Reader's Guide

[Betty]

I thought it might be interesting to discuss the questions in the reader's guide:
How do you think Melanie managed balancing being a playwright and an investigator?

[Tracy]

Thanks for posting this, Betty! Would love to hear people’s thoughts!

[Kimberly]

I think she managed but since part of the investigation was at the theater it was easier. I think any new investigations may pull her more than this one. Additionally, the play was only being tweaked during the investigation, if she was in the middle of writing I think it will be a challenge to flip back and forth.

[Tracy]

Kimberly wrote: "I think she managed but since part of the investigation was at the theater it was easier. I think any new investigations may pull her more than this one. Additionally, the play was only being tweak..."

I do think the investigation's being in the theatre helped, though their roles definitely shifted somewhat, of which both of them were aware. And Melanie being inside the theatre community and Malcolm outside made their roles in the investigation and their approaches to it different.

[Betty]

I liked the way both the investigation and getting the play ready unfolded. It was a nice mix, bringing in the Levellers, since so many were involved in the theater, as actors and spectators. If the investigation had not involved the Levellers, it might have been a different story. It could have taken Melanie away from the play, or she would have had to make a choice. In that respect I agree with Kim.

All in all, I felt everyone mixed well in the part they played in the investigation. It all seemed to come together naturally. I liked the way Julien immediately tried to lessen the effect of the murder in the children.

[Tracy]

Betty wrote: "I liked the way both the investigation and getting the play ready unfolded. It was a nice mix, bringing in the Levellers, since so many were involved in the theater, as actors and spectators. If th..."

That's good to hear, Betty! I think it will be interesting to see how Mélanie balances an investigation that doesn't revolve around the theatre.

And I'm so glad you liked Julien with the children in the opening scene. I think his response to the children and Mélanie's trusting him with them give us a lot of insights into his character.

[Kimberly]

I think Suzanne has always seen more of Julien than he wanted her to see just as Malcolm seemed to trust him almost immediately. That isn't to say either believe Julien to be less dangerous now, it is just that both know the children would be safe with Julien which is why he is allowed around the children.

[Betty]

I think one of the differences in attitude toward Julien is that the Rannochs and company now feel he is definitely on their side. The revelation of his identity adds to that.

[Tracy]

Betty wrote: "I think one of the differences in attitude toward Julien is that the Rannochs and company now feel he is definitely on their side. The revelation of his identity adds to that."

Kimberly wrote: "I think Suzanne has always seen more of Julien than he wanted her to see just as Malcolm seemed to trust him almost immediately. That isn't to say either believe Julien to be less dangerous now, it..."



I do think Melanie has always seen more of Julien than he wanted, but back in LONDON GAMBIT, she and Raoul were both terrified of his being around the chiidren o thing have definitely shifted. Malcolm actually trusted Julien before Mel and Raoul did in some ways - I think because he could read Julien's affection for Mel in the scene in Hyde Park.

As Betty says, the Rannochs now believe Julien is definitely on their side, instead of wondering what way he might jump. They're also spending more time with him from GLENISTER PAPERS on and even more from MIDWINTER'S on. The children play together, he and Kitty have dined with them. Colin and Jessica call him "Unlce Julien". So he's become one of the family. And then yes, the revelation of his identity cements that even more.