Question D

[Jonetta]

The story took awhile to develop as each character was introduced. Did you develop early theories or just follow the story until much more was revealed? Was there a turning point in the book that allowed you to form any theories?

[Veronica]

I'm just a follower, lol. I'm not usually trying to figure it out on my own.

[Jonetta]

I normally try to deduce the villain(s) but have come to expect I won't get it right in this series:) So, I decided to just go along for the ride in this one, especially when the different motives got complicated.

The turning point for me was when the smuggling operation was revealed. It occurred to me Emma might have seen something she wasn't supposed to and that might be the motive for her murder.

[Veronica]

Sebastian and Hero uncovered quite a few secrets in this little village. Lord Seaton's bedding of any pretty girl, the Reverend's despicable behavior with his desperate female relatives, the smuggling. I never suspected Jude at all until Sebastian revealed it, if only because he wasn't present very much in the story.

[Jonetta]

I never suspected Jude, either. Couldn't find a motive.

[Charlene]

I agree, Veronica. Jude just was a character, possibly related to Sebastian, and he didn't show up much. I suspected the carter brother character for a while, since he was away some of the time.

[Lauren]

There were so many characters and motives to keep track of that I simply went along with Sebastian's investigation for much of the story.

Agnes was high on my suspect list because her attitude toward the dead girls was so nasty. and I thought she might be killing girls that her husband had taken a "shine" to.

I realized it was Jude when Flanagan was killed and Sebastian starting thinking that the killer was not necessarily someone educated. The only other candidates were Silas and Jeb - neither of whom had motives for being a French agent while Jude did.

[Jonetta]

Good deductions, Lauren!

[Mary Beth]

I just followed the story. I usually try to guess but I was thinking it was one of the women. I would of never of guessed Jude. I never did see the motive and was disappointed that it was him.

Lauren that was a good point!

[Joanna]

At first I thought it was Lady Seaton. Then I thought it could have been Reuben's brother. I also kept thinking something would come up to lay suspicion upon McBroom because he was mentioned quite a bit concerning Emma. I even thought maybe, just maybe, we had an evil child on the loose and Charles might have been involved. However I never considered Jude.

[Jasmine]

Yeah, Jude was complete surprise to me.