Question M

[Jonetta]

The other climactic moment occurs in the bell tower where Dawson, Bryant and Stacey race to find Geoffrey who they know is at risk because he turned down the invitation to join the spades. Dawson saves Geoffrey but loses his own life in the process. Did you have any preparation that this was going to happen, even during the rescue? There’s a moment when his eyes connect with Stacey’s just before the fall and he gives her his trademark smile. What do you suppose he was communicating?

Your feelings about Kevin’s death?

[Sharon]

This scene is still on my mind. I expected Bryant and Stacey to find a way to rescue him. I thought he could make one more swing to safety. When he fell, he knew he wasn't going to make it. (My eyes are teary typing this.)

I think he was telling Stacey that she is going to be ok. Also, that he is doing something that will make everyone proud of him. Finally, he won't hurt his finance any more, and keep reminding Charlotte of the man Stacey knows.

[Jonetta]

Sharon, your comment warms my heart.

I didn’t see this coming. Even when he fell, I still didn’t believe he’d gone. I listened to the story so it wasn’t clear. But when the next chapter started, it was abundantly clear from the tone of the narrator that the worst had happened. I was bereft.

Last night, I tried to create these questions and struggled to concentrate but I couldn’t. I’ve come to adore Kevin, especially the relationship he’s created with Stacey and how he’s evolved. He was a better man.

I gave up, went to bed but couldn’t sleep well. It’s not often I’m affected this deeply by a fictional character. This broke my heart.

[Jo Ann]

I was heartbroken!!!! Dawson had come such a long way and I just thought they'll save him, it'll all be okay.
This left me with such sadness. There's a real hole to fill in the team now. And how will the dynamics change without Dawson around?? Especially for Stacy.

[Lauren]

It has been quite a while since I read this book, and Kevin's death still resonates with me. It was so unexpected and heartbreaking. Nevertheless, it is clear to me from the way it was written that Kevin made his sacrifice with an open heart and mind. Very honorable.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Oh my... when there was discussion about the rope and Kevin and Geoffrey were in such peril I knew that Kevin was going to sacrifice his life. I was absolutely horrified ... what an ending to a character who had grown so much throughout the series.. and had such a promising life to look forward to as a husband, father, police officer and man.

I wonder why Angela Marsons decided to do this at this point of the series? It definitely takes it in another direction which will be interesting for the reader but what a hit for Kim's team!

[Jonetta]

Lauren wrote: "It has been quite a while since I read this book, and Kevin's death still resonates with me. It was so unexpected and heartbreaking. Nevertheless, it is clear to me from the way it was written that..."

Okay, so I’m going to always feel bad about this, right?

You made a cryptic comment during another book discussion where we talked about the outlook for Kevin. I remember thinking there was going to be a momentous event but you were good…i though it would be something wonderful😢

[Jonetta]

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Oh my... when there was discussion about the rope and Kevin and Geoffrey were in such peril I knew that Kevin was going to sacrifice his life. I was absolutely horrified ... what an ending to a cha..."

Even with the fraying rope, I still believed it was only going to be a dramatic moment in a successful rescue. It wasn’t until he “locked eyes” with Stacey that it occurred to me he wasn’t going to make it. I went into shock.

[Sharon]

I'm with you Jonetta. I was sure they were going to figure out a way to save him.

[Robin]

Wow, that was tough to read. I kept hoping that he had somehow survived the fall, but I was wrong. I didn't see this coming.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

After Kim survived that fall by landing on Hannah I knew they wouldn't be so lucky for Kev to survive as well. Kev knew he probably wouldn't survive it either but he communicated to Stacey that he knew that and it was his choice to make. So brave though, especially when he had so much to live for including his 4 year daughter.

[~Teresa]

I didn’t see this coming at all. Kevin had become my favorite person. I just knew there would be some way that he was saved.

Now I’m wondering where the author is going with the series.

[Sharon]

I'm with you Teresa. If they bring another person into the group, s/he needs to be someone who doesn't try to take Dawson's place.

[Jonetta]

Oh, I hope not! This person can’t bear any resemblance to Dawson at all.

[Lynn]

Sharon wrote: "This scene is still on my mind. I expected Bryant and Stacey to find a way to rescue him. I thought he could make one more swing to safety. When he fell, he knew he wasn't going to make it. (My eye..."

Nice comment Sharon. I'm still in shock and kind of angry that Angela Marsons would do this. I understand that it is her series, and her decisions, but I still think there was more to be explored with Dawson, so I kind of feel like I've been cheated.