June 2022 Group Read: The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James.

[Randy]

Hi, all.

Here's the non-spoiler thread for the discussion of The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James.

Enjoy!

[Randy]

Forgot to mention, the discussion will be led by Linda.

[Linda]

Welcome! I am Linda and this is my first time hosting a group book read. So, feel free to give advice if I need it! There is a separate thread for spoilers, so be nice and just post the spoilers over there.

Jun 1-9 Read to page 87.

[Linda]

Part of the blurb:

A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two cold case slayings in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Sun Down Motel.

In 1977, Claire Lake, Oregon, was shaken by the Lady Killer Murders: Two men, seemingly randomly, were murdered with the same gun, with strange notes left behind. Beth Greer was the perfect suspect—a rich, eccentric twenty-three-year-old woman, seen fleeing one of the crimes. But she was acquitted, and she retreated to the isolation of her mansion.

Oregon, 2017. Shea Collins is a receptionist, but by night, she runs a true crime website, the Book of Cold Cases—a passion fueled by the attempted abduction she escaped as a child. When she meets Beth by chance, Shea asks her for an interview. To Shea’s surprise, Beth says yes.

They meet regularly at Beth’s mansion, though Shea is never comfortable there….

[Linda]

I am enjoying the book so far and I have the following prompts/questions for discussion:

- Plenty of atmosphere in this book. There’s definitely a cold vibe (cold house, cold breeze, cold cases). And a 1970s vibe. I wonder what effect this has on the reader?

- Why will Beth only talk to Shea?

- Is Beth truly mad? Or is this book delving into the supernatural?

- will Shea’s would-be killer going to make an appearance at some point?

- Is there a connection between Shea’s cold case and the Lady Killer case?

- What do you think about Shea’s relationship with Michael?

[Linda]

It looks like I’m alone in this group. I’ll still post questions and thoughts for future readers.

[fleurette]

Hi, Linda! I plan to read this book this month, but I don't know when yet

[Leena]

Hi Linda I've already read this one last month with another group. i really enjoyed the book. it's predictable, but..
I especially liked how all the ends were neatly tied up. But this book clearly stands out for the absolute manipulation by the sisters.

[Patty]

I love books where the house is a main character. This house holds its memories well. I wonder why the house had to be renovated, reshaped.

[Linda]

I agree that the house is a main character and I love that!

[Linda]

Week 2: pages 88-168

[Linda]

Questions/Thoughts

1. Why do you think Beth always ends up at the lake when out driving?

2. What’s happening with her parents’ things that were thrown to the curb but back in the house in place when Beth returns home?

3. Is Shea’s mother saying, “You’re not leaving. You’re not telling.” If so, why?

4. Do you believe Sylvia Simpson?

5. How do you feel about She’s meeting Michael for the first time in a bar?

6. Who is the young girl on the lawn?

[Leena]

The answers are the stuff this book us made of.wait till the end. Its a fun book.

[Linda]

Thanks, Lena.

[Linda]

Week 3: 161-252

Questions/Thoughts

1. Why does Beth think it’s fun getting arrested?

2. How does Lily and Beth’s relationship change and why?

3. Lily wants the house and Beth hates it.Lily says the house is exactly like her, an abomination. Thoughts?

4. Julian stops paying Lily when she turns 18, but he ends up dead? Did Lily do it? Is she the Lady Killer?

5. What did Beth write in the envelope she had delivered to Shea? In it she supposedly writes why she chose Shea for the interview.

[Linda]

Week 4: 253-341

Now that we’ve finished the book, how did you like it?

What didn’t you like?

Was Greer House a character?

How did you like the jumping back and forth in time?

Which characters did you love? Hate? Why?

[Ami]

I really liked this book. I’ve read three of hers recently and this one was hard to put down. The relationships with her parents and “sister” were disturbing.

[Linda]

Very disturbing to each of the daughters! It was hard for me and I had great parents!