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The Lost Man
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The Lost Man by Jane Harper - Jan 2022 Australia Theme BOM (starts 16 Jan)
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Date Chapters MPDQs
16 Jan Prologue - Chapter 7 Keli
17 Jan Chapter 8 - Chapter 14 Eldarwen
18 Jan Chapter 15 - Chapter 22 Judith
19 Jan Chapter 23 - Chapter 31 Marie
20 Jan Chapter 32 - end Audrey Jane
Guidance for DQ setters
Aim for a reasonable number of questions: 4 - 5 is typical. Please don't post too many - any more than 7 gets unwieldy!
Use consecutive numbering of the DQs for your days. So, for example, if Day One is posted as questions 1-4, Day Two should start at number 5 etc.
Don't worry too much about your questions: you aren't being tested on how clever your questions are!
Hints and tips:
- Is there a quote that jumped out at you? Use that in a question.
- What about the characters - do they generate strong feelings? No feelings? - either way, we can explore that!
- What about that plot twist?!
- Explore the writing style: is there an unusual structure being used? what's the tone of voice like? or the point of view?
Want more information about how NBRC runs their Book of the Month discussions? Check out the information here
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Judith
Eldarwen
Keli (early day)
Marie
Audrey Jane
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I can do DQs. Can I be one of the first days, please? I've got a library copy and I may not be able to renew. 😬
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Of course!
I am going to try this oneETA I can do DQ's if needed
Will be joining the discussion. Read the prologue. I didn't know Australia also used the metric system (and I presume °C as well).I can write DQs if you need volunteers.
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(But can switch if someone needs to.)
Yay, I've got my questions all ready to go. Clearly, someone else in Norfolk is also in this Goodreads group because the same books are always being requested. So i had to read it and prepare my questions before returning it.
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That's organisation! :)
all good for me too
Cat wrote: "Keli wrote: "Yay, I've got my questions all ready to go. Clearly, someone else in Norfolk is also in this Goodreads group because the same books are always being requested. So i had to read it and ..."Goodreads groups are the only part of my life organised. 🤣😅😬
Works for me too!
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Keli . . . are you posting questions today? I keep checking, figured I'd finally just ask :P
Judith wrote: "Keli wrote: "Yay, I've got my questions all ready to go. Clearly, someone else in Norfolk is also in this Goodreads group because the same books are always being requested. So i had to read it and ..."I'm so sorry. I totally forgot.
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DQs Day 1 - Prologue - Chapter 71. How amazing and hard is the outback. Did you find yourself thinking why do people live in such inhospitable environments? What kind of people choose to live there? Would you visit, let alone live there?
2. Why do you think Cam left his vehicle? Suicide? Did he take to long searching for something?
3. As we are only just beginning to get to know all of the characters and some of their actions and/or behaviours, is there anyone who really stands out to you as questionable or shady? Anyone you particularly like?
4. Do you think the story of the Stockman is significant to Cam's death?
5. How are you enjoying the writing style?
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1. How amazing and hard is the outback. Did you find yourself thinking why do people live in such inhospitable environments? What kind of people choose to live there? Would you visit, let alone live there?
Partly I think people live out there because something calls them to it. And if they left it they would be leaving a piece of themselves, their soul behind. It's certainly not for everyone or even for most people. I wouldn't want to live that isolated. I'd be up for a visit though. Once. LOL
2. Why do you think Cam left his vehicle? Suicide? Did he take to long searching for something?
I don't think suicide unless it's because of a serious secret. Otherwise the story wouldn't be that interesting, just sad. I'm wondering if he was chased (or chasing someone/thing?). Or if he end up with a head injury that wasn't immediately apparent.
3. As we are only just beginning to get to know all of the characters and some of their actions and/or behaviours, is there anyone who really stands out to you as questionable or shady? Anyone you particularly like?
Hikers are shady but maybe done on purpose as a red herring. The dynamics around Nathan and his family are curious and I certainly want to know more. I like Nathan's son so far, he seems really out of his element though.
4. Do you think the story of the Stockman is significant to Cam's death?
Probably. Otherwise, why so much focus on the story. Maybe there is some sort of parallel.
5. How are you enjoying the writing style?
Yes and I also really enjoyed her book The Dry
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1. How amazing and hard is the outback. Did you find yourself thinking why do people live in such inhospitable environments? What kind of people choose to live there? Would you visit, let alone live there?
I would definitely want to visit, but also very definitely not with 45°c! I'd think you have to be a hardened kind of person to be able to live way out in the middle of nowhere with your nearest neighbour a few hours' drive away, able to look after everything yourself and not be the whiny kind who needs someone else to make decisions for you. And you really need to love the land.
2. Why do you think Cam left his vehicle? Suicide? Did he take to long searching for something?
Suicide? It would be obvious, wouldn't it, even though there are easier ways, though that discussion has come up in the book several times as well. Not everyone can manage to put a gun to their own head but dehydrating in the outback doesn't sound very easy either. But I don't think it was suicide.
My best guess is that he was either lured out there by someone he knows and left to die, or he saw something, went to investigate without a bottle of water and then the sun/heat got to him. Though for someone who has lived his entire life in the outback that seems like an incredibly amateur thing to do.
3. As we are only just beginning to get to know all of the characters and some of their actions and/or behaviours, is there anyone who really stands out to you as questionable or shady? Anyone you particularly like?
The obviously questionable couple - and I think they're set up to be - is Simon and Kate. But I do think that Kate at least has something to hide. Ilse knows something, too, I'm pretty sure. Bub is the odd one out who is very particular but seems to be less slow than he is at first portrayed as. Nathan has a loooot of backstory however. I'm curious to find out more.
4. Do you think the story of the Stockman is significant to Cam's death?
Significant? No. But it does seem like an odd coincidence that both men disappeared and then turned up dead with no one the wiser and everything else perfectly in order (car/horse and provisions).
5. How are you enjoying the writing style?
I really enjoy it. It feels so languid like most people would probably be with those kind of temperatures. There's something forlorn about it all, for lack of a better way of describing it. Like Judith, I also very much enjoyed her The Dry.
Eldarwen wrote: "DQs Day 1 - Prologue - Chapter 71. How amazing and hard is the outback. Did you find yourself thinking why do people live in such inhospitable environments? What kind of people choose to live the..."
Languid is the perfect word for it. I've not read any of her other books, so i don't know if this is just how she writes or if it's just this book. But I felt it fit the setting so perfectly. There was a spareness to it but it still conveyed a lot on emotion or intrigue. It pulled me in, and though it moved at its own pace, I wasn't bored for a second.
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DQs Day 1 - Prologue - Chapter 71. How amazing and hard is the outback. Did you find yourself thinking why do people live in such inhospitable environments? What kind of people choose to live there? Would you visit, let alone live there?
I agree with Judith and Eldarwen here. Definitely not for everyone but I can understand the appeal. I really like stories set in that kind of environment though. My favourite mystery series are set in remote areas/small communities. Personally, as much as I like to live in the countryside, I need a minimum of social interaction. Also I'm a 4 season kind of person :) I cannot function properly in that kind of extreme heat.
2. Why do you think Cam left his vehicle? Suicide? Did he take to long searching for something?
I don't think it was suicide either. If true crime documentaries learnt me anything is that most of the time the perpetrator is someone the victim knew. Nathan's family seems to have lots of secrets and shady personalities.
3. As we are only just beginning to get to know all of the characters and some of their actions and/or behaviours, is there anyone who really stands out to you as questionable or shady? Anyone you particularly like?
I need to know more about Nathan's brother, Bub and Harry. I didn't think about the backpackers, I think Judith might be right saying that's a red herring. So far I like Nathan's son since he's questioning things. I would like to say I like Nathan as well but don't know how reliable he's as a narrator.
4. Do you think the story of the Stockman is significant to Cam's death?
There are some similarities between both deaths. I do wonder why I died right there, expect maybe for the shade it provided ? Maybe someone put him there on purpose ?
5. How are you enjoying the writing style?
Never read anything by this author before but I'm liking it. Everything becomes gradually clearer with each chapter. I only had to adapt to the Aussie slang at the beginning, I know they tend to abbreviate a lot, but now I'm speeding through it.
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Chapters 8 - 14
6. The plot thickens! Or not quite so much yet. There is definitely a lot of secretiveness going on however. Xander is keeping his eyes and ears open, and it's maybe helpful that he is more of a city boy because he notices things that Nathan wouldn't have, such as Harry knowing exactly where to go. In and of itself, Nathan may be right, that Harry knows the land like the back of his own hand because he's lived there for many years, and yet. Do you think the man has something to hide? Does Harry know more than he lets on?
7. Why do you think Bub is pissing on his father's grave from time to time? Just because the man wasn't fond of his sons, especially the youngest, and known to be a bit of an ass? Or is there more to it?
8. What do you make of Nathan's history with the community? Most of which is all somehow related to his ex-wife's father, Keith. Nathan broke one of the cardinal rules of the outback but do you think he still deserves to suffer this punishment over a decade later?
9. Jenna Moore. Now I do wonder what was going on there. All shall probably be revealed in the next chapter. What do you think happened? She and Cam seemed to have a good time, flirted, kissed, had sex, all seemed well - except for the fact she had a boyfriend whom she cheated on - so what do you think went wrong?
Eldarwen wrote: "Her other book - The Dry - is also like that. It moves at its own pace and it just pulls you in. It's slow but never boring. I almost felt myself sweating alongside the main character haha."As both you and Judith liked it, I'm going to have to read The Dry.
Also Audrey Jane, what is/are the favourite mystery series you refer to? I'm really hit or miss with mystery. Often I don't like them but when I do they are four or five star reads, like this one. So I'm always keen to find others.
DQ Day 2Chapters 8 - 14
6. The plot thickens! Or not quite so much yet. There is definitely a lot of secretiveness going on however. Xander is keeping his eyes and ears open, and it's maybe helpful that he is more of a city boy because he notices things that Nathan wouldn't have, such as Harry knowing exactly where to go. In and of itself, Nathan may be right, that Harry knows the land like the back of his own hand because he's lived there for many years, and yet. Do you think the man has something to hide? Does Harry know more than he lets on?
I had to go back and relisten to that section where Harry turns before being told because I hadn't noticed. I thought it was very strange that he knew. But I think Harry knows way more than he is letting on. But I don’t get the feeling he is involved in Cam's death.
7. Why do you think Bub is pissing on his father's grave from time to time? Just because the man wasn't fond of his sons, especially the youngest, and known to be a bit of an ass? Or is there more to it?
There is definitely more to it than we've been teased with thus far. Either Bub is s psychopath (which could be the case) or he really dislikes his dad. Would someone on pee on grave if it was only mild dislike? I don’t think so.
8. What do you make of Nathan's history with the community? Most of which is all somehow related to his ex-wife's father, Keith. Nathan broke one of the cardinal rules of the outback but do you think he still deserves to suffer this punishment over a decade later?
This kind of frustrates me. I get he committed a cardinal sin but come on. Ten years people are still being a-holes to him. There were extenuating circumstances and he did go back, so yeah I think they're harsh. But I will refer to one of my questions, I think the kind of people who live in the Outback are likely harsh. There is a passage later in the book where Nathan is commenting on Xander, he says Xander's emotions haven't been "chipped away and sanded down to a hard callous." That's what the Outback does.
9. Jenna Moore. Now I do wonder what was going on there. All shall probably be revealed in the next chapter. What do you think happened? She and Cam seemed to have a good time, flirted, kissed, had sex, all seemed well - except for the fact she had a boyfriend whom she cheated on - so what do you think went wrong?
Honestly, I had no idea but this is one of the first times we really get more of a sense of Cam, that maybe he's not the perfect man.
DQs Day 1 - Prologue - Chapter 71. How amazing and hard is the outback. Did you find yourself thinking why do people live in such inhospitable environments? What kind of people choose to live there? Would you visit, let alone live there?
I think some people enjoy the challenge. Probably others had inherited land or property. I think you have to be a tough self-sufficient person to live in extreme conditions like that. I don't think that kind of life is for me and I don't think I'd even want to visit. Survival skills are not my forte.
2. Why do you think Cam left his vehicle? Suicide? Did he take to long searching for something?
I'm really not sure. It is kind of spooky and mysterious. I hope it wasn't suicide.
3. As we are only just beginning to get to know all of the characters and some of their actions and/or behaviours, is there anyone who really stands out to you as questionable or shady? Anyone you particularly like?
Not really yet. I always kind of hope for the unreliable narrator but I doubt this is one of those stories.
4. Do you think the story of the Stockman is significant to Cam's death?
Yes, at least, I hope it is.
5. How are you enjoying the writing style?
It took me a minute to get into the story but I'm enjoying it now.
DQ Day 2: Chapters 8 - 146. The plot thickens! Or not quite so much yet. There is definitely a lot of secretiveness going on however. Xander is keeping his eyes and ears open, and it's maybe helpful that he is more of a city boy because he notices things that Nathan wouldn't have, such as Harry knowing exactly where to go. In and of itself, Nathan may be right, that Harry knows the land like the back of his own hand because he's lived there for many years, and yet. Do you think the man has something to hide? Does Harry know more than he lets on?
I want to know why he's being so secretive. My theory is that he doesn't trust Nathan because of what he did in the past and the similarities with Cam's death, I think he wants to investigate this by himself. But his behaviour is suspicious and the fact he knew where the car was. We still don't know enough about him.
7. Why do you think Bub is pissing on his father's grave from time to time? Just because the man wasn't fond of his sons, especially the youngest, and known to be a bit of an ass? Or is there more to it?
He was defintely not an exemplary father but I don't see the point of doing that even if you disliked the person. I think at that point he needs to heal from past experiences but urinating on the dead is not the way to do it. I think the father also has a background though. Nathan's family has some interesting personalities to say the least.
8. What do you make of Nathan's history with the community? Most of which is all somehow related to his ex-wife's father, Keith. Nathan broke one of the cardinal rules of the outback but do you think he still deserves to suffer this punishment over a decade later?
This is a grey area, I understand both sides but almost ruining someone's life over this is extreme. They didn't give Nathan a chance to redeem himself, for changing his mind and turning back to help. I was really glad he stopped being petty and decided to do the right thing but turns out he got ostracized anyway. I still don't understand why Keith was so hell bent on taking his son away from him. Did he disliked Nathan just because of his father?
9. Jenna Moore. Now I do wonder what was going on there. All shall probably be revealed in the next chapter. What do you think happened? She and Cam seemed to have a good time, flirted, kissed, had sex, all seemed well - except for the fact she had a boyfriend whom she cheated on - so what do you think went wrong?
It seems to me that the Bright brothers have no luck with women. My suspicion is that she will claim she got raped and it will be her word against his, as I remember correctly they were alone when Nathan left.
Keli wrote: "Eldarwen wrote: "Her other book - The Dry - is also like that. It moves at its own pace and it just pulls you in. It's slow but never boring. I almost felt myself sweating alongside the main charac..."Added The Dry as well. Thanks for the recommendation :)
@Keli: Don't know if you're familiar with them but I'm liking the Kate Sugak (A Cold Day For Murder) series, set in Alaska, the MC is an aleut woman living in the middle of nowhere with her dog, and the Kate Burkholder (Sworn to Silence) series, set in rural Amish community in Ohio. Both are contemporary. I like that you learn about the location and its people next to the story.
Audrey Jane wrote: "Keli wrote: "Eldarwen wrote: "Her other book - The Dry - is also like that. It moves at its own pace and it just pulls you in. It's slow but never boring. I almost felt myself sweating alongside th..."Thanks, i will check them out. I love books that teach me a little something or get me to go down Wikipedia rabbit holes.
Keli wrote: "Thanks, i will check them out. I love books that teach me a little something or get me to go down Wikipedia rabbit holes."Haha, Wikipedia rabbit holes are the bane of my existence. Once I start I should basically put my book down and call it a night, no progress will be done today. You will be in for a treat, Keli ;)
Audrey Jane wrote: "Keli wrote: "Thanks, i will check them out. I love books that teach me a little something or get me to go down Wikipedia rabbit holes."Haha, Wikipedia rabbit holes are the bane of my existence. O..."
I've got Sworn to Silence tagged at my local library. It's going in my Feb reading pile 😁
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Chapters 8 - 14
6. The plot thickens! Or not quite so much yet. There is definitely a lot of secretiveness going on however. Xander is keeping his eyes and ears open, and it's maybe helpful that he is more of a city boy because he notices things that Nathan wouldn't have, such as Harry knowing exactly where to go. In and of itself, Nathan may be right, that Harry knows the land like the back of his own hand because he's lived there for many years, and yet. Do you think the man has something to hide? Does Harry know more than he lets on?
Harry is giving off some vibes for sure, just have no idea what they mean. He's a bit of a mystery and we don't know much about him aside from he's always just been there. I'm hoping we get more backstory on him soon.
7. Why do you think Bub is pissing on his father's grave from time to time? Just because the man wasn't fond of his sons, especially the youngest, and known to be a bit of an ass? Or is there more to it?
I'm guessing Carl was physically abusive, certainly sounds like he was verbally and emotionally so.
8. What do you make of Nathan's history with the community? Most of which is all somehow related to his ex-wife's father, Keith. Nathan broke one of the cardinal rules of the outback but do you think he still deserves to suffer this punishment over a decade later?
In a community like that, the whole family is lucky not to be on the outs. 10 years later does seem a bit extreme but again memories are long and I'm sure most people still think "what if it had been me? or my father?" and then don't let it go. It's a whole different way to live life. Our societal moral rules can't be applied in the same way, at least in my opinion.
9. Jenna Moore. Now I do wonder what was going on there. All shall probably be revealed in the next chapter. What do you think happened? She and Cam seemed to have a good time, flirted, kissed, had sex, all seemed well - except for the fact she had a boyfriend whom she cheated on - so what do you think went wrong?
Rape is my guess. Maybe she said no. Maybe they were both very drunk, I wouldn't be surprised if consent was dubious at best. Not that I think she'd get support or much sympathy in the community.
DQs Day 1 - Prologue - Chapter 71. How amazing and hard is the outback. Did you find yourself thinking why do people live in such inhospitable environments? What kind of people choose to live there? Would you visit, let alone live there?
I am not sure that i wondered why people chose to live there, it is probably just circumstance and what they know. Obviously this family has lived there for several generations. I don't think i would choose to visit - I can't see what i would want to see or do in such a place.
2. Why do you think Cam left his vehicle? Suicide? Did he take too long searching for something?
I am not sure - I wondered if someone else was involved but there is no sign of that at the site. Maybe it has something to do with his relationship with Ilse. There are definitely undercurrents to the narrative
3. As we are only just beginning to get to know all of the characters and some of their actions and/or behaviours, is there anyone who really stands out to you as questionable or shady? Anyone you particularly like?
I am not really "feeling" the characters at this point. Whether that is to do with the situation we meet them in or their personalities I am not sure. I think we are only getting a gruff exterior.
4. Do you think the story of the Stockman is significant to Cam's death?
I think it could be but I am not sure we have got the true story of the stockman yet
5. How are you enjoying the writing style?
I have to admit to finding it difficult to really connect with the book at the moment. I am struggling generally in my reading lately and I am not sure whether that is a factor or whether it is the book. I do like the way the author has opened up possibilities for what happened now and in the past and am hoping that will draw me in deeper as the book progresses.
DQ Day 2
Chapters 8 - 14
6. The plot thickens! Or not quite so much yet. There is definitely a lot of secretiveness going on however. Xander is keeping his eyes and ears open, and it's maybe helpful that he is more of a city boy because he notices things that Nathan wouldn't have, such as Harry knowing exactly where to go. In and of itself, Nathan may be right, that Harry knows the land like the back of his own hand because he's lived there for many years, and yet. Do you think the man has something to hide? Does Harry know more than he lets on?
I am not certain that it is Harry but i think Someone close to Cam knows something.
7. Why do you think Bub is pissing on his father's grave from time to time? Just because the man wasn't fond of his sons, especially the youngest, and known to be a bit of an ass? Or is there more to it?
well I would say his father was more than a bit of an ass - it is not explicitly stated but reading between the lines I would say Bub was beaten for minor mistakes. Also we know he is challenged in some way maybe this feels like his only control
8. What do you make of Nathan's history with the community? Most of which is all somehow related to his ex-wife's father, Keith. Nathan broke one of the cardinal rules of the outback but do you think he still deserves to suffer this punishment over a decade later?
I think what he did went against all the moral codes of humanity and he knows it . But No he should not still be being punished
9. Jenna Moore. Now I do wonder what was going on there. All shall probably be revealed in the next chapter. What do you think happened? She and Cam seemed to have a good time, flirted, kissed, had sex, all seemed well - except for the fact she had a boyfriend whom she cheated on - so what do you think went wrong?
I think she probably claimed Rape
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Chapters 15 to 22
10) I think most of us guessed correctly about the Jenna incident. Any guesses as to why she was looking for Cameron after all these years? Thoughts on Xander's reaction to hearing the story compared to the older men?
11) Anyone else get the feeling Cameron is a bit of a wanker? Like a person who wants things so others can't have them, not necessarily because he actually wants them himself. And has a vindictive streak?
12) What do you make of Lo's comment at the dinner table? What do you think the secret is? What does Cameron want Ilse's forgiveness for (re: the card Nathan found)?
13). We are halfway through now. Thoughts on the book? Predictions? Who do you think is involved?
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Chapters 15 to 22
10) I think most of us guessed correctly about the Jenna incident. Any guesses as to why she was looking for Cameron after all these years? Thoughts on Xander's reaction to hearing the story compared to the older men?
Xander has a knack for noticing things others don't and he seems to think things through a lot before making up his mind. (Probably because he often heard two/three versions of the same story.) I find there's a bit of a difference between the outback and city bred people. While the same things are expected, i.e. that help is given when needed, Xander seems a little taken aback by the fact that it wasn't more explicitly mentioned that no help was needed? Xander has a more modern view on such issues, I think. I'm rambling, sorry. It makes sense in my own head haha.
As for a guess... pregnancy, or the boyfriend raped her in jealousy because she cheated and forced her to use that against Cam. BUT... the way reactions are written and even Cam's own behaviour... there is a hint of doubt in it all. And even the most hardened and/or outspoken girls aren't going to immediately shout that they have been raped, and Jenna was apparently very quiet while in the car with Jacqui.
But why she would now come back to haunt Cam after nothing came of the accusation all those years ago...?! Revenge??
11) Anyone else get the feeling Cameron is a bit of a wanker? Like a person who wants things so others can't have them, not necessarily because he actually wants them himself. And has a vindictive streak?
Cam definitely has a vindictive streak! I'm pretty sure that Nathan's hunch about Cameron hooking up with Ilse only after Nathan mentioned there was a pretty girl is spot on. So basically, yes, I also think he was a bit of a wanker. Bub's reaction lets on to that as well. When he says that the only thing wrong with his idea about changing mustering timetables was the fact that it had not been Cameron's idea... weeeeell... Bub may not be completely right in the head but he isn't a complete idiot either. (Though he has a bit of a nasty streak as well it seems. With their father however... probably inevitable. Nature vs nurture and all that jazz.)
12) What do you make of Lo's comment at the dinner table? What do you think the secret is? What does Cameron want Ilse's forgiveness for (re: the card Nathan found)?
I've been wondering that, too. Everything? Maybe their marriage wasn't as happy as Nathan seems to think it is. For being an ass in general? For sleeping with Katy? For using her to get back at Nathan?
Lo however is a very perceptive child who is scared of saying the wrong thing because everybody tells her to either keep things secret or that she is imagining things. I think the girl is spot on, to be honest. And I'm pretty sure that someone was sneaking around the house. Potentially even Jenna, though it really would be difficult to go undetected in such a small community due to supplies being needed, especially during peak heat, even if everyone is spread far and wide.
13). We are halfway through now. Thoughts on the book? Predictions? Who do you think is involved?
I am enjoying it a lot and I really, really, really want to know what on earth happened and what all these people have to hide.
I wouldn't put it past Bub to have grown resentful over time for being overlooked or not taken seriously, though he doesn't strike me as the kind of person to plan a murder.
Simon, while suspicious and odd, wouldn't have motive apart from Cam making a move on Katy maybe or them trying to hide from the law because of previous wrong-doing. I wouldn't even be surprised if they stole the money that has apparently gone missing.
Then there's Ilse, who has something to hide.
Jenna is a problem.
And Harry, Harry who acts like a tough bastard but feels incredibly entitled because he has been on the homestead for longer than the boys have been alive. He seems to think it gives him certain rights - and I can't help but wonder if he is having the hots for Liz, even if Liz no longer has anything to say on the farm or even shares in the property.
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The same thing happened to me with The Dry.
And I also was thinking Harry has the hots for Liz.
DQs Day 3Chapters 15 to 22
10) I think most of us guessed correctly about the Jenna incident. Any guesses as to why she was looking for Cameron after all these years? Thoughts on Xander's reaction to hearing the story compared to the older men?
Maybe she had his baby and came back to tell Cameron
I think Xander lacks certainty in some ways and the memories alone don't bring him any, so that he has to question further.
On the other hand Xander's need to know does not always sit well with me. There is no evidence that he had a strong relationship with any of his father's family except maybe grandma. I am not saying he didn't see them but when you are only there for high days and holidays you don't see the real person. I personally don't really see why it is Xander with all the questions
11) Anyone else get the feeling Cameron is a bit of a wanker? Like a person who wants things so others can't have them, not necessarily because he actually wants them himself. And has a vindictive streak?
I can' say I do - I don't think we are seeing the real McCoy in any of their characters there are an awful lot of secrets / hidden truths
12) What do you make of Lo's comment at the dinner table? What do you think the secret is? What does Cameron want Ilse's forgiveness for (re: the card Nathan found)?
I think there is an atmosphere of secrecy and mistrust. everyone seems to have something they are holding back. Children can be quite intuitive and maybe Lois has created something out of nothing.
The card may be a suicide note of some kind
13). We are halfway through now. Thoughts on the book? Predictions? Who do you think is involved?
Someone described it as languid earlier - I think it is just plain slow. At this point I cannot predict who is involved, there are too many snippets.
Keli wrote: "I've got Sworn to Silence tagged at my local library. It's going in my Feb reading pile"Nice! Hope you like it :)
Eldarwen wrote: "Ok, basically I know nothing. But that's what I like about Harper's books. In The Dry, it also took me a very long time to finally get that "ooooh!!" moment and that was practically..."Same here. By now I would make some educated guesses, maybe figured some parts out but nope. I read a bit further to get more information but nothing.
DQs Day 3: Chapters 15 to 2210) I think most of us guessed correctly about the Jenna incident. Any guesses as to why she was looking for Cameron after all these years? Thoughts on Xander's reaction to hearing the story compared to the older men?
Agree with Eldarwen here regarding Xander. He has more modern views. I like that he questions things around him, and is not blinded by the fact they are his relatives. He actually liked Cameron but still questions his past.
I might lean towards pregnancy as well. Jenna and her boyfriend left almost immediately after the incident. I say there's no smoke without a fire. Cameron and co. might have dismissed it but Jenna had to live with it. Why come back if nothing happened ?
11) Anyone else get the feeling Cameron is a bit of a wanker? Like a person who wants things so others can't have them, not necessarily because he actually wants them himself. And has a vindictive streak?
Yes and yes. He's not the innocent guy I initially thought he was. It seems he was kind of the patriarch of the family after his father died. He also could face their father more than Nathan or Bub could, and got a kick out of it (when burning his books). I think there's some resentment between the brothers. It's not like they were sad he died. I at least didn't feel that.
12) What do you make of Lo's comment at the dinner table? What do you think the secret is? What does Cameron want Ilse's forgiveness for (re: the card Nathan found)?
I think Cameron has some secrets and Ilse maybe found out about it, at least part of it. It seems to me he kept secrets from her. And indeed, not a happy marriage, if you're not letting your wife know that you're hiring backpackers, seems like there was a lack of communication.
I thought it suspicious that Harry was pressuring Lo so much. Like he wanted to see if she would say something pertinent or possibly snitch on somebody.
13). We are halfway through now. Thoughts on the book? Predictions? Who do you think is involved?
Are the missing items or money in the painting or at the Stockman's grave? Is that why Cameron wants nobody to go there or touch the painting ? Because he hid something there, part of a secret maybe. Needless to say, I'm liking Cam less and less the more I get to know him via Nathan's stories.
We need to know where Jenna is asap!
DQs Day 3Chapters 15 to 22
10) I think most of us guessed correctly about the Jenna incident. Any guesses as to why she was looking for Cameron after all these years? Thoughts on Xander's reaction to hearing the story compared to the older men?
I thought she'd be coming back to confront him. To tell him he didn't ruin her life. Or that she had a baby and he owes a ton of back child support.
11) Anyone else get the feeling Cameron is a bit of a wanker? Like a person who wants things so others can't have them, not necessarily because he actually wants them himself. And has a vindictive streak?
Yes. Since, I've already read the book. I can't remember when things were revealed but he came across a someone who is nice if you don't look to hard.
12) What do you make of Lo's comment at the dinner table? What do you think the secret is? What does Cameron want Ilse's forgiveness for (re: the card Nathan found)?
I had no idea what Cam was looking for or what the big secret was. I thought maybe the card was a forgive me for cheating, rather than forgive me for killing myself, kind of card.
13). We are halfway through now. Thoughts on the book? Predictions? Who do you think is involved?
I really enjoyed this book. I liked how things were revealed. It reminded me of an Agatha Christie. The red herrings and the introductions of the characters, who appear sinister or questionable, but as the story goes on reasons are revealed for their behaviour. It's good.
Mod
Yeah I don't particularly get that feeling either. Shocked, yes, and they don't understand how, why, what, but they aren't particularly devastated by the loss of a family member. Bub is 10 years younger so that could always explain his lack of sorrow, but Cameron and Nathan were best friends when they were kids, and there was only a 2 year difference... It's odd.
Audrey Jane wrote: "Are the missing items or money in the painting or at the Stockman's grave? Is that why Cameron wants nobody to go there or touch the painting ?"
I was wondering that, too! Was that why there was a hole at the grave? Is that why Cam forbade his family to touch the painting? Or is a different kind of secret hidden behind that odd patch on the painting, or behind the painting itself?
Sooo many questions!
DQ Day 2Chapters 8 - 14
6. The plot thickens! Or not quite so much yet. There is definitely a lot of secretiveness going on however. Xander is keeping his eyes and ears open, and it's maybe helpful that he is more of a city boy because he notices things that Nathan wouldn't have, such as Harry knowing exactly where to go. In and of itself, Nathan may be right, that Harry knows the land like the back of his own hand because he's lived there for many years, and yet. Do you think the man has something to hide? Does Harry know more than he lets on?
Yes, that's pretty suspicious. Maybe too suspicious so maybe he just knows something but wasn't directly involved.
7. Why do you think Bub is pissing on his father's grave from time to time? Just because the man wasn't fond of his sons, especially the youngest, and known to be a bit of an ass? Or is there more to it?
It really feels more aggressive than just not getting along with someone. I agree with the others that think it may have been that their father was physically or sexually abusive to Bub. Or maybe Bub knew something about their father that the others didn't.
8. What do you make of Nathan's history with the community? Most of which is all somehow related to his ex-wife's father, Keith. Nathan broke one of the cardinal rules of the outback but do you think he still deserves to suffer this punishment over a decade later?
I think what he did was pretty horrible all things considered. Like he said, it would have been manslaughter if his father-in-law had died. I think the worst part is that Nathan doesn't even feel sorry for what he did. He's just sorry he didn't get away with it. He even went so far to wish that his father-in-law died. I understand that his father-in-law seemed like a jerk but to leave a man who was having a stroke out in the middle of the outback with no knowledge that anyone would be around to save him is really bad.
9. Jenna Moore. Now I do wonder what was going on there. All shall probably be revealed in the next chapter. What do you think happened? She and Cam seemed to have a good time, flirted, kissed, had sex, all seemed well - except for the fact she had a boyfriend whom she cheated on - so what do you think went wrong?
I've actually read ahead so I know the answer. However, at the time I thought that maybe she got pregnant.
Mod
1. How amazing and hard is the outback. Did you find yourself thinking why do people live in such inhospitable environments? What kind of people choose to live there? Would you visit, let alone live there?
Honestly I find Australia too big to cope with. That and the fact that it takes a day to get there means I am never likely to visit. Sorry Karen!
2. Why do you think Cam left his vehicle? Suicide? Did he take to long searching for something?
Surely not suicide- he wouldn't be looking for the shade if that was the case. Plus the lying about his plans (to go to thingie hill overnight) suggest something devious afoot
3. As we are only just beginning to get to know all of the characters and some of their actions and/or behaviours, is there anyone who really stands out to you as questionable or shady? Anyone you particularly like?
Not sure right now. Nathan's obviously made some bad choices in the past but seems to be trying his best for Xander now.
4. Do you think the story of the Stockman is significant to Cam's death?
Oooh... Dunno!
5. How are you enjoying the writing style?
I like it. I enjoyed The Dry, and the languid (so right,E!) pacing works here.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Dry (other topics)Force of Nature (other topics)
The Dry (other topics)
The Dry (other topics)
The Dry (other topics)
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AUSTRALIA THEME
Two brothers meet at the border of their vast cattle properties under the unrelenting sun of outback Queensland. They are at the stockman’s grave, a landmark so old, no one can remember who is buried there. But today, the scant shadow it casts was the last hope for their middle brother, Cameron. The Bright family’s quiet existence is thrown into grief and anguish. Something had been troubling Cameron. Did he lose hope and walk to his death? Because if he didn’t, the isolation of the outback leaves few suspects…
Dark, suspenseful, and deeply atmospheric, The Lost Man is the highly anticipated next book from the bestselling and award-winning Jane Harper, author of The Dry and Force of Nature.
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nominator: Eldarwen