The Parlor PI's discussion
Holiday Buzz in The Parlor! Read & Discuss starts Nov. 24 Chprs. 1-thru 13
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Thanks for your enthusiasm.
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Don't forget round two of voting for 2nd Christmas/holiday mystery read and discuss on now. There's a new thread set up for that. ;-) Vote your choice.
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Tired of Christmas mysteries sans snow, holiday decorations, red, green, all manner of holiday spirit...a decent whodunit?! Escape with us into a rousing winter wonderland whodunit author Coyle has prepared for us.
A snow dusted New York City with her hustle, bustle of folks enjoying all manner of holiday activites finds mgr. of the Village Blend coffeehouse, Clare Cosi in charge of the beverage service at a winter charity gathering. While juggling the serving of Lattes, dealing with celebs and quirky NYC residents and keeping her staff on the ball, Clare is devastated when one of said staff turns up cold as ice, deader than a door nail. Is an alleged serial attacker responsible for this and other crimes doled out this holiday tide? Is Clare on the suspect list or worse, the attacker's hit list? Settle back in your love seat, club chair and follow Ms. Cosi along as she weaves her way through clues and herring of various hue as we solve the mysteries of a Holiday Buzz. PI's, please help me welcome Ms. Cleo Coyle! Enjoy!
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The snow is coming and so is the murder - no want of holiday spirit here. I'm reveling in the holiday accents and yes, the deets leading up to the first murder. Who, why, what and when? You'll have to read on to find out. I'm on the edge of my winged back as the mystery commences!
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I keep forgetting to start a side list of characters. I'd recommend that here.
Her ex-hubby is a piece of work. Seems his new wife is just what the love doctor ordered. They fit each other. ;-)
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Mini Spoiler -- Wow, tender moment with the ex. Don't do it, Clare. Don't do it!! lol
Hi, there - sounds like some of you are beginning the book and others are just getting started.Marc and I had a great deal of fun writing HOLIDAY BUZZ. I guess I'll start with the beginning, the prologue. We've written 14 books (counting ONCE UPON A GRIND, which is about to be released next week) and in every one, we begin with a glimpse of the killer. In this case, it's a chilly glimpse of a cold-blooded murderer. We intentionally juxtaposed the heartlessness of the crime with the heartwarming scene at the park...
Did any of you catch the clue at the end of the prologue (if it were a movie, we would have had the camera focus in on the image...) If you consider that and then the epigram of Chapter One...you might begin to see where we are going with our "casting" (if you will) of the murder victim...
Some food for thought...and I'm happy to talk more about that, tell you more plainly what I mean...or answer questions for you!
Thanks for having me, this is a lovely group!
~ Cleo
Tina wrote: "The chapters short, sweet and just seem to flow. Loving this read. Mini Spoiler -- Wow, tender moment with the ex. Don't do it, Clare. Don't do it!! lol"
That's nice to hear, thank you, Tina. And you're right about the relationship between Clare and Matt. Clare is not a perfect character (and clearly neither is Matt). Frankly, I can't stand perfect characters. I mean, I go through life knowing what the right thing is to do. Do I do it every time? Oh, heck no. And Clare still struggles with her feelings for Matt. It's not because he's so charming or handsome or experienced in bed. It's none of those things. For Clare, Matt is the closest thing to family that she has. They've known each other so long and been through so much that he's really her best friend, and she doesn't want to give that up. At the heart of their exchanges, that truth is what leads them both to do right by each other, support each other...even though as ex-man-and-wife they still have history and issues that crop up...
Tina wrote: "Yes, there was a little bit of that, Karen. Once I got used to the flow of Ms. Coyle's writing style, I was able to get it.I keep forgetting to start a side list of characters. I'd recommend th..."
On the writing flow, HOLIDAY BUZZ is structured a bit differently than our other books. We still have the prologue, giving the reader a glimpse of the killer, but in Holiday Buzz the narrative unfolds a bit differently. Clare finds the body, the police come, and through the questioning of the lead detective, we take the reader into flashbacks of what happened in the hours before. HOLIDAY BUZZ is Book #12 in the series, and at this point, we wanted to give our longtime readers some variety in structure. Typically, in our books, the narrative is linear and there are no flashbacks. So if you had a little trouble with the rhythm of the story, it's likely because of that. Many writers use this structure. It's a little more challenging for the writer and reader, but it keeps the story unpredictable, and we enjoyed the challenge. (And this structure is a huge challenge. You really have to be sharp about clues and characters and events to create this sort of flashback mystery structure)...
I'll drop back again Wednesday evening...FYI - I have some extra ARCs (advanced review copies) of ONCE UPON A GRIND. For those of you interested in reading more of the work I do with my husband (and partner in crime-writing), I would be happy to send you an ARC for your review consideration...
If you're interested, send me a private message and be sure to mention the Parlor PI's. On Sunday evening, Nov. 30, I'll gather up the total and if I have enough extra ARCs, I will gladly send them to every member of the Parlo PI's who requests one. If I don't have enough, I'll try to be fair and do a random drawing among those who request one. Sound okay?
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Settling down now, welcome M & M Marc and Cleo or Cleo and Marc...whichever way you'd like to roll this holiday season.
Cutting to chase, I am specing out prologue end and epigram clue in Chptr. one. I am all astonishment as a B&W oldie came into mind for the prologue clue which would not work unless...no, forget that. I'll move to chapter's end and see what I can see.
Anyone figure it out yet?? I'll be flummoxed if you get it and I don't. Fa,la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la!
Tina - Hint - the object is at the end of page 2. And your focus on the epigraph that starts Chapter One should not be on the quote itself but on the story from which it comes...These hints will pay off later in the book (I will not give you the chapter...although I could...I'll let your reading solve that puzzle)!
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Jump in, PI's. The water's fine! ;-)
Note: If you are waiting for your book to arrive, think about visiting Ammy for a "look inside." That'll hold you 'til your book comes in!
Cleo wrote: "I'll drop back again Wednesday evening...FYI - I have some extra ARCs (advanced review copies) of ONCE UPON A GRIND. For those of you interested in reading more of the work I do with my husband (..."
I think I broke your "message" button here lol - I have been trying since last night (many, many times) to send you a message regarding the ARC copy you so generously are sharing but for some reason it does not open the next window for me...if you have like twenty blank messages or notes from me that is why and I apologize for clogging up your inbox. :)
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Is the ARC e-copy or will it need to be snail mailed? I would pay for my postage if it's latter.
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It is a nice flowing read. My kind of book.
Karen wrote: "I just finished it. I tried to pace myself but even then it was done within 3 calendar dates. SUCH good stuff -- and I'll definitely be using some of the recipes!!! Now to go and backtrack so I hav..."
Tina wrote: "Same thing happened to me, Allison. I think one needs to friend or become fan to Cleo and have it approved and then the msg. field opens up.Is the ARC e-copy or will it need to be snail mailed? ..."
Oh, I did not think of that. I will make myself a fan.
I need to go back and reread the first section, I think I missed the epigram that Cleo makes note of...
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Any idea the actor who could be cast?
Just gonna say - can't STAND Matt's new wife. Wow - you totally reap what you sow, don't you? I have finished the book, LOVED it but still working on the epigram. It kills me I can't figure it out. The format is interesting with the flashbacks and the story just reads along. I finished it very quickly and now need to go back and reread to catch some of the finer details such as the clues Cleo has given us...
Allison wrote: ..."I have finished the book, LOVED it but still working on the epigram. It kills me I can't figure it out..."Popping in to give you a clue to that "clue" I spoke of earlier....
SPOILER ALERT
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Okay, here we go...
Take a look at the bottom of page 64 and you'll see Clare reference a "smoke signal"...what does she mean by that?
In the prologue, when "M" (Moirin) is so brutally and suddenly killed, she drops a cigarette. As the text reads: "...a forsaken smoke stick went cold, sending a final plume to heaven."
Cut to -
Chapter One - The first thing you read is an epigraph (apologies for calling it an epigram earlier, it's technically an epigraph)...and it reads...
"When a star falls, a soul goes up to God." ~ The Little Match Girl
The image of a cigarette's dying plume of smoke juxtaposed with the idea of a soul going up to God is intentional on my part.
In many ways, "M" Moirin is The Little Match Girl (again "M") -- She's a smoker, of course, and that part is literal (matches, smoking), but there are other ways she's like the little figure in Hans Christian Andersen's beautiful but sad children's story.
That dying cigarette is a clue that convinces Clare Cosi that the police are focusing on the wrong suspect in M's murder.
You can read more about this "smoke signal" and its impact on the mystery plot line by turning to page 64 and reading through page 71.
Enjoy!
~ Cleo
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Pghfan, I know you love this stuff. Hope you've started reading. You to, J - Snoops! Missing a good time if not. ;-)
Now I gotta go back and again reread those pages to see the deeper meaning behind the story. It seems as if you, Cleo, have thought out every detail and made it meaningful. I guess I never thought of how much time and effort an Author would put into something labeled a "cosy." I am most impressed.
Hope to get my copy this evening and finally be able to join in.
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I am so loving this book! I will be reading the other's and getting caught up on the series! I find the characters very real, like I'm meeting new people. I also am loving the clues that are being given, I do find myself going back and re reading some of them, BUT, I'm also finding myself wondering is this a clue, is that a clue, no that can't be a clue. It's fun, I'm enjoying it. Ok back to reading and hopefully get some sleep afterwards. Glad you picked this one to read Tina, you did good, real good! "LIKE"
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Glad you are enjoying her book. She has another series where she partners with a sidekick in The Ghost and Mrs. McClure (Haunted Bookshop Mystery, #1) series.The Ghost and Mrs. McClure
I will check out the other series as well! Ty for the suggestion! Love it!
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Maybe you can share your dawn's early light moment, Karen (esp. if it has to do with Holiday Buzz lol). Sounds interesting.
Jill, it's a good one esp. if you like ghosts and gumshoes. Cleverly done. Read a few books there and need to get back on the series.
Unfortunately the references to specific pages don't work for me. I'm reading the large text version and the page numbers don't correspond.
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Page numbers don't work for me either. I thought I was the only one lol. I've been reading and rereading the first 6-8 Chapters looking for the clues and I'll be darned I don't find them but I did have some random thoughts:I realized one of the cookies for the Swap is a Little Match Girl cookie so again tying that story into the theme here...
Endicott is a pompous ass
I can't figure out why a dry event (no alcohol) would actually have alcohol there to give to the 2 lushs in attendance, Ross Puckett and Piper Penny
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Haven't had time to go over Cleo's clues as I've been reading on to keep up. I will cycle back when I reach The End. Meantime, hope we get some help from the other PI's. J and Pghfan may offer some perspective.
And just what is with Piper playing the "Diva" and throwing plates where ever she goes? I think we're back to discussing potential lawsuits, lol.
Ok, going back to Cleo's Clues (from above)- in what other ways is "M" like the Little Match Girl?
From the beginning of the story everyone thinks she's an orphan...
she was homeless at one point in the story...
she was left in the snow with no help and subsequently died...
is there anything else?
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The Little Match Girl shows up again, but I'm not sure it is in this section or not. They discuss it as a possible basis for a play that Tuck considered but cast aside, as it is a tragic story. (I'm trying to not provide any spoilers!)
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"Take a look at the bottom of page 64 and you'll see Clare reference a "smoke signal"...what does she mean by that?
In the prologue, when "M" (Moirin) is so brutally and suddenly killed, she drops a cigarette. As the text reads: "...a forsaken smoke stick went cold, sending a final plume to heaven."
Cut to -
Chapter One - The first thing you read is an epigraph (apologies for calling it an epigram earlier, it's technically an epigraph)...and it reads...
"When a star falls, a soul goes up to God." ~ The Little Match Girl
The image of a cigarette's dying plume of smoke juxtaposed with the idea of a soul going up to God is intentional on my part.
In many ways, "M" Moirin is The Little Match Girl (again "M") -- She's a smoker, of course, and that part is literal (matches, smoking), but there are other ways she's like the little figure in Hans Christian Andersen's beautiful but sad children's story.
That dying cigarette is a clue that convinces Clare Cosi that the police are focusing on the wrong suspect in M's murder.
You can read more about this "smoke signal" and its impact on the mystery plot line by turning to page 64 and reading through page 71.
Enjoy.
Cleo"
Discussion of Holiday Buzz Chapters 1 thru 13 - hope that helps and no worries on the postage. My gift to your group, cheers!
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Also, when I asked Cleo if we owe her for postage she said no, that the books (drafts) were a gift to us. I sent her my snail addy so I'll be getting one. Send her yours and she'll pop them in mail about the 22nd.
What a gem she is!
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As Holiday Buff is a full figure beauty, we will need a good four weeks to give it the attention it deserves. Breaking down chapters now, will post that. One thing I do know is that we will reserve chapter 24 & epilogue for a sep. thread. Helps us not to spoil reveal and wrap.
Stay tuned for more updates. Thanks for all your friendship and participation, PI's!!
~~Cleo Coyle! Here! In The Parlor even!!!~~ Hope no one sees me Snoopy Dancing. Almost knocked over the tree last year. lol ...dum, de, dum...over the river and thru the woods....la la la la la la. ;-)