Wildfire at Midnight -- Chaps. 1-5

[[deleted user]]

Please discuss chapters 1-5 here. Remember to hide spoilers using the spoiler tag as needed, and mention what chapter your spoiler comes from.

[Misfit, Moderator]

Thanks for starting the threads Jeanette. I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's thoughts.

[[deleted user]]

Anytime. I plan to start at lunch.

[Misfit, Moderator]

I loved the mists. Found this quote from my 2009 review:

"Page 142, "I turned to look back at Blaven, only to find that the mist was, indeed, rolling down the slopes behind us like a tide of smoking lava. Blaven was already invisible, and a great wall of mist bore steadily across the glen behind us, obliterating the afternoon."

Google images of the Isle of Sky.

Can we all get in a plane and go now?

[Diane Lynn]

@Misfit Those are wonderful images of Isle of Sky.

more mists:
From page 58, "The valley was mist-dimmed, and full of vague shadows, but..."

I would love to visit Isle of Skye. I've never even been to Scotland.

[[deleted user]]

I would love to go, too! Scotland is high on my list.

I've finished chapter one, and the courting ritual has already begun: the first smoke was shared.

[Misfit, Moderator]

Jeannette wrote: "I would love to go, too! Scotland is high on my list.

I've finished chapter one, and the courting ritual has already begun: the first smoke was shared."

Looooooooooooool! I wasn't tracking the smoke count when I was reading these in 2010.

[Diane Lynn]

Jeannette wrote: "I've finished chapter one, and the courting ritual has already begun: the first smoke was shared."

Speaking of the ciggies, one little gripe I have is the way the butts are tossed into the water. That happened in MWYT as well. I know it was a different time so I just move on. But living near the beach I have to say it still goes on grrrr!

[[deleted user]]

I was watching for the smokes, because Anabel (was that her name?) did not smoke in The Ivy Tree (view spoiler)[and the guy who offered her a ciggie turned out to be the bad guy! (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Diane Lynn wrote: "Jeannette wrote: "I've finished chapter one, and the courting ritual has already begun: the first smoke was shared."

Speaking of the ciggies, one little gripe I have is the way the butts are tosse..."

That bothered me, too! Lovely place, clean water, and toss the butts and the match into the Loch!

[Diane Lynn]

Jeannette wrote: "I was watching for the smokes, because Anabel (was that her name?) did not smoke in The Ivy Tree [spoilers removed]"

I'm watching for the smokes too, ...and where the butts end up! The match from that first boat ride smoke ended up in the water as well. Too funny!

[Misfit, Moderator]

Diane Lynn wrote: "Jeannette wrote: "I've finished chapter one, and the courting ritual has already begun: the first smoke was shared."

Speaking of the ciggies, one little gripe I have is the way the butts are tosse..."

I loathe it when people toss butts out instead of disposing of them properly. Just loathe it. /rant

[Diane Lynn]

End of chapter 5

Read this spoiler only if you are interested in my guesses at this point.
(view spoiler)[ I am a little suspicious of Roderick Grant. The scene towards the end of chapter 5 after he has told Gianetta about the murder, has him "smiling down in the dusk." I think he is either smiling because he thinks he has gained Gianetta's trust, "I promise you I'm not a murderer," and he really is the guilty one. Or because he is happy that he has unsettled Gianetta. She calls herself a fool and says sorry. Seems to me the murderer likes to "play" with his victims a bit, judging by the way Heather Macrae was found. Either way, I suspect him. And he was the first , and second, to offer her a cigarette. Mary Stewart has done that before. (hide spoiler)]

[Sara]

Jeannette wrote: "I would love to go, too! Scotland is high on my list.

I've finished chapter one, and the courting ritual has already begun: the first smoke was shared."

And we already have a case of "instalove!" (view spoiler)[ Gianetta and Nicolas. (hide spoiler)]

@Misfit: love the photos, too. Thanks for the link.

[Sara]

The main thing that strikes me is how much depth there is to MS's books. The description of the landscape, the characters, and the subtle undercurrents. Makes everything I read that's current seem a bit shallow. :)

Have to say, I'm having a hard time keeping the hotel guests straight--except for Roderick, Marcia, and Nicolas.

[Sara]

And that conversation between Gianette and her mom--so funny. :)

[[deleted user]]

Diane Lynn wrote: "End of chapter 5

Read this spoiler only if you are interested in my guesses at this point.
[spoilers removed]"

I haven't decided, yet. The obvious killer would be (view spoiler)[the ex-husband, who is portrayed as being a bit hard-edged. Could this be a plot for his next book, a bit of research gone too far? And, Grant should be the lover/hero, but as Diane points out, he doesn't appear to be a straight arrow, either. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Sara wrote: "Jeannette wrote: "I would love to go, too! Scotland is high on my list.

I've finished chapter one, and the courting ritual has already begun: the first smoke was shared."

And we already have a case of "instalove!" ..."

Now we have to wait for the real case of insta-love! ;)

[Diane Lynn]

Jeannette wrote: "I haven't decided, yet. The obvious killer would be [spoilers re..."

I thought long and hard about him, but like you said, he is the obvious choice. Which makes me think (view spoiler)[ that he will look like the guilty party but end up saving the day (hide spoiler)]. There is so much going on in the house. The undercurrents... oh my!

[[deleted user]]

It starts out like an Agatha Christie!

[Diane Lynn]

That is exactly what I was thinking... Agatha Christie!

[Gill]

Mm...I've always thought this book has shades of Agatha Christie! Haven't had the chance to start it yet today but off to bed soon and I shall be taking it with me! Loved the pictures from Google btw. I live in the UK and I've never made it up to Skye either! I feel like leaping in the car and driving up overnight!

[[deleted user]]

If you do visit, Gill, take some more pictures for us!

[[deleted user]]

This quote's for you, Jeannette ...

"Have another drink, Jeanette darling, and tell me all about it."

Marcia is hilarious!

[[deleted user]]

Ashley wrote: "This quote's for you, Jeannette ...

"Have another drink, Jeanette darling, and tell me all about it."

Marcia is hilarious!"

lulz!! She's got me pegged! :)

[Laura Anne]

Just finished chapter 5; amongst all the scenic descriptions there were certainly some dangerous sounding locations. Knowing Mary Stewart, I'm anticipating scenes of peril and chase scenes.

[Melody]

I agree this one is a bit like Chrstie! And I too cringed at the cigarette butt in the water, even the match annoyed me! But those were the times.

I love how the menace is there, under the beauty, from the very first chapter.

[[deleted user]]

Just finished Chapter 4. I seem to remember seeing in a GR review that (view spoiler)[one of the women's ropes will be cut on a climbing expedition (hide spoiler)]. Why the reviewer didn't hide that as a spoiler, I have no idea! Is it very wrong of me to hope that will happen to (view spoiler)[Marion Bradford (hide spoiler)]? Yeesh.

Thanks for posting the Isle of Skye link, Misfit. That helps me get my head around the landscape -- though Mary Stewart has done such a fantastic job with her description that what I imagined actually came pretty close! Those Gaelic place names are tough to keep track of, though -- and I have no idea how to pronounce anything that starts with an "Sg." (Of course Camas Fhionnaridh is pronounced "Camasunary." That makes perfect sense, right?) It seems that as far as description goes, MS is much more focused on the outdoors. The mountains and cliffs and lochs (and mists) are well covered -- but so far she's glossed right over the hotel. I'm having a more difficult time imagining that.

And is anyone else having a hard time not picturing Roderick Grant as this guy? (Given his name, I'm afraid maybe it's inevitable ...)

[Diane Lynn]

Ashley wrote: "Just finished Chapter 4. I seem to remember seeing in a GR review that [spoilers removed]. Why the reviewer didn't hide that as a spoiler, I have no idea! Is it very wrong of me to hope that will h..."

I don't like her either!

I love what you said about the Gaelic place names and pronunciations:)

Nice picture, looks like a rugged mountain climber!

[Hannah]

lol - I can't say I would have ever pictured Hugh Grant as Roderick Grant, but now I probably will the next time I re-read WaM!

[Hannah]

Although the humor isn't as apparent in WaM as it is in other Stewart books, I still get a chuckle over the convo. between Gianetta and Marcia Maling as they discuss all the hotel guests; albeit a very polite and genteel form of catty coversation between two women. Cracked me up.

[[deleted user]]

That was a great little catty convo. Bonding over pink gin and gossip!

Not sure about Hugh Grant, either, at least not for my first read. Has anyone seen the movie, "The Englishman who Went up a Hill, but Came Down a Mountain"? Very fitting Hugh Grant movie for this instance.

[Sara]

Jeannette wrote: "That was a great little catty convo. Bonding over pink gin and gossip!

Not sure about Hugh Grant, either, at least not for my first read. Has anyone seen the movie, "The Englishman who Went up a..."

I saw it a long time ago and can't remember much about it. I didn't picture Hugh Grant as Roderick, mostly I think because he's described as having blond hair (Roderick, that is, not Hugh Grant!)

@Hannah: I loved the girl talk, too. (view spoiler)[I missed Marcia in the last half? two/thirds? of the book. While she was a bit aggressive she was entertaining! (hide spoiler)]

@Ashley: Not much sympathy for (view spoiler)[ Marion either. Her description and interactions are like a case study of how to create an unsympathetic character. (hide spoiler)]

[Hannah]

@Sara: (view spoiler)[I missed Marcia, too. I wish Stewart had left her at the hotel. While somewhat catty and amoral, she overall had a good heart and like you said, was extremely entertaining. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Sara wrote: "I didn't picture Hugh Grant as Roderick, mostly I think because he's described as having blond hair..."

Apparently my imagination uses Sun In. How embarrassing!

[[deleted user]]

Ashley wrote: "Sara wrote: "I didn't picture Hugh Grant as Roderick, mostly I think because he's described as having blond hair..."

Apparently my imagination uses Sun In. How embarrassing!"

Dark blond hair, which dear Hugh could easily dye his to match. ;)

[Sara]

Dark blond hair, which dear Hugh could easily dye his to match. ;) .."

Very true!

[Linda]

Jeannette wrote: "Diane Lynn wrote: "End of chapter 5

Read this spoiler only if you are interested in my guesses at this point.
[spoilers removed]"

I haven't decided, yet. The obvious killer would be [spoilers re..."

I thought all these same things about Nicholas and I was already prepared to dislike him as the evil ex!

[HJ]

Jeannette wrote: "I was watching for the smokes, because Anabel (was that her name?) did not smoke in The Ivy Tree [spoilers removed]"

I think she did smoke! I remember her being in her rented room in Newcastle trying to decide what to do and chain-smoking while she did so. It's just before Con's sister comes to visit her there, and the ashtray is full of cigarette butts.

[HJ]

This book is one of the reasons I went to Skye, and it doesn't disappoint! It's still beautiful and wild and dangerous. Mary Stewart's descriptions are wonderful.

I love the phone call with Gianetta's mother, and the talk with Marcia. What a clever way to introduce the cast of characters to us! I loved the quick way G said "And you use to play with them?" when Marcia described the unsquashable rubber balls sold for children in the 1930s.

I'm prepared to dislike Nicholas because of his infidelity to Gianetta when they were married. Marcia sounds great fun - her probable infidelities don't matter so much to me because I'm identifying with Gianetta so am only concerned about things which affect her! So I'm not happy about Marcia and Nicholas kissing on the landing - Marcia didn't even know his name at the start of the evening, so it's not as though they've been getting to know each other before G arrived. Insta-love?

I didn't understand why Alma Corrigan refused G's offer to go out for a walk. Why rebuff G? It's not as though horrible Hartley had been making eyes at her. Is it because she's friends with Alistair who keeps stealing Hartley away with his fish-love? (My goodness, how weird that sounds!!)

[Diane Lynn]

Hj wrote: "This book is one of the reasons I went to Skye, and it doesn't disappoint! It's still beautiful and wild and dangerous. Mary Stewart's descriptions are wonderful.

I love the phone call with Gian..."

I believe you are the first in the group read to have been there- I'm green with envy.

I also wondered why Alma was unkind to G. Some thoughts: Maybe since G is friendly with Marcia, Alma couldn't bring herself to be kind to G, a friend of your enemy is also your enemy? Or perhaps Alma treats all women that way because she sees them all as a future interest for Hart, since he certainly has a roving eye. And I also like your thoughts on the Alistair connection.

[HJ]

Diane Lynn wrote: "I believe you are the first in the group read to have been there- I'm green with envy.
..."

Yes, I feel lucky for having been there. Ever since I was a child it was somewhere I wanted to visit - I think from when I heard "Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing" and read about Prince Charles. Books like this added to my interest. But I get very seasick so couldn't go until they built a bridge there.

I agree with your thoughts on Alma; she is more likely to resent G for being friendly with Marcia than with Alistair! And, as you say, she probably expects all women to be attractive to Hartley (and to be attracted to him, too).

[Linda]

Hj wrote: "Diane Lynn wrote: "I believe you are the first in the group read to have been there- I'm green with envy.
..."

Yes, I feel lucky for having been there. Ever since I was a child it was somewhere I..."

What an interesting insight into Alma--what an unhappy woman and lonely woman she must be. The only females she must feel "safe" having around would have to be less attractive and smart than her so as to not attract the eye of her husband. To be surrounded by dull lifeless people constantly so you seem more--sheesh!

[[deleted user]]

Hj wrote: "I agree with your thoughts on Alma; she is more likely to resent G for being friendly with Marcia than with Alistair! And, as you say, she probably expects all women to be attractive to Hartley (and to be attracted to him, too). "

And let's not forget, Gianetta is a fashion model. What insecure woman would want one of those hanging around in full view of her husband? Marcia and Gianetta were probably poor Alma's worst nightmare!

[[deleted user]]

Hj wrote: "Jeannette wrote: "I was watching for the smokes, because Anabel (was that her name?) did not smoke in The Ivy Tree [spoilers removed]"

I think she did smoke! I remember her being in her rented ro..."

Oh, you are correct! It was Linda who didn't smoke (the orphaned governess). I'm getting these mixed together in my memories.

[[deleted user]]

Hj wrote: "This book is one of the reasons I went to Skye, and it doesn't disappoint! It's still beautiful and wild and dangerous. Mary Stewart's descriptions are wonderful."

Lucky you! Do you live in the UK, Hj? Or did you just visit the area?

I think Alma, as everyone said, didn't like other women because of jealousy. She may also suspect the G is pitying her, and Alma would push her away for that reason, too.

[HJ]

Yes, I do live in the UK, so it wasn't as big a trip for me as it would be for someone who doesn't. But even so, Skye's an awfully long way up north!!

[[deleted user]]

It does look like quite the trip, but at least it's closer to home for you than it is for most of us here in the group. One more gorgeous place to add to my list.

[HJ]

Jeannette wrote: "Oh, you are correct! It was Linda who didn't smoke (the orphaned governess). I'm getting these mixed together in my memories. ..."

Linda is looking more and more unusual in that respect!

In fact, even though in real life I can't stand smoking and have always hated it, when I'm reading a book (or watching a film) set in the fifties or sixties (or earlier) I barely notice it. To me it's like noticing that they don't have mobile phones - I'm in the time period, and it's period-appropriate, so there are almost no conclusions to be drawn from it.

It merely reminds us how things have changed! So many old mysteries just wouldn't work now (unless there was a catastrophic signal failure).

[[deleted user]]

Smoking was particularly funny in Madam, Will You Talk? where lighting up seems to be a cure-all: Just been threatened by the homicidal bad guy? Have a smoke. Just kissed the homicidal bad guy? Have a smoke. Just worn out after a long day? Have a smoke. It was almost a plot device to ratchet the tension back down.

And, think of all of those glorious b&w movies from the 30s and 40s where smoking was very sexy. Times have changed!