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BotM 2016 - [April] The Cuckoo's Calling, by Robert Galbraith - Part 2 (Spoilers)
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1. Who do you think the killer is right now?I think there is still a lot to be revealed, but my prime suspect right now is Tony Landry (Lula and John’s uncle). He obviously doesn’t want her death investigated further, he seems very angry (and racist!), and he seems to be hiding something.
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
I’m not sure there is an actual legal document, but I think we will find she wrote something down somewhere. Maybe on her computer?
I don’t see how leaving everything to Bristow would impact the story very much. He seems to be trustworthy and he doesn’t need her money. But what if she didn’t mean Bristow when (if) she said “my brother”? I think there is the possibility that she may have found more of her birth family than we’ve been lead to believe.
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
I think she’s protecting someone. My guess is that it is the person Lula arranged to meet at her flat the night she died. Not the person that killed her, but someone who wouldn’t want to be implicated in the crime. It must be someone rich, because I’m guessing they gave her the jacket. Maybe Deeby Macc?
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
Almost no one. I think Bristow is honest, although there may be many things is is wrong about. I think we have to trust Strike’s instinct that Tansy is telling the truth about hearing the argument, even if she’s lying about everything else. And I’m on the fence about the security guard (Wilson). I think he’s being honest, but I’m not positive.
And here’s my question:
Is Evan Duffield’s alibi as rock-solid as everyone thinks? Was he really the one under the wolf mask the whole time?
1. Who do you think the killer is right now? At this point I think Rochelle and the driver Kieran know a lot more than they are saying. Rochelle especially is acting really suspicious. Lula's uncle, Tony is also acting suspicious. I don't know what to think!
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
I don't believe this, I have a suspicion that Ciara made that up to make it look like evidence for suicide. I have no idea if Ciara is involved though.
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
She is hiding something big time. She was really evasive with Strike and she was immediately on her phone when she left telling someone about their meeting. Very suspicious. She didn't seem that upset about Lula either.
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
I think John Bristow is being honest but the jury is out on everybody else so far.
5. Is Evan Duffield’s alibi as rock-solid as everyone thinks? Was he really the one under the wolf mask the whole time?
Hmm this is hard to answer. At this point in the story I have no idea, it is suspicious that he kept the wolf mask on the whole time even when there wasn't paps around.
Do you think Lula's multiple calls to her uncle, Tony Landry before she died were significant? If so, why?
1. Who do you think the killer is right now?We haven't obtained a lot of information in the first half of the book. The few we've got seem to point to Lula's uncle Tony. For my own entertainment I still suspect Alison purely on the fact that in the second quarter of the book the author again rubs our noses in the fact that she sounds just like a men:
'But you're quite sure, aren't you, Tansy,' Bristow interjected, 'that you heard a man up there?'
'Yay, of course I am,' said Tansy. 'I've just said, haven't I? There was definitely someone there.'
Bristow's mobile rang. 'Excuse me,' he muttered. 'Alison ... yes?' he said, picking up.
Strike could hear the secretary's deep voice, without being able to make out the words.
A couple lines later Tansy reveals that Alison is "with John, but she's actually obsessed with Tony." and she adds: "Cyprian says she's absolutely embarrassing. Like a puppy dog around Tony."
Maybe Tony is using Alison to spy on Bristow and send her to deal with Lula.
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
It only affects the story that Lula leaves everything to Bristow if Tony or someone else does not want Bristow to have a source of income.
But I think the scene with the will could also point into another direction: Maybe Lula didn't mean Bristow when she talked about her brother. She could either have meant that she found a blood relative, or she used the word "brother" loosely as slang for another black person she felt closer to that to her own family.
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
I think Rochelle was paid off by someone to keep her mouth shut. It could have been either someone around Bristow or Bestiguis or Debee, all for their own reasons, and not necessarily connected to the murder.
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
I think everybody is honest to a certain degree but they all shape the story to fit their own comfort. Everybody leaves out certain important and uncomfortable point.
5a. Beth wrote: Is Evan Duffield’s alibi as rock-solid as everyone thinks? Was he really the one under the wolf mask the whole time?
I don't think his alibi is rock-solid - I also find it hard to believe the police would have thought so. A wolf mask and the only one who says it was Duffield under there is a drug dealer? That doesn't sound like something the police would shrug off in real life. But in this case I believe it is just supposed to add a little mystery to the story.
5b. Katy wrote: Do you think Lula's multiple calls to her uncle, Tony Landry before she died were significant? If so, why?
Yes, I think they were. Nobody calls someone multiple times without a reason. If it would have been for something insignificant she would either have stopped a lot sooner or she would have left a voicemail.
My question:
Do you think any of the characters we have met were really friends with Lula or were they all just interested in her fame?
1. Who do you think the killer is right now? I still maintain my suspicions in the first part that it might have something to do with her biological family. I’m less sure about Kieran being a sketchy character.
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
I don’t think it exists. Somehow, Lula doesn’t seem like someone who’d prepare for the future by making a will while she’s still so young. I don’t think it would change the story.
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
Cormoran seems to think that Rochelle sold Lula’s story not to the press, but for a different kind of exchange, hence the expensive jacket. I think Rochelle unintentionally had something to do with the murder and she’s feeling a little guilty. And who was she talking to on the phone??
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
I think everyone is only being half honest. I don’t think there’s been anyone who has been fully honest yet, not even Wilson.
5. Do you think any of the characters we have met were really friends with Lula or were they all just interested in her fame?
I think no one can be truly 100% not interested in her fame. I think of all the people in her life, though, her brother John is the most trustworthy.
My question: Who do you think Rochelle was talking to on the phone when Strike was behind her?
1. Who do you think the killer is right now? I'm sticking with Freddie Bestigui even though during Strike's interviews with almost anyone they seem possibly guilty - Rochelle, Kolovas-Jones, Tony Landry, Derrick Wilson.
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
I think some kind of document exists, but maybe only on Lula's computer. I just don't see why Bristow would kill his sister over inheriting money since he has enough. But the will might have other secrets besides who gets Lula's money.
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
I think she lives for the moment and really enjoyed all of the "things" Lula bought her and all the places she could go with Lula. But I'm not sure how much she liked Lula as a person. I also think Rochelle is in love with Kolovas-Jones. Rochelle doesn't seem to think too clearly.
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
No one. The closest any character comes to being honest is John Bristow, but he seems to be hiding something.
5. Why do you think Tony Landry doesn't want Lula's death investigated as murder?
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1. Who do you think the killer is right now? Nope, still no idea!
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
Based on what we learn about Lula I don't think she would have a will. But given her brother is a lawyer it seems like he would push her to have a will so I think there is a will. I don't think she left everything to Bristow and I'm not sure it affects the story - he gets the money regardless right? It's not insurance (which they may not pay for a suicide).
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
Something is up with Rochelle - she clearly was speaking to someone about her conversation with Strike straight after. I think she knows more than she is letting on.
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
Robin!
5. Why do you think Tony Landry doesn't want Lula's death investigated as murder?
Obvious answer would be he is in on her murder - maybe he knows who did it, he helped in some way or he did it.
My question:
How do you think Lulu got her expensive jacket? She implied she had the means to get it herself - how do you think she earned it?
1. Who do you think the killer is right now? I still agree with Anne Katrin. I think we are going to find Alison was involved somehow. Tony Landry also seems way too sketchy. He was trying to deceive Strike the moment he walked when he said John wasn't coming. Tony and Alison are up to something.
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
I do think a will exists. I believe Lula was afraid someone would hurt her. I don't think she was depressed at the end of her life. I think she was afraid for her life.
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
Rochelle defintitely knows something. She knows who Lula was speaking with and doesn't want to reveal who because she is worried the police will think that person killed Lula.
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
I don't think anyone is being completely honest. Everyone is hiding something no matter how small.
5. How do you think Lulu got her expensive jacket? She implied she had the means to get it herself - how do you think she earned it?
I think she is working for someone involved with the murder. She probably doesn't know that that person was involved though.
My question: Do you think the Conway Oates account has something to do with the case? Landry seemed very worried when Strike mentioned it at lunch.
1. Who do you think the killer is right now?Well I think my original far-fetched theory is off. I think that Tony Landry might have to do with it, and maybe Alison. Since she is obsessed with Tony, maybe she did his dirty work for him? Although I still think the neighbor did something since there is some question as to how he was out of the bedroom so fast if he was really asleep.
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
If this were real life, I would be 100% sure that she has a will. When you have that much money, and a family full of lawyers, you would DEFINITELY have a will. However, I think that the most important will is Lady Yvette. Tony doesn't seemed thrilled with the idea of adopted children, especially someone who isn't white (what a jerk!), so maybe he wanted to make sure Lula didn't get anything (especially since Yvette loved her, so she probably would have gotten most of it).
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
Rochelle definitely knows something. I think she knew what was on the blue paper and is hiding as much information as she can for Lulu. However, that phone conversation seemed really sketchy. I really want to believe that she is a good friend, but based on this section, she's not looking too good.
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
No one! Maybe Strike's sister (Lucy) hahaa.
5. Do you think the Conway Oates account has something to do with the case? Landry seemed very worried when Strike mentioned it at lunch.
That's a really good question. To be honest, I wasn't really paying attention to Conway Oates each time it was mentioned, but now I kind of want to go back and actually pay attention to who Conway is and what they say about it. That's probably a big part of the story because (1) its mentioned, and (2) Rowling is usually good at throwing in information that seems trivial at the time but ends up being HUGE (think Harry Potter and(view spoiler)), and (3) I didn't even take a second glance at it/didn't pay as much attention when they were talking about that.
My question? As someone said above, but I don't think anyone answered: Who do you think Lulu was talking to on the phone?
1. Who do you think the killer is right now? I don't know. Tony is suspicious, also, Guy Some - why had the runner beenwearing his outfit? Rochelle obviously knows things she is not telling. Deeby Macc is mentioned often, too.
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
I first wrote "no" but something occurred to me. Several of us said she might have referred to a different brother when she talked about her will. Maybe the blue piece of paper was about the will. Maybe she did make a will to leave her money to this newfound, black brother - and maybe someone did not like it. "I have already done it" - Tansy overheard her. Maybe she was thrown out the window and the will was taken so no one would know about it. I could see Tony do that, that would really piss him off.
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
She knows something and is being paid to keep quiet about it. Possibly she has been paid before to spy on Lula. She trusts her payer. I am thinking not Guy Some - it was not his coat she was wearing. Not Tony - he is racist. Could be Alison, Deeby Macc or Freddie Bestigui.
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
No one. Bristow is mostly honest but have not told Strike everything. I think he might suspect Tony of mischief. Everyone else has been partially honest and partially lying.
5. Who do you think Lulu was talking to on the phone?
She has been calling Tony and Duffield all day. Since she met Duffield at the club, she would not be arranging a meeting with him at one. So it could have been Tony. Or Deeby Macc. Rochelle was very evasive about who it was. Could have been Guy Some (just realized without the accent that JKR made a joke here... Some Guy..) Also, the runner. The runner could have been the brother. She changed so she might have expected to go out, or wanted to impress someone. This makes Deeby likely.
My question is - What do you think about the runner wearing the GS outfit? What could it mean?
Mod
I had a theory at the beginning so checked spoilers and was right. But given that fact, dang alot of people look guilty. Clearly the uncle, what if he's in it with Alison? The boyfriend a little. The driver. Beatisglu (the neighbor). Rochelle. If the mom weren't so sick, I would say her. One of the other supermodels. Her mom or brothers. I don't think Guy Some- his reaction when he found out about her clothes was too honest. Plus I like him!
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
I'm betting she left everything to Rochelle in the will and that became an issue.
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
What a mess! I'm thinking she knows what happens and is being paid for silence- how else would she afford her own place, the jacket...
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
Robin. Wilson- I trust him although I know I shouldn't!
5. What do you think about the runner wearing the GS outfit? What could it mean?
It seems everyone associated with LuLu is getting handout Guy clothes, even Strike is offered. So I think that is a clue that her assailant knows her.
My question: What happened at Vishtu? She had Rochelle meet here there and was there long enough to pick out and try on clothes, so seems she was planning to stay longer, so what happened to make her leave? Was it because if the salesgirl or the phone call or something else?
1. Who do you think the killer is right now? I think the uncle is involved in bad things.
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything to Bristow, does this affect the story?
I think the will is possible, but as this point, everybody seems heavily rich, so what's the point in wanting more money?
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
She probably saw things she shouldn't have, maybe about a love affair or something related to Lula's work. Maybe she's blackmailling or receives money.
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
The brother seems fine.
5. What happened at Vishtu? She had Rochelle meet here there and was there long enough to pick out and try on clothes, so seems she was planning to stay longer, so what happened to make her leave? Was it because if the salesgirl or the phone call or something else?
I think she discovered something upsetting about her hidden boyfriend, her terrible uncle or the guy she's working for.
My question: In your opinion, what could be Lula's password for her computer?
1. Who do you think the killer is right now? Now I am more confussed than ever, I can see everyone as the murder. However the most suspicious for me now is Duffield, what was he doing disguised with the wolf mask, that could be anyone and he could be in reality in any other place, including Lula's apartment. 2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story? I don't think there is a will and I can't see how this could affect the story.
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle? I think she knows a lot more than she is telling and she could have the key about why Lula was calling Duffield and Tony that last day.
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far Nobody, I think everybody is hiding things. John is perhaps the most honest, but not necessarily completely honest.
5. In your opinion, what could be Lula's password for her computer?I think is Cuckoo, because is the way she signed her mail to Somé ...aaaah, and now I know why the book is called The Cuckoo's Calling :P
My question: Why do you think Lula was trying to call Tony by phone that last day?
1. Who do you think the killer is right now? Oh, the uncle. He's an unfeeling, self-satisfied jerk. I think Charlie's death was suspicious, too. Maybe she had some dirt on Tony. I think Strike staring at the post box outside of Vashti is significant. Maybe Lula mailed the blue paper to someone.
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
Ciara doesn't seem very bright, and I think it's possible that Lula was talking about something else, maybe the Morocco contract, and that she was going to leave it (the arrangements) to her brother. If she died intestate, Bristow would probably end up with all her money anyway.
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
It makes sense that she wouldn't trust anyone... but also that someone has paid her off for something. I don't think she's in it with Kieran or she wouldn't have given Strike her number.
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
Nobody is completely honest. Even Strike and Robin are trying to hide things from each other.
5.Why do you think Lula was trying to tell Tony by phone that last day?
I think he's the one she was trying to call from Vashti because her phone records had her calling him and Evan but not anybody else. I wonder, though, if she had more than one phone since Rochelle told Strike that Lula was worried about the paps listening in on her calls.
My question: Could there be more to the Tansy/Tony connection than meets the eye?
1. Who do you think the killer is right now?I think it's Mr. Beatisglu. I think Tansy witnessed him throw Lula off the roof. Now whether he did it on his own or whether he was paid to it is another question.
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything to Bristow, does this affect the story?
I don't think the will is that important--isn't most everybody that is a suspect filthy rich? Based on what the clerks were saying at Vashti, it sounds like in Lula's world 10 million isn't much. And I obviously don't think Bristow would hire Strike if he had something to do with the murder.
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
I think she overheard someone say something incriminating and got paid off as a result. But I wouldn't be surprised if she comes back with more info for Strike---even talking to him in the first place indicates she's not that loyal to whoever paid her off. (Although I suppose she could have intentionally misled Strike??)
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
Nobody really. Everyone in this story has something to hide.
5. Could there be more to the Tansy/Tony connection than meets the eye?
It wouldn't surprise me at all if there were--maybe they were having an affair?
My question: I'm interested in Tony's involvement with Charlie's death. Do you think it's possible that Tony pushed Charlie over the quarry edge?
1. Who do you think the killer is right now? No idea.
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
I don't think there is a will, or if there is it's not that important.
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
She definitely knows something or is protecting someone. Maybe whoever gave her that coat.
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
No one.
5. Answer the question posed by the person above you!
I'm interested in Tony's involvement with Charlie's death. Do you think it's possible that Tony pushed Charlie over the quarry edge?
Ooh! I hope not, but I guess that wouldn't really surprise me now that I think about it. Tony definitely has something to hide.
My question: Why do you think Lula was trying to reach Tony?
1. Who do you think the killer is right now? In the first quarter, I suspected Deeby Macc just because he was repeatedly mentioned with no real purpose. Knowing JK Rowling's usual style, characters don't show up for no reason. Tony is also suspicious, but I think he is way too obvious since he's such a horrible person anyway. I'm not really sure who to think.
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
Honestly, I don't remember much about a will but from reading everyone else's comments, I think it probably does exist although I'm not sure if it is in a completely legal way. I also don't think she meant Bristow. I think she was investigating her family history, and discovered something. Random thought -- could Deeby Macc be her brother?
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
I think she's being paid off, either for silence or to spy. It's suspicious that she was reporting her conversation with Strike immediately after it happened.
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
No one. I think everyone has at least some truth to their stories, but no one has been completely honest.
5. Why do you think Lula was trying to reach Tony?
Nobody calls someone so many times in a row without it being very important. I think she's discovered something about her family that she wanted to confront Tony about.
New question: Why are people so accepting of Evan's wolf mask? It's an odd question, but it's been bothering me the whole book. How can people just accept that this guy walks around with a wolf mask on when he doesn't want to be recognized? It's very creepy.
I'll answer as I would have at 50% since I have already finished and know how it ends. 1. Who do you think the killer is right now? Honestly, I don't know. It seems everyone has secrets or possible motives. The only person who seems to not have one is the brother, John.
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story? If she was going to leave everything to her brother John Bristow, it could give her mother or uncle motive. Her mother is sick, but everyone says she's a bit off and maybe she paid someone to take Lula out before she could be cut out of the will. Maybe the runner is her assassin? You never know with J.K. Rowling!
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle? I'm not sure if she's mistrustful because she's had a hard life or if she's mistrustful because she's hiding something. I can't be certain what her role is but I doubt she's the killer.
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far? Hmm, I don't know. J.K. Rowling's painting a bleak picture of Lula's inner circle.
5. Why do you think Lula was trying to reach Tony? She was really distressed after leaving her mother's house so I wonder if her mother didn't reveal something about Tony that distressed her... something she wanted to confront him with? Maybe she was calling Evan a bunch for support?
6. Why are people so accepting of Evan's wolf mask? Beats me. Celebs are odd. I think his alibi isn't exactly iron-clad though. They keep making it sound like he couldn't possibly have done it which makes me that much more suspicious of him.
Emm wrote: "...Why are people so accepting of Evan's wolf mask? Beats me. Celebs are odd...."Yeah! It's nothing compared to Lady Gaga's meat outfit. Haha.
1. Who do you think the killer is right now?I think the uncle had something to do with it, but I think he may possibly have hired someone else to do it. I also think he killed John's brother, Charlie. My guess is that he's trying to bump off as many of his sister's children as possible so he will get her money when she dies.
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
I don't think an official legal document exists, but I think that the blue letter/paper probably has something on it.
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
She is clearly dodgy.
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
I don't think anyone is.
5. Answer the question posed by the person above you!
No question above me, and I'm so late to the party that I won't worry about asking one! I'm wondering though, thinking of another question above, if Guy Somé was the runner (the one in the GS clothing).
1. Who do you think the killer is right now? I am suspicious of the uncle, Tony Landry. I also don't trust Evan Duffield. Perhaos they are/were working together? Also, Freddy Bestigui is suspicious but I think he may be hiding some other secret.
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
I'm not sure if there is a will per se but maybe she did write somerhing on her phone or that blue paper. If there is a will, leaving everything to Bristow will certainly piss Tony Landry off.
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
She probably knows something or is involved in some way with Lula's death. She is definitely getting paid from more than her store job, how else can she afford designer clothes?
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
I think Kieren and Derrick may be being honest.
Section of book: 26-50% (Roughly Part 2 Chapter 10-Part 3 Chapter 9)
Notes:
- Each member is asked to end with a question for the next member. So your fifth question comes from the person above you.
- If the person above you forgets to pose a question then just pick a different one from above (make sure you indicate which one you're answering!)
- If some other question from above moves you then feel free to answer as many as you want. It is a discussion after all! ;)
1. Who do you think the killer is right now?
2. What do you think about the will? Does it exist? If she did leave everything do Bristow, does this affect the story?
3. What do you think is going on with Rochelle?
4. Who do you think is being honest in the story so far?
5. Answer the question posed by the person above you!