Question D

[Jonetta]

Britta Verbeek Vale, the only survivor of her family’s massacre, has returned to town following many years’ absence. Did you think it was a coincidence that the murders reoccurred once she came back or that there was some kind of connection? What were your initial impressions of her? Did your opinion change by the end of the story?

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Another strong woman, this series is really good at depicting their strengths and weaknesses.

There definitely did seem a connection between her return to Eagle's Next coinciding with more murders. Because of the time frame between them it seemed more of a copycat than the same murderer starting again at this point.

My opinion didn't really change about her by the end. Imagine being the only survivor after that horrifying and brutal attack on her family. She was strong and how she handled situations even with violence although not advisable, as a reader you could see where she was coming from. I liked how Mercy and her formed a friendship and connection by the end of the book.

[Sharon]

Britta gave off different vibes throughout the story.

I was sure she was behind the murders. I didn't know if she was ther murderer or if it her presence sparked the murderer to come out of hiding. I went back and forth several times.

In the end I liked the character. I hope she comes back again.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I was thinking more that her presence drew him/her out.

I think we may see more of her, seems Mercy and her struck up a friendship.

[Sharon]

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "I was thinking more that her presence drew him/her out.

I think we may see more of her, seems Mercy and her struck up a friendship."

I agree that they will become friends. I bet they learn to lean on each other.

I thought that Britta brought the murderer out until they found the murders each place she lived.

[Robin]

I didn't know what to think of Britta. At first I thought her returning to her hometown had caused someone to begin murdering again after a twenty year hiatus. Toward the end of the book, I began to think she may be behind the latest murders, either doing it herself or working with a partner.

[Jonetta]

Britta gave off multiple vibes over the course of the story. At first, she came off as well trained and solidly put together. Then she started showing signs of fragility and paranoia once the new murders were disclosed, with good provocation.

I never thought she was directly connected to the murders but thought there was some connection to her return. When it became clear she didn’t know the killer, I still thought she was hiding something. It didn’t surprise me that she’d seen Ryan when that was revealed.

By the end, her paranoia was vindicated and I loved how her skills kept her alive. Britta and Mercy have similar qualities and I think they’d be good for each other.

[Sharon]

I wonder if Britta is going to be a spin-off story in the future. She has potential.

[Sandra]

I agree with all said about Britta. While she's another strong woman character, I felt there was also a sense of vulnerability - like as much as she was independent, she was also lonely. Necessity had driven her to keep moving over the years which hindered her developing any real relationships. I loved the connection that developed between Mercy & Britta.

[Charlene]

I waffled back and forth about what I thought of Britta, but I did not think she was the murderer herself.

[Christina T]

I liked Britta's character and compared her to Mercy as well. I never thought she was a murderer but more of a survivor who would rip and run at a moment's notice. She probably had a jump bag handy should she need to leave in a hurry.

I agree she was probably the catalyst to the new murders. A spin off series with her would be great.

[Jonetta]

Oh, I’m sure she had a jump bag ready!

[Sharon]

She definitely had a jump bag. She will always have a jump bag. It is a part of her like Mercy was always a prepper even away from her family.