Circular Staircase, chapters 8-14

[Mark Pghfan]

I thought I would get us going on part two, in case any of you are there yet.

First of all, there was a question about whether the body of Arnold was found at the base of the circular staircase. I wasn't sure, but it is clear in this section that it was.

Second, when we left the last section, Halsey was missing and Aunt Ray was very worried. Well, we find out very soon into the section that he does in fact show up. While we find out some things, we really don't know what he was doing.

We find out a lot of other things, but the mystery (at least to me) still seems very obscure.

[PugMom]

Right, he won't tell Rachel what he was up to and I think he says he won't even say what he was doing even if it was for an alibi. Strange!

[Mark Pghfan]

It is rather frustrating as the book goes along, that people are so reluctant to say anything about anything! I suppose that is why it is a page-turner.

[Allison]

NicoleG wrote: "Right, he won't tell Rachel what he was up to and I think he says he won't even say what he was doing even if it was for an alibi. Strange!"

I think so too! If I could prove my innocence by telling where I was I would be talking so fast it wouldn't even be funny.

[Allison]

Mark Pghfan wrote: "It is rather frustrating as the book goes along, that people are so reluctant to say anything about anything! I suppose that is why it is a page-turner."

And why is Aunt Ray so reluctant to talk to the Detective?

[PugMom]

I think the detective has treated Rachel quite fairly so far and hasn't really been accusatory in any way so I don't know why she hasn't been more forthcoming with him.

[Mark Pghfan]

I think Rachel is worried that her nephew and niece may be involved in some way, which is why she is reluctant. I guess if things came out too soon, there wouldn't be that much to the book!

[PugMom]

I guess I'm used to the modern cozy where the main character amateur sleuth is always in the detective's face with information and clues LOL
I'm not sure what chapter I'm on but I'll probably get to the end of this section this evening.

[PugMom]

Things are heating up! I really dislike Louise!

[Tina]

Just starting this section so I won't read anything 'til I'm a bit of the way in.

[Tina]

I'm not reading any of the above posts 'til I move along in story but I'm wondering what do they have trapped there? It's either going to be epic or a fizzle. LOL Maybe an animal trapped. Somehow I doubt it. This author doesn't seem to give way to frivolities but I could be wrong!

[Mark Pghfan]

I am through chapter 18 and I don't know yet, either!

[Tina]

LOL Aunt Ray out in the middle of the night. Busted!

Aunt Ray...Er-rr! :-/ Is there anyone she doesn't rude out or pick on? LOL

[Mark Pghfan]

She is a very determined lady. Determined to find out who killed Arnold!

[PugMom]

Yes, and she will not leave the house until it's all figured out. Take that, snooty Mrs. Armstrong!!

[Tina]

Mark Pghfan wrote: "She is a very determined lady. Determined to find out who killed Arnold!"

True that, Pghfan. But-- ;-)

[Tina]

NicoleG wrote: "Yes, and she will not leave the house until it's all figured out. Take that, snooty Mrs. Armstrong!!"

LOL

[PugMom]

I am having a hard time remembering when this book takes place because of what a take charge woman Rachel seems to be. You were ahead of your time, MRR!!!

[Tina]

Is it the 1940's. I lost hold of the era as well, Nicole.

[Tina]

Mark Pghfan wrote: "I am through chapter 18 and I don't know yet, either!"

Wow, making us wait. That li'l tease, MRR! lol

[Mark Pghfan]

It was published in 1908. Still very contemporary, but also of its time in terms of some references to African-Americans, and perhaps the life of the moneyed, with servants.

I am moving along to the finish, but there will be a need to tie up a lot of things before that happens! I'm assuming MRR does this.

[Nicole]

Yes, it's early in the 20th century - Rachel misses the city with its sound of horse hooves on the road - lol! I'm finally caught up......I like Louise, but I think she's a product of her time and what seems like some sort of an arranged marriage. I'm interested to actually "meet" this mysterious doctor from Casanova. What kind of hold did he have over Papa Armstrong that his house is to be built on the Armstrong land? As I read the story, I can just imagine the spoken dialogue with all of the angst portrayed by actors in old b/w movies. :-) p.s. I have absolutely no inkling who the killer is or why!