Question F

[Jonetta]

Sophie, Regan and Cordie investigate a self-help guru, Dr. Lawrence Shields, who courts & fleeces lonely, rich women. They believe he had a hand in the so called suicide death of his latest victim Mary Coolidge whose diary tells the sordid tale. Share your first thoughts on Shields and his possible role in Coolidge’s death. Do you believe he murdered or had someone murder Coolidge? Or was it suicide?

[Anita]

Shields is typical of the self-help guru, in it to feed his ego and bank account. We don't really know much about Mary, but I think she was seriously depressed, and he took advantage of her in the worst way possible. I don't think he killed her; I think she committed suicide.

[Robin]

I don't know enough about the circumstances of Mary Coolidge's death to say if it was murder or suicide. But, there is a very high chance that her death is linked to Shields taking her money.

[Jessica]

I don't think Shields did the murder but I think he was capable of ordering someone else to do it.

[Sandra]

I'm really torn over whether it was solely suicide or possibly murder. It's truly a sad situation for sure. He took everything from her - much more than just money. I do think he was capable of hiring the job done to protect himself and the "empire" he's building.

[Sharon]

I questioned the murder, but I do think Shields was responsible. He took everything from Mary and she didn't have the strength to fight her way back. The last entry does point to something strange. I wish that entry was explained.