Reader's Guide - Mélanie

[Tracy]

5. How do you think Mélanie's becoming a playwright has impacted the Rannochs' marriage? How was this investigation different from others they have undertaken?

[Kimberly]

After the revelations, Malcolm told Suzanne he wanted her to have something of her own and not to just be an extension of him and his career so I think he is happy for her success. As for the investigations, I think Suzanne will have to set priorities and work around activities. If she has deadlines to meet or rehearsals to attend she may have to take a secondary role in the investigations. If she is in between plays, I think she will be able to focus more energy.

[Betty]

I think her foray into being a playwright has had a positive impact on the Rannoch marriage. It opens an avenue to creativity and satisfaction for both Melanie and Malcolm. Melanie can build on her childhood upbringing as well as increase her connection to Malcolm's love of literature and his good friend Simon.

This investigation was different because the focus took place in the theater, suspects were associated with theater personnel, action was localized except for connecting past events to the murder, and giving a totally different look into the enemies the Rannochs are fighting.

[Tracy]

Kimberly wrote: "After the revelations, Malcolm told Suzanne he wanted her to have something of her own and not to just be an extension of him and his career so I think he is happy for her success. As for the inves..."

I do think it will depend on the investigation - of course as Malcolm points out the same thing could happen to him if he was in the midst of trying to push a bill through Parliament.

[Tracy]

Betty wrote: "I think her foray into being a playwright has had a positive impact on the Rannoch marriage. It opens an avenue to creativity and satisfaction for both Melanie and Malcolm. Melanie can build on her..."

Yes, this investigation taking place round the theatre helped - of course the play's being about to open also meant Mélanie was busy at the times with rehearsals and rewrites so Malcolm did things on his own or with Roth. Also Mélanie had an insider's perspective and could talk to Letty, Brandon, and Will in ways she couldn't have done if she wasn't working in the theatre.