Cold Sight (Extrasensory Agents #1) by Leslie Parrish (“Buddy Read” starts: July 13, 2014)

[Phoenix (Online Elf), Moderator]

Cold Sight, by Leslie Parrish

Leslie Parrish introduces Extrasensory Agents, a band of psychic investigators interested only in the cases nobody else wants-the coldest ones...

After being made a scapegoat in a botched investigation that led to a child's death, Aidan McConnell became a recluse. Still, as a favor to an old friend, Aidan will help on the occasional XI case. But under his handsome, rugged facade, he keeps his emotions in check--for fear of being burned again.

Reporter Lexie Nolan has a nose for news--and she believes a serial killer has been targeting teen girls around Savannah. But no one believes her. So she turns to the new paranormal detective agency and the sexy, mysterious Aidan for help.

But just as the two begin forging a relationship, the case turns eerily personal for Lexie--and Aidan discovers that maybe he hasn't lost the ability to feel after all...

✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀

We’re going to try this one as a “buddy read” in July. Please join us.

Expect Spoilers!

[Phoenix (Online Elf), Moderator]

Chapter Breakdown

Date		Chapter			PPDQs*
July 14		Prologue- Chp. 03	Lisa Kay
July 15		Chp. 04 - Chp. 07	Lauren
July 16		Chp. 08 - Chp. 11	Margaret
July 17		Chp. 12 - Chp. 15	Lauren
July 18		Chp. 16 - Epilogue	Lisa Kay

*PPDQs = Person Posting Discussion Questions

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Lauren, is the 13th or 14th good for you?

[Lauren]

Either is fine with me :0)

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

I have to pick someone up for the airport around then. Let me check the date and get back to you, Lauren. Not that that will take that long. LOL!

[Lauren]

Sure thing!

[Chris]

Looks good!

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

You joining us, Chris? If so, great!

I guess I'd best do a Chapter Breakdown. I'm using the library eBook, so I'll have to go by percent, as well as chapters.

[Chris]

You betcha!

[Margaret]

Oh, can I get in on this one too?

[ShoSho , Moderator]

I'm going to jump in and say : "Sure you can , Margaret "!

[Lauren]

The more, the merrier :0)

[Margaret]

Awesome!!! Thanks guys, count me in :)

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Great!

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Are we starting this tomorrow?

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

I read the prologue... I hope this isn't too scary for me. I'm such a wuss.

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Chapter Breakdown

Date		Chapter			PPDQs*
July 14		Prologue- Chp. 03	Lisa Kay
July 15		Chp. 04 - Chp. 07	Lauren
July 16		Chp. 08 - Chp. 11	Margaret
July 17		Chp. 12 - Chp. 15	??
July 18		Chp. 16 - Epilogue	??

*PPDQs = Person Posting Discussion Questions

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Too fast, too slow? Too uneven there at the end?

[Lauren]

Looks good to me :0)

I'll start tomorrow and will do the 2nd set of questions

[Margaret]

Chapter Breakdown looks fine to me too. But, as this is my first time doing a buddy read here with RLftCI, I have a couple of questions:

1. What does PPDQ mean?

2. When we comment on this thread, do we need to put spoilers in for those who may not be up to date with their reading?

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Sorry, Margaret, meant to add that.

*PPDQs = Person Posting Discussion Questions.

Usually, we post the DQs and the answers to them under a spoiler, if there are people we know who are behind; otherwise, we just post openly on the days they are due. We can't know if someone is behind if they don't tell us, or are only lurking. That's why we put the Expect Spoilers warning at the beginning.

[Margaret]

Thanks Lisa Kay for explaining things.

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Sure, Margaret. Glad you're joining us.

[Chris]

It certainly gets your attention!

[Lauren]

Chris wrote: "It certainly gets your attention!"

It certainly does!

I'm on chapter 3 - looking forward to the DQs :0)

[Margaret]

Just finished Chapter 3, and I am looking forward to the questions too. I can't seem to put this book down. I really like the descriptive writing style the author is using with the psychic elements.

[Lauren]

Yes, the descriptions are quite visceral especially (view spoiler)[the link to the sense of smell (hide spoiler)], which I haven't really encountered before in similar type books.

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

I'm only just finished Chapter 1. Do you want to do the first set of DQs, Lauren? Or wait for me. I'm fine either way.

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Lisa Kay’s Discussion Questions for Prologue – Chapter 3
(view spoiler)[

1. I made an immediate connection with Vonnie Jackson and hope she makes it out of this alive. I try not to do that when victims are introduced in the prologue; they inevitably come to a bad end, so I try and disconnect. Do you have high hopes for her, too?

2. Aidan McConnell, psychic with a significant sense of smell. Interesting twist. Comments. I understand the gingerbread, but what do you make of the peaches and rain smell with regards to the missing Teddy Remington? Was that actually a clue? Or just an error in interpretation on Aidan, or maybe Mr. Remington’s part? Will we ever find out?

3. Julia Harrington, owner of eXtreme Investigation – a team of psychic detectives – seems to be an interesting character. Does this seem like a series you’d like to continue to read about?

4. What did you think of Aidan pretending to be Charlie from Tony’s Pizzeria and his conversation with Millicent Weinberg? Looks like he still wants to fight crime.

5. Oh! The Taylor and Jenny Kirby switch-a-roo is a nice little twist. Still, it makes me worry for their safety. I wonder what Walter, their father and Lexie’s boss, wants to tell Lexie?

6. How do you like Lexie Nolan – or Alexa, as Aidan calls her? Is a reporter a likable or sympatric character? Did you like Alexa and Aidan’s first encounter? Will something come of their mutual attraction?

7. What is with Chief Jack Dunston and all the naysayers about the Granville Ghoul? Does this make you wonder if the Ghoul is actually a person in a position of power? Is this just a manifestation that most cities don’t care about the disenfranchised? Or maybe this is to throw us off the thought it might be the slow, meek, scarred janitor, Kenny? Or could the Ghoul be the smarmy Stan Brightman?

8. The King? The first thing I thought of was Vonnie was hearing another fairy tale from the Ghoul. Or maybe he is in a position of power? Your thoughts? (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

I put the DQs under a spoiler, just in case.

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

I couldn't resist; I had to add one more question.

[Lauren]

Lauren's Answers to Lisa Kay's DQs for Prologue to Ch.3

(view spoiler)[ 1. I made an immediate connection with Vonnie Jackson and hope she makes it out of this alive. I try not to do that when victims are introduced in the prologue; they inevitably come to a bad end, so I try and disconnect. Do you have high hopes for her, too?

Yes, that initial introduction really had me rooting for her and the more we learn about her, the more I want her to survive. After everything she has accomplished, it would be cruel if she were killed :0(

2. Aidan McConnell, psychic with a significant sense of smell. Interesting twist. Comments. I understand the gingerbread, but what do you make of the peaches and rain smell with regards to the missing Teddy Remington? Was that actually a clue? Or just an error in interpretation on Aidan, or maybe Mr. Remington’s part? Will we ever find out?

Yes, the smell element is quite original - I like it!

I don't think Aiden was wrong abut the peaches and stuff. There is more to that case than meets the eye and I'm definitely suspicious of the father

3. Julia Harrington, owner of eXtreme Investigation – a team of psychic detectives – seems to be an interesting character. Does this seem like a series you’d like to continue to read about?

I like Julia's loyalty and yes, I would continue (hopefully that won't change as the story progresses)

4. What did you think of Aidan pretending to be Charlie from Tony’s Pizzeria and his conversation with Millicent Weinberg? Looks like he still wants to fight crime.

That was funny. Even though he is a recluse and seems to want to distance himself, he can't help it - he has to do something to stop injustice

5. Oh! The Taylor and Jenny Kirby switch-a-roo is a nice little twist. Still, it makes me worry for their safety. I wonder what Walter, their father and Lexie’s boss, wants to tell Lexie?

I'm starting to suspect that one or both of the twins is going to be taken.

Re Walter - Something about a cover-up maybe?

6. How do you like Lexie Nolan – or Alexa, as Aidan calls her? Is a reporter a likable or sympatric character? Did you like Alexa and Aidan’s first encounter? Will something come of their mutual attraction?

I actually like journalists as characters. Yes, there are some really bad apples out there like Stan and the reporter who called Julia but there are others with integrity like Walter and Lexie. You can't lump them all together.

As it is romantic suspense, I would say that something will come of it. Their push/pull vibe was very appealing

7. What is with Chief Jack Dunston and all the naysayers about the Granville Ghoul? Does this make you wonder if the Ghoul is actually a person in a position of power? Is this just a manifestation that most cities don’t care about the disenfranchised? Or maybe this is to throw us off the thought it might be the slow, meek, scarred janitor, Kenny? Or could the Ghoul be the smarmy Stan Brightman?

I'm leaning toward someone in power. Definitely not smarmy Stan - too obvious and Kenny would be playing into stereotypes that I don't like, so I really hope its not him

8. The King? The first thing I thought of was Vonnie was hearing another fairy tale from the Ghoul. Or maybe he is in a position of power? Your thoughts?

Wasn't the Ghoul wearing some kind of King mask? It would play into the position of power thing as well.

(hide spoiler)]

[Lauren]

Questions for chapters 4-7 will be up later this evening.

[Margaret]

Margaret's Answers to Lisa Kay's DQs for Prologue to Chapter 3

Great questions Lisa Kay!!

(view spoiler)[
1. Oh poor Vonnie!! That prologue was a tough read. I do hope she makes it out alive, but I agree Lisa Kay, when characters are introduced in the prologue like that, they inevitably end up dead, and it is their remains/body that leads to the story. I hope this one is different.

2. I love this style of writing!! I could actually feel what Aiden was feeling when he had that connection with Vonnie. The sense of smell does something to the writing. I notice this a lot with romance novels. If there is a smell involved, I feel drawn into the story so much more.

Aiden's past (and the way it is referred to here) makes me feel like I am missing part of the story. I went onto to Goodreads to see if there was a prequel to this story as I truly felt that his back story must have been told somewhere before. It feels so developed.

3. Julia Harrington and her XI detectives is intriguing and the reason why I wanted to read this book. Romantic Suspense if my favourite genre to read, and I am not normally a fan of fantasy, but this combination has me interested and so far I am enjoying this author's writing style. So at this stage, yes, I will definitely continue with the series.

4. Yes, Aiden definitely wants to still be involved in fighting crime. Even though he is in denial about it, this scene proves he can't let go, no matter what happened in his past.

5. What a great addition to the story! This will definitely be explored more in the coming chapters for sure and may lead to something dramatic I think.

6. Lexie Nolan - she is an interesting character! She seems very involved in these murders and I think there is another reason to it, rather than just being a reporter and its a good story. There is something else here. I am looking forward to seeing how the attraction between Aiden and Lexie develops. Aiden just seems so isolated at the moment and it will be great to read if or how this changes with his attraction to Lexie?

7. Oh, Chief Dunston gives me the creeps!! And Stan isn't much better. I am not sure about Kenny. To me, when a character like Kenny is introduced, he is normally the one most likely to be the serial killer. So at this stage, he is on my radar!!

8. That "king" reference makes no sense to me at all at this stage. It could mean anything really???

(hide spoiler)]

[Margaret]

I would be willing to post questions for Chapters 8 to 11. I am currently on Chapter 10 and will probably be done with Chapter 11 today so could have my question up by tomorrow afternoon?

[Margaret]

Oh Lauren, just read your response to Lisa Kay's question 8. (view spoiler)[I completely missed that reference!!! Of course!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Lauren]

Lauren's DQs for chapters 4-7

(view spoiler)[
9. There is some sort of secret society in town that the Mayor and Banker are involved in and that the Chief is wary of - am I smelling KKK? The killer seems to want revenge against them perhaps for his own imprisonment and torture (in addition to being a garden variety sadist). Thoughts.

10. What's up with Coach White - is there more to his car accident?

11. What do you think of the class divide between north Granville and the Boro? Obviously if the girls were from the better side of town, there would be hell to pay.

12. I was just thinking that the cover doesn't fit the setting. Granville is a small town not a large city with skyscrapers. Also, the cover has a futuristic sci-if feel to it but the book is contemporary romantic suspense/thriller. Thoughts.

13. Seven of the missing girls had gone somewhere they didn't want to talk about - Yvonne as well although her mother sold her.

Does this mean those who didn't aren't victims? Any ideas on where they might have gone and with whom? Who would a girl trust? Is this connected to the mysterious guy Jenny is seeing?

14. Oh oh. The killer suspects someone of following him - Taylor is in some serious trouble :0(

15. If Kenny is the killer, could he be wearing a mask to cover his scars? Or is Kenny the killer's fellow victim, Jed?

16. Didn't the kids at the game make you proud? Now if only adults could put their prejudices aside! What did you think of the effect it has on the townspeople?

17. What about the sleazy teacher, Mr. Wilhelm, and were you as disappointed as I that the vice principal, who seemed to care enough to put up posters, is also a douchebag?

18. Aidan says that Chief Dunstan was behind the vandalism on Lexie's car. Is this just a guess or a psychic reading?

19. You were right, Margaret! There was something personal to Lexie’s interest in the case.Thoughts on her story and her parents reactions.

20. Interesting dreams Lexie has there. Is her relationship with Aiden moving to quickly? (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

@ Lauren

#1 – It would!

#2 – I like it, too. Smell is very important to me. And I agree with you that there must be more to the peaches, etc.

#4 – Speaks well for his character – and a bit funny.

#5 – Eep!

#6 – True, just like every profession, there are the good and the bad.

#7 – My thoughts exactly.

#8 – Was he? I’ll have to check. You’re probably right. (You usually are. LOL!)

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

@ Margaret

#1 – I really do, too.

#2 – Ah! So, with smell, you’re a lot like me.

#3 – I’m enjoying the writer’s “voice,” too.

#4 – True! Very true.

#6 – Yes, I hope so.

#7 – Yes, I don’t like creepy Chief Dunston.

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Margaret wrote: "I would be willing to post questions for Chapters 8 to 11."

Great, Margaret! I'll add your name to the CB. Thanks!

[Margaret]

Margaret's Answers to Lauren's DQs for Chapter 4 to Chapter 10

(view spoiler)[

9. It is just getting creepier and creepier. Not only do we have a serial killer, now, after reading these Chapters, it seems we have some perverse group in town doing who knows what!!

10. I didn't really think about Coach White. I wonder if he does have something to do with it, and perhaps this secret society???

11. Yes, I think they are able to get away with the disappearing girls because they are from Boro. Even Chief Dunston isn't too concerned so long as his fridge keeps receiving regular deposits. It is disgusting!!

12. Great question Karen!! As I am reading this on my kindle, I haven't taken too much notice of the cover. But you are right. It does give the impression of a sci-fi story, when so far, it has been a standard romantic suspense with just a touch of fantasy. Not even sure of the title now as "Cold Sight" implies "cold case" to me, where most of this story so far is about Vonnie's disappearance, which is recent and still warm.

13. Wasn't sure about this part of the story at all. It seemed to be too coincidental that most had this in common. But they all returned? This part leaves me with more questions than answers.

14. Oh, I did not want to read this part. These parts of the book are the hardest for me to read. But yes, it looks like Taylor is in trouble, and would make a great addition to the story for her to be taken - another reason for Lexie's involvement to become more personal.

15. I am still not sure what part Kenny plays in all this. I think the serial killer is wearing the mask as I think that Vonnie might recognise him?

16. This part of the story was great!! I think this will be the catalyst for putting pressure on the police department to do something about the disappearances. Chief Dunston won't be able to do nothing about it now!!

17. I loved that scene with Mr Wilhelm and Lexi! Aidan's alpha-male came out loud and strong!! His parting comment of "Wipe your chin" was classic. It was disappointing though, as I thought at least one of the staff might have been an ally to Lexie.

18. My thoughts were that the killer was behind the vandalism on Lexi's car. Given what he was thinking during his time at the game. And given what the kids had done. Lexie's investigation is helping his cause on getting "revenge" (p. 116). So vandalising her car would only make her more determined to keep up the investigation. It helps his cause!

19. Oh my gosh!! My worst nightmare would be to have my child go missing and so I completely understand where Lexie's dad was coming from. I would much rather know one way or another. Rather than having such turmoil. I know it is probably not really relevant here, but it kind of reminds me of that Malaysian Airlines plane going missing earlier this year? What has happened to those people? If one of my family members were on that flight, I would hate not knowing what had happened to them. I would be filled with such anxiety.

20. That was so interesting her dream with Aidan!! It will be interesting to see how this impacts on the development of their relationship!!!

(hide spoiler)]

Thanks for the questions Lauren.

[Margaret]

Margaret's DQs for Chapters 8 to 11 :

(view spoiler)[ Chapter 8
21. What do you think of this new ability Aidan seems to have with Lexie? He says he has never experienced anything like this before. Why do you think he is experiencing it with Lexie?

22. Aidan feels attracted to Lexie and after sharing her dream, wants to progress to a physical relationship with her, but without letting her get too close. Do you think he will be able to have just a physical relationship without the emotional?

23. Lexie goes to visit Vonnie's mother, but doesn't find her at home? Where is she? Do you think she has gone to the police station?

24. We get to meet most of the rest of the eXtreme Investigators. What do you think of Julia, Mick and Olivia? What about Morgan?

Chapter 9
This chapter had my most favourite scene from this book so far: Aiden and Lexie in eachothers arms after her attack.

25. What did you think of the embrace between Aidan and Lexie after Lexie's attack? This is their first contact since they have shared their dream. Are you surprised at the ease with which Aidan is able to now touch and embrace Lexie?

26. We get to hear more from Vonnie and the abductor / serial killer, and as to the reasons why he has taken Vonnie and why he is doing this. After reading this part of his story, do you feel any sympathy or understanding towards why he might be doing all this?

Chapter 10
27. On p. 195 we read about Aidan expressing his hopes that Lexie might be the one to "...help him recall all he'd been missing about a normal life." Are you surprised by how quickly Aidan's defenses are coming down around Lexie?

28. A couple of times now it mentions that Aidan is no longer able to reach Vonnie. Do you have any thoughts as to why?

29. Towards the end of the chapter we find Chief Dunston having a bit of a change of heart now towards the goings on in his town. Are you surprised by this? What about the people he sees going into the building? Any thoughts on the newcomers?

Chapter 11
30. What did you think about Aidan's reaction to the House? Were you surprised by any of his sights? Had you been expecting it to have harbored these types of happenings?

31. This chapter ends on quite a cliff-hanger! Which one of the twins is taken? Is Jenny ok? (hide spoiler)]

[Chris]

Lurking, but so far behind! I'll try to get caught up and participate :-)

[Lauren]

@Margaret

#12. Yup, the title doesn't make sense either considering the Aidan (view spoiler)[doesn't have visions - he hears voices and smells aromas associated with people that he touches - almost all the sense except sight! (hide spoiler)]

#19. I agree. Not knowing would definitely be worse - people need closure.

[Lauren]

Lauren's Answers to Margaret's DQs for chapters 8-11

(view spoiler)[

#21 . The fact that he has never experienced this before reinforces that his emotions are involved and it cannot just be physical.

#23. I'm starting to think that she's had some kind of "accident"

#24. I like the other XI members. They all have their specialty and make a good team. I looked it up and there is only one other book in the series and it is Olivia's. Bit disappointed as I would have liked Julia and Mick to have books as well.

#25. It kind of surprised me that this happened although I loved it too. There was no awkwardness even though both of them were shocked by the dream.

#26. I don't believe in making excuses for evil. Any sympathy that I might have for him is completely overshadowed by his sadistic actions. Many people are abused and don't resort to taking it out on innocents. He is even more evil because he has suffered - he knows what it is like and should not perpetuate the crimes of others.

#27. I am a bit surprised about this but them it is a romance and it also looks like Aidan's walls have needed to come down for a long time.

#28. Perhaps something is blocking him *shrugs*

#29. The Chief seems to be approaching a line that he will not cross. Time will tell if he is really serious about it though.

#30. This played out the way I thought it would. There are enough clues up till this point to indicate what was going on in the house.

#31. OMG! That cliffhanger is something. I have a feeling that it is Jenny who is taken as she is the one approaching the driver's side and the killer thinks she is Taylor.

That said, I'm not sure Jenny would cope with the ordeal as well as Taylor would - Taylor is the strong one.

Also, they are going to need Taylor to tell the XI team what she saw the night Yvonne was taken so that they can find the girls. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Lauren’s DQs & Lisa Kay’s Answers for Chapters 4-7

(view spoiler)[
9. There is some sort of secret society in town that the Mayor and Banker are involved in and that the Chief is wary of - am I smelling KKK? The killer seems to want revenge against them perhaps for his own imprisonment and torture (in addition to being a garden variety sadist). Thoughts.
I don’t know if it is KKK (are all the missing girls black?), but there is something going on. And it is like a Hellfire Club, when the men abuse a woman sexually and collectively. Yeah, the killer must know about it somehow. He wants to show to bring their perversion to light.

10. What's up with Coach White - is there more to his car accident?
That’s what I’m thinking. Maybe he knew something or saw something; maybe one of the girls being taken?

11. What do you think of the class divide between north Granville and the Boro? Obviously if the girls were from the better side of town, there would be hell to pay.
Yes. It is very sad. Hopefully, the younger generation will be more open-minded.

12. I was just thinking that the cover doesn't fit the setting. Granville is a small town not a large city with skyscrapers. Also, the cover has a futuristic sci-if feel to it but the book is contemporary romantic suspense/thriller. Thoughts.
Oh. You’re right!

13. Seven of the missing girls had gone somewhere they didn't want to talk about - Yvonne as well although her mother sold her.
Yes, I’m thinking whatever group of men who get together to sexually abuse and share a young girl bought Yvonne. Which means her mother is a sick, addicted person.

Does this mean those who didn't aren't victims? Any ideas on where they might have gone and with whom? Who would a girl trust? Is this connected to the mysterious guy Jenny is seeing?
Oh, I think they are still victims. I don’t think they knew what they were getting into, whatever their reasons for begin gone overnight. I think they were tricked somehow. The guy Jenny is seeing worrys me, too.

14. Oh oh. The killer suspects someone of following him - Taylor is in some serious trouble :0(
I think you are right, unfortunately!

15. If Kenny is the killer, could he be wearing a mask to cover his scars? Or is Kenny the killer's fellow victim, Jed?
Oh. I hadn’t thought he might be Jed. I don’t think the killer is Kenny. Well, maybe a 15% chance he is.

16. Didn't the kids at the game make you proud? Now if only adults could put their prejudices aside! What did you think of the effect it has on the townspeople?
They did! It brought a tear to my eye. I think it really hit home to most of the people. Good!

17. What about the sleazy teacher, Mr. Wilhelm, and were you as disappointed as I that the vice principal, who seemed to care enough to put up posters, is also a douchebag?
Yes. Both are douchebags.

18. Aidan says that Chief Dunstan was behind the vandalism on Lexie's car. Is this just a guess or a psychic reading?
I’m thinking it was a guess. But, maybe.

19. You were right, Margaret! There was something personal to Lexie’s interest in the case. Thoughts on her story and her parent’s reactions.
I can see why she’s close to Walter Kirby, since she was so close to her father.

20. Interesting dreams Lexie has there. Is her relationship with Aiden moving too quickly?
H.O.T.


(hide spoiler)]

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Eeep! I've been trying to post since this morning; GRs has been down for me.

[Margaret]

Well, I couldn't put this book down and I am now done!!

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

I know! It is good, isn't it, Margaret?

[Lauren]

Lisa Kay wrote: "Eeep! I've been trying to post since this morning; GRs has been down for me."

I've been having problems with GR being down as well. Mainly after 10:00 PM my time :0(