Question T

[Jonetta]

Let’s talk about the motivations of the abductors.

What was Will trying to do beyond getting money? Do you think he planned to do away with Symes? Was he responsible for ratting out his brother?

Symes was damaged not only by his father but his military service? What should happen to this guy?

Helen was a bitter woman who felt abandoned by the police organization she gave everything to. What did it say about her for her to be able to use Charlie and Amy in her scheme the way she did?

Any other comments about these three?

[Lynn]

They are all despicable in their own ways. Will wants to be the smartest person in the room and looks down on Symes, but also needs him to do the dirty work that he doesn't want to do. Symes isn't as dull as Will seems to believe he is, at least in the beginning. Will would have eventually figured out that Symes would have come after him at some point. Helen is damaged, from doing what she does all her life, but that isn't an excuse for her behavior. If anything, it actually makes her worse than the other two because it shows that even the most innocent looking person can't be trusted.

[Jonetta]

I agree, Lynne. Will did look down on Symes but Symes was as smart, if not smarter, than Will in his own way.

I’m certain Will ratted out his brother and feel like he would have done something to Symes after the plan was finished. He wanted to get back at all of those who’d diminished him as a child and was highly resentful of the kids who had caring parents and “things.” He’d never be satisfied, though, as evidenced by his desire to abduct Emily Billingham again.

Symes is permanently damaged by the abuse he suffered from his father that was further reinforced by his action in the military. He’s going to be dangerous in prison but I think he’ll be happy there.

Helen is almost the worst of the three. She damaged two innocent young girls just to appease her own ego and get some money. Hope she gets lots of time to “reflect” in prison.

[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch]

Ok here is where my dark and twisted thriller mind kicks in. lol

I loved the dynamics here with Will and Symes and how that played into the story.

I think Will was all about playing the game with the parents. I think that is why Suzie was still alive. He wasn't done playing that game. His motivation like Jonetta mentioned was intriguing with how it played into the game.

Symes made a great addition to Will's motivation and the threat of his violence added to that race against time feeling to the story for me. It created some fantastic suspense as to how Kim was going to get to them in time for me. I was creeped out right from the start with how unpredictable Symes was with his violent ways.

For me, I am not sure Helen was even needed and I thought Will and Symes would have been enough. I still do think she worked because I think she helped Kim grow.

[Jonetta]

Excellent point about Will and how he turned his revenge into a twisted game. It reflected how damaged he was under that friendly demeanor.

Helen was their inside person. She contacted him to initiate the second kidnapping, inserting herself to provide direction and guidance. It led to him seeking out Symes but I agree, these two would have been fine on their own but I don’t believe the girls would have survived. They had to wait until Helen was added to the police team. She guided them in how to leverage the families’ emotions and without her, the police would have used more conventional approaches. And I don’t think they would have received the money. Helen controlled Will until she didn’t.

[Jonetta]

I’m struggling with Helen having anything to do with Kim’s growth. Witnessing those families and their commitment to their children had more to do with her progression, in my opinion. I don’t think Kim ever saw herself in Helen, more like what she might have been without the influences already in place (Bryant as a friend, Barney as her “child,” and the respect of her team as trusted colleagues). Helen thought she and Kim were alike and they couldn’t be more different. Kim was and always will be a stand for victims. Helen never was.

[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch]

Good points Jonetta! I think I was overwhelmed with all the characters and the story got a little complicated for me. I am glad I have these discussions to help me with the things I missed.

I am normally not such a high maintenance buddy reader. lol

[Jonetta]

High maintenance? Heck no! This is how we share and understand differing perspectives! Our normal😏

[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch]

I think what you mentioned Jonetta is part of her growth and Helen's role in that is Kim seeing how giving your life to the job turned out for Helen. I don't think Kim sees herself in Helen but she shows Kim how important those influences are you mentioned. Kim is very guarded with keeping her secrets and letting people in so she is not the warmest person. I think Helen's motivations might help Kim grow into a warmer person to the people around her and she starts to let them in. Did that make more sense? Words are hard for me. lol

[Jonetta]

Oh, I understand clearly what you’re saying, Brenda, and get that point of view. You’re exceptionally great at articulating your point of view. We just differ on Helen’s impact on Kim. The reason why I don’t see that Helen provided any meaningful influence is because Kim got there without her, before she arrived on the scene. Those other influences are what had Kim seeing that Helen was inauthentic, that she was the inside person.

What Helen failed to see was Kim wasn’t her. She imagined a similarity that was partly true...Kim is a loner and fully into her job. But what she also failed to see was if the job went away, Kim would simple do something else. She’s an ace mechanic and a skilled investigator. Remember, at the beginning of this series, she fully expected to be canned and is always prepared for that to happen. Kim isn’t invested in her career as Helen was...she cares about the victim and wants to give them justice. That wasn’t Helen’s motivation at all.

Kim’s never going to be warm and fuzzy with the traditional family roles surrounding her, IMO. And, I don’t believe Kim ever will become a warmer person. Her insights will grow and, at best, she’ll be less difficult with herself. Therapy will help her come to terms with her not being able to save her brother. She’s always still trying to save him. Those who truly know and care about her accept her nature. She is who she is.

I hope I’m clearer.

[Jonetta]

And, Brenda...I’m the outlier here😏

[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch]

Oh I am glad to see I am clear. Yes, you are clear, Jonetta, and yeah we see Helen's role as a character differently.

I hope to see Kim grow into a warmer person, I don't think she will be a warm person either but I would like to see her become warmer as her relationships grow from one book to another and see how the events from one crime to another help her grow as a character but not necessary as a person even though I said, person. lol

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Brenda, I definitely think one of the themes of the series moving forward will be Kim connecting with other people and becoming warmer. She will never be an extrovert or party person but we are already seeing signs she is "letting people in". Her relationship with her team but especially Bryant and her love for her dog Barney. And her kindness to a lot of the child victims, there is a kind warm heart in there but it will take time and Kim's own willingness to move forward to let it be shown. I'm looking forward to the continued journey.