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The Diviners
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Bray, Libba - The Diviners BOM- Start Date June 2nd, 2013** Revisit informal buddy read starts July 15, 2018
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59. Reminds me of an article I read about how people these days are able to visiualise murder and brutality because we see it on the TV. Whereas in pre-TV days people were unable to do that. Makes you wonder.
64. yes, but they don't seem to be doing that which is a bit frustrating! I got annoyed at Sam for not telling Evie about himself when she admitted her ability
66. so sad!
@ Sophie#29 – I agree with Solomon’s Comet being the “showdown” of the book. Geez, I hope we don’t have a cliffhanger ending.
#32 - I agree about Tommy and his “obedience.” I just can’t figure out if Naughty John is seeking these specific people out, or stumbles across them and matches them to the offerings.
#36 – I was noticing the age thing, too.
#38 – I agree you could be right about her not wanting to acknowledge certain aspects of Isaiah’s gift.
#40 – Nice algorithm.
#45 – I’m wondering about Jericho’s name, too.
#52 – Yeah, everyone has about convinced me it is “build a body” for the beast/dragon, too.
#53 - ☺
#55 – I’m thinking Marlowe is connected to what cured him. I’m also wondering if he previously worked on Project Buffalo and did so in an effort to try and make amends.
@ Lisarenee#1 – Sounds fun!
#9 - **Lisa Kay shakes head** Lisarenee!
#14 – Isn’t the audio well done?! January LaVoy even sings and is great with the regional dialects.
#16 – Alive?! You and Parvathy should compare theories.
@ Ashley Marie#58 – Good point.
#59 – Very true; it is a popular genre. Maybe they are just trying to figure out their fellow man.
#62 – I agree with you about presenting YA’s with something they can relate to and open their awareness. I just thing some of the details of the actual acts of Naughty John are a bit too mature. I’ll see what my final rating it, when I’m done. Still YA-mature right now.
#63 – Ditto! I’m being pulled more and more into the story.
#64 – Nope. LOL! It was JoLene who Goggled “Naughty John.” I’m not that brave; not to mention, I don’t want my new computer to pick up a virus.
#66 – Really! What a place to stop.
@ Sandy#52 – Oh…interesting!
#54 – I was wrong right along with you; I thought so, too!
#56 – Really? Huh. I hadn’t considered Woodhouse being a fake.
#57 – I think Uncle Will knows more than he lets on too, I just don’t know what it is he knows! LOL!
I’ll put you down for the rap-up on the 10th.
@ Imke#58 – So, you think this “Diviner” ability goes away with age? Or overuse?
#63 – I’m thinking the same thing with regards to James.
#64 – Drat!
@ Turtlecollector#58 – Whoa. I hadn’t thought about Blind Bill being a previous attempt at an offering. Interesting.
#59 – Really! I do remember one math teacher in high-school allowed us to have the radio on, if we all worked diligently on an assignment, but even that wasn’t an everyday occurrence.
#62 – Unfortunately, what you say about the news is true.
#63 – I was think it was a future choice for Evie, too.
#64 – Oh, I haven’t gotten the sinister vib from Uncle Will yet. But then, I’m naïve sometimes.
@ Pamela#59 – Very true. People detach.
#62 – Okay, I’m being swayed by all of you.
#64 – Yes, it is time for them to start joining together to solve this.
June 7The Wrong Person--The Angel GabrielPg.310-376
58. So a bit more information about Isaiah, and that crow was back. I was screaming at Isaiah to STOP TALKING to Gabe! haha Blind Bill Johnson sounds interesting - it is kind of the opposite gift to Memphis. Guesses on how Blind Bill's story will link in? I wonder if it is the same people that cured Jericho?
Haha, me too. Listen to your brother, kiddo! I think Blind Bill might've been involved with Project Buffalo. I don't know if it's the same people that cured Jericho or not, but it's possible. And speaking of Project Buffalo, now that we know it was a government thing, I think Uncle Will was involved in it. D:
59. Theta's new number, and the crowd going to the museum with "Pentacle Killer Fever" reminded me of the musical Chicago. Do you see the similarities today with people obsessing over serial killers/sensational crime?
It's what makes me not want to watch the news at all. I hate being out of the loop with world events, but criminals always seem to be glorified by the media, and it disgusts me. People are still people; they'll gossip over whatever they can get their hands on.
60. What do you think about Evie and Sam's entrepreneurial spirit at the museum? Are they "creating an atmosphere" and giving people what they want, or are they just being charlatons?
Entrepreneurial spirit is fantastic and all, but seeing as they're providing tours of a museum, they probably shouldn't be lying to people. Not that the people seem to care about the museum at all, but it's the principle of the matter. I wouldn't want somebody to tell me lies about an exhibit just to get more money. :[
61. So Memphis and Evie finally meet. Did you think Unc lied, and he actually did recognize the symbol? He seemed pretty abrupt.
I totally think he was part of Project Buffalo since he "worked for the government", and he doesn't want to bring up any unnecessary information that might get Evie or the other kids into trouble.
62. A few people have mentioned before that this book doesn't feel very YA Fiction with the spiritual themes and murders. And now we have the storyline of Theta and Memphis being frowned upon as they seem to be a mixed race couple. What do you think - is it important for YA to explore these kinds of themes or is it just too adult?
I think exploring the themes of racism and prejudice are fantastic topics for a YA novel. Quite a few of the novels I read in school dealt with the same themes -- To Kill A Mockingbird comes to mind. It's mostly how graphic the murders are that start to tip the scale for me. Also, the language and references are pretty out there. If I had been reading this 5-10 years ago, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it because it would have seemed way out of left field.
63. Miss Addie and Lillian were very interesting. What do you think Miss Addie meant by "Such a terrible choice to have to make"?
Not a clue. Probably something to do with her dream, but analyzing symbolism and imagery right now is going to make my brain hurt lol. Maybe she'll have to choose to save someone and leave someone else? I'm not sure.
64. So it sounds like John Hobbes is on his way back as 'The Beast' in two weeks. Margaret Walker must have a connection with Unc and have been in this situation before "It's coming back". Predictions on how he may be stopped, or do you think in this book he will come back? Btw, I googled Solomon's comet and it doesnt get any worthwhile hits, although Salomon's comet are mens hiking boots..lol
Sister Walker and Uncle Will might have both been in on Project Buffalo, experimenting on Diviners. They both seem to know what's going on and are leaving us in the dark. With all this build-up, I feel like The Beast might come back in this book, but then all of the characters will be set up for the sequel so they can actually deal with him. I googled the comet too haha. I think the author just wanted to have something like Halley's comet, but didn't want to reference a real thing.
65. Do you think Project Buffalo, Blind Bill Johnson, Sam's mother and Jericho are somehow connected?
Yes, and maybe even Uncle Will and Sister Walker.
66. Poor Gabe! Do you think he manages to get away, as he is not under the bridge yet, or is he done-ski?
He's so done for. I predicted he was going to die earlier too...Not a main character, but close enough to one to tie pieces of the plot together. Poor guy. I'll still hope, but seeing as he doesn't even know which way up and he's transfixed by what sounds like the devil...
@ Kayla#58 – Okay, at the risk of sounding stupid, why does everyone want to shut Isaiah up? I wanted everyone to listen to what he had to say. I don’t get it. I really wanted Gabe to heed his warning. Was it because it was too public a place?
#59 – Yes, it is one of the reasons I don’t watch the new, except occasionally. I do want to stay in touch with reality, but I agree with you on the glorification of criminals.
#62 – Love To Kill a Mockingbird. My mother read it to us when we were just little and I read it again as a teen and an adult. Still works.
#63 – LOL!
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Especially after hearing what happened with Sam`s mom, and with Uncle Will being tight-lipped and feigning ignorance (at least I think he is)...I just feel like we reaaaaaally don`t want the wrong people hearing about the powers of any of the main characters.By no means am I saying I want Gabe to die, I just think Isaiah should keep his powers on the down low.
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And then I discovered the book may be made into a movie and here's the kicker -- it is part of a FOUR book series! Geez I hope they all aren't c.600 pages :o
http://www.movieweb.com/news/paramoun...
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59. There is so much coverage of crime in the press these days that it does get to the point that some people obsess, having to know every detail of everyone involved lives. I don't see the attraction especially since you can also watch a lot of tv shows based around murder as well.
60. It doesn't surprise me that they're doing this, but it is a bit over the top. I can understand that Uncle Will is cross with them, though his reaction does make me wonder what the museum is a front for.
61. I think he probably does recognise it. I think it's a shame that Memphis ran off so quickly.
62. I think it's very much at the adult end of YA. I like the fact that more grown up themes are discussed, when I was reading YA about 10 yrs ago all the books were about teenage attempts at relationships. It didn't feel like a genre that was being taken seriously by authors or publishers.
63. I think it's a future choice. I get the impressed Miss Addie is heavily involved, but that Miss Lillian has less involvement.
64. There's definitely a link there and I think Sam's mum and Blind Bill are also involved. I'm not sure how he will be stopped. Have we met any characters from the original ouija scene again? Wondering if they will connect back in to put Naughty John back where he belongs.
66. I wish he'd listened! I think he's done for. Took me a while of reading very carefully to work out that he was under the bridge already during a lot of this chapter.
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61. True. I forgot Unc worked "for the government"
62. Agree - it is good for older YAs to explore these themes
63. Hmm.. no many possibilties!
64. Does seem that way seeng that most of the characters are only just starting to meet!
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Congrats on catching up!
58. Oh another possibility!
62. Yes alot of YA seems to be classified that way purely because it has teenage protagonists and a love triangle!
63. You may be right!
64. I completely forgot about them. I don't think any of them have come back into the book? I'll have to go back and check
66. True ; it wasn't very clear. :(
58. So a bit more information about Isaiah, and that crow was back. I was screaming at Isaiah to STOP TALKING to Gabe! haha Blind Bill Johnson sounds interesting - it is kind of the opposite gift to Memphis. Guesses on how Blind Bill's story will link in? I wonder if it is the same people that cured Jericho?I suppose no one has told Isaiah it's important to keep his gift under wraps. It sounds like Blind Bill was part of the same conspiracy.
59. Theta's new number, and the crowd going to the museum with "Pentacle Killer Fever" reminded me of the musical Chicago. Do you see the similarities today with people obsessing over serial killers/sensational crime?
It's been awhile so I don't remember much about Chicago. But I thought Theta was clever, and generous in that she included Henry in her act.
As for the killer cocktails, that made me chuckle. Funny that people could go on partying and enjoying life when there was a deranged killer on the loose.
60. What do you think about Evie and Sam's entrepreneurial spirit at the museum? Are they "creating an atmosphere" and giving people what they want, or are they just being charletons?
Evie and same both have good business sense and are able to give the people what they want.
61. So Memphis and Evie finally meet. Did you think Unc lied, and he actually did recognise the symbol? He seemed pretty abrupt.
Yes, I think he lied about recognizing the symbol, and about not knowing Margaret Walker.
62. A few people have mentioned before that this book doesn't feel very YA Fiction with the spiritual themes and murders. And now we have the storyline of Theta and Memphis being frowned upon as they seem to be a mixed race couple. What do you think - is it important for YA to explore these kinds of themes or is it just too adult?
A lot of YA explores adult themes. I recently read
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which was published more than 10 years ago and has very adult themes. I was surprised by that, but I'm not surprised to see it in books more recently published. As for the horror elements, I read a lot of Stephen King as a teenager which is way more graphic and disturbing than this novel. I don't think this book crosses any lines. There is brutality, but it stops at a certain point. For example, we don't actually "see" the murders...instead there are "fades to black."
63. Miss Addie and Lillian were very interesting. What do you think Miss Addie meant by "Such a terrible choice to have to make"?
I don't know, but I thought about when her mother said she wished Evie had died instead of James.
64. So it sounds like John Hobbes is on his way back as 'The Beast' in two weeks. Margaret Walker must have a connection with Unc and have been in this situation before "It's coming back". Predictions on how he may be stopped, or do you think in this book he will come back? Btw, I googled Solomon's comet and it doesnt get any worthwhile hits, although Salomon's comet are mens hiking boots..lol
LOL! Yep, I think Unc knows Ms. Walker very well. Perhaps he's in denial about everything and just can't face the truth.
65. Do you think Project Buffalo, Blind Bill Johnson, Sam's mother and Jericho are somehow connected?
Yes! I want some answers!
66. Poor Gabe! Do you think he manages to get away, as he is not under the bridge yet, or is he done-ski?
Well...my initial reaction is that he's a goner. But I hope not!
DQs for June 9: Knowles' End----The One Who Works with Both Hands: Pg.377-433, Submitted by Ashley Marie1) It seems like Jacob Call is trying to cover for the real Naughty John to me. Do you agree? Why do you think he's taking the fall for the murders? Do you think he knows more about everything going on than he's letting on to Evie?
2) Evie and Mabel are crazy to go into that house alone! I was yelling them not to go in - don't they watch horror films?!?!?! Surprisingly enough, they didn't listen to me. ;) Do you think this adventure will be worth it and Evie will get enough from Ida's journal to help with the case? Why did Ida hide it under the floorboard in the first place?
3) Yikes! What *was* happening in the cellar? Do you think the bodies the police found 50 years ago really were medical cadavers, or were they victims of Mr. Hobbes? How is Mary White involved in this? Do you think she knows about Mr. Hobbes' offerings, or is she what she seems on the surface - a fake medium?
4) Evie certainly gets back at anyone who crosses her! What do you think of the trick she played on T.S. Woodhouse?
5) Uncle Will seems very comfortable and confident in his ability to help Evie manage her object reading, which seems like a weird skill to have. Thoughts?
6) So now we know for certain! John Hobbes is definitely Naughty John. Are you surprised? Do you think the ending will have a rational explanation for the supernatural happenings (like the ending of an episode of Scooby Doo), or do we really have a ghost killer?
7) Uncle Will immediately believes Evie that Naughty John is a vengeful ghost. Don't you think he'd be at least a little bit skeptical at first? Jericho seems to have the hardest time with what's happening. Why do you think that is?
8) Poor Theta! My heart just broke for her when we finally learned what she ran away from. So much abuse. What do you think her gift really is? How will her relationship with Memphis change her life with Henry?
9) Oh, Gabe :(. What a terrible way to die! How do you think his death fits into the larger story? What do you think the meaning of his warning to Memphis was?
Karen wrote: "I had to finish the book (don't worry, no spoilers!) and I went googling for when the next book is released.. Not until March 2014! And then I discovered the book may be made into a movie and here..."
Ug! I'm not going to make it to March 2014! So far away!!
DQs for June 9: Knowles' End----The One Who Works with Both Hands: Pg.377-433, Submitted by Ashley Marie67) It seems like Jacob Call is trying to cover for the real Naughty John to me. Do you agree? Why do you think he's taking the fall for the murders? Do you think he knows more about everything going on than he's letting on to Evie?
I agree. I think he wants to be blamed because he wants to be the one with the attention. I am not sure if he knows any more than Evie, but he certainly wants to.
68) Evie and Mabel are crazy to go into that house alone! I was yelling them not to go in - don't they watch horror films?!?!?! Surprisingly enough, they didn't listen to me. ;) Do you think this adventure will be worth it and Evie will get enough from Ida's journal to help with the case? Why did Ida hide it under the floorboard in the first place?
I don't think Ida knew enough to really help except confirm that the evil is back. She hid the journal because she was scared and didn't want anyone to know she was writing about them.
69) Yikes! What *was* happening in the cellar? Do you think the bodies the police found 50 years ago really were medical cadavers, or were they victims of Mr. Hobbes? How is Mary White involved in this? Do you think she knows about Mr. Hobbes' offerings, or is she what she seems on the surface - a fake medium?
I am on the fence about whether they were medical cadavers or the disappearing servants. Mary White is involved somehow and I think her descendant is the one running the freaky church where Jericho hit Sam. They have the same last name.
70) Evie certainly gets back at anyone who crosses her! What do you think of the trick she played on T.S. Woodhouse?
Like some of her other "party tricks", it might come back to haunt her. Maybe he will be the next one to die where she sent him to watch.
71) Uncle Will seems very comfortable and confident in his ability to help Evie manage her object reading, which seems like a weird skill to have. Thoughts?
I think it has to do with how he used to work for the government. I am also thinking now that the woman from his reading may have been part of that group he was helping and he couldn't save her from something.
72) So now we know for certain! John Hobbes is definitely Naughty John. Are you surprised? Do you think the ending will have a rational explanation for the supernatural happenings (like the ending of an episode of Scooby Doo), or do we really have a ghost killer?
I was not surprised. I don't know whether I think there will be a rational ending. I am leaning toward not to have one since this is the first book in a series.
73) Uncle Will immediately believes Evie that Naughty John is a vengeful ghost. Don't you think he'd be at least a little bit skeptical at first? Jericho seems to have the hardest time with what's happening. Why do you think that is?
74) Poor Theta! My heart just broke for her when we finally learned what she ran away from. So much abuse. What do you think her gift really is? How will her relationship with Memphis change her life with Henry?
I did feel sorry for her. I am not sure what her gift is. I am hoping that it will help her until the others can get to the theater.
75) Oh, Gabe :(. What a terrible way to die! How do you think his death fits into the larger story? What do you think the meaning of his warning to Memphis was?
No thoughts on this yet.
@TurtlecollectorI COMPLETELY missed the last names being the same with Mary White and that freaky church lady! My minds a little bit blown right now thanks to you lol!
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67 I think he's covering. I think he knows less than he'd like. Makes me think again that the church they visited and the brethren are connected.
68) I'm waiting to see what happens with the scrap of fabric she left in the house! Definitely not a good thing... Ida's diary will hopefully help with some things, but it doesn't seem to have much in it atm. I think she hid it because she was terrified of John Hobbes and Mary White.
69) I hadn't picked up on the link between Mary White and the church. Certainly possible. I think some of them were cadavers and others were victims. I think that Mary White definitely knew what was going on.
70) I worry that it's going to back fire and that she's sent him to be one of the next victims.
71) I wasn't surprised by this. Not sure how he's going to help really.
72) I can't see a rational explanation coming at the end of this book (to be honest I'm dubious that much will be answered by the end). I'd suspected they were the same person for a while but is good to have confirmation that I wasn't too far off track.
73) I think Uncle Will has been linked to this type of thing before which is why he's not surprised. Jericho seems sceptical about a lot of things - not believing in miracles etc. Not sure what's behind it.
74) I hope that her relationship with Memphis doesn't change anything in her relationship with Henry. Feel very sorry for her, but hope her gift helps. Was wondering if it was the opposite to Memphis'.
75) I'm unclear on this as well. Might be because it was the last little bit I read before falling asleep so I can't remember it that well...O
@ Karen 59. Reminds me of an article I read about how people these days are able to visiualise murder and brutality because we see it on the TV. Whereas in pre-TV days people were unable to do tha..."
Exactly. Times are a-changing.
64. yes, but they don't seem to be doing that which is a bit frustrating! I got annoyed at Sam for not telling Evie about himself when she admitted her ability
Super frustrating! I just knew he would open up to Evie.
Lisa Kay wrote: "@ Lisarenee#9 - **Lisa Kay shakes head** Lisarenee!"
What? I didn't feel the nickname was given to be hurtful and I've heard people refer to someone named Evelynne as Evil-lynne before.
@Karen
Karen wrote: "I had to finish the book (don't worry, no spoilers!) and I went googling for when the next book is released.. Not until March 2014!
And then I discovered the book may be made into a movie and here..."
Cool, thanks for the information.
DQs for June 9: Knowles' End----The One Who Works with Both Hands: Pg.377-433, Submitted by Ashley Marie67) It seems like Jacob Call is trying to cover for the real Naughty John to me. Do you agree? Why do you think he's taking the fall for the murders? Do you think he knows more about everything going on than he's letting on to Evie?
I thought maybe Naughty John's spirit had possessed him and made him take the fall.
68) Evie and Mabel are crazy to go into that house alone! I was yelling them not to go in - don't they watch horror films?!?!?! Surprisingly enough, they didn't listen to me. ;) Do you think this adventure will be worth it and Evie will get enough from Ida's journal to help with the case? Why did Ida hide it under the floorboard in the first place?
No Kidding! This was such a suspenseful scene. I think the journal will help. Perhaps Ida hid it because she knew she was in grave danger, and she hoped someone would find it and learn the truth.
69) Yikes! What *was* happening in the cellar? Do you think the bodies the police found 50 years ago really were medical cadavers, or were they victims of Mr. Hobbes? How is Mary White involved in this? Do you think she knows about Mr. Hobbes' offerings, or is she what she seems on the surface - a fake medium?
I think they were victims, and I think Mary White was in on it. Isn't she the one who brought him to the house?
70) Evie certainly gets back at anyone who crosses her! What do you think of the trick she played on T.S. Woodhouse?
Funny and appropriate.
71) Uncle Will seems very comfortable and confident in his ability to help Evie manage her object reading, which seems like a weird skill to have. Thoughts?
I think he has had a lot of practice and was involved in something like this when he "worked for the government."
72) So now we know for certain! John Hobbes is definitely Naughty John. Are you surprised? Do you think the ending will have a rational explanation for the supernatural happenings (like the ending of an episode of Scooby Doo), or do we really have a ghost killer?
Not surprised. On one hand, I keep expecting a real-life killer; but on the other, given all the supernatural elements in the book, it would make more sense if the killer was a spirit. (Although, the "stranger" who was in the cellar and found part of Evie's coat did seem human.)
73) Uncle Will immediately believes Evie that Naughty John is a vengeful ghost. Don't you think he'd be at least a little bit skeptical at first? Jericho seems to have the hardest time with what's happening. Why do you think that is?
I think he beleived it because he's been studying the paranormal for a long time, and I suspect he's encountered this situation before, or at least knew that it was going to happen. Not sure about Jericho. Maybe his own recovery had paranormal causes.
74) Poor Theta! My heart just broke for her when we finally learned what she ran away from. So much abuse. What do you think her gift really is? How will her relationship with Memphis change her life with Henry?
Yes, it was horrible what happened to her. I kept thinking...she's only 17! How old was she when she got married? I don't know what her exact power is, but it sounds like she may have killed her husband with her mind? Or at least hurt him badly enough that she could escape?
75) Oh, Gabe :(. What a terrible way to die! How do you think his death fits into the larger story? What do you think the meaning of his warning to Memphis was?
Yes, it was horrible. I think Gabe was just telling Memphis to prepare himself for battle.
Karen wrote: "Yes LK, it's because he was in a public place and Blind Bill was listening a bit too closely."Thanks, Karen & Kayla!
@ Sophie#59 – Yes, I have a family member who obsessed over the Jodi Aries’ trial on Court TV.
#60 – Oh, I hadn’t considered the museum being a front for something else.
#64 – I don’t think any of the original Ouija board members have made another appearance; though, I did wonder about that heiress that assisted Evie at the party she went to.
#68 – Yes, I’m very worried about that scrap of fabric. I don’t know why she didn’t tell her uncle. Especially when she only needs a little something to perform her gift. She should know better.
#74 – Yes! I was wonder if hers was the opposite of Memphis’, too!
@ Sandy#62 – True. I forgot I read Carrie when it first came out (and I was 17!).
#67 – Now there’s an idea.
#68 – I’m thinking Ida was hoping someone would find it.
#72 – I pretty sure it is a spirit, too.
#73 – I’m still at a loss over Jericho.
#75 – I think you’re right!
@ Turtlecollector#67 – I agree; he wants the attention. However, I don’t know how much he knows. He could be delusional or under Naughty John’s power.
#69 – I think they were disappearing servants. I think you’re right about MW.
#70 – That’s what I was thinking; I don’t want Evie to have to live with that guilt.
#74 – I’m at a loss over exactly what Theta’s real gift is, too. I’m thinking Roy is dead, though.
@ LisareneeI guess I should have posted **Lisa Kay shakes head and laughs** We have a friend named Ruth who likes to be called “Ruthless.” **shrugs**
Mod
I'm glad someone else thinks the same about Theta's gift might be. I'm hoping it becomes clearer by the end of the book
Answers to June 4 DQs: The Hearts of Men-- And Death Shall Flee Pg.118-190, by Lisa Kay
22. Don’t you just know that door in the floor of the collections room of the MotCC is going to come into play again. I just don’t know if it will be used as escape or entrance – or for Naughty John or one of the others. Any predictions?
Nope, I hadn't considered it, but now I am.
23. Ah! So, Sam has abilities, too. I wasn’t expecting that. That’s a pretty good one, too; I wouldn’t mind having it. LOL! You? Any guesses on the significance of Project Buffalo?
Yes, that is a good ability. No idea about Project Buffalo at this time.
24. Whatever was Evie going to tell Mabel before they fell asleep?
I know I thought something when I read it, but can't recall. Perhaps something about Jericho.
25. Well, Evie made her pitch for Mabel to Jericho. Doesn’t look good. Plus, he blushed when Sam asked if Evie and he were husband and wife. Really not good. I see an unrequited love triangle coming a mile away. Comments.
I think Jericho likes Evie which seems rather odd because she seems a little too wild for him at this point.
26. Eep. That crow is following Memphis. I did like his line about wanting to find THE girl; that was nice. Impression of Gabe and his chances with Okeh Records? Will we see more of him?
The crow is a bit scary. Is he going to die or someone close to him? That's usually what crows symbolize--death.
Gabe is Memphis' friend and coworker so I'm guessing we'll see more of him.
27. I was surprised we got Theta’s POV. The only thing that stood out to me was that Henry was reading Negro poetry, Daisy can’t dance, and Theta didn’t forget a favor. Did anything else stand out to you?
Theta isn't well liked and doesn't care.
28. What do you think of Sam’s ploy to get to talk with Dr. Fitzgerald? Do you think Uncle Will recognized his ability, that’s why he bought his story? And what about Sam did with Jericho’s wallet?
I don't think he knows he just likes to help people get a step up in life. Look at Jericho--sounds like he took him in. Look at Evie--he took her in. Sam is just another soul he thinks he can save.
29. BOOK QUOTE (The Eternal Recurrence): Solomon’s Comet. An event of heavenly significance. Comments?
Comets have been regarded both as omens of disaster and messengers of the gods. We'll have to wait and see what its significance will be in this book.
30. Uh oh, Evie’s doing her ‘party trick’ again. What about her lie to Theta? Would you do the same thing, if you had Evie’s ability?
I think she doesn't want to lose a friend and is learning that sometimes revealing all is not worth the consequences. Perhaps she learned something from her previous experience.
31. Now that crow is in Memphis’s dreams! Interpretation? So, is Isaiah some sort of translator/communicator between the two worlds (good and evil)?
Isaiah has many gifts or curses, depending on how you look at them. The crow is worrisome.
32. Well, I do NOT like Paddy. Poor Tommy. There was so much I didn’t understand in the “A Rind of Moonlight” chapter. (Man-oh-man! I hope it doesn’t give me nightmares.) Why did Naughty John choose Tommy as a victim? Just opportunity? Or the kid’s name? Tommy’s perfect hands? That he was willing to gamble? I didn’t get the “obedience” offering. Your thoughts?
I think it was the combination that made him the perfect choice. Perhaps the "obedience" lied in the fact he believed he'd be set free if he could get that walking stick and followed orders? I'm not sure.
33. Were you surprised that Uncle Will talked to Evie about her drinking? Think he knew she was doing her ‘party trick,’ too?
I don't think he knows at the moment. I was not shocked about him having the fatherly chat with her. I would have been shocked if he hadn't.
34. What do you think of the drawing of the pentacle-and-snake emblem Evie found? Liberty Anne’s prophecies and her explanation of the Diviners? The man in the stovepipe hat who comes with the storm? What stood out for you in Evie’s nightmare?
I think she's on the right track. Maybe she's more like her uncle than she could ever imagine.
35. Impressions of T.S. Woodhouse? How Evie handled him? Or he handled her? I guess I’m naïve; I didn’t think she’d cave. What will be the repercussions?
I don't like him. He's out for the story and I'm thinking Evie's going to get burned.
Answers to DQ: Funny How Things Work Out --- The House on the Hill (p. 191-245)36. So Henry has gifts of his own…dreamwalking. I like it. Did you think he had special abilities when he appeared in Evie’s dream? Who do you think Louis might be? A brother? Lover? Friend?
I liked that too. I wonder if Mabel or Theta has any powers too? I think Louis is a lover.
37. We learn more about the Diviners from Sister Walker. Did you think it was odd that she provided a rational explanation for Isaiah’s nighttime trances? I would have thought her first suspicion would be some kind of paranormal activity at work.
I keep wondering about Sister Walker. Who is she?I don't have a good vibe about her.
38. Why doesn’t Memphis tell Sister Walker about his healing abilities? And, knowing that Isaiah has gifts, why didn’t Sister Walker be more careful with the chair??
Maybe that was one ability she didn't know about?
39. The Pillar Of Fire Church…now there are some lovely people! (Did anyone else think of the anti-vampire cult on True Blood?) Did you think at this point that one of them could be behind the murders, especially when Evie saw the pendant on Brother Jacob Call. Brother Call calls it protection from the Beast, which is interesting because I had been thinking it was a sinister symbol.
I did not think of the anti-vampire cult, but they do sound cult-ish. I think it was stupid of them not to infiltrate the group more.
40. What are your impressions of Jericho? I had been expecting him to be a dashing hero (not sure why I thought that). He’s quiet, studious, very smart, and not socially adept. He was clearly uncomfortable posing as Evie’s husband. Do you think he may become more “heroic” as the novel progresses?
I'm not sure what to think of him at this point, but I think there's more to him than we know.
41. Thoughts on the Brethren cult? Their story is interesting, but I can’t imagine why anyone would think it’s a good idea to raise the anti-Christ. Who took the missing page that tells how to destroy the Beast?
All good questions that I wish I knew the answers to. Did the cult have a large following?
42. The killings appear to be “offerings” of the Harlot Adorned and the Idle son (offerings 5 & 6). Did “offerings” 1 – 4 take place in the past?
That's what I'm thinking.
43. So now we have a mysterious relationship between Jericho and Marlowe (whom I thought of as Tony Stark). What did Marlowe do for (to?) Jericho? What are the meds for? Something to do with his hand? Why does Jericho call him “Sir”?
This is something I really want to know. Does Jericho also possess a 'talent'?
44. Uncle Will’s mystery deepens. We know he used to work for the government (doing what?), and “he was never quite the same after what happened with Rotke.”(kindle p. 218) Any speculations?
No idea. So much unknown here.
45. Why is Jericho so cold to Mabel? Does he have something against her parents’ politics?
I don't know.
46. We learn about the time Memphis lost his powers. What a sad story. Who was the man in his vision who asked him to choose life or death? Thoughts on this scene?
I thought perhaps it was a dream. Thoughts of Pet Cemetery came to mind.
47. We get the backstory on the Knowles house (of course I thought of Beyonce). Very creepy tale. Who is Mr. Hobbes? Was this his first foray into evildoing, or has he been around much longer? Is he Naughty John?
I think he is Naughty John come back to life some how. Perhaps he's a witch or was sorcery mentioned earlier in regards to the cult bible?
48. What do you think of the world-building in this book? I think the author’s doing a great job giving us information gradually.
This would make a great movie. Anyone got popcorn? lol
1) It seems like Jacob Call is trying to cover for the real Naughty John to me. Do you agree? Why do you think he's taking the fall for the murders? Do you think he knows more about everything going on than he's letting on to Evie?I think he is in it just for the publicity. To resurrect the brethren. The only thing I think he knows is that he believes this to be the work of the chosen he and he is doing all in his power to help him.
2) Evie and Mabel are crazy to go into that house alone! I was yelling them not to go in - don't they watch horror films?!?!?! Surprisingly enough, they didn't listen to me. ;) Do you think this adventure will be worth it and Evie will get enough from Ida's journal to help with the case? Why did Ida hide it under the floorboard in the first place?
Good Question, why did she hide the journal?? It was as though it contains so deep dark secret. Hmmm ...I am surprised Evie didn't try to read it. Not the actual reading but the type of reading using her powers to know more about what Ida saw. I think the journal will help her know more about Hobbes
3) Yikes! What *was* happening in the cellar? Do you think the bodies the police found 50 years ago really were medical cadavers, or were they victims of Mr. Hobbes? How is Mary White involved in this? Do you think she knows about Mr. Hobbes' offerings, or is she what she seems on the surface - a fake medium?
No, they were definitely victims. He might have needed Mary White to cover for him or lure in followers
4) Evie certainly gets back at anyone who crosses her! What do you think of the trick she played on T.S. Woodhouse?
I liked it. Though I don't think it is the end of him. Just hope he doesn't do something to damage Evie or Unc Will
5) Uncle Will seems very comfortable and confident in his ability to help Evie manage her object reading, which seems like a weird skill to have. Thoughts?
May be that was why he was used by whatever people that uses people with powers. To control them or clam them when things get too out of hand
6) So now we know for certain! John Hobbes is definitely Naughty John. Are you surprised? Do you think the ending will have a rational explanation for the supernatural happenings (like the ending of an episode of Scooby Doo), or do we really have a ghost killer?
I wish the ending was like Scooby Doo. I so enjoyed the series when I was a child. All Frankenstein monsters and vampires explained in the end. Now that I think about it I don't remember anyone being killed in Scooby Doo. Here even though I am wishing for a rational end because that would be surprising to say the least I know it is going to end up as something supernatural. Atleast instead of a ghost John will end up as a diviner.
7) Uncle Will immediately believes Evie that Naughty John is a vengeful ghost. Don't you think he'd be at least a little bit skeptical at first? Jericho seems to have the hardest time with what's happening. Why do you think that is?
Looks like Unc Will has previous experience with this sort of thing. Jericho I think for all his mysterious ways hasn't come close to something supernatural.
8) Poor Theta! My heart just broke for her when we finally learned what she ran away from. So much abuse. What do you think her gift really is? How will her relationship with Memphis change her life with Henry?
I think she is like the human torch or something. Able to burn things with a touch. I think they will all end up as a team against evil
9) Oh, Gabe :(. What a terrible way to die! How do you think his death fits into the larger story? What do you think the meaning of his warning to Memphis was?
At this point I have no clue what he meant. But I was sad to read about the was he was killed.
June 6 DQs: The Hotsy Totsy--Naughty JohnPg.246-309; Submitted by Lisa Kay
49. Maybe I’ve watched too many old movies, but I thought “The Hotsy Totsy” chapter was very well done. I could picture the setting, the characters, the raid. You?
You betski. lol I have to wonder if some of the sayings the author is using are her own invention. I've watched a lot of roaring twenties movies and don't recall some of them.
50. BOOK QUOTE: Did any of them have a power so frightening it had to be kept locked down tight? -- Did I miss something? Isn’t this the first inkling we’ve had that Theta has powers?
That scene of her screaming made me wonder.
51. Looks like Theta and Memphis are attracted to one another. I didn’t see that coming, either. Do you think they match up well? They certainly have something to talk about – the exact same dream! Any thoughts on what it means?
Well didn't Henry end up in Evie's too? They both kind of talked about it but not to each other. Something strange is going on with dreams.
52. Well, Naughty John’s victims are certainly diverse. Why did he take Eugene Meriwether’s feet? Is this really just a “build a body” thing, or is it related to specific offerings?
Not sure yet.
53. Were you surprised that Uncle Will decided to send Evie back to Ohio after one infraction – even given it was as severe as it was. On the heels of that came Mabel calling her selfish. Think these things will help Evie grow up and think before she acts impulsively?
Well, it was a doozie. Maybe he's afraid she'll get hurt. There is a murderer out there doing terrible things to people. I think Evie will end up being a target at some point. Just a feeling.
54. So…Uncle Will had no idea of Evie’s powers. Comments on the glove reveal scene? Who was the woman Evie saw? What was her relationship to Uncle Will?
Maybe he was once in love and she died or married someone else?
55. We get a little more on Jericho’s past: infantile paralysis, time in an iron lung, and the eventual desertion by his family, his ability to forgive, and his lack of belief in miracles. Comments? BOOKQUOTE: How about his cryptic comment, “They tried something new. I was lucky; it worked.” Whatever was it that really worked?
Sounds like Polio and I think the iron lung was the "something new". Perhaps didn't cure him but allowed him to recover from it.
56. Oh, poor Evie. What a terrible thing to discover about how you mother feels about you. Explains her acting out. And we discover that her ability came after James’ death. Comments. However, just when I think she’s growing up, she lies about Reporter Woodhouse’s article and poses for the shutterbug.
She's seventeen. She wants her two minutes of fame.
57. Could you have done what Evie did with Eugene Meriwether’s ring? What are the headaches about? Will Uncle Will know?
No way. *Shudder* I think most psychic shows tend to have the user go toward headaches or blood running from noses. I wonder if Uncle Will has a power? Where did Evie inherit it from?
Knowles' End----The One Who Works with Both Hands: Pg.377-433, 67) It seems like Jacob Call is trying to cover for the real Naughty John to me. Do you agree? Why do you think he's taking the fall for the murders? Do you think he knows more about everything going on than he's letting on to Evie?
Yes, I believe Jacob Call is covering for the real Naughty John. I think he is willing to sacrifice himself for the cause. Oh yes! He knows all about the ritual.
68) Evie and Mabel are crazy to go into that house alone! I was yelling them not to go in - don't they watch horror films?!?!?! Surprisingly enough, they didn't listen to me. ;) Do you think this adventure will be worth it and Evie will get enough from Ida's journal to help with the case? Why did Ida hide it under the floorboard in the first place?
I believe the adventure was worth it and Evie picked up a bit of information from the journal. I think Ida hid her journal after she laid-off the sweet wine, things became clear.
69) Yikes! What *was* happening in the cellar? Do you think the bodies the police found 50 years ago really were medical cadavers, or were they victims of Mr. Hobbes? How is Mary White involved in this? Do you think she knows about Mr. Hobbes' offerings, or is she what she seems on the surface - a fake medium?
I think the bodies were victims of Mr.Hobbes – missing servants. I thinkMary White is a fake medium that swindled Ida out of her money. I’m not sure if she knows about Mr. Hobbes’ offerings.
70) Evie certainly gets back at anyone who crosses her! What do you think of the trick she played on T.S. Woodhouse?
I think it was immature for her to play tricks on T.S. Woodhouse. She could have told him she had no further comments and walked away. This might come back to haunt her.
71) Uncle Will seems very comfortable and confident in his ability to help Evie manage her object reading, which seems like a weird skill to have. Thoughts?
I think he might have assisted Diviners with their abilities in the past. I think Uncle Will also knows Sister Walker and the work she does wit Diviners.
72) So now we know for certain! John Hobbes is definitely Naughty John. Are you surprised? Do you think the ending will have a rational explanation for the supernatural happenings (like the ending of an episode of Scooby Doo), or do we really have a ghost killer?
First, I thought it was the devil, but now I know for sure it’s John Hobbes. I don’t think we’re going to get a rational explanation for the supernatural events.
73) Uncle Will immediately believes Evie that Naughty John is a vengeful ghost. Don't you think he'd be at least a little bit skeptical at first? Jericho seems to have the hardest time with what's happening. Why do you think that is?
No, I think Uncle Will finally accepted the situation. I think Jericho has a hard time accepting things that cannot be seen or explained.
74) Poor Theta! My heart just broke for her when we finally learned what she ran away from. So much abuse. What do you think her gift really is? How will her relationship with Memphis change her life with Henry?
I know! Theta’s story was very touching and it gave me a deeper understanding. I think her gift is death in her hands. I believe that when she touched her ex-husband he died.
75) Oh, Gabe :(. What a terrible way to die! How do you think his death fits into the larger story? What do you think the meaning of his warning to Memphis was?
This book references the Bible, lots! Well, the Angel Gabriel is a messenger and he sounds his trumpet to indicate the Lord’s return to earth. In this story Gabe is one excellent jazz trumpet player. That would explain why the killer took his mouth (most likely consumed it) and strung him up like an angel. We’re dealing with a sick group of individuals. In general, he’s telling him that he will be needed during the “storm”.It might be a long shot…but I think he’s telling him to be mindful of Theta’s abilities. Clearly, something happens when she lays her hands on people. Hey! He warned him about Theta at that rent party.
Answers for June 7The Wrong Person--The Angel Gabriel Pg.310-376
58. So a bit more information about Isaiah, and that crow was back. I was screaming at Isaiah to STOP TALKING to Gabe! haha Blind Bill Johnson sounds interesting - it is kind of the opposite gift to Memphis. Guesses on how Blind Bill's story will link in? I wonder if it is the same people that cured Jericho?
I wonder what exactly makes the gifts go away and exactly how old is Blind Bill? Is it over use or using it for the wrong things?
59. Theta's new number, and the crowd going to the museum with "Pentacle Killer Fever" reminded me of the musical Chicago. Do you see the similarities today with people obsessing over serial killers/sensational crime?
There are some strange people out there and they will flock to a good horror story.
60. What do you think about Evie and Sam's entrepreneurial spirit at the museum? Are they "creating an atmosphere" and giving people what they want, or are they just being charletons?
They're giving them what they want. Remember the couple who came in and were disappointed? The people want to be spooked.
61. So Memphis and Evie finally meet. Did you think Unc lied, and he actually did recognise the symbol? He seemed pretty abrupt.
Unc is hard to read, but I think he knows something.
62. A few people have mentioned before that this book doesn't feel very YA Fiction with the spiritual themes and murders. And now we have the storyline of Theta and Memphis being frowned upon as they seem to be a mixed race couple. What do you think - is it important for YA to explore these kinds of themes or is it just too adult?
I don't think it's too adult, but it definitely doesn't have a YA feel. I think labeling it as YA will limit the people who will read it. Plus, this one is a little more violent and gory than most.
63. Miss Addie and Lillian were very interesting. What do you think Miss Addie meant by "Such a terrible choice to have to make"?
I've been pondering that. Will he have to choose between Theta and Isaiah?
64. So it sounds like John Hobbes is on his way back as 'The Beast' in two weeks. Margaret Walker must have a connection with Unc and have been in this situation before "It's coming back". Predictions on how he may be stopped, or do you think in this book he will come back? Btw, I googled Solomon's comet and it doesnt get any worthwhile hits, although Salomon's comet are mens hiking boots..lol
Hmmm....holy water? Not sure.
65. Do you think Project Buffalo, Blind Bill Johnson, Sam's mother and Jericho are somehow connected?
There's a thought. Do these skills get passed from one generation to another? We've got Isaiah and Memphis which would suggest it might.
66. Poor Gabe! Do you think he manages to get away, as he is not under the bridge yet, or is he done-ski?
He's done-ski. He shouldn't have gone under the bridge.
Mod
59. Yeah, really! I guess people never think it will happen to them
62. I haven't rad Perks of being a wallflower, although I heard good things about the movie. I may add it to my TBR! And you're right about how it "fades to black" and then we find out what he did afterwards. I didn't find the violence in this as scary as I did in
Mod
58. Oh I like that idea. If you don't use your power for "good" it goes away
62. True that it may limit the readers. I always wonder what makes a publisher decide ro market something as YA. Usually they are smaller books too which this one clearly isn't!!
63. Hmm possible
64. Holy water is sounding a bit scooby-doo..lol
65. I think you're right. Or atleast through bloodlines
Mod
I didn't think he wa strying to cover, just that he is obsessed with the Brethren and The Beast. He definitely knows what is going to happen
68) Evie and Mabel are crazy to go into that house alone! I was yelling them not to go in - don't they watch horror films?!?!?! Surprisingly enough, they didn't listen to me. ;) Do you think this adventure will be worth it and Evie will get enough from Ida's journal to help with the case? Why did Ida hide it under the floorboard in the first place?
OMG - I couldn't beleive this either! I had no idea how this was going to be any help. I was surprised they got out actually. That scrap of fabric is clearly important
69) Yikes! What *was* happening in the cellar? Do you think the bodies the police found 50 years ago really were medical cadavers, or were they victims of Mr. Hobbes? How is Mary White involved in this? Do you think she knows about Mr. Hobbes' offerings, or is she what she seems on the surface - a fake medium?
I thought they were victims and Mary helped him too
70) Evie certainly gets back at anyone who crosses her! What do you think of the trick she played on T.S. Woodhouse?
I didn't like it. This is the part of Evie I don't like very much, She can be a bit too hot-headed and selfish
71) Uncle Will seems very comfortable and confident in his ability to help Evie manage her object reading, which seems like a weird skill to have. Thoughts?
Absolutely. And she doesn't question it either. There is more going on with this guy. I am more and more convinced he worked for Project Buffalo
72) So now we know for certain! John Hobbes is definitely Naughty John. Are you surprised? Do you think the ending will have a rational explanation for the supernatural happenings (like the ending of an episode of Scooby Doo), or do we really have a ghost killer?
I was not surprised. I didn't think we would get a scooby-doo ending as the rest of the book has been pretty supernatural. I don't know how you convince the cops it is a ghost killer though!
73) Uncle Will immediately believes Evie that Naughty John is a vengeful ghost. Don't you think he'd be at least a little bit skeptical at first? Jericho seems to have the hardest time with what's happening. Why do you think that is?
I think Unc is more aware of what is happening. Someone said in earlier questions that he and the Sister probably stopped him after the first 4 offerings decades ago and I reckon that is about right
74) Poor Theta! My heart just broke for her when we finally learned what she ran away from. So much abuse. What do you think her gift really is? How will her relationship with Memphis change her life with Henry?
Very sad. Not sure of the gift except it was quite surprising to her and unconctrollable. I hope it doesn't change her life with Henry. They seem realy good for eachother in a sibling type way
75) Oh, Gabe :(. What a terrible way to die! How do you think his death fits into the larger story? What do you think the meaning of his warning to Memphis was?
yeah that was awful. Although I guess Naughty John needed a mouth/voice next. No idea about the warning
Okay, my first time at trying this so here goes.DQs for June 9: False Idols----Brethren: Pg.434-498, Submitted by Turtlecollector
76. Well, after the way the last section ended I was surprised at who died. But does anyone have more clues as to what Theta’s power is?
77. What about how Evie tells the reporter the truth in the police station and he doesn’t believe her after her wild goose chase? Should Uncle Will and/or Detective Malloy be mad at her for leaking information?
78. So Mary White is still alive and living with her daughter. What do you think about her story? Do you think any of this would have happened if she didn’t keep the house?
79. Cannibalism as ancient magic!!! Yuck, I can’t ever see myself eating parts of my enemies to gain victory over them. Did the poster of the circus trigger his epiphany about who John Hobbes was?
80. What do you think about what Evie sees when she holds the ring? Does the treatment of him as a child change how you think about Naughty John? Should she be using her power so frequently now that there is a connection between her and Naughty John? I am intrigued about what John Hobbes has left and taken at the museum.
81. Eugenics is not what I expected to find at a state fair. At first I thought that might be part of the ‘cult’ and then I thought ‘Project Buffalo’ and how the group tried to find the people with special powers. Anyone else have comments on the fair?
82. Which side is Blind Bill on? It seemed that he somehow knew that Isaiah would be going home by himself. Did he set up Memphis to be arrested for his own purposes? Would Isaiah be dead or just badly hurt if the Good Samaritan hadn’t intervened?
83. The cult has come back to the original site to keep vigil over their fallen leader where they believe he will come and set them free. This is contradictory with Mary White saying she needed to keep the house because he would be coming there. Where do you think he may go if he manages to come back? Or are they just there to make sure he still has a body waiting even if it has been decomposing for years?
84. It is creepy that they are digging up the body just to get the pendant he is wearing. Now that they have the pendant, do you think Evie is going to ‘read’ it?
85. Now what do you think Jericho’s experiment is? The mechanical items seen in the injury are interesting to me. I still want to know what that blue liquid is.
@ Lisarenee#28 – Ah. Could be.
#41 - “Did the cult have a large following?”
Huh. You know, I don’t know.
#43 – I’m thinking, yes. But I don’t have a clue as to what it is.
#46 – Yes, I see the comparison.
#49 – Most sound familiar to me. I guess I watch too much TCM.
#55 – Thanks for the pics! I didn’t think the iron lung was invented that early, but in researching it, it look like Drinker & Shaw came up with a precursor in 1928 at the Harvard School of Public Health. An before that, Dr. Stueart of South Africa in 1918.
#58 – Good question. Why do they fade?
#60 – With a nickname like “Museum of the Creepy Crawlie,” yeah, I think you are right; it is what people expect.
@ ParvathyJune 9#1 (#67) – Yeah, I think he is just delusional, or under Naughty John’s spell.
June 9#2 (#68)– Good point. You’d think Evie would do that.
June 9#6 (#72) – Uh. Naughty John a diviner? I don’t think so. LOL!
@ Pamela#67 – I believe he’s sacrificing himself for the cause. I don’t know how much of the ritual he knows.
#69 – Hmmm. I can’t decide about Mary White. I think she was a fake, but I don’t know if she was tricked by Naughty John or not.
#70 – I think it might come back at her, too.
#73 – I agree with you about Jericho; good way to put it. He wants tangible proof.
#75 – Theta? Hmm. Now you make me want to re-read that part. LOL!
@ Karen#67 – Oh, such a difference of opinion here. It will be interesting to see who calls this one.
#71 – You all have convinced me!
#74 – Yes, I hope Theta and Henry remain close.
DQs for June 9: Knowles' End----The One Who Works with Both Hands: Pg.377-433, Submitted by Ashley Marie67) It seems like Jacob Call is trying to cover for the real Naughty John to me. Do you agree? Why do you think he's taking the fall for the murders? Do you think he knows more about everything going on than he's letting on to Evie?
He thinks he knows more about what's going on. I don't think he's trying to cover for Naughty John, he think he wants his own 15 minutes of fame. He is maybe from the same town or area as Naughty John and may have heard of the Brethren.
68) Evie and Mabel are crazy to go into that house alone! I was yelling them not to go in - don't they watch horror films?!?!?! Surprisingly enough, they didn't listen to me. ;) Do you think this adventure will be worth it and Evie will get enough from Ida's journal to help with the case? Why did Ida hide it under the floorboard in the first place?
They were crazy, and I was yelling too. Those two girls must be deaf. They will get something from this expedition, but it won't be all good.
69) Yikes! What *was* happening in the cellar? Do you think the bodies the police found 50 years ago really were medical cadavers, or were they victims of Mr. Hobbes? How is Mary White involved in this? Do you think she knows about Mr. Hobbes' offerings, or is she what she seems on the surface - a fake medium?
Mary White is a fake medium, but I don't think she knows everything of what Hobbes is planning.
70) Evie certainly gets back at anyone who crosses her! What do you think of the trick she played on T.S. Woodhouse?
He got what was comming to him, but I don't think she should have done it. Evie is to impulsive.
71) Uncle Will seems very comfortable and confident in his ability to help Evie manage her object reading, which seems like a weird skill to have. Thoughts?
72) So now we know for certain! John Hobbes is definitely Naughty John. Are you surprised? Do you think the ending will have a rational explanation for the supernatural happenings (like the ending of an episode of Scooby Doo), or do we really have a ghost killer?
We really have a ghost killer, I was'nt very surprised the beginning of the book showed it was going to be a ghost story.
73) Uncle Will immediately believes Evie that Naughty John is a vengeful ghost. Don't you think he'd be at least a little bit skeptical at first? Jericho seems to have the hardest time with what's happening. Why do you think that is?
74) Poor Theta! My heart just broke for her when we finally learned what she ran away from. So much abuse. What do you think her gift really is? How will her relationship with Memphis change her life with Henry?
I agree with Pamela, Theta's "gift" is death by touch, the opposite of what Memphis was able to do. Her elationship with Memphis won't change the life with Henry that much as they were more brother and sister and very close friends.
75) Oh, Gabe :(. What a terrible way to die! How do you think his death fits into the larger story? What do you think the meaning of his warning to Memphis was?
He was one of the sacrifices, but he was able to warn Memphis to get Memphis in action and find help.
@ Imke#70 – We have some varying answers here. Some feel he deserves it. Others think it was mean-spirited. Interesting!
#75 – I agree, he was trying to warn Memphis. But I’m not too sure Memphis picked up on what it was. It was too vague - or ambiguous - to me, anyway.
Karen wrote: "@Sandy59. Yeah, really! I guess people never think it will happen to them
62. I haven't rad Perks of being a wallflower, although I heard good things about the movie. I may add it to my TBR! And..."
Karen, I just finished
, and you are completely right. I thought this book was mature for YA, but oh boy - IHK was so much worse! I was frightened by a lot of what happened in the book, and I'm 30, let alone a 16 year old reading it!
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Museum of Dr. Moses: Tales of Mystery and Suspense (other topics)Beauty Queens (other topics)
Lair of Dreams (other topics)
A Discovery of Witches (other topics)
Me Before You (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Libba Bray (other topics)Libba Bray (other topics)
#58 – I agree; I think Blind Bill was part of Project Buffalo, too.
#60 – I’m leaning your way, “give the people what they want.” However, she didn’t run it by her Uncle Will first, so she acting impulsively again.
#61 – Ah! I hadn’t thought of that with regards to Uncle Will’s glove-woman, but yes, I think he knew who Sister Walker was.
#63 – No, that hadn’t occurred to me that James might still be alive.
#65 – That hadn’t occurred to me, either. I think Jericho is the age he proclaims.