Literally Dead Book Club discussion
The Other People by CJ Tudor
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check in | chapter 15- 29
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So, what I'm thinking right now, is that after the death of her father, Fran contacted the other people to request the killing of her dad's murderer. In turn she had to kill someone, possibly Gabe? For something he's done in his past maybe? He's mentioned having a shady past before. This mission went wrong, and Jenny and Fran's daughter died somehow. She swapped her daughter and took Izzy to save her. Because she didn't complete the mission of killing Gabe, the other people are hunting her down.The coma-Isabella is starting to get more interesting to me now, since her connection to Gabe has been revealed. Gabe probably feels guilty about whatever has happened to her. This past explains why he was so reluctant to name his daughter Isabella as well.
Still, so many things that don't make a lot of sense so far. My current theory would mean that Isabelle is Izzy, for which I previously said in the first check-in I was hoping not to be true 😅. Still, very excited to learn what comes next!
Okay so the paranormal /Sandman elements are really confusing me. Kinda knew that Katie and Fran would be sisters. I'm thinking the coma girl is maybe a sister/relation of Gabe and that's where he's been going.I think Fran used the Other People to get revenge on her father's killer and then her favour was she had to kill the man in the gold car. I don't know.. My head is confused trying to work it all out!!
So, I'm reading this book and simultaneously saying "this is so good!" and "I have no idea what's happening!" It's the weirdest feeling, lol! I am really enjoying see some things slowly tie together. I'm not convinced that Fran is dead. I think there's more with her somewhere. I can't figure out this Samaritain guy...is he part of The Other People? Was the murders of Gabe's family and Katie's dad part of a revenge plot...are they connected somehow? I'm so intrigued! I also feel that Alice and Izzy are the same person.
Had an inkling that Fran, Katie and Lou we’re sisters but ERY shortly before it was revealed. I’m guessing Fran is dead but that Alice will find Katie somehow. I really hope it isn’t that The Other People do you a favor (have someone kill Fran’s dad’s killer) and then Fran has to do something like kill someone else (Gabe’s family). Though I haven’t read it, it seems similar in a way to the novel The Circle’s plot. Though I think that may be kidnapping. Anyway, don’t love it if that’s the case. But I am really enjoying the read...that would just be a letdown.
OMG, I have several theories and I sm sure they are all wrong ...I cannot put this book down.
Madison wrote: "Anyone else notice the glaring error in chapter 15? 😬"I initially thought it was a typo but now that you've mentioned it, I'm second guessing everything and it's driving me crazy!
Julia wrote: "Madison wrote: "Anyone else notice the glaring error in chapter 15? 😬"I initially thought it was a typo but now that you've mentioned it, I'm second guessing everything and it's driving me crazy!"
What was the error? I've been re-reading chapter 15 and I can't find it haha.
Ashleigh wrote: "Julia wrote: "Madison wrote: "Anyone else notice the glaring error in chapter 15? 😬"I initially thought it was a typo but now that you've mentioned it, I'm second guessing everything and it's dri..."
The error was that Gabe said "Izzy's parents" instead of Jenny's parents, which at first seems to be a typo.
Shayla wrote: "Ashleigh wrote: "Julia wrote: "Madison wrote: "Anyone else notice the glaring error in chapter 15? 😬"I initially thought it was a typo but now that you've mentioned it, I'm second guessing everyt..."
Oh, just found it. That's strange..
sue wrote: "When anyone gets to the end of chapter 16, what are your thoughts? That last sentence ....my jaw hit the floor"To be honest I had to reread it again. Then I just sat there going what the hell is going on and Fran best wake up! lol How about you?
I have no idea what's going on, but I'm digging this book! Still wondering if Alice and Izzy are the same person, and wondering if The Other People have something to do with Fran taking her if that theory is true. Also wondering who killed Fran, and if she's really dead. Does the Samaritan have anything to do with that? Who the hell is this Samaritan guy? So many questions to be answered... My brain hurts but I love it!
What is Gabe hiding from the reader? I have this feeling whatever it is has something to do with his wife and daughter's murders.Something isn't right about Harry, but then again maybe he is just trying to comfort someone who is looking for every way their daughter could be alive. Why does it feel like everyone is hiding something in this book? Really enjoy the uneasiness I get from every character, loved the way this book is set up. But the scratch!! Was Harry mistaken? I love how we now have the smallest clue letting us know (from Gabe's POV) that Izzy has to be alive. So what motive would Harry have to lie about his granddaughter being dead? Is he the one who texted Fran "He knows"?
And what did Katie's sister do for their dad? Did she have something to do with killing him? Is she part of this "Other People" group?
Usually, with thrillers, I have a pretty good idea where something is headed by now. With this one, I have the overall idea, but I can't figure out how all the players come together.
Things are starting to pick up. I really like how all of the story lines are weaving together. I feel like I already know how everything went down though, so I am hoping that there is a little more to it. The one thing that is still not fitting into my theories is the weird mirror/pebble thing but that might just end up being an unexplained coma patient connection thing, so I am not going to try too hard to work it out.
I gotta say that a few things didn't take me by surprise. However, other aspects did. The cat scratch something so small and yet it's key. I gotta say that I thought the other people was something supernatural rather than a group of killers. I am also a bit upset that Fran was killed well at least I think she was. I do wonder if the Samaritan is the one involved in Fran's dead and trying to hide all the evidence. I mean he did find the missing car. I just think he knows more and he might even be involved.
I want Gabe to get his stuff back.Fran is probably dead. When water rushes in, as the book describes, it is pretty much over for the the person. Also, she did not come back for Alice in over 2 hours.
How does The Samaritan know about The Other People?
Don't know why people called him creepy and suspicious in the last Check In. Seemed like a prejudice.
And don't forget The Samaritan stoped Gabe from taking his life
Im only on chapter 20 but I have a theory that Alice is actually Izzy. we shall see!
Just finished chapter 24... that last line has me like “WTF???”!
It's getting more and more interesting and I'm really enjoying it so far. I have no theories but I do think they are all connected. I'm not sure about Gabe cause he seems to be just recently finding out about The Other People, yet he does mention that he might have killed someone before! The writing still feels really annoying for me. I hate when authors take some random thought or situation and try to write an inspirational quote where it is not needed at all. I especially hate that in thrillers. I do think it would've been better if the author focused more on the action rather than the "life lessons" that are filling the pages.
I really hope the slip in chapter 15 is intentional and not just an editing error. It seems to be worded to be deliberately ambiguous. I’ll be kind of bummed if it turns out to just be something that was missed in editing. I’m still feeling like the Samaritan isn’t real. Nothing stood out to me as contradicting that theory in this section.
I do feel like this is overwritten in places. In particular I really don’t understand why we’re getting the minutiae of Alice’s toilet process every single time she has to go. Maybe all will be revealed and it turns out the pebbles are kidney stones 😂
My current burning questions:
Why was Fran’s mum so quick to call the police? I know Fran was late but not THAT late. And why the police and not children’s services etc?
Is Alice actually younger than 8? It’s said that she’s a good reader but she struggles with the size of the newsprint. Is she younger and a good reader for that younger age or maybe needs glasses that Fran can’t get her because prescription, paper trail etc etc? I find it hard to believe that an 8 year old would struggle with newsprint... or be noted as a “good reader” still.
When I think where the story goes, something happens and derails all possible conclusions. So many questions!
Twice I’ve seen the slip in chapter 15 mentioned and I have no idea what it is! I seem to have missed it... someone please tell me lol
Ok I see the error now. I’ve read that portion a couple times and it seems to be a misprint. I guess that could be wrong but that’s my take on it. 🤷🏼♀️
Anyone else getting major "After Dark" vibes from this book?
Madison wrote: "Anyone else notice the glaring error in chapter 15? 😬"I had to read it several times before just deciding it was a typo. A large one, and it was very distracting!!
Wow, there is so much happening in this book haha. I have no idea how everything will end up being connected, but I'm guessing most everyone is involved through the dark web in one way or another.I will say that the way in which Gabe figured out the web address and password to the Other People was a little far-fetched/too convenient for me...
Maybe Izzy is a twin? Did the Samaritan kill Fran? Was Gabe visiting the comatose girl the day of the murders? I feel like someone wanted revenge on Gabe and Fran didn't follow up on her favor obligation. IDK
I’m really enjoying the twists and turns and the creepy atmosphere! I agree with the theory that Alice is Issie. Intrigued to find out what Gabe did. I also don’t think Fran is dead. And Fran and Katie are sisters, didn’t see that coming. I don’t get what’s happening with the pebbles, is it going to be a supernatural twist? Miriam and the girl in the coma, I have no idea how that links in but look forward to finding out.
I like all the plot twists. I was really surprised to find out that Fran is Katie's sister.
I also didn't expect the Other People to be a website! Loved that twist!
The Samaritan is still such a mysterious figure to me, I hope to find out about how he is involved into all of this soon.
Mod
Anyone else think Gabe's name and the recurring theme of angels must be significant? the plot overall is driving me wild - I'm loving how we're only drip fed all the connections rather than one or two bigger reveals.
also, I love the writing! so concise and to the point, but still such a sense of style. I'm getting through it much more quickly than I thought I would.
Elisabeth wrote: "I kind of feel bad chiming in when it's not positive but I'm not really enjoying this book so far. I kind of feel like it's too commercial or too.. Over the top maybe, the twists kind of just makes..."I am not enjoying it either, glad to see I'm not alone. It's just slow and all over the place.
Madison wrote: "Anyone else notice the glaring error in chapter 15? 😬"Absolutely!! At top of page 73 in my hardcover it says "...he thought of Izzy's parents..." when it clearly was supposed to say "Jenny's parents". I backed up and read and re-read this a few times before I figured out it was just an error. How in the world does something so obvious make it past editors and proof-readers in the publishing world? Thinking of penciling in the correction for the next reader since this is a library book, LOL.
Man this is a wild ride. I'm seriously loving this book with all it's twists and turns. I think Isabella and Gabe are connected from back when they were children and I suspect that he is the reason she is in a coma. I think Fran is mixed in with The Other people after she asked them to target the person that murdered her husband. She is now on the run after not completing her assignment. I think Izzy and Alice are the same person but Alice's visions intrigue me. I definitely think that Gabe's inlaws are involved with the other people as well. so many unanswered questions!
I feel like so far none of the twists have been shocking ... like all of them have kind of been laid out for us. Tudor kind of makes the twist very clear before it actually happens which makes me wonder if that’s part of the trick/ultimate shock discovery or if she just went a little too ham with the foreshadowing. Still really love the pacing! I still think Alice is Izzy but I also feel like what are the odds that Gabe will actually be reunited with his daughter and ride into the sunset ... idk. Not likely. *sad face*
My main theory still involves Gabe being a sociopath. The fact that he eluded to having done so many horrible things and living a lie along with the fact that is mother in law drugged him and starts working at domestic violence shelter ... hmmm. Coincidence. I think not & the father in law not letting him check the bodies and keeping in touch probably to make sure he’s not figuring it out *hands up* just saying....
Can’t wait to see how this ends ... RIP FRAN. ( but I don’t think she’s dead ... pretty sure the other people have her)
Well, I'm crumbling my paranormal theories and putting them gently on the side of my table, so I could later claim that that's what I've been saying the whole time. So, thoughts: - chapter 15 starts with the most pretentious naration so far I mean "We live our lives in a state of denial."? Ok... lol
- Fran definitely use the Dark Web site and told Katie (her sister - no surprise there) about it -> that would explain the postcart where she writes that she did it for their dad
- comatose Isabela is Gabe's… daughter? Sister?
- Is Fran's daughter dead girl that was mistaken for Izzy? Is she the comatose girl? Did Fran kidnapped Izzy to hurt Gabe?
- Is comatose Isabela daughter of Gabe and Fran?
- no idea about Sandman, or pebbles, or what is wrong with Alice
- the in-laws are shady
Arghh, can't believe I'm past chapter 29 already. By this point, I actually consciously stopped myself from having theories, because I wanted to enjoy the journey. And I wanted to be surprised!The last few chapters were killing me! I wanted to know what had happened to Fran!
Btw, "The Other People" sounds like "The Chain" in
. Has anyone else read this book?
I am intrigued by the turns this story is taking on so many levels. Was not expecting Fran and Katie to be sisters. I wonder why Fran has had no contact with her family for 9 years, and what she did "for" their dad. I am also wondering if Gabe will go for The Other People and what they are asking. If so, what will his "favour" be, and will he do it? So many new questions. I am loving the writing style and finding this book completely spellbinding.
was not expecting fran and Katie to be sisters is alice frans daughter or gabes cuz they swapped cuz of the play and they just look alike ? someone from the other people did something to fran and stabbed gabe but why , so many questions , I've been reading in sittings finish when I've hit a certain chapter so I can come on here but also read the book quicker
Wow, this book is crazy!! I definitely wasn’t expecting pretty much anything that’s happened so far (Fran dying, Fran and Katie being sisters, Gabe being linked to the sleeping girl..) My only theory right now is that Harry is involved with the Other People somehow??
Suddenly, all of the action 0_0 I kinda got used to relatively slow pace and now my heart is pounding and I don't know what to do with it
i cant help but think the woman in the hospital is related to fran’s family in some way...