Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
This topic is about
The Restorer
Previous BRs - Authors; Q - T
>
Stevens, Amanda - The Restorer (Graveyard Queen, #1) - Start Date February 12th
@ Vickilynn#20 – Yes, the forbidden really kicks it up a notch for her side. Such a dilemma!
#24 – LMBO! I don’t even know what you and Sonia look like, but I can see you both doing that LOL!
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.
@ Nancy#21 – No, she could be a member. Chapter 14: In 1986, the all-male policy had been amended and every year thereafter, two women from the junior class had be tapped for membership.
#24 – Yes, he was being very evasive.
#27 – I agree. You’d think she be a little more discrete, since someone appears to be after her.
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.
I think the connection has to do with the ghosts and not like a love connection, although I'm sure there will be that too because a book can't seem to survive without romance these days.
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?
It seems to be the same reaction of anyone that went to/is involved with that school. I think there's a lot more going on then we're privy too yet.
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 it's linked to the burial sites of the bodies that were found and has something to do with the veil and trying to cross through it.
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?
I think it's all connected. It sounds like the shadow thing has some influence on their lives. It's almost like the shadow thing is trying to right the wrong of them returning from the veil when they shouldn't have. That's why Amelia's dad had so many rules. If the shadow creature figured out her secret she would be in trouble too. Maybe she doesn't know her bio mom because she died and during that Amelia may have almost died too but managed to come back? That's why she sees ghosts.
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?
Seems like a place that Amelia is used to in all her times sorting through information on graves. Definitely brings more suspicion about the death. Wish some answers would start coming already.
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) could possible mean?
I was confused about the heart too and how it didn't seem to mention the fact that Amelia was the first to make a heart, not the girl. I thought the one on the window was in answer to the one made with rocks and Amelia had just happened to guess the heart thing by some strange connection, but the author seems to have left out that first connection in this scene.
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) part?
I think the quote is talking about the shadow that seems to be following her. I think she had a near death experience at some point early in life and that just happened to be the first ghost she saw or was aware of.
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?
It was definitely strange. I got lost during the scene trying to follow what cars were being talked about and am glad there was a recap because I was confused. At this point it could be just about anyone. Maybe it was the PI?
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 think he's trying to throw Amelia off his scent because he knows that she's been asking a lot of questions. I'm sure all of those people acting skiddish have been reporting back to him what she's said and done. To him she's enemy #1 if he is actually the bad guy.
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?
I don't think anything Amelia does is wise. In fact I think she's pretty dumb. But what story would you have if she did what she was supposed to?
@ Jex#20 – LOL! Okay.
#25 – She acknowledges it earlier. At the end of Chapter 14: A heart. Lie the one I’d formed in the garden with pebbles and seashells.
#27 – Yes, I was totally lost during that scene, too.
#29 – True. But I don't think the author made her TSTL.
@LK - she's not quite that bad, but she doesn't seem to have too many original thoughts. There are times in this book that I can't tell if I'm just not paying attention enough or if they really just don't make sense...
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.
That whole thing about Devlin's interactions with his wife and the way he looks at Amelia was a bit weird. It is like the author is trying to make something out of the relationship between Amelia and Devlin that it is extraordinary. But I can't figure it out. There is obvious attraction, but I can't guess what else is going on.
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?
Well Temple is in cahoots with all the Emerson people, so she is hiding something. Just not sure how big it is.
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?
Peculiar. And why would the story change?? If you have a story use it. That is lying 101. If he is hiding something big and part of some secret society you would think he has this mastered.
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?
Yes, I think something passed through when Afton died. That was fifteen years ago. Good point about Meakin. Or maybe Meakin tried a slow death too.
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?
I don't buy it. He is a better liar than Dr. Shaw. Which says something. And Camille heard the conversation but didn't acknowledge Amelia. What is up with that.
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) could possible mean?
Yes, I was like how did that happen. How did Amelia know about the heart & remember when she read her name online she knew that wasn't her name. So what is up with that? And she said she thought the girl ghost was not the daughter of the woman ghost earlier in the book. Something is going on with all this.
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 [Somebody uh-comin’ for dis gal. Somebody with a soul black as midnight. Somebody dat walk with the dead. (hide spoiler)] part
WHOA! I wonder if it has anything to do with Afton's death. Or something to do with her mother or her mother's miscarriages. Whatever it is, her dad knows.
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?
I have no idea! Not a clue who is driving that car.
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?
Yes, I didn’t know what to think of it. Now he knows a lot, and I am not sure he is worth trusting.
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?
Probably not the wisest thing. But why can’t he stick to a story with the ring?
@ Courtney#22 – Completely agree with you about lying 101. LOL!
#23 – Ah! Interesting.
#24 – Yes, why didn’t she acknowledge Amelia? Weird.
#26 – Yeah, she needs to talk with her father.
message 110:
by
Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief
(last edited Feb 15, 2013 10:33AM)
(new)
-
added it
Mod
30. So, the “Prophet” is NOT Gerrity’s nickname! Then whose is it?
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?
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.
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?
34. What do you think about the epitaphs being posted on Amelia’s blog? Are they warning her, taunting her, or helping 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?
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?
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) What did you think was the creepiest?
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?
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?
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?
41. What did you think of Amelia’s childhood nightmare about tunnels and outreaching hands? Could it have been a NDE, as Devlin suggested?
Questions for Chapters 21 – 27 30. So, the “Prophet” is NOT Gerrity’s nickname! Then whose is it?
Judging from Devlin’s reaction, I think it’s him.
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 was actually surprised that he didn’t notice her car at the graveyard when he got there. Speaking of which, did she ever get that shattered rear window fixed? Another thing that’s been nagging at me: at one point Amelia comments that the name of Devlin’s daughter doesn’t seem to go with the physical image of the ghost he’s seen. Does that mean it might not be his daughter that diesd. Or just that she’s somehow close enough that the basket name seems like her “real” name?
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.
This one is nagging at me. Temple is almost too obvious in her desire to change the subject and point fingers at Daniel. When a character is so obviously suspicious, it usually makes me think they aren’t actually involved at all. Or they are involved, but not in the way I might think.
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 be totally suspicious about that tea. Might even try to have it tested somewhere for drugs. But since Amelia sees ghosts, she must also be open to other ‘arcane arts’. Maybe Essy was just doing a cleansing ritual or something? In Amelia’s shoes, I think I would also be just superstitious enough to keep that amulet. I want to believe she really does want to help Devlin, perhaps more importantly wants to see his daughter and wife finally put to rest.
34. What do you think about the epitaphs being posted on Amelia’s blog? Are they warning her, taunting her, or helping her?
The million dollar question. Is the “bad guy” taunting her? Or is someone else “in the know” trying to give her clues. Gerrity said that her knowledge of graveyards and their symbols was the key to solving the case.
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 have no clue who the woman was, but I doubt it was a romantic encounter. And I agree with Regina. I think Devlin feels the same connection and draw that Amelia feels and is probably thinking about her just as much as she is him. She’s almost getting on my nerves with the constant obsessing over the “feral gleam” in his eye and his strong hands, and etc.
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?
I assumed he meant hunter in a metaphorical sense. That he views the people he kills as nothing more than animals and legitimate prey. I don’t think she can walk away. Someone broke into her car and stole her briefcase. Someone is sending clues/taunts on her blog. She is involved whether she wants to be or not. And her vow to see things through to the end won’t let her walk away.
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) What did you think was the creepiest?
This was the first time I actually was a little creeped out by this book. When she found the shackles and realized she was in the room where the victims had been murdered and bled out, I got the creeps big time. I personally, would never have followed the flies. I knew they meant something, but I would have found someone else to investigate.
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?
Hmm…good question. I didn’t even thing of his medallion during that converation, but it’s a good point. I’m wondering if it’s something his wife gave him and that’s why he continues to where it?
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?
To me this suggest that this particular individual was not part of the ritual, or was an early attempt that failed. But if they had been an early attempt, why was the body not discarded like the others? I think there is more to this particular skeleton. Someone meant to witness the ritual? But why?
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?
I agreed with Devlin’s point that if there is an injured person down there somewhere, minutes do make a difference. And no way I would stay in that dark chamber of death by myself. I’m staying with the guy with the gun!
41. What did you think of Amelia’s childhood nightmare about tunnels and outreaching hands? Could it have been a NDE, as Devlin suggested?
Was she getting a message/warning from beyond, or is this a case of finding meaning after that fact and forcing connections?
@ Christine#31 – Good point about the car in the parking lot and the shattered read window.
# 32 – There is no way I would have worn that amulet or put it under my pillow at night.
#35 – “feral gleam” …Yes, it is right there, ready to cross the line for me, too. LOL!
#37 – Yes, I was creeped out, too. Loved her realizing that there had to be another way in, so she was a sitting duck.
#40 – FOFLMBO! True. Stay with the man with the gun. LOL!
30.Devlin´s wife´s. Since people keep saying (Temple, for example) she was able to know things about you, I think it´s pretty much clear she´s the Prophet. I think she could see the future or maybe she was having "visions", like Amelia has sometimes. Amelia´s dream as a child and her nightmares, even these strange pictures she keeps seeing at times - seems like she has a lot in common with Devlin´s wife. 31.I completely understand him. Amelia is to blame. She is acting like obsessive girlfriend. I think everyone has a right to some privacy, especially if you´ve lost someone dear to you. Amelia´s just showing how little she actually knows about losing someone.
Well, it could be Ms. Ashby. I think Amelia is right here, that Ms. Ashby is following her. I think that woman is either a detective herself or Amelia´s mother. Seems likely to me she´s the one who told Devlin about Amelia´s trip.
32. Maybe she´s relative of Afron´s. If that´s the case, I´d understand her not liking to talk about it. Or maybe Afron was Daniel´s love so he tried to open these doors by cutting himself so he could go get her? If that´s the case, Temple might be asked by Daniel to promise to keep it secret.
33. I wouldn´t drink the tea in the first place. She barely had a look at the woman, yet she drank the tea and ate some cookies. Reckless. And no, I wouldn´t wear the amulet. At least not before I had more informations about it and the "evil spirits" that are "chasing me". And how does she know about chasing spirits in the first place? Tell me what you know and how you know it and maybe I´ll believe you´re not the evil spirit yourself.
34. All three. I think they are supposed to warn her and help her see where the next victim is to be found. Maybe all these epitaphs are actually a translation of the symbols that we keep seeing through Amelia.
Just placing the epitaphs on the blog is tempting. Can you see something that weird and not feel the need to research it? I think whoever posted it wanted to give Amelia a message that say: "Please, find me." I think it´s her mother.
35. I´d like it was a date. I think he definitely deserve some fun in his life and, frankly, I don´t think Amelia is right for him.
But something keeps telling me it´s been a ghost. I know we´ve yet to hear them speak but Amelia´d been hearing a woman´s voice in her dream as a child. Maybe that´s the same woman? Maybe you can hear ghosts talking only when you´re oblivious to that (like when dreaming or daydreaming or thinking)?
36. I actually thought Devlin´s a killer. Not in way that he´s aware of doing it but that he´s possessed by evil spirits. Now, I think it´s more likely Daniel has something to do with it. After all, he has that strange scars? Isn´t a bit suspicious wrists or ankles are mentioned in Daniel´s and victim´s cases?
Seems like everyone is already to deep in it to just walk away. Amelia is, I think, the main reason why these things are happening again.
37. Sorry, nothing creepy here, at least not to me.
I don´t even find strange that insects are the ones who´re, obviously, using this mausoleum as a traffic route. Just look at the bugs and spiders in real life, they do tend to be just everywhere. It´s not that they´re of human mind who works all the time and find places scary.
Chair is the strange thing. But maybe all these people were actually hanging themselves? Chair could be just a thing to help them in hanging.
38. Now I think that medallion was his child´s. Anyika was friends with witch´s granddaughter and since that family is obviously happy to share amulets and stuff to protect you, I´m quite sure Devlin took the medallion when his spouse and daughter died. I don´t think he knows what he wears. To him, it may be just a memory of his little girl and maybe that´s what keeps the child hunting him in the first place.
39. Maybe they thought the victim would be dying longer if bound by wrists than if strung up by ankles, so they decided to try it.
40. Probably not (have stayed at the same place).
If insects are going somewhere, it´s a enough proof to me that wherever they´re going leads somewhere where you can obviously get out. I don´t believe they (flies) would just be hanging in some hole for nothing.
Either there´s food involved (and that would mean meat, for I do not believe they would eat bones) which means something is still alive or at least freshly dead or it´s just a passage to the other side of the mausoleum.
And I would definitely go with my partner. Staying alone under such a circumstances is never a good choice.
41. Perhaps. I have an annoying feeling we´re dealing with angels after all.
@ Lára#31 – Yes, I think Amelia is obsessed with Devlin.
#33 – I agree.
#37 – That could be true, about the chair. It could be just a tool.
Sonia’s Questions for Chapters 13 – 20 20. I do think the attraction that Ameila has for Devlin is fueled by the ghosts, but I also think there a good bit of it is natural. I think it is very interesting that they have this attraction and nothing has happened yet between them.
21. I keep getting the feeling that maybe Temple is involved in some way. Why else would she have such a negative reaction? I don't get the feeling that it is just a small town thing.
22. I do think that the ring means something. I keep thinking that maybe Dr. Shaw is the creator of the Emerson Coffin and Claw group and that the ring has something to do with that secret society.
23. I do think that they are all involved in some way. It seems like they are all acting a bit weird about these murders. The story about the scissors was down right creepy and made me think Camille was a psychopath. My only other thought is maybe they have all might have some issues if they are in the society.
24. I would have ran screaming for sure. I think that Daniel may be just an innocent person caught up in all of this society business. He seems leary to me, but he at least was willing to answer some of Amelia's questions without getting all weird in a defensive way.
25. I get the feeling that maybe Amelia's abilities led her to subconciously know about the heart thing. That is the only way my brain can make sense of that whole little idea of the hearts.
26. At first it was hereditary, but now I wonder if her and her father were in some kind of accident that caused them to have a near death experience.
27.I definitely think it was the killer. Although, it being Camille is a very interesting theory. I definitely think she has something to do with the killings, even if it is just to cover up for someone else.
28. I am not sure why Dr. Shaw is being so elusive. I am thinking he may either be scared to talk about his true feelings or he is covering up his dirty deeds. I just can't seem to figure out who this killer is!
29. I think Amelia is making a mistake being so trusting with so many people. She seems to trust just about everyone she encounters. Dr. Shaw is definitely hiding something.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 21 – 27 30. I am going to agree with Christine on this one. I think it is Devlin.
31. I think that Devlin has every right to be angry. She should have just asked him. I bet Rhapsody told him. She doesn't seem like the type to me to keep her mouth closed about much.
32. It seems to me that Temple is very shady. I am not sure what her role is in the murders or the Coffin and the Claw society, but I have no doubts that she plays a large role in both. I am betting that Meakin's mark is not an attempt at suicide. I think he must have gotten it in some society ritual or meeting.
33. I would be suspicious of everything. I agree with some of the others, I would not have even taken that amulet home with me. I would have thrown it out the window of my car. Then again, if Essie really is trying to help Amelia, she would have been throwing out something to keep the bad spirits away.
34. I think someone is taunting her. I don't really get the feeling that they are a warning. It seems like the killer is trying to send her a message.
35. I don't think it was a date. I am betting that it was maybe a relative or even a coworker. If it was a date, Devlin is sending some heavy mixed signals towards Amelia.
36. I think that the killer is hunting for something, but not for prey in the literal sense. I don't think Amelia has a choice in the matter as far as being involved. I think that the messages on her blog means that she in whether she likes it or not.
37. I would have hightailed it out of there so fast! I hate insects to begin with. I thought the creepy thing was the pulleys and chains along with the chair. The thought that anyone could do something like that to another individual and then sit back and watch gave me a shudder.
38. I was wondering if it was his wife's medallion. I think that he is in denial about not wearing amulets for luck. He seems to know about the ghosts so how could he not be wearing it for protection?
39. I am stumped by this. I have no idea what the significance could be.
40. I don't think I could even be in the tunnels to begin with. I think I would have waited until there was a whole crew of people down there before doing anything further.
41. Its possible. I was creeped out by the dreams, but I think it explains a lot about Amelia. I can't wait to read more!
Christine wrote: "To me this suggest that this particular individual was not part of the ritual, or was an early attempt that failed. But if they had been an early attempt, why was the body not discarded like the others? I think there is more to this particular skeleton. Someone meant to witness the ritual? But why?"Now when you´ve stated it, I think you might be right. It makes sense.
Could it be that Daniel and that victim were used together in some kind of ritual? That the chair was there because someone had to dictate directions? Devlin and Amelia found symbols and said it could be possible that chair is facing something. I think maybe the symbols on the wall are a map. And all the other symbols are some kind of guide for making sure the doors stay open.
Might be that the doors were open and that something awful came out. Maybe the wrists mean opening and the ankles are closing. Maybe the person who opened the doors is trying to close it.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 21 – 2730. 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!
@ Laura#23 – Very suspicious.
#25 – That is what I was thinking! That, and doing what she does, she knows the symbolatry of hearts.
#28 – Yeah, I was wondering if he had Alzheimer's.
#31 – LOL! No, she doesn’t. ☺
#33 – I know! Such a dilemma.
#35 – Or tying to get over her? Or made before he realized his attraction towards her?
#37 – **shudders along side Laura**
@ Nancy#31 – Yes, she probably wouldn’t think it a big deal.
#36 – Yeah, I don’t think Amelia has it in her to walk away now.
#40 – The more and more I think about it, I probably would be down there either, even if I did what Amelia does for a living. If there are already insects, the odds of someone being alive are negligible.
Mod
42. Were you surprised that Devlin gave Amelia his gun? Can cops do that (surrender their weapon)?
43. Unlike the others, Afton Delacourt’s body was not buried. Did anything else about her death stand out as different from the others?
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
52. Finally! Amelia and Devlin kiss. Why did the dead tree limb smash through her window? Comments.
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.
Kristin wrote: "So I had the intention of sticking to the reading schedule..."Not to worry, Kristin. I'm glad you enjoyed it! Stop in and say something when we're done, okay?
30) I'm thinking it was Mariama's.31) I believe it may have been Rhapsody. She seems to talk without thinking.
32) The 2 women a year rule points toward Temple and Camille for tht year but if she was a scholarship student maybe not. She does not want to answer Amelia's questions though so that points to guilt.
33) Everyone drank and ate from the same supply although it wouldn't effect the others if it were a substance they were accustomed to. I would not wear the amulet but would probably have it close( in a bag or under the pillow)
34) Definately messing with her mind.
35) Not sure who it is but may be important later. Devlin does seem to know what Amelia is doing all the time so Regina is probably right.
36) She is way to far in. I don't think she would be able to walk away. The killer has to be someone who is at least familiar with hunting.
37) Pretty sure flies is not a good sign. I don't think there is anything in there I want to see. The chair is creepy. Probably the killer sat and watched them die.
38) The medallion has some significance. He isn't the type to believe in luck.
39) The girls were killed for a purpose and then buried. This skeletan was also not buried so was not killed for the same reason.
40) Trust is part of the issue here. If I trusted my partner I would go with but also who wants to be left alone in the dark in a place like that? So I vote to stay with the warm body.
41) It sure sounds like a NDE but the hands are new. Could they have been the ghosts trying to get her attention already. Only when she stops, as long as she keeps moving in either direction they leave her alone.
42. Honestly, I didn´t really pay enough attention to answer that. I didn´t know he gave her his gun. Interesting. But to answer the question about cops surrendering their guns - about last 10 chapters or so, I didn´t have a feeling he is a cop anymore. He is not acting like a real one, not when he is with Amelia. It is clear he is so into her that he is not able to think at all. He´s more like an animal, listening to his instincts. And his instinct told him to protect his mate at all costs. Understandable.43. Again, wasn´t paying attention. Maybe.
44. I´m thinking maybe his wife had him under control. That he was under some kind of spell, under this medallion. The medallion, so far, seems like something that was/is needed in ritual. I think that whoever wears the symbol of that snake, can´t be touched by the living ones.
Amelia is different and I think Devlin is first time in love in a natural way.
45. Psychic vampire or ghost. Amelia´s father said ghosts are like vampires. The only difference being vampires are feeding on your blood and ghosts on your energy. In some cultures, vampires are believed to be the ones who´re feeding on your energy. I think even Mr. Stoker once mentioned this in Dracula.
Amelia´s neighbor is really suspicious to me. Black suitcase? Going on vacation? And then there´s epitaph
A quiet life, a quiet death.
Sleep now, Beloved.
Our secret is safe.
Macon is my first suspect. At least for Camille.
I think he killed her because she knew his secret - that he´s obsessive medicine student who was the one sitting on that chair. I think he was watching others die. of course I´m not sure about anything yet. Macon in basement ... well, that was the first time I even remembered he exists. Stolen black suitcase then missing documents, Macon´s vacation and black suitcase again. I think he stole the suitcase, the papers and stored the papers in that "vacation" suitcase, Amelia´s suitcase (which she didn´t recognize since she was so spooked up), killed the witness and decided to leave town.
46. Maybe, I don´t know and I don´t really care.
47. I think that snake was/is a mascot of that coven (or whatever, secret organization) and that Mariama got the medallion when she visited the meeting. Then she took the medallion to Granny and asked her to put a spell on it. and the poor Devlin got the medallion from his wife.
48. Natural. I´d have felt the same.
With the right person and enough time he´ll get over it.
49. Yes. I already said he´s definitely a suspect to me. I don´t think he´s alone, though.
50.What I think is that Amelia is too obsessed with Devin that she doesn´t see anything else. She should have solved this already!
To put my finger on it, here is what Devlin told her:
Don't watch me, watch that hole.Really, what´s wrong with that woman (except the obvious)?
Camille was on Amelia´s side and I think she was researching this on her own and found out about Macon, Shaw and others (yes, I think they´re all involved) so they killed her so she won´t say anything.
51. His wife is definitely not oblivious as he is. I think she isn´t evil but she understands Devlin and Amelia are in love so she is hurt. Broken window - Mariama´s fault, ghost disappearing - Anyika´s fault. The child is the reasonable ghost.
52. Mariama. She is hurt but not evil.
53. I believe him.
And I was right about the flies: they weren´t just hanging in the hole for nothing! Not only there was a way out but they also had a dinner! - and all behind these doors Devlin and Amelia beautifully ignored.
Conclusion: when you´re lost, just follow the bugs!
I had quite a lot of theories, I almost can´t wait to find out what all the fuss was about. Well, 'till tomorrow ladies.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 28 – 3442. 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.....
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 21 – 27 30.So, the “Prophet” is NOT Gerrity’s nickname! Then whose is it?
Wow! I was totally surprised by that. I don't have a clue who the Prophet is. But Devlin knows....
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 would have been pretty ticked off if someone was going behind my back digging up my past out of curiosity. And he seemed upset that she didn't out herself when he saw her on the side of the road. But if he left before her then why did he come down the street after her. Where was he in the meantime. I guess I am still suspicious of everyone.
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.
Temple is not to be trusted. I am not sure she is THE bad guy. But I am not certain she isn't either.
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?
Amelia isn't suspicious of anything. She trusts everyone she meets. I probably would have drank the tea, but I have done stupider things. If she wanted to hear what Essie had to say, she had to show she trusted her.
34. What do you think about the epitaphs being posted on Amelia’s blog? Are they warning her, taunting her, or helping her?
Right off I figured they were taunting her, but after thinking about it, they could be helping her. She doesn't seem to focus on them as much as I would be. Maybe it is Gerrity posting them.
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 have no idea, but I am going to guess Regina or Camille.
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?
Amelia is in regardless. I gather she has too much evidence. And she is right about being there while Hannah as dying.
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) What did you think was the creepiest?
Nope. I would not follow the flies, at least not until the sun came up. If I were her I would be acting like I turned into a pumpkin at sundown. Protected cemetery or not. I am going to say the body would have been the creepist. That chair is pretty creepy too.
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?
Well, there goes any faith in the amulet , as his wife doesn’t seem to have good luck. I do wonder what the medallion symbolizes.
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?
I have 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?
I would advocate waiting for backup, I think. But there is no way I would stay there by myself. But I am still freaked out by Devlin, and his ghost situation. And his energy zapping abilities. But still, I am sticking with him.
41. What did you think of Amelia’s childhood nightmare about tunnels and outreaching hands? Could it have been a NDE, as Devlin suggested?
I am thinking it is a clue to her NDE. But I do wonder about the hands. What could they symbolize? The spirits reaching out at her?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 28 – 34 42. I was surprised that he gave it to her after she admitted she didn't know how to use it. I didn't even think about the fact that he was a cop and this was probably his official cop gun. I didn't think cops could do that, but I could be wrong.
43. Hmm...I never made this connection. I guess the fact that she was still bound would make a big difference and could be symbolic as well.
44. Wow, Devlin is just full of secrets. I thought it was weird that he didn't share any of this with Amelia before now. I also thought that it was odd that he told Amelia it was her, but I think he was more referring to the feelings he gets around her than the absence or presence of the ghosts.
45. I thought the psychic vampire theory was interesting. Its sounding more and more like Dr. Shaw may have been apart of the past killings but not these newest ones. I have no idea who could have stolen his notes. I originally thought it was Camille, but I guess not.
46. I think it is possible. It seems like someone is going to a lot of trouble for this secret society, but I am not sure about trying to cover up the murders for the murderer.
47. I must admit to jumping to the same conclusions as Amelia. I think he is somehow involved in the secret society, but not the murders. I am not sure if I think the ring is an emblem for the society or something else entirely. This author has you guessing the whole time!
48. I think he can recover. I definitely understand the guilt he is feeling. Its not uncommon with those sorts of circumstances. I think he will eventually realize that it wasn't him who pushed them off the bridge.
49. I immediately thought Macon was suspect, but I don't know why. Other than Jane Rice being a nurse who was murdered there is no hard core evidence that he is even related to the murders. I think he is just another ploy to keep us off the track of the real murder. Way to go Stevens for keeping me guessing!
50. I think Amelia is on to something with the symbols and Epitaths. I was so shocked that Camille was a victim! I don't really know what the epitath means though.
51. I have wondered this myself. I keep waiting for the big reveal that he knows they are there and yet it still hasn't happened.
52. I kind of wondered if Mariama's ghost was showing some jealousy, but it doesn't seem to fit how I picture her. I am wondering if it was one of the others.
53. I don't think Gerrity is in on the murders, but I do think that he is serious about wanting the killer to be found. He obviously wants to clear his name, but I think it goes deeper than that. It seems like he is truly wanting justice for his friend.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 21 – 27 30. So, the “Prophet” is NOT Gerrity’s nickname! Then whose is it?
No clue. Maybe it has something to do with the policeman he got killed?
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?
Of course he isn't happy about her snooping around in his personal life. She went behind his back instead of just asking him about it. I think he figured it out on his own somehow.
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.
I think Temple is trying to make Amelia step back from the investigation because she's getting too close to something. If Amelia stops investigating then things are left alone and can be covered up like they were before. However, Amelia won't just let things lie and keeps asking all of these questions. I think Temple knows a lot more then she's letting on and she's just trying to cover things up the best she knows how. I have a feeling the marks on Meakin's wrist have to do with the bleeding out process, not a suicide attempt. Maybe he was successful in crossing through the veil while the murdered victims were not? Or maybe someone passed through the veil before he died completely and thus he was saved? It all sounds so very gruesome.
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?
It's hard to say. Everyone drank from the same tea so Amelia hadn't thought that she was slipped anything different, her body just reacted differently. With all the crazy things Amelia had seen in her life I dont' know if much would surprise her anymore. I think the amulet is giving her a bit of comfort with the ghost child coming by her window.
34. What do you think about the epitaphs being posted on Amelia’s blog? Are they warning her, taunting her, or helping her?
I think they are giving her a clue. Maybe it's someone involved in the seances that is trying to point out something important but needs to do it anonymously. If they pointed out anything more direct then it may give away that they are part of the group.
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?
No clue who it was. I don't think it was anyone romantic though. I think Amelia is over thinking it.
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?
I think she's too involved at this point because of the shadow creature and the ghost child, both reasons not easily explained to Devlin.
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) What did you think was the creepiest?
I'm not sure about the chair. Maybe it was for the person going through the veil? Or for the person as they shackled them for the ceremony? Or for when they took them down from the shackles? I don't really know. It's a very boring chair.
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 think he pretends to be anti good luck charm and all that, but he carries charms without thinking about it. Or maybe the medallion around his neck is the amulet that his wife once wore around her neck? Maybe after her death he started wearing it for memory sake?
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?
Not the usual way of bleeding something out. It's usually done upside down. Could make it slower? or faster? Not sure on the physics there. Could also explain welts and bruising on wrists such as Meakin's.
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?
They weren't any safer where they were then in the tunnel, other then they may get lost or not be able to yell to people that came looking for them. I guess it would depend on everything.
41. What did you think of Amelia’s childhood nightmare about tunnels and outreaching hands? Could it have been a NDE, as Devlin suggested?
Maybe. It would make sense that she had an NDE at some point in order to start seeing the ghosts to begin with. That could have been the event that she passed through the veil and came back.
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 was a little surprised because I still don’t trust Devlin.
43. Unlike the others, Afton Delacourt’s body was not buried. Did anything else about her death stand out as different from the others?
It wasn’t a mercy killing, that we know of.
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.
To me, him going to Emerson is a big omission. I can kind of get that he doesn’t call his wife by name, since he still feels so much pain. He doesn’t talk about his daughter either. But maybe saying her name gives her more strength…
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?
That whole scene was weird. And she didn’t even ask who he suspects… And what the stolen notes lead him to think. Maybe he thinks he is being framed.
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?
Maybe so.
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 don’t know. It could be Coffin & the Claw emblem. But I am not so sure. I do know that Devlin had warned Amelia against the Shaw’s and for him to be be in the same organization with them seems odd. But Devlin keeps a lot of secrets. Maybe the medallion is his wife’s?
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?
That is pretty rough stuff. He does say that being around Amelia makes him forget. There must be something about her too.
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?
All arrows point in one direction now… Or so it should seem. Macon was super suspicious. And it is likely that Hannah had gone to the hospital due to her bad relationship and the car wreck victim too. And now the er nurse. But what about Camille?? And how does Dr. Shaw tie in with Macon? And what about Afton? Still a few holes.
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?
It may be her lover, but I think the secret is bigger. I think the killer is someone she confided in. And Camille was very clandestine. I gather she knew a lot. Too much perhaps.
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?
I found that intriguing as well. Why weren’t they there? And yet they came back. Maybe they had other ghost business to attend to, ha ha.
52. Finally! Amelia and Devlin kiss. Why did the dead tree limb smash through her window? Comments.
Maybe Macon compromised the tree & then “went on vacation”
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.
And we are back to the Shaw’s I know Ethan & Dr. Shaw are two different people. But they are both an important clue now. I wonder what Ethan has discovered about the skeleton. And Gerrity could be the one posting the comments on her blog, but why wouldn’t he have just done so now?
Sorry for being so silent, I was so excited about the group reading, but I ended up skipping it :(Anyway, I really liked the book and will continue with the series.
@ Vickilynn#33 – Yes, I thought about them possibly building up their tolerance level to the tea. Or maybe an antidote.
#38 – No, he doesn’t appear to be.
#40 – LOL! Okay.
#41 – I don’t know about the hands, either. But, based on other people’s guess, if was during her birth, maybe the “hands” were people trying to turn the baby (her) because she was breech?
@ Lára#44 – Ah. I hadn’t considered his wife giving him a love potion.
Yup! You were right about the flies. Interesting theories, too.
@ Nancy#42 – **shrugs** I don’t know! I mean, I’m glad he did, but I didn’t know if he could.
#45 – Yeah, something is up with him.
#50 – So did I! I was shocked when Camille’s body was found.
#52 – Me, too.
#53 – Yeah, something fishy there.
@ Courtney#30 – Yeah, I was completely surprised by that, too.
#33 – Ah. Good point about showing trust toward Essie.
#38 – Yes, I wondered about the symbolism, too.
#40 – LOL! Okay.
#41 – See what I answered to Vickilynn above.
#43 – Ah! Very good point. I hadn’t thought of that.
#45 – Yes, I wondered why she didn’t push him on who he suspects, but maybe she was trying to be gentle, or knew he wouldn’t divulge.
#49 – Oh! Hadn’t considered an accident victim going to the hospital. Duh!
#50 – Ah! Yes, remember you said that (about Camille knowing too much).
#51 - **snortsnort** Maybe!
#52 – LOL! Oh, I like that one. ☺
@ Laura#42 – Good point about her not knowing how to use the gun.
#44 – Yes, he was keeping it pretty close to the vest.
#49 – A red herring? Yes, I thought so from the beginning.
#50 – Ditto! Totally shocked by Camille.
#52 – Ah! Interesting.
#53 – Yes, I agree that he wants justice.
@ Jex#31 – Could be; he is a detective.
#32 – I agree with you about Meakin’s wrist. That rumor raised my suspicions from the beginning.
#37 – LOL! Okay.
#38 – I’m thinking it was once his wife’s.
#41 – Could be. All this discussion has made me thing it had something to do with her birth.
Sonia wrote: "...Anyway, I really liked the book and will continue with the series."Not to worry, Sonia. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for doing a set of DQs. Maybe for the next book you'll join us. ☺
Mod
54. Could you understand Amelia’s mother not telling her she had cancer? Do you think her mother knows about her father’s ability?
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?
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.
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?
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?
59. So Daniel Meakin was posting the epitaphs for all three reasons (warning her, taunting her, and helping her), don’t you think?
60. Did you like how Amelia got away from Daniel, with the help of Shani and Robert Fremont…and the flies?
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?
63. Do you think you’ll go on with the series?
64. How did you rate the book over all? Did it help to have it as a “buddy read” with others?
42) I was a little surprised. Why would a policeman give his gun to a civillian if he didn't know about her profeciency? I'm not sure about the legality.
43) Nothing really stood out for me other than the fact that there had been no attempt to conceal the body.
44) I think he is emotionally handicapped. He has never gotten over the loss of his family. He doesn't know how to be open to another person anymore. I think he realizes on some level that if he uses their names it gives them more power.
45) He is just really strange. The notes being gone is a big enough deal that his hygiene is slipping but he doesn't talk to any one. About it. And Amelia just leaves without finding out anything?
46) The statement is true to an extent. Money could make it go away for a while but I think eventually the truth will come out. Someone is hiding something. Pretty obvious.
47) It doesn't actually say it is the claw and coffin emblam. It is suggestive but Amelia never asks anyone if that is what it is. Devlin was from a privileged background, but most colleges have several "secret" societies or groups.
48) Those behaviors would very definately cause someone to have issues with guilt. After living with the guilt for so long wouldn't forgetting even cauuse guilt?
49) Too much of a coincidence that he is a med student. But if he was doing them that long ago wouldn't he already be a doctor. Is there a whole group of murderers out there?
50)I think it is more than just her sexual orientation. Maybe she had a relationship with the killer, not neccessarily sexual. He may have been interupted and in a hurry. It doesn't sound like there has been a lot of down time for the cemetary. Amelia seems to be on the right track with her symbols interpretation.
51) Yes where did they go? Suddenly they are giving him space and privacy. Then why come back?
52) Took long enough. My initial response was someone was pissed.
53) I have no idea who did this which is unusual. I may be wrong sometimes but I usually have some idea who the guilty party is.
@ Vickilynn#45 – Yes, I thought it was weird that she would leave without finding out more.
#47 – Very true; it could be from a different society.
#48 – Ah! Good point. Yes, it would.
#49 – Good observation, and goodness knows, there isn’t much extra time in med school.
#53 – Yeah, me too.
54. Yes, and yes.55. Any haunted man is a suspicious one.
Everyone saw how Devlin´s looking at her, and it´s not like Amelia is good in hiding her feelings, so he probably thought she is capable of making Devlin feel better.
That is the story for the 2nd book.
56. I´d agree here, "Life Everlasting" is definitely a strange and suspicious potion. Amelia is really silly. After Essie´s tea, someone would think she´ll be more careful about drinking anything from that woman, but no ... Granny gives her a potion and Amelia ... drinks it.
57. I don´t know. This ... well, it looks like couple of last chapters were written in rush. I mean, look at the chapters from the first half of the book: quite long, too many characters, then hand coming out from the grave - and all other (paranormal) stuff - and look at the other half: quite short chapters, some characters gone if not forgotten, less supernatural stuff (ghosts disappearing) and just rushing. This thing with Gerrity just didn´t work for me. It all came unexpected, almost like it was decided at the last moment. I don´t know.
58. Again, too unexpected - not in a good way.
Just mentioning something at, practically, the end of the book is weird and, at least in my opinion, out of the context. But maybe that´s just me.
59. At least something we´ve been warned about - epitaphs. It could´ve been anyone.
60. Not at all.
Now, that´s just hilarious. Rushed as well.
61. Missing? (:
62. Well, obviously the main point of this book is to make you wonder.
63. Not sure yet. Right now, I´m not in a mood to continue.
(If we´re to read it together, than definitely "yes".)
64. I gave it 4 stars. It´s more 3 stars but I decided to be generous this time. It could have been better, it definitely has a potential.
I don´t like thrillers and this books is more that then anything else.
All in all, I liked those flies! They´re real heroes. Who saved Amelia? FLIES!
Like I said, just follow the bugs.
It´s been a pleasure to discuss The Restorer with all of you. (But) I keep wondering would my rating be any different if I had read it alone (and not discuss it).
I apologize if my wild imagination was driving you crazy. (;
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.
@ Lára#57 – I didn’t feel it was rushed; I was more than ready for some answers.
You’re right about those flies! Glad you found the book more than tolerable. And, there wasn’t any conspiracy group that was responsible for the deaths, which you said at the beginning you wouldn’t like.
@ Nancy#54 – Yes, twofold. I think as a daughter she deserved to know about her mother’s health situation. And, I think it would be natural, as she was going to have surgery, that her mother talk about any “unfinished” business. Granted, the father showed up…but still, I didn’t like ti.
#57 – Yes, how/why she didn’t know still baffles me. I hope it is addressed in the next book.
#58 – Way back when there were noises up in her apartment, I was suspicious (when I read it the first time). I was tempted to pose it as a question, but wasn’t sure if I would give too much away.
#62 – Yes, why were they being so secretive about Afton’s death, if no one was responsible? **shrugs** Maybe they thought someone was, and they just closed ranks…or did so just to protect the group.
#64 – Glad you enjoyed it, Nancy! It was fun to do it as a group 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'm sure it's frowned upon, but in that circumstance he didn't have a lot of choice. He needed his back covered while he found a way out for them and that was the best way to do it.
43. Unlike the others, Afton Delacourt’s body was not buried. Did anything else about her death stand out as different from the others?
Not that I can think of at the moment. I think she was the first body though and one of the reason's why she wasn't buried.
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.
He must feel the connection between them. Maybe he can only drain her when his ghosts aren't around which is why her house is a good place? I don't really know. PS - I predicted that the medallion had to do with the secret society in Post #78 Quesion #10. Just saying :-P.
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 starting to wonder if Devlin may have something to do with the murders? The whole psychic vampire thing and him being part of the claw.. probably not...but who knows. It would be interesting if he was using Amelia to get the last answers he needed to make sense of Dr. Shaw's research to open the veil and connect with his wife again and Amelia was going to be the victim in the last sacrifice because she has this strange power that Devlin feels or whatever. That's how I would end this book.
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?
Yes. It's very true. Society sucks sometimes.
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?
Either he was a member or his wife was and the medallion was hers. Either way someone was involved in something.
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 think he could get over it but it'll be hard. It's not something he could do on his own that's for sure and it won't happen over night.
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?
I'll be honest I'm blanking on this conversation at the moment. Apparently I suck at comprehension sometimes.
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 think Camille had been snooping on more then just Amelia and was getting too close to figuring something out thus the killer had to get rid of her. Maybe the quiet thing had to do with all the secrets she kept about the shchool and the people in it in order to keep the reputation up? She seemed like she hid an awful lot of things just to keep appearances up.
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?
I don't think Amelia has the balls to confront Devlin ever. She doesn't really do anything on her own it seems. She just kind of follows along until something happens to her.
52. Finally! Amelia and Devlin kiss. Why did the dead tree limb smash through her window? Comments.
I think Mariama caused it to happen. We've already seem that ghosts can leave behind mementos, why not will a branch through a window if they think hard enough?
54) Pretty sure it is a mom thing. Mine didn't tell me about hers till she had decided what she was going to do treatmentwise. And everything was schedualed. Definately knows about the father.55) I am surprised Devlin was every a believer. Now he seems to be a true skeptic. Somehow I am not suspicious of him. It seems too easy. Ethan seems to ewant to force a confrontation between them. If their attraction is so visable he may just want them to admit it to themselves or each other.
56) Not sure what happened there it was unexpected.
57) I wondered about his humanity. He just didn't seem real to me. However I did not realize he was impersonating someone else. The real Tom Gerrity does not appear to be a very pleasant person.
58) He was a nasty person. I thought the "quiet,scrawny little thing" was an accomplise. Someone living had to be posting the comments. Never did connect the two.
59) I think if she had backed off he would have been disappointed but he wanted her to understand why he needed to attatch his ghost to her.
60) Those flies again. Yuck. I did like Shani and Robert Fremont helping. The ghosts want something from her so they see her safe. Like the idea that ghosts can be benevolent, not just hurtful.
61) The idea that once ground was hallowed it seems to be forever holy is different. so my thoughts are the reason Shani could come into what was previously impeneratable was she means no harm to Amelia. I think over time Daniel became evil also. He was definately twisted to have killed that many people.
62) The medallion. Why did it affect Amelia the way it did and why does Devlin sleeping in her home drain her of energy? Who was the original ghost and why did he come back after all those years of being gone?
63) I will have to go on with the series because now I have way too many things in my head about what will happen.
64) I gave it a 4. I had gotten it as a free friday book a long time ago. I'm not sure when I would have read it if it hadn't been a buddy read. I have several like that. I get them off the free list and then don't get around to them for a long time unless someone prods me. Book horder here, but at least it is digital and not physical any more.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 35 – Epilogue 54. I could understand to a degree, but at the same time I think I would be angry with her if she was my mother. I think I would be angry with the circumstances as well.
55. It sounds like Ethan is truly a friend not a foe. I think that Devlin is still upset that Dr. Shaw couldn't make him see his ghosts even though he felt they were there. I am not any more suspicious of him being near the palmists house than I am anything else he does. I think he is still trying to reach his family in some way.
56. I kind of wondered this too. I think she might have been. It was definitely a weird scene.
57. I think that the ghost being Robert Freemont now makes sense. It doesn't seem like Devlin is wrong about much. It also makes more sense with the ghost wanting justice. I am surprised that Amelia didn't pick up on him being a ghost. I am wondering how many of our answers will be answered in the next book?
58. I didn't realize it was Daniel Meakin at all. However, I figured out it was someone we had already met before the big reveal. I thought it was a very interesting ending. I love how different it is from other mystery stories. I can't wait to read the next story.
59. It sounds like it. I wonder how he learned about grave restoration? I can't remember his exact profession.
60. I did. This whole story was just really, really good.
61. I think it is all interesting. I never guessed about Daniel, although it does make perfect sense. I think the author left just enough unanswered to make you want to read the sequel.
62. I think Devlin and Amelia will end up together eventually. As for Temple, I still think she is a bit off her rocker. I don't know that she is a killer though. The whole Dr. Shaw thing is also disturbing. He seems to be a bit crazy also. I think the whole claw thing is what I really wanted to know about the most. I am wondering how big of a role it will play in the sequel. As for the rest, I better get to reading on that sequel.
63. Definitely, this was a five star book for me!
64. I loved this book and as always, loved the buddy read.
Lisa Kay wrote: "And, there wasn’t any conspiracy group that was responsible for the deaths.."That´s why I gave 4 stars, not 3. (;
The book was good. Not breathtaking but good.
Tonight I am making a concerted effort to do the rest of the questions. I have been so bored with this book that it sapped all my question energy lol
Well my theory about Devlin being the bad guy didn't pan out, but I did predict that Gerrity, or Fremont I should say, was dead, so I'm counting it as a win!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?
I feel like there's something big we're missing here. Maybe this is all a key part of book 2? It didn't seem to be very relevant to to this storyline and it actually just confused me as to why it was in there.
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?
When I heard this news plus the whole start of the scene in his house I thought that I had called the Devlin being the bad guy thing, but alas that wasn't the case. It was just weird.
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.
The whole thing was definitely strange. It had a lot of similarities to the dream she had which was probably foreshadowing to this event. It was weird that you get just about nothing relationship wise between them then sudden sex in creepy place with creepy drums... and Devlin didn't find this weird?
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?
*cough* called it *cough* teehee. He was able to present himself in a way that made himself seem normal. He also presented himself only when no one else was around therefore making him seem more human. She didn't have anything to compare him too. Maybe certain ghosts have different skills they can hone in on like moving items, or looking more human, and he had mastered one?
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 picked up on it when Tuly said it, but I didn't know who the scrawny little thing was. I had kind of forgotten about Meakin until he showed up in Amelia's apartment. It was interesting, the whole idea of being tied to a maniac even in ghost form, for all of eternity, making you do horrible things. I never would have reached that conclusion based on how the rest of the book went though. It seemed a little bit out of left field. A little like the author said "hey, here's something they won't see coming because I didn't set it up at all".
59. So Daniel Meakin was posting the epitaphs for all three reasons (warning her, taunting her, and helping her), don’t you think?
It was nice that he wanted the bodies found, I guess, sucks for Amelia that she was the final target.
60. Did you like how Amelia got away from Daniel, with the help of Shani and Robert Fremont…and the flies?
I'm glad that not all the ghosts are crazy scary things. Maybe Amelia can learn to help some now that she knows they aren't all evil entities and the shadow creatures weren't there for her. Now she might be able to use her gift for good instead of hiding from it.
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.
Daniel was crazy, whether he blamed the ghost or not. Having a Clayton in your life like that takes its toll and can't leave you whole. If he had really wanted to get away he could have gotten himself arrested or something similar long ago, but he never did. He just kept killing instead.
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?
It seems like so many questions were raised and so many questions seem irrelevant to the story line. Did the author put them in just to throw off the reader? Will they come up in future books? I'm so confused as to why there was so much emphasis put on some stuff only to have so much storyline completely thrown away for a completely new outcome.
63. Do you think you’ll go on with the series?
I don't know. Not sure if I like the series enough. Maybe.
64. How did you rate the book over all? Did it help to have it as a “buddy read” with others?
I think I'll give it 3 stars. Barely. The story line was confusing and didn't follow through with the leads it gave. The characters were wishy washy. The ghosts seemed almost irrelevant to most of the story until you get to the actual reason behind the murders and how Amelia was saved. I would hope they would play a bigger role/be explained more in future books in the series. The family issues (both Amelia's and Devlin's) seemed way out of left field and didn't seem to sync up. I was just confused a lot.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Abandoned (other topics)The Visitor (other topics)
The Restorer (other topics)
The Restorer (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
Khristine Hvam (other topics)Amanda Stevens (other topics)
#11 – Interesting theory!
#13 – Me, too! LOL!
#16 – Yeah, he -it- certainly had it out for her!
#17 – Really!
#21 – Yes, there does seem to be a cover-up.
#25 – Yeah, I’m looking forward to the conversation, too!
#28 – Yes, he could be trying to protect her and dissuade her both.