Mrs. Sherlock Holmes Prologue, Sections 1-3

[Catherine]

First section discussion thread!

[Beth]

I love how the early chapters of this book are almost like a screenplay, introducing characters and situations then moving on. I’m guessing I’m not the only one who got actual goosebumps when Grace first walked into the courtroom...

[Aileen]

Character descriptions are clear and concise. Good start.

[Catherine]

I'm totally intrigued by this book already. I can't wait to get back to the missing teenager in 1917!?

[Rosalina]

I loved when she came in the courtroom as well! I could picture it as if it was a movie. She is such a fascinating lady. She had so much courage and determination in her schooling and in this beginning descriptions of her career. The poor woman’s case was so heartbreaking. I cannot imagine the horror she was facing. I am looking forward to see what happens to Ruth. This book definitely has my interest peeked. Was the book correct in saying that this is completely based on true accounts?

[Catherine]

I know it was nominated for a "Best Fact Crime" award which I think is only given to non-fiction books.

[Gina]

I know it’s a coincidence, but this quote (from Caveat Emptor) made me think of Lucy, “If ever prayer came from the depths of a broken heart, it was that forlorn plea for a lost sister.” It’s from a novel written in 1914. I’m so curious about this book now too!

[Jenna]

Finished Chapter 3 tonight. So happy I can finally start discussing! I'll try to organize my thoughts and post tomorrow. It's 12:30am now, lol.

[Jenna]

Ok, just a few comments -

I love Grace already. All these men keep offering her their seat in the courtroom and she just keeps walking. And then drops the mic with "Mrs. Mary Grace Quackenbos. For the defense." Boom goes the dynamite.

Seriously though, what strength of character, fresh out of school. She didn't know if she could help Antoinette but she tried anyway. She never gave up in the face of setbacks, just kept working. She thought fast on her feet. She found the second gun and saved her client's life. She gambled on a new trial rather than condemn Antoinette to life in prison.

HOW was that second gun not put into evidence?!!

Poor Antoinette! How awful to be dealing with sexual harassment and assault from a dangerous and powerful man and have a husband too afraid to even defend her.

Wondering what exactly happened to Ruth, where she disappeared to after she got her skates and what the stop at the stationery store was about. Her father is adamant that she had no love affair, but there was at least the boy from Columbia University. Speaking of her father, I'm not thrilled that he spilled his guts to the newspapers.

[Gina]

I’ve been meaning to post this, but I’m wondering if it was really an oversight that Sonta’s gun wasn’t originality reported. It seems like something that shouldn’t have been missed, and it was just the evidence Antionette needed to free her.

[Shannon]

I also thought it was strange the gun was completely missed as evidence. I like how persistent and creative Grace is. She found a way even with all the obstacles she had to face with the courts.

[Jenna]

I'm not convinced it was any oversight. Sonta was extremely rich and powerful in the town, right, and there was no doubt who killed him. Maybe they felt they had to make sure Antoinette was punished. If his gun was not "found" (or at least, not entered into evidence) then her claims of self-defense would be dismissed. Same with the terrible court interpreter. Since Antoinette couldn't speak English, if her story was only half told or twisted by the interpreter, she would be convicted more easily.

[Aileen]

Part of it is that the police force was completely different in those days. Full of corrupt officers and officials and procedure was hit or miss at best. Prejudices were allowed, even expected, in investigations, so the police was very unreliable. People like Grace helped change that.

[Lorianne]

Antoinette’s story had me on the edge of my seat. Just that chapter alone makes a fascinating read!
I’m also loving the structure of the book, switching back and forth between the missing skater case and Grace’s life.

[Sarah]

I finally got around to start reading this book! So, here what are my thoughts.

Just WOW, I freaking love Grace now even more. Now I can see why Lucy fangirled little bit upon meeting her in 2x07. The part when Grace walks in and they announced, "Ms. Mary Grace Quackenbos." BOOM! I just couldn't help but smile and imagine what it is like be sitting in the courtroom. I probably going to scream, YASSS QUEEN, lol.

I can't believe how the court oversight the gun part but me thinks that because of Sonta is from a powerful family and messed up with evidence on the purpose so Antoinette will be punished. (I will have to do some google research later on the corruption in the 1900s)

I do wonder if the problem is still evident today with people who don't speak fluent English and translation issues.

I'm quite VERY curious about the disappearance of Ruth so I'm looking forward to uncovering this mystery along with Grace.

Super excited to read more.

[Caroline D.]

This is an interesting format for a story. I will say it’s taking me a while to get into the book. The way the different cases are introduced in a seemingly nonlinear way and the fact that these are true but fictionalized events? It’s an interesting blend of fiction and non-fiction and right now I’m having a hard time understanding it. That is not to say though, that I’m not enjoying it. I am! I just think I need a little bit more time to connect to this book. Arthur Conan Doyle at the beginning of the novel was interesting, as well as how he talked about Suffragettes, which of course made me think of the Timeless episode!

[Kirsten]

Caroline D. wrote: "This is an interesting format for a story. I will say it’s taking me a while to get into the book. The way the different cases are introduced in a seemingly nonlinear way and the fact that these ar..."

I'm having the same issue as you with the nonlinear storytelling. I love the writing itself, but I get mixed up about where in the timeline we are at any given point. I forget which cases are in which year, what came before, what came after.

That said, I really love the vivid descriptions of the cases - it's easy to get sucked into them!

[Caroline D.]

Kirsten wrote: "Caroline D. wrote: "This is an interesting format for a story. I will say it’s taking me a while to get into the book. The way the different cases are introduced in a seemingly nonlinear way and th..."

Yay! Glad to know I'm not alone. And YES! The cases are pretty cool (that sounds weird to say, what?) I'm looking forward to seeing what happens as I continue to read. How far along are you now?

[Kirsten]

Caroline D. wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "Caroline D. wrote: "This is an interesting format for a story. I will say it’s taking me a while to get into the book. The way the different cases are introduced in a seemingly nonl..."

I'm about a third of the way through, and enjoying it more and more as I go!

[Amy]

Kirsten wrote: "Caroline D. wrote: "This is an interesting format for a story. I will say it’s taking me a while to get into the book. The way the different cases are introduced in a seemingly nonlinear way and th..."

I'm having the same issue too! The writing is beautiful but the time jumping takes some getting used to. (I guess in a way we're time travelling which is appropriate for Timeless fans!) I'm up to Chapter 15 now and the cases are fascinating and the time jumping seems to have stopped. Really enjoying the book but I do wonder why it wasn't written in a linear structure.