The Diva Wraps It Up- Chapters 12 - 22

[J]

(Extending number of chapters since you both seem caught up)
Lots of action in this set:
Gwen's body is discovered in Natasha's garage - gift wrapped! The question begs not only whom but why. Sugar refers to Gwen as "mom" which nearly knocks Sophie's socks off when the truth is revealed. Sophie's ex, Wolf, is back on the scene investigating Gwen's murder. Tina, I don't like Alex for Sophie either but we have it on good authority (Ms. Davis) that Wolf is "unavailable". (Not giving anything away here but that story lies in "The Diva Digs Up The Dirt". Also, Ms. Davis has assured her fans another Diva work will be forthcoming so this one is not the end). And Mars. for some unfathomable reason remains with Natasha. Could someone new be on the horizon for Sophie? Despite everything, she never seems to lack for male companionship. The real rea
son for Mrs. Scroggins' nasty behavior is revealed - although she seems a different person towards Kat...whose unfortunate parentage is revealed.
Any guesses as to the idenity of the murderer? I agree with Sophie - despite the overwhelming evidence against her, I don't believe Nastasha is guilty.
And how does the sterling sliver sleigh and reindeer fit in? They seem to play a critical part. Murder weapons? Hmmm...

[Tina]

That's good news that there will be another in the Diva series.

As for whodunit, I'm thinking a woman but I could and probably got it wrong.

Mini-spoiler...


Just got to part where the sleigh and reindeer are found. Whoever brought it to this shop cannot be very clever. At least go out of town to be rid of it. But I'm guessing that it's someone who took it there to cover for someone else.

[Mark Pghfan]

Haven't got to the sleigh and reindeer yet, but I am about chapter 21. Yes, Natasha does indeed look guilty at this point, but frankly, I don't think she has the guts for such a thing. She might get her outfit dirty! Patty looks promising, as she appears to be a bit scatty, and, who knows, all the things Gwen and Baxter said about her might be true after all. We only have her side of the story at this point.

It is really more than generous how Sophie takes care of so many people--staying at her house and feeding them.

I can't say I have the same misgivings about Alex for Sophie. Why do you both think there is a problem there?

[Tina]

LOL re: Natasha's not being the perp. Though if one co-ordinates gloves to match murder weapon, I dunno.


Sophie's men: Mars, the worst of the trio. Wolf, a little less so than Mars. Alex, just seems something's off there. At times he doesn't seem to be there for her. Then again I haven't read previous installments illustrating his relationship with Sophie.

[J]

Not really a problem pgh - it's just that she and Wolf had been together from the very first novel until very recently and I always liked them together. When Alex was introduced in the last one, I couldn't quite make up my mind whether he was a good guy or not.
Having finished reading, I will say that in the climatic scene just before the end, Wolf again arrives on the scene and slips an arm around Sophie. Could there still be a spark despite Sophie's earlier statement that it is over? I always thought Wolf was a homicide detective yet he seems to respond to just about every call. He and Officer Wong seem to be a two person Police Department. There was another detective earlier who also liked Sophie(don't they all!) -you might remember Det. Kenner from The Diva Runs Out of Thyme-
but he appears to have been written out.
And yes I do agree about Sophie's generousity but for me that only adds to the enjoyment. Where would we be without all those recipes? ;-)

[Krista]

I have to say that it's fascinating to read your impressions. It's wonderful getting feedback about who the killer might be. And I love your conversation about Sophie's love life. It seems like some people really want her to get back together with Mars (obviously not Tina!), some really miss Wolf, and no one is sure about Alex yet.

Wolf is a homicide detective, and Wong is on street patrol, assigned to Sophie's neighborhood. I should probably mention that in each book. I could bring in more police but I usually try to narrow down the number of characters. I know it doesn't seem that way but I do try!

[J]

So glad you could join us Krista!
Nice to see my recollection of Wolf was correct. I have read all the Diva books and own most of them so sometimes my recollections of certain characters are a bit hazy. Obviously I am one of those who would like to see Sophie back with Wolf - if nothing else they do make a good investigative team. Any chance we might be seeing him in a future installment?
As for the actual murderer, I suspected everyone but the right one - but that discussion is best left for our wrap-up thread.
Again, very glad you made it over here. Thank you!

[Tina]

Hello, Krista! Guess I'm of the "fool me once..." school of dating, marriage and men. lol

Mini spoiler - Alex cancels too much. Maybe Sophie just hasn't met Mr. Right yet.

[Tina]

Mini-spoiler --




Now I really don't like Alex for Sophie. What a cad. Seems she should confront him on the issue. Let him know she knows what's going on. Maybe she eventually does.

[Krista]

: ) LOL! Tina, you're tough on men. But I agree with the "fool me once" theory.

[Tina]

lol Krista. Just don't like "Girlfriend" being played. Sshh...don't tell anyone but it's more fun handling issues in print than doing so in real time. ;-)

[Mark Pghfan]

I had a busy out-of-town weekend and need to get caught up. I think I have read three of the Diva books, all of them through our chats, so I'm afraid I might be a little behind on the history of all of Sophie's beaux. Being a single gentleman myself, I am willing to believe we men are always on the up and up unless proven otherwise. Meanwhile, I will buckle down tonight and get reading!

[Tina]

Krista, did you ever entertain the idea of penning a Sophie's personal collection recipe book? Maybe even borrow some from all her characters. Include a section for reprints of Sophie and Nat's domestic tips. Pictures etc. Would be fun. For starters, I would love one for the white chocolate peppermint-tini...unless I missed it in back matter. ;-)

[J]

What a great idea Tina!

[Krista]

Tina, my agent has suggested an e-book along those lines. I didn't think anyone would buy it! Maybe I should reconsider.

I've made a note to put up the White Chocolate Peppermint-tini recipe on Mystery Lovers' Kitchen this December. I'll let you know when I do it.

And by the way, MysteryLoversKitchen.com is having a daily drawing for a book and a fun contest (win 7 books!) at http://a.pgtb.me/R2rT6p in case any of you are interested.

[Tina]

It would be, Joan. Though pghfan is the cook in the group, (compared to me, anyway) it would be fun trying some of them.

Clever agent, Krista. One could print out the recipes that are of interest and keep the e-copy book on file for later use.

Will check out the contest link. Thanks!

[Tina]

Finished the book tonight. Won't spoil but I do have a recipe question. Besides the martini one. ;-)

Re: Pineapple squares. Is tapioca cooked or uncooked? I'd guess uncooked. lol This should give you an idea of my prowess in the culinary arena. Or not.

[Mark Pghfan]

Tina, I'm pretty sure tapioca needs to be cooked in order to eat it.

I have finished this section and am on Chapter 24. Still a good bit to go, but if anyone wants to start the third section, I am ready for it.

The plot still thickens, as we find that Baxter is not only a widower now, but broke and apparently not the father of Kat.

Wolf does seem to be involving himself in with Sophie again, and Alex seems both warm and cool to her.

So let's go through the suspects: Patty, yeah, still possible; Alex, I'm feeling he is more likely than I did in the past; Natasha, not at all; Sugar--no one has mentioned her, so I am considering that but wondering if I am trying too hard by including her; Mrs. Scroggins just seems too mean to be guilty.
Well, that's enough for now.

[Krista]

Tina, tapioca needs to be cooked but you put it into a filling (like in the Pineapple Squares recipe or a fruit pie) uncooked and it will work its magic while it bakes. : )

Pghfan, thanks for telling us who you suspect. Verrry interesting!

[J]

I haven't trusted Patty since Day 1 but it is too obviously her...therefore I think not!