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The Book of Cold Cases
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The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St James - June 2022 Adult or Non-Fiction BOM (starts 2 June 2022)
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
This is my 3rd book by this author however didn't read The Sun Down Motel (I read The Broken Girls and Lost Among the Living). So far I'm liking this book more than the other two I've read.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
Agree with the previous comments. Haven't experienced the divorced bit but most of the time the MC is definitely a more mature woman with a complicated/troubled past. It makes the storyline more interesting in my opinion.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
I found the reason why Beth accepted the interview a bit weak but otherwise no, not really, didn't expect "ghosts" to appear though. That passage gave me the chills.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
I wasn't thinking of ghosts when reading, I thought it was a combination of mental illness/unrealiable narrator. It seems most here are convinced that those were ghostly occurrences so will assume that when reading along.
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I have! I loved the paranormal portions in both of those books. I have heard so many good reviews that my expectations are pretty high!
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
I can't say I have as my most recent horror books have been YA. I think maybe the author chose a divorced female because they seem more vulnerable and likely to be unreliable narrators.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
I just took it all in like a sponge. I have a feeling Beth chose Shea for a reason but feel we won't know that reason for a while.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
OOH!! I love them! So spooky and gives me the creeps. The only detraction is that I feel like there will be some explanation for these occurrences. Hopefully not, I do love me a good ghost story :D
Day 1 DQs1. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I have read and very much enjoyed The Sun Down Motel. If this book is anything like that, there will be thrills and excitement with a touch of the supernatural sprinkled in.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
That's an interesting observation, I wonder if adult women are perhaps a large portion of the market for the genre so it helps to make the main character relatable. Although I feel like the majority of crime thrillers involving police/detectives etc. tend to be lead by divorced men!
I think having a recent divorce gives a good background and motivation for how a character is as a person without needing too much of a detailed backstory. The author herself is probably around a similar age to the main character and they say you should always write what you know.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
I feel like Beth is currently being suspiciously open in the interview but maybe not completely truthful. I think one comment that stood out was how she didn't want to be like her mother. There's obviously some interesting backstory here.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
I was fully expecting there to be supernatural/ghostly elements to the story having read other books by the author. I was surprised they came up so soon though. There wasn't any kind of build up or suspense like there usually would be in a horror novel, it went straight in with the full on screaming crying poltergeist type activity!
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I did read the Sun Down Motel and loved it. I am really enjoying this book so far.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
Wow, I haven’t paid attention to that. Recently divorced , maybe these women are open to new opportunity and are more observant?
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you? I am a bit wary of Beth’s motives. I will keep an eye on her.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
I love the ghostly occurrences. I love paranormal fiction so it is right up my alley. Can’t wait to see what is going on.
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I have not read from this author before. If this book goes well, I will likely pick up more of her work. I have been curious about her writing for a while now. As far as expectations, I don't really know. I would guess the MC will be harassed by a killer and won't trust anyone as is typical in a thriller. Beyond that, I haven't really given it a thought.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
There are a lot of single woman protagonists in these types of books. As far as being recently divorced, it can sometimes be used to set up the ex as a potential suspect. I think that having the woman being single increases her isolation and perceived helplessness. It also makes her available for a potential love interest.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
I think I was more interested in what happened to Shea than what may have happened with Beth. I didn't really have any expectations, so I think I will wait and see what happens.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
I think if that stuff was going on in my house, I would be creeped out by it. I do generally like a good ghost story. I'm not sure how this all fits in just yet.
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I haven't. This is my first book by this author. But from what I have heard I am expecting a fast-paced paranormal thriller.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
I honestly did not notice this, but I don't read so much of this genre. Maybe having a middle-aged divorced woman gives more scope to introduce a traumatic or interesting past. Or maybe by making the character divorced, authors do away with having to paint a family life. I would guess here Shea had to be young to fit the narrative of her chasing an old cold case.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
I did not specifically expect anything. But I was surprised by Shea so openly answering Beth's question about her car phobia in spite of thinking so much about manipulations before. Beth's comment on how people assumed her to be free from trouble because she was rich even after she lost both her parents struck a chord, although it is not much from the suspense perspective.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
I was shocked to see this happen so early in the story. In the previous flashback chapter I was wondering if Beth was hallucinating. But the ghost is already here. I'm not much of a horror reader, but this got me intrigued.
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
This is my first book by this author. I'm hoping that the book is thrilling and suspenseful. Something that keeps me wanting to read.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
I think that the sense that the person is alone and has trouble with relationships adds to layer of people not believing her when she's trying to tell the something.
I think in this case, Shea had something happen to her when she was young that was life-altering. Because of that, she is older than her 29 years.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
I'm still trying to feel out the characters but I was expecting Beth to be a cool cookie and she was. I think she showed a bit more vulnerability than I expected (talking about how she was a young woman who was struggling but everyone just wanted to label her a slut, and when she talked about how some places won't let you leave.) I also thought that Beth did as well like when she admitted why she had a car phobia.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
I wasn't expecting that. I have to admit, I didn't really read much about the story before starting it. I knew it was a thriller and I only read that the first paragraph so I was surprised that there was a ghost. When Beth was hearing noises earlier in the book, I thought she had schizophrenia or something.
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I have read both The Broken Girls and The Sundown Motel by this author. I expect that there will be a slight supernatural twist to the story.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
It does certainly seem to be a trope in mystery novels. I think that authors try to use a history of divorce to give their MCs some life experience and emotional complexity. I'm not sure what Shea being divorced really adds to the plot.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
I thought Beth would be a little harder to get talking. It was interesting that she checked Shea out before letting her into her home. It's smart, but I found the parallel between the two women interesting.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
It's too soon for me to really tell if I like the supernatural occurrences. So far, I feel it slightly detracts from the story.
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
This is my first book from this author, Ive heard great things about TSDM but still yet to read, the ghost eerie atmosphere was what I was most looking forward to having heard this is a signature
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
I read a lot of mystery/thrillers and its defiantly a common troupe. With Shea she comes across a older, more life experience and in tune with emotional intelligence, I think this is a direct result of what happened to her as a child, her sense of awareness was heightened after that incident. Giving layers to a character, creates more interest and encourages investment in the character for the reader.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you? Its obvious from the onset its no accident Shea is interviewing Beth, reporters have wanted to interview Beth for years, thrown money at her and she refused. Im interested to find out Beths motive for going with Shea. I like the Atmosphere of the House, again those eerie creepy chills I was hoping for.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
I like this element of mystery as the reader we don't quite know whats going on yet, is Shea imagining it? ghosts? bit in the back of my mind I keep thinking what Beths' motive is in selecting Shea to interview her.... it cant just be a lucky coincidence
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
No. I haven't. Firstly I even thought this book was The Sun Down Motel, the cover is similar, and The Sun Down Motel appeared a lot in my timeline a while back. I've read a little bit about this book and thought about reading the other one first, but then I've read a lot of people saying they were kind of disappointed because The Sun Down was better, so I think it's best to start with this one.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
I like mystery but I'm only starting now to read more contemporary books, and I don't think I ever read a book with this type of MC. I think that in this type of books, if you get an unmarried woman as a character, it's easier for the reader to get anxious and wonder: "Is she going to be ok meeting a possible criminal? If something happens to her, will someone notice?" while if the character has a family you don't think it's going to be that dangerous.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
It's still very superficial, so no.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
I don't like it normally. When I read about crimes, murder, mystery, I want real stuff, something that makes sense in real life.
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
Not yet but it's on my TBR! Idk but the story is interesting. But we'll find out soon
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
Haven't noticed this but most books i read has family or relationship problems. Anyway, maybe authors thinks its easier to have MC that are divorced or about to be divorced since they have adjustment difficulties and emotionally unstable which are prone to encounter suspence and thriller backstory. But idk really its just my opinion..
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
Honestly, its kinda similar to Evelyn Hugo plot. But i like the start of their interview but the house was creepy
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
The house was creepy and i dont get Shea's reaction. If it were me i would shout and run out of the house lol But, yeah the story is fascinating
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I've read quite a few of this author and enjoyed them. I was actually thinking much along the same lines as the question when I started, how much is atmosphere and supposition of ghostly events and how much is real. It's going to be interesting to read along and find out.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
Probably because a divorced woman especially if it was a difficult divorce emotionally brings a lot more character baggage to the story.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
I think having Beth's POV and how scared she is directly contrasts to how other people perceive her. Her interview with Shea will get to the truth of her character and what happened.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
Mmmm, having read quite a few of this author this is her usual style. I really enjoy her atmospheric writing and how the spooky house seems to become a living breathing entity. But usually by the end all the parts combine and it's not what you think. It will be interesting to find out if this is what happens in this story.
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
No this is a new author to me. I am looking forward to the ride.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
Not really havent noticed this trend. Lately the books I have been reading are MC who are married middle aged and not divorced.
Perhaps a younger MC chosen so she could relate to Beth when she was in her early 20's.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
I wasnt sure what to expect or how Shea would handle this interview. I thought it interesting that Beth referred to her mother as trapped and perhaps there was some resentment by mother that her life was dfferent than she had envisioned.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
I havent read a ghost story in a long time. I was reading the last chapters in the early morning and was glad that I didnt have to go to sleep after reading those parts. I love horror but find I have to read it during the day as I am a scaredy cat.
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
No, this is a new author for me. There has been a lot of hype behind this author, so my expectations are fairly high for a thrilling, suspenseful ride.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
I find that authors often write from their own experiences, so maybe there is a recent rise in author divorces? I think for this book it may be a plot device to explain some of the character’s more questionable choices. When a neurodivergent person loses one of their anchors, it can be chaotic.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
The mutual digging for personal information was an good dynamic. Beth is a formidable interviewee, so it’ll be interesting to see how Shea handles it.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
Definitely didn’t go for subtlety. I like a good ghost story, so I’m here for it. Will be intriguing to see how the mystery and the ghost play out.
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I did read The Sun Down Motel. So it made me expect something similar. Ghosts, and a mystery rooted in the past.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
I think for this book it serves to make her seem very isolated with nobody she can ask for help.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you? I felt like Beth is very self-aware. I liked how she interviewed Shay as much as getting interviewed herself - maybe more.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
I thought they were super spooky but I also felt like they detracted a bit from the mystery aspect. But yeah, creepy
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I did read The Sun Down Motel in 2020 and I loved it! Based on that reading experience, I'd have to say that I expect this book to be excellent, keep me on my toes and guessing, and definitely full of twists and turns. I don't know that it changes my expectations for this book, but it definitely helps me know my expectations.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
I can't say that I know the answer to that; however, my guess would be in part the audience the author is aiming for which is adults, and many adults either have gone through divorce or likely all know someone who has. So there should be a maturity level of the character.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
I don't know that I had any expectations for the interview in particular other than I was curious why Beth agreed to the interview after not giving any for so many years. The comment that stuck out to me was "The fever of madness was about to break after all this time...Beth knew all about madness." It set the tone and I saw it as foreshadowing of some things I expect I will learn about her as I read.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
I am not that much into paranormal and ghostly characters/plots, but I still felt they added to the mystery. I questioned why there was so much description of the house. What secrets does the house hold?
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I have not read the other book, so that will not influence me. I think we have 2 women who have psychological issues and that the ending may be ambiguous as to answers. Since it is written from both POVs we probably will have at least one unreliable narrator, maybe both.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
I think it is a common theme because it leaves the narrator alone. It also makes you wonder why the marriage didn't work. If blame is alluded toward the ex then the narrator becomes a sympathetic character. The death of parents is also common in this type of plot again I think to make the MC alone without the typical support. This narrator at least has a relationship with her sister. For this book with a questionable second narrator and a lot of scary activities at the house the psychological impact is higher if she has to internalize everything and reason it out.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
A couple of things stick out. Shea seems to be easily swayed and charmed by Beth into telling her childhood experience and about her phobia, although she does seem to be holding something back. Beth also seems to give out info that wasn't in Shea's research (her mother's history), so each appears to be offering info as well as gleaning it.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
At this point it seems real to Shea and to Beth putting the story into the paranormal. Whether this proves a mind thing or real will need to be determined, but it makes the book scarier.
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I have not, though I do own it! It was the first book of hers that caught my interest. I'm looking forward to a thriller that has a bit of a supernatural element because I've heard that's kinda this author's thing. We shall see!
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
I haven't really noticed this trend but I also haven't read a ton of more recent thrillers lately. Fantasy is my fave and has kinda taken over my reading life lately. I think the choice to have her be divorced is so that she's isolated and alone. She might be more likely to feel attached to Beth if she's feeling lonely or make maybe not great choices. I think it helps set the tone for the novel, as well.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
I think Shea asked some interesting questions, which was smart. Not the same old, same old that Beth has heard a thousand times over. I also think Shea might have bitten off more than she can chew. I do wonder what Shea is keeping from Beth about what happened to her after the Incident, though.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
Oh, no, that's what I'm here for! I love when possible supernatural shenanigans are sprinkled into a thriller. I only have my horror movie loving heart to blame, haha. I also think it's adds an extra element to the puzzle. Are there actually ghosts involved? Or are we just dealing with two very damaged women? Gotta keep reading to find out!
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I did read it for another BOM. I didn't even read the blurb for this one, so had no expectations going in. As I started reading, I was surprised by the similarities to TSDM, but I'm not really expecting it to go in the same direction.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
I think the MC choice has a lot to do with the expected audience and also with the expectations the reader has of the MC's choices, believability, reactions, etc. While there are a lot of female MC in mystery/thrillers, there are also a bunch with male MC's.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
I didn't expect both women to immediately share aspects of their past. Nor, did I expect Beth to become aware of the house's personality so quickly. As for comments, the comment before the interview was the one that grabbed my attention ~ "We'll start on Sunday. Be at the mansion at ten. I don't cook, I don't make coffee and I don't have servants. Bring your own shit." (then a hangup). ~ This made me think that Beth is trying to live up to her reputation. Also the comment that Vicki referenced ~ "The fever of madness was about to break after all this time...Beth knew all about madness." ~ makes me wonder if it will be what the writer is making you expect right away.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
Foreshadowing or misdirection? Again, it makes me wonder if the ghostly aspect that we are now expecting is really going to be the crux. I fully expect there to be a different direction now. I think that there is a more complicated reason that Beth chose to grant Shea the interview than she liked what she was writing on the True Crime blog....maybe Beth can she her aura or can sense people with the same open receptors to paranormal activity. Mere speculation ~ I stopped reading at the end of Ch. 11!
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-195. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?.
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
Mod
1. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
Yes, I have read The Sun Down Motel when it was a BOM a couple years ago. But Cold Cases will actually be my 5th book by this author. I've rated everything I've read by her at least 4 stars.
I have high expectations for this book based on my past experience with St. James.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
Yes, I think it was a previously uncommon characteristic for MC, especially if they were women. I also think being divorced doesn't have the same taint to it. And maybe because I'm older, it's nice not to have characters all be early twenties who don't realize they are very attractive.
For this book, I think it helped explain why she was relatively isolated at least when home. And further reasons why she may shy away from relationships/male attention.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
Shea provided more background in the initial discussion than I was expecting. However, I think it helped move the conversation forward and Beth willing to reciprocate the sharing of private details.
The comment about Beth's mother being trapped popped out to me. It speaks to the type of emotional environment in the household Beth grew up in.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
I'm interested to see where it goes. St. James does a really good job typically of weaving in ghostly elements into stories without them being hokey.
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-195. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?.
Of course! Wouldn't we all look for a more logical explanation first? Although I'm not sure telekinesis qualifies as "more logical" to me lol.
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
The very first time we witnessed their phone conversation I already had a feeling this is where it's gonna go - they're gonna end up with each other. It was so obviously set up in my opinion. Now I've also been briefly wondering if he could be the bad guy in all oft his somehow. Maybe he's after Shea for some reason? But then again her kidnapper is still in prison so it can't secretly be him...
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Ms. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
First of all, I'd prefer if we didn't call her "crazy". Mental disorders are quite common and there shouldn't be such a stigma around them. They're an illness just like physical health problems are.
Mrs. Greer definitely had some issues in the past but we don't know enough about them yet. Could easily be a mental disorder, but that doesn't mean we should dismiss her as "incompetent" and "the crazy one".
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
Oh that definitely was a bit scary, especially listening to it on my own, in the dark, in the middle of the night. I like how Winston is a part of Shea's life now, it's a nice little touch with animals + the supernatural. That was a good cool in my opinion! Would I go back to the mansion though? I doubt it. I'd be terrified. Especially since Shea already thinks she's starting to hear voices in her home too. oh my gosh the anxiety!!! Although secretly I'd still be at least a little bit itching to go back, simply out of curiousity. I'd probably die of anxiety though if I actually went lol.
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
Uhm. We have this family joke that there's a ghost living on our property as sometimes things fall off shelves and doors open without there being an air draft. My brother named him Marvin years ago, and he doesn't mean or cause any harm.
Nothing has happened in a while, but I'll bet ya something's gonna come crashing down the floor completely unprovoked again soon, now that I mentioned him.
Oh and our dog sometimes looks straight at "something" even though there clearly isn't anything there. Just air. That makes me feel a bit uncomfortable at times lol.
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-195. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?.
I think most of us would try and reason a logical explanation. But it seems pretty spooky in this case.
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
On first thoughts it seems that Michael will be the love interest. But, it did cross my mind like Christina mentioned that there might be a twist and Michael is actually a bad guy wanting to do Shea harm for some reason, maybe linked to her past...
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
It's either mental illness or she had psychic abilities which are manifesting now from beyond the the grave... ooohhhh.
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
Yep, animals are more sensitive and have more acute hearing, definitely super spooky. I'd be out of there.
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
The only ghostly experience I've had (other than ghost tours, LOL) was a few weeks after my Mother died. I was half awake and thought I felt her next to my bed stroking my hair. It wasn't creepy or scary sort of comforting. It only happened once, was it an expression of grief or her saying goodbye.. I'll never know but I like to think it was the latter.
Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "DQs Day 2: Chap 12-19I love that ghost story Lisa. I'd like to think it was the latter also.
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-195. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?.
I would have believed ghosts over telekinesis and would have never ever ever wanted to go back to that house!!
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
Note: I laughed at the cat's name - cute! I think they will meet up. I HOPE Michael isn't some evil person - I suspect everyone!
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories? It sounds like she was crazy and her behavior that we've heard about seems to support that. Although people used "mental problems" for a lot of things. I remember my Aunt who suffered from depression being sent away at 16 to a mental facility where they gave her shock treatments!! And that was in the 70s. I was just a little kid but I still thought that couldn't be right.
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that? I wouldn't have come back to the house after the first experience, and after this - eeek. I thought it was super spooky. And wondered who it was? I'm guessing the mom?
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share? Not any scary stories. My Grandmother, who I adored, used to occasionally say she saw loved ones who had passed on. My parents thought she was nuts, but I thought she was sincere.
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-195. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?
I don't believe in ghosts so I probably would've tried to figure out some logical reason that happened. That being said, there were other things that happened so it did get creepy It would have definitely made me wonder.
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
So far their relationship is purely business. I do think they'll meet but I don't have any expectations they'll be romantic as of yet.
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
With all of the ghostly occurrences in the house and the house being a sore spot for Mariana, I do think she either had mental issues or some kind of paranormal abilities and perhaps was thought to be insane.
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
I found that part very eerie! I do think animals sense anything out of the ordinary, so I assume Winston does too. I would not want to go back, but if my passion were the same as Shea's and it was my only way to get an interview, I probably would go back too.
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
Nope! I've never experienced anything ghostly that I can remember. I have had times in my adult life where I woke up and saw a face or a person and I screamed. It's happened recently and I truly scream so it's very frightening. My husband gets woken up and comforts me. I've always assumed it was a figment of my imagination/part of a nightmare...but I couldn't remember any dream so maybe ghosts do exist? Hmmm
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I don't think I've read anything else by this author. I didn't have a lot of expectations going in. I was surprised by the tags "horror" and "paranormal" because based on just the cover I would have thought this was just thriller/mystery.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
Could be for a few reasons: relatability: most readers of this type of fiction tend to be older (although I wouldn't say 29 is old...). Divorce adds a bit of drama. The protagonist is free to date someone new but has a bit of baggage thanks to the ex and probably won't jump into anything quickly. An older divorced protagonist also likely lives alone so that can add to their vulnerability.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
Actually all of this kind of reminds me of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I'm trying to sus out why Beth wants to tell her story to Shea of all people. It can't just be because of the blog, right? Nothing is sticking out to me about the interview yet but it is clear they are both lying.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
I'm going to be annoyed if the answer is "ghosts did it" ngl.
Mod
5. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?.
I think our brains naturally try to make things fit in nice, logical boxes and doesn't like it when the answer is something we are trying to avoid. I mean I don't think Shea even remotely believed the telekinesis angle but it was the best she could come up with. Even not being there Michael came up with almost as implausible explanation for it to happen for much the same reason.
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
Oh, I think he's interested. And I think they'll end up together.
Side note: I'd love to know what Alison thought about what Shea was saying through the door as she dropped the cat off.
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
Well, sending girls away was much easier at the time Beth's mother was 18 (1940s/1950s?). And crazy didn't always mean mental health issues, it could just mean she didn't want to do nothing but clean house, cook, and raise babies. And was therefore considered 'difficult'.
Really though, I'm wondering if there is another child and Beth's mom was sent away because she was pregnant by someone not suitable for marriage the way Beth's father was. So they made her give up the baby instead of marrying the father.
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
I think animals are more sensitive to things. Whether supernatural things truly exisist? I don't know. I just know enough to acknowledge there are a lot of things that happen that defy explanation and not everything needs one.
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
My husband has had some weird things happen at work. He's a funeral director so he tries to take it in stride, it helps that he's never felt threatened.
Our son though has laughed, smiled, babbled when he was younger to empty air. He did it a lot. We sort of joked it was one of our deceased loved ones coming to see him. We just said "tell them we said hello and we miss them". Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. I still kind of hope it was my MIL or one of my grandparents because it's nice to think they didn't completely miss out on meeting our son.
Mod
5. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?.
I'd have gone for a logical reason that isn't either TK or ghosts! Old house = wonky house, cupboards can open if not properly closed etc etc
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
I'm glad that Shea is getting more people in her life, and I hope Michael is a relatively straightforward potential love interest and not a twisty red herring that burns her for being open to relationships again.
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
Was she abused / raped and sent away to hide the aftermath? Are we sure Momma Greer is dead - or is it her that was the Lady Killer?
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
It was spooky! But I'm also intrigued as to how a 1970s era ghost has competence in 2010s tech to wipe everything so completely. And also why a tech competent blogger doesn't automatically have her stuff backed up to the cloud!
Mod
She mentioned it was gone from the cloud as well, so I assumed she had it on automatic back up and woo-woo it was gone from both spots.
Mod
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-195. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?
I think everyone looks for a logical reason for things that can't be explained. I don't believe or dis-believe in ghosts, but I do know that both those experiences would have spooked me. Part of me wonders if Shea was subconsciously thinking about the dad being killed in the house and about the Lady Killer and was manifesting those things herself.
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
There seems to be interest on both sides. I'm a bit leary of Michael, we don't really know much about him. Shea may know all about his background and there isn't anything to be leary about....time will tell.
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
"Sent away somewhere.." could have all kinds of reasons - pregnacy, some sort of trauma, an illness either physical or mental, or maybe she was some sort of sociopath. I don't have any theories at at this point...other than I though from the first ghostly encounter that maybe the Lady Killer was Beth's mother.
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
It was eerie. I think animals have a much greater sensitivity to sounds, people, etc. I would probably go back because I'd need to know what was really going on! I think that its more complicated that supernatural or ghostly - can ghosts really wipe data from phones/the cloud....
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
My grandfather was always telling ghost stories about things he experienced. I've heard things happening in some houses I've been in - like dinner being shared, plates and things being picked up and sat down, chairs moving and lite chatter - but I've never seen anything.
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I read it during out last TT challenge. I’ll expect the unexpected.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
So far I sense a conflict between men/women…I’ll be curious if this turns out to be a factor.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
Beth definitely has an issue with men…she makes a couple of comments about double standards for me.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
I thought it was interesting how Shea could manage to get Beth’s water with all the creepy cabinet-blood stuff going on. Odd that Beth asked her to go get her a drink being the hostess and then coincidentally the creepy stuff just so happens. Yep…Beth is definitely up to something here I think.
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-195. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?.
I think I would try and think logically and try and work out any way it could have happened. If I couldn't think of anything I would probably nope the heck out of there with that level of ghost activity!
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
I have a feeling they will definitely end up meeting up and they will either turn out to be a great couple OR he will turn out to be someone awful from Shea's past
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
Hmm I didn't really think about it before but it could actually be anything, not necessarily mental health related. One thing that springs to mind is a pregnancy that needed covering up. That could also explain future unhappiness and arguments with her husband.
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
This was definitely spooky! Unknown voices whispering on recordings are bound to freak you out. Plus the cat reacting in that way. There's no way I would go back to the house, I would definitely interview Beth away from the house from then on!
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
Nothing super obvious, just weird creepy feelings. My old house just had a really creepy vibe, especially the loft hatch. I'm really glad I moved haha.
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-19I am loving all the ghost stories!
5. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?.
I probably would have believed it was ghost, but wouldn't have left. Knowing myself I would stick around to see what happens next.
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
I believe Michael and Shea are going to get together, seem obvious.
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
I don't really have any theories, I will wait and see
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
I really didn't find this too scary, I read a lot of Stephen King. I am not sure if animals can sense the supernatural.
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
I have had only 1 experience. My next door neighbors died in a single engine plane crash. Prior to my finding out and on the day the crash occurred this happened to me: I was at the library at the time I worked there, I was busy looking for books for clients. I heard my neighbor say "Leslie" from behind me. I turned and there was no-one there. I later learned their plane crashed on the same day.
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-195. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?
Logically. Something like the cupboards not fitting correctly or the taps being broken. I wouldn't jump to telekinesis or ghosts. There was a tv show where they had a professional come in and show the logical reason why a place seemed haunted (ill fitting doors, optical illusions, etc). I know that takes the fun out of it for a lot of people but I found it to be interesting.
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
Yeah it seems like they are being set up as a match. He pretty quickly jumped at the chance to meet her so he is probably interested. As to whether they'll end up together, not sure.
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
Since it seems like the paranormal stuff in this book was possibly real: I'd say she was haunted by something and others took it as mental illness.
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
No I didn't find it scary personally but it is hard for books to actually spook me. That being said I would be completely freaked out if I heard that in real life. As for dogs/cats and supernatural abilities: they certainly have heightened senses and get spooked pretty easily. Are they afraid of ghosts or is it just sounds our human ears can't pick up? Who knows?
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
So when I was about 9 years old my friend and I were playing with a Ouija board and we asked "the ghost controlling our board" to prove they were real by breaking a (drinking) glass. Then my friend's dog came running into the room we were in because a neighbor's window had just broken. Probably a coincidence but I still don't mess with Ouija boards anymore.
Team Jason: DQs Day 1: Chap 1-11
1. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I have read all Simone St James books . I expect good things from them and I have yet to be disappointed.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
I think author's use this character stereotype because it's gives them added dimensions to write about and a little more freedom. They can include conflict over the divorce, potential new romantic interests that may or may not be the "bad guy", etc., Where a character that's happily married might feel a little restrictive.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you? I didn't really have any expectations of what their first interview would be beyond there very likely being a supernatural element.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)? This author writes ghost stories so to me they don't distract from the story. I go in expecting ghosts. Although I do think it's odd that a ghost from the 70's would be able to manipulate a modern cell phone. (not elaborating so as not to spoil what the ghost did)
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-195. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?
I'm with Cat on this one. Typical for old houses. Since I started living in an old french farmhouse (from 1776) I can attest to that. However everything can be rationally explained: Every time the temperature changes the whole house cracks and groans. Doors don't close properly (underground shifted over the centuries), the water from the shower spontaneosuly leaks in the middle of the night (air in the pipes), and during heavy storms the windows of my library tend to crash open and every shutter creaks and bangs (wind & old wooden latches). And through all that I sleep like a baby haha.
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
I think they will end up together. Like others mentioned initially I wasn't convinced if he had good intentions however I think there's enough horrible things going on that he might be the 'bright spot' in this story/Shea's life.
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
I've read further so won't answer but at that point I thought she was mentally ill and put in a lunatic asylum.
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
Yes, I thought it was well done. Gave me the chills.
Yes, agree, with the previous comments, animals are more sensitive to these things, I trust their instincts.
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
Personally no but I've had family members who say they have.
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-195. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?.
Since I do believe in ghosts, I would probably think that at first. I also probably would have said something about it instead of being quiet like Shea was.
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
It certainly feels like they are being set up as a potential couple. Since he is so protective, I think he may have some interest in her as well.
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
It is possible that she had some sort of mental illness. That may also be too easy of a solution, a cop out so to speak. Until there is actual proof, I don't buy it.
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
It has been documented that animals can sense certain things. I think that was a nice small twist. I think it would make me more curious about the house and I would likely go back.
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
I live next door to a funeral home and occasionally we get "visitors" from there. Several times I have seen people out of the corner of my eye that fade away if I try to look at them straight on. Also, my mom comes to visit me on occasion. She died of a heart attack in our living room and sometimes I can feel her touch me. She has even woken me up by shaking my foot like she used to when she would get me up for school. The son of the lady that works in the funeral home's office said he saw my dad sitting in a chair in front of our garage after he had already passed away. I had seen him a few times as well. I feel like I'm not losing my mind completely if someone else is seeing him too. Of course, there have also been times when I have heard someone talk to me when no one else was there. Once I heard someone walking around upstairs when I was the only one in the house and the dog was outside.
DQs Day 3: Chap 20-29
10. Beth's house has seemed important from the beginning of the story and there have been a lot of descriptions of the "Frankenstein ugly" house. During one of Shea's interviews Beth told her to go upstairs and see her childhood bedroom and then she said, "Not all of the answers you want so desperately are going to come from me. Some of them are going to come from this house." What do you think Shea learned from the house when she perused Beth's room?
With the experience she had while exploring the upstairs in the house, she was able to figure out that there is someone that Beth is covering for.
11. We now have a better insight into the note that was left at the murder scene that said, in part, Am I bitter or am I sweet? In this section we got a lot of details about how this "bitter/sweet" was played out in the house with Mariana and the two girls. Lily also told Beth that everything was her fault and she could have stopped it. What do you think the note will reveal about the murderer and how do you think Beth could've stopped it or could she have?
Lily is very jealous of Beth for a number of reasons. Primarily, it is because she was able to grow up with a family, Mariana in particular, while Lily was stuck being shifted between foster families. I don't know that Beth could necessarily have stopped anything. Lily has issues that really have nothing to do with Beth directly. What was Beth supposed to do to stop things? Short of suicide, I don't see what she could have done.
12. Julian's treatment of Lily is rather atrocious, especially considering how young she is when she first visits them. Why do you think he hates her so much and who do you suspect Lily's father is? (I have only read through chapter 29 for my questions, so I don't even know if that is revealed. Just curious what others are thinking about the situation.)
He dislikes her because she isn't his (or so we are led to believe at this point). He is furious with Mariana because of her having a child and not telling him about her. Instead of just taking things out on Mariana, his real target, he see Lily as a badge of Mariana's dishonor and takes it out on her as well.
13. Lily told Beth she wanted a lot of things, including the house. Beth told Lily she hated the house to which Lily said, "That's because you don't understand it...It's an abomination that shouldn't exist...It's exactly like me." What do you think she meant by this?
Lily sees herself as unwanted because Mariana had to give her up. No one really loves the house and Lily feels unloved as well, so she sees herself in the house
14. Lily appears to have more power in the relationship between her and Beth, but based on Beth's current day ability to manipulate others, do you think Lily really is the more powerful one in their relationship? Why or why not?
I'm not sure. Beth may have a little more power because she is the visible one.
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-195. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?.
I would have certainly looked for logical explanations, but telekinesis would not have crossed my mind. It's as improbable as ghosts to me. The blood thing would have had me worried enough to consult a therapist though. I would have been sure I hallucinated (and I'm still not ruling it out for Shea).
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
So far it seems to be headed the way of a romantic relationship. But since it's this genre, I am a little worried something bad might happen, either regarding Michael or to him.
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
There's certainly a lot of mystery in Mrs. Greer's background. Maybe she had mental health issues. Or maybe it was to hush up a pregnancy. I don't know.
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
It was a spooky part. Although the whole thing getting wiped off from the phone seemed a bit too much. I mean how did an old ghost get to control phone and cloud storage!! I would have gone back to that house but not alone. I would have wanted to comb through that mansion with a bunch of people.
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
Oh how I wish I had!!
I just listened to tomorrow's chapters and I wanna continue so badly aaahhhh
5. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?.I would try to explain logically or maybe think I was seeing stuff, that what I saw didn't actually happen, but I don't think my 'logical' explanation would be "telekinesis"
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?.
I think they have a good relationship by phone, so yes, they could fit together
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
Madness could be a more 'logical' explanation for the supernatural effects we are reading about, and it would make sense that if a person had some relation to the paranormal, their 'rational' and 'logical' parents would just try to pass it as craziness.
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
I've always heard that cats can see ghosts, and sometimes my cats get so scared by "nothing" or start to stare someplace where there is no one, so it makes sense that people think they can see ghosts. I would come back, to be sure I guess.
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
Nope.
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-195. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?
I would go for logic first, but I’d like to think I am open minded enough to accept something otherworldly if presented with it.
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
It certainly seems the author is going in the direction of a relationship. I hope that it doesn’t end up badly, but I am often leery of the “love interest” when reading a thriller.
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
There may be some mental issues, but many times in these books, those who experience to the paranormal are perceived as mentally I’ll by society, so I think that may have a part.
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
Animals can definitely pick up on things we don’t and it wouldn’t surprise me if the supernatural were one of those things. There’s a reason cats have been connected to magic for so long. And if I heard that recording I would go back, if only to try to debunk it or find more evidence.
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
When I was in college, my friend group and I would often take midnight drives to an old, abandoned school outside of town. There was always an ominous presence and feeling of being watched, but the one thing that ever truly scared me was a very loud moo from a very stealthy cow. Bessie snuck up and scared the bejeezus out of us! 😆
Haha Daniel, the only thing more scary than a midnight moo from a cow is when they are protecting their calves. Then they turn into she-devils. My husband was once chased up a tree and stuck for half an hour by a cantankerous Mama cow... with horns.
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-195. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?
If it had just been the cupboards, I probably would have come up with some rational way to explain what was happening. Add in the taps and I still wouldn't immediately jump to the supernatural. But seeing the blood coming out of the tap? I'm leaving that house and never coming back 😂 Of course, that could have been a hallucination, but why take chances?
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
Michael certainly seems like he would love to meet Shea in person. I feel like a relationship is brewing, but I'm kind of hoping that's not what happens. I would rather we just focus on what's going on with Beth and her weird house. And whatever Shea is hiding from her past.
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
I think Mr. Greer's former secretary is a mean-spirited, nosy person. If Beth's mother was sent away somewhere, it doesn't necessarily mean it was because she was mentally ill. And even if she was sent away because her mental health was poor, that's none of her business! And it doesn't automatically make her a person worthy of that woman's scorn. If you can't tell, I super disliked Former Secretary (I can't even remember her name and I just read this section).
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
I've watched too many ghost hunting shows for something like that to spook me. As soon as Winston freaked out while she was listening to the recording, I figured it was gonna be something like that. I definitely think cats and other animals can sense things that we can't, be they supernatural or not. And hell no would I go back to that house! Beth would just have to meet me somewhere else for the interviews.
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
When I was growing up, my family lived in Germany for about four years. We would visit old castles all the time. At one point, my brother and I had an ghost friend that "followed us home" from one of the castles, as we put it. His name was George and he would open doors around our apartment and push our Cabbage Patch Kids baby carriage around. In retrospect, I'm sure it was a draft or uneven floors, but we were convinced we had our very own ghost 😂
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-111. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I haven't read The Sun Down Motel by this author but I have read several of her other books. I expect there to be a romantic angle, a ghost element (which there already is) that's actually happening and not misleading,
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
I do read some mystery/thriller books but they're not usually my main genre. The ones I've read don't tend to have recently divorced women. I imagine it's because life's a little bit harder and emotional at that moment and then if there is a romantic angle like I guessed above (I'm assuming Michael) then that builds into that too. It provides a reason for the main character to have a change in life that's easy to explain.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
I don't really get why Beth agreed to the interview. Maybe we'll learn more about it later but the current explanation is a bit weak.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
I had a feeling it was coming because of my past experiences with Simone St James. She likes her historical (and sometimes historical mixed with a contemporary storyline like there is here) that's mostly rooted in our world but has a hint of the paranormal. I don't have a strong impression of it yet but I have liked her books in the past so I'm sure it'll be fine here.
Day 2: Chap 12-195. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?.
I'm a fairly rational and logical thinker so I probably would have tried to find a mundane reason for it. When that failed, I may have said ghosts. I believe there's so much in this world that cannot be explained... yet.
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
I want them to have a happy ending. Michael is definitely interested. It seems like he answers her calls no matter what he's doing.
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
I do kind of wonder if Sylvia didn't want/have a relationship with her boss, Julian. She was in an abusive marriage and Beth said he was good "in his way". It would make sense that she wouldn't like his wife and might even make it up since Mr. Greer " destroyed the documents".
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
I find in unsettling, but not scary per se. Animals are sensitive to so many things that people aren't so it's conceivable. That said, heck no I wouldn't go back to that house.
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
When I was 19, I totaled a car in a major way because of bad roads and lack of experience. The chassis snapped at the weld, essentially breaking the car in half, and if it had skidded about 4 feet further, I would have fallen into a culvert.
My gram had died the week before. Exactly 7 days before the accident. I heard her say it was going to be okay, and felt something brush my hair. I walked away from that accident without a scratch. To this day, I don't understand how.
DQs Day 1: Chap 1-11
1. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I read this for the BOM points last year and loved it. I have high hopes for this book.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
This is definitely a current trend away from the traditional male centred POV. I would imagine that authors and publishers are realising that their target audience has a high percentage of older women and what better way to be immersed in a story than by having a strong MC, with history that that can relate to.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
I found this interesting with Beth and Shea sharing their story.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
This definitely sets the scene for what is to come.
DQs Day 2: Chap 12-195. Shea is trying to explain the taps being turned on and the cupboards being opened by themselves through telekinesis. If you had experienced what she did, do you think you would have tried to explain things logically or do you think you would have believed it was ghosts and left it at that?.
I don’t really believe in the supernatural but I also have an active imagination so I probably would be mostly explaining things logically but also would be like “ok but could it be??”
6. After getting a cat, Shea calls on Michael to ask for advice on how to care for it, through the conversation she thinks about wanting to meet him. Do you think they will end up together or perhaps just remain as friends? Could Michael be interested as well?
I said this in the last section but I’m pretty sure that they’re going to end up together because most of the author’s books have a romantic element to it. I think it’s interesting that they’re both divorced too.
7. Mr. Greer’s former secretary tells Shea Mrs. Greer wasn’t competent and that she was "sent away somewhere when she was eighteen". Do you think she was crazy or do you have any other theories?
It’s hard to say because I feel like women got sent away very easily for things back in those days, and especially since there’s a hint of the paranormal here that maybe Mrs. Greer had been more sensitive to that. She could have been pregnant or had some kind of breakdown. It’s hard to say!
8. While listening to the recording of Beth’s interview Shea hears a voice in the background whispering “I am still here” and poor Winston gets spooked. Did you find this scary? Do you think cats/animals have a feel for the supernatural? If it were you, would you come back to the house after hearing that?
Probably not. I’d get creeped out and wouldn’t want to go there. Plus I always feel like animals have such attuned senses that I’d want to listen to them, especially if it was combined with other factors.
9. Finally, in order to get in the mood for more scary stuff. Have you or someone you know have any scary/ghostly experiences you might like to share?
None I'd like to share!
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Books mentioned in this topic
The Sun Down Motel (other topics)The Sun Down Motel (other topics)
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1. Have you read the The Sun Down Motel by this author? If so, does it change your expectation for this book? Either way, what are your expectations for this book?
I did read The Sun Down Motel as it was a BOM here two or three years ago. I didn't really think about it beforehand aka didn't have any expectations, but when we first encountered the spookiness of the mansion through Beth's POV I wasn't surprised and it made total sense. (+ it totally gave me The Haunting of Hill House, the netflix show, vibes) I just wish we hadn't found out so early and would have been as surprised/spooked by what happens at the end of chapter 11 as Shea was.
2. The MC writes about cold cases and is in her late 20s and divorced. I have read quite a few horror/thriller/mystery books recently where the MC is a recently divorced, usually a bit older, woman. Have you experienced this as well? Why do you think authors might make this choice? Why do you think the choice was made for this book?
I haven't read that many thrillers/mysteries lately, so can't really compare. It's definitely important she's living in her own and has some traumas from her past as that makes everything spookier for her I think, especially since she's dealing with paranoia too.
3. This section includes the start of the interview. Did it go the way you expected? Any one comment really stick out to you?
The book is reminding me of so many others at the moment, it's so weird as I barely ever have that. I mean sure it happens here and there but it's making me think of quite a handful of other things I've consumed in the past.
I'm just really surprised Beth would invite Shea into her home knowing what it's like, and generally that she's still living there without having changed anything about the interior at all apparently.
4. What do you think about the ghostly occurrences in this section? How do they add to the story (or maybe detract)?
Like I said above, I wish we hadn't found out that they were real so soon. I would have preferred if we would have been kept in the dark for a bit longer, wondering if it's just Beth messing with Shea. I do love the spookiness of it though and I think it translates well in the audiobook!