. With his wife being 7 months pregnant, I'm sure he's affected in every aspect of life and his grief is manifested in his need to get to the bottom of things/throw himself into his work.

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'd definitely read another book if he makes it a series. I highly doubt I'd take the time out of my busy life to watch a TV series, but if it were made into a movie I'd die to see it except for one thing...it's likely to have gore and I can't watch scenes like that.

DQ's 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?

Yes, I did remember the request. I thought somehow that they must've been a cover up/hidden so to speak because I was surprised that Hess hadn't already gotten to them. It seems as though even he forgot about that request, which didn't seem likely to me.

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?

Absolutely! I suspected him a while back considering his position and ability to even perhaps lie about the forensics and as an expert knowing he'd be believed.

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?

Yes, I thought about it throughout, but I thought perhaps she was the female twin. If I remember correctly, early on in the book was that little jingle about the chestnut man and I was wondering exactly where/who it was coming from. But it made me suspicious at that time. I still want to know who killed Marius...I still think it was the twin boy.

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 think it is terrible because she was so young and didn't really understand the ramifications of what she did. I thought the parents were irresponsible and uncaring to send off the twins at the first sign of potential trouble. They were told they'd be part of the family, and family doesn't do that.

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

I thought for a while that he was in a good position to be suspect, but now I think it was coincidence.

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?

At the expense of reading? Probably not! I have to much TV to keep up with already. LOL

Additional Note: This book is really suspenseful and I can't read it fast enough! I have to go find out exactly what happened now!! It's crazy good, even though it's dark and some of it is considered "sensationalism," but isn't that what most TV drama is about? I often wonder what attracts someone like me to read something like this and be able to say it's "crazy good." I guess it's the unknown, hard to fathom world, in general; however, I think this author has written a brilliantly suspenseful book that has NO easy predictions. I doubt if anyone was 100% sure of who did what...now I'm off to find out for 100% and it BETTER give me a solid answer!

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”?

I think that the victims are from abusive homes because the killer is one of both of the children/twins and they're striking back for what they went through.

I'm so all over the place. LOL I assume she isn't one of the twins from the house where Marius must've been killed by the boy because we haven't heard of a brother now. I think the grotesque dolls/animals in that original scene are tied in with the chestnut doll though.

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?

Because of how he knew so much and went psycho on them but then played docile when he went back to the workers, I definitely now think he's playing head games and is somehow involved. He definitely appears to belong where he is. Maybe he's the twin and the female is the killer.

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 think it's what might make others think more seriously about their potential involvement but I don't think they're involved in that. I think they are only aiming at Rosa.

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 Hess thinks the way he does due to a lack of any evidence to the contrary, at least at this point. I agree with Hess.

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?

I'm not sure but I think that it's possible that the killer/Chestnut man followed them there and he killed them before the task force arrived. Then again they'd have seen his car. Maybe whoever the "task force" is killed them, one on the force is the killer, and then he set it up to look like a suicide/murder. But what confuses me is the little boy, Gustav, was still in their car so why doesn't he have an eye witness story?

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

I think it was the Chestnut man and that he's still trying to throw off the cops. Maybe he is the one who planted them and then was there to follow them into the woods.

I am finishing up The Chestnut Man, 528 pages and DQ's. I can probably finish it for this round or wait for the next round. Any preferences? Would it make any difference either way?

Carmen, Pandemonium doesn’t have SIN or CRITERIA or for some reason my phone isn’t showing them.

Book: A Potion to Die For
Pages: 337
Read: 11/09
Sin: Pride
Criteria: Tagged Contemporary by 5 people on 1st pg. of tags

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?

Naturally, I don't like reading about things like this, it turns my stomach, and I can never fathom there are real life people such as Erik; however, I know there are abusers as disgusting and worse than he is so that makes it even more emotionally difficult to read.

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?

Honestly, I have no idea still, but he seems a bit arrogant to me and I think he is one of those who thinks he has the right answers or at least the right methods to finding out things. He's definitely a hands-on type of guy, like how he used the pig to "investigate" what would happen if you saw a bone. He likes to take things into his own hands, so maybe he things to far in his previous job.

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?

No, I wasn't expecting anyone in particular but not the killer at this point either.

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 like all types of narratives. Normally my preference is first person and, depending on the book, I like different POV's too, but I don't know that this plot would have worked with all the different POV's. I think the writing is brilliant so I am satisfied as it is written.

Bonus question: The author of this book is a writer for the TV show – The Killing. Have you watched it or are you interested in watching it after reading this book?

I have never watched it, don't know if I've ever seen it advertised. I'd be more likely to watch it as a movie than a series.

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 knows something about the chestnut men and/or the killer?

I hope that Rosa was just mistaken and that's what I believe. If her daughter had made the dolls in previous years though, it seems like if they didn't in the prior year that she might've remembered. But with all of her grief at her missing and possibly dead daughter, I do think she was mistaken.

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?

I'm not sure about that but it's a definite possibility. It would make sense.

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?

That's the question I had too. LOL I don't know what he saw or what I think he saw, but it did occur to me that if he didn't want to tell Hess for some reason that possibly there was something on the computer implicating Hess. LOL Okay so my detective skills aren't the best. But Hess being in law enforcement I'd think he'd tell Hess what he saw unless there was reason he was truly afraid to.

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?

I have thought from the get-go that the killer is most likely (view spoiler)[the male twin from that section of the book. I don't know which adult he is though. But if it is the male twin, I have to figure out about the sister. There's definitely the possibility that the killer is the twin sister too but I'm learning toward a male. (hide spoiler)] I know women can do awful things, but the types of crimes are more indicative of a man. That being said, I also have a hunch the killer is (view spoiler)[the teacher where Steen saw all of the chestnut dolls. (hide spoiler)]

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."?

The author might've been trying to throw off the reader, but if he or his wife were the girls' abuser, I'd have to go with him because of how he was with his wife over the phone. I think she was scared to death of him. Regarding the nose, it could've been a cover up knowing they'd find out about the nose and he just made up that story.

NOTE: I have a really strong feeling that the killer (view spoiler)[is the twin brother because when Marius was leaving the basement he turned around, saw the boy, and the axe struck him in the jaw, giving the reader the impression that the boy did it to him. But I have to figure out who his sister is now as an adult. (hide spoiler)]

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 am really enjoying the book so far. I like the intensity of it, even if that does make me a sick person. LOL

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

I see similarities. Either the new murders are related to the same killer or there is a copycat killer. When Marius first went to the house & into the basement, as he was coming up he turned around and that little boy was there and then Marius got a hit to his head (face?). I am wondering if since this is years later the killer is the little boy grown up who saw too much. Or if he is like the demon possessed child who killed those people himself. LOL I'm so not good at detective work. But who hit Marius?

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

I have a feeling by time their investigation is over they'll be able to respect each other's differences in work methods. I think they'll end up with a positive working relationship.

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?

I wasn't sure how I felt about him questioning the little boy, especially seemingly without permission. But the chestnut man is obviously a significant new piece of evidence for the case and now they know where and why they were made.

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?

That was quite intense! The phone call his wife (Anne) made to him about going to her mother's was indicative that he's controlling and something is way off between them and with him specifically. She is definitely afraid of him, I think. The chase scene was intense for sure. I thought the questioning was a bit rough but that's what detectives do, I guess. And I don't think he's the killer. I do think he's being framed.