Psychological Thrillers discussion
BOTM Past to Present
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SEPTEMBER 2023 BOTM: CAN'T STOP WHAT'S INSIDE..by C.J. Heigelmann
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stephanie, MOD
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Aug 11, 2023 07:04AM
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Hey all, yes and yes! Please email me at cj@cjheigelmann.com and I will accommodate everyone. The email address that you use will be the return address to which I will send your copies. Thanks and happy reading, gratis, the best kind of reading. Enjoy!CJ
Hey C.J. would love a copy of the 2nd part of Madison's story. The discussion we had on the first one was absolutely fabulous. Looking forward to the discussion on the book.
Chris wrote: "Hey C.J. would love a copy of the 2nd part of Madison's story. The discussion we had on the first one was absolutely fabulous. Looking forward to the discussion on the book."Hey Chris- I know right? email me please at cj@cjheigelmann.com so I can email the copies to your current email addy :) Wow...the party is really starting now! Ha!
Emily wrote: "I sent my email! I can’t wait!"Check your email 👍😀
Received my copies, can't wait to start reading :D
Abi wrote: "Received my copies, can't wait to start reading :D" :)
Mod
Lets hold up on this one because CJ is still sending out e-books,,,
I finished the book still holding off on my review b/c I not sure how may stars in other words did i life the book or not..
stephanie wrote: "Ruth wrote: "Ok folks. Where is everyone on this gem? Can we open discussions….I have a LOT to say. Muhahaha."Lets hold up on this one because CJ is still sending out e-books,,,"
I've been fulfilling about 4-5 requests per day. I've sent out about 25 so far👍
Ruth wrote: "That very first chapter…so descriptive that I actually felt her pain and despair."Me too. Being an empath, it pained me to write that scene, as with most portrayals of sadistic violence. But, the writing mandates me to compel the reader to confront the atrocities so that meaningful discourse and contemplations can follow. You know that every murder, lie, deception, has a deeper meaning! Oh, how I've missed this Group!!
Right, the fear is valid, past-present-future. Young, old, any race, any religion, income bracket, etc. Yes, it's real, and it's happening more and more as slavery and human trafficking have escalated in the past decade in the US. To simply snatch someone up is not a difficult task, provided the necessary preparations are made. We all mostly tend to forget the stats and still, "It won't happen to me."
Finished the book and as you said Ruth there is a psychopath on the loose but they want to end it for once and the other party just can't do it.
I just finished this, Time to think about the story as I sleep.
OMG - FINISHED IT - can’t wait to place my review - all I can say is if you don’t have it yet - pleeasssseeeee request it - AWESOME READ!!!
Ruth wrote: "I can’t wait to get into a conversation of Madison as a person. While we wait, I’m wondering how you all felt about the bridge from book one to book two. As a reader of serial books, so many times ..."I agree with you Ruth that C.J. just gave a little highlight to the previous book. A slight reminder on what went on. I also like how there were little side stories in this one.
Ruth wrote: "I also love how Madison tries to rein in her psychotic tendencies. I don’t like she stopped therapy, but I do like she tries to do the right thing. She’s like a storm. She unleashes when loved ones..."Absolutely, we heard what she did when Schultz told her his suspicions. She must be cover girl material for all the guys to go ga ga over her.
Many times deserting therapy is like breaking a diet. When progress is made, everything feels fine, so maybe I'll skip this week's therapy session--like skipping a diet week. No harm, no foul. Procrastination follows and the longer the interlude, the harder it is to re-engage.
Madison is very lucky to have Brittany. Some people, if not most people with 'problems' like that don't have any friends never mind close friends who will stick up for them like them like that.
Ruth wrote: "Here’s a question that I’ve been pondering…if you truly loved someone…deep love and that person committed a murder and had a very “good” reason, what would you do? Alex surprised me with his unders..."Well considering what happened at the end of the book I wouldn't say that he's psychopath at this moment but I would say he's corrupt. The final book my mind may change.
He could be just 'blinded by love'. That happened to me. I ended up marrying a man who was not what I thought he was. You don't always see what's right in front of you.
A note from CJ: As with all characters in my books and the precarious situations I place them in, they are meant to be controversial by design...begging the reading to ask themselves the same question, "What would I do?" The answers vary of course, just as the convictions of ethics and morality vary between humans. The reader's judgement of the characters and their decided actions are a simple reflection of the reader. Some murders are justified by the readers and others are not, hence, "What would you do?" Immerse yourself in the characters body and mind. Whatever that answer, it belongs to you. Accept it. Embrace it. It is your truth. I enjoy placing readers in real world situations that they would usually never ponder.
Anne (w/ an E) wrote: "He could be just 'blinded by love'. That happened to me. I ended up marrying a man who was not what I thought he was. You don't always see what's right in front of you."Blinding love has been alive and well since before humans learned to write. Mates, spouses, and family. Examples of, "They can do no wrong" or "I don't care what they did! That's my xxxx! I won't turn them in!" Treason committed by otherwise trusted, tested, sworn individuals, who risked execution, over love. The list is everlasting. Just a thought :)
Chris wrote: "Ruth wrote: "Here’s a question that I’ve been pondering…if you truly loved someone…deep love and that person committed a murder and had a very “good” reason, what would you do? Alex surprised me wi..."I remember that he retired on disability, so technically, he wouldn't be considered a corrupt police officer. But he committed murder. Justified? I have my opinions. Perhaps he felt like after surviving a hit and knowing the opposition he faced, he still feared for his life. He mentioned his doubts of reporting it with Madison. Perhaps PTSD. I'll have to go back and read again 😀
Ruth wrote: "Since the dawn of time."Yes ma'am!
Ruth wrote: "Are you hinting in a round about way that I’m borderline psychopathic? Hahahahah. Just kidding. CJ, that’s why we love your books. It makes us more what would we do and what would I do if I were th..."Ha! You are a recovering psychopath feeding your murderous lusts through the Psy Thriller Group! We've trapped you now! Not! But honestly, what I would do in the situation, or you, is just fascinating conversation. WHY we would do it x or o is a golden nugget of introspection.
I am hoping that in the last book it is explained what the purpose is b/c in this book it was explained what it was but to me what a backward definition and I can see why Madison had questions about it but me thinks she gonna be playing a major role in it. I have to go through the book and find the "V" word that her cousin said she was.
Chris wrote: "I am hoping that in the last book it is explained what the purpose is b/c in this book it was explained what it was but to me what a backward definition and I can see why Madison had questions abou..."Chris, Google "murderous cults" when you have time or reflect on the decades of memories from related news events. As you read about the insane cult beliefs and doctrines that drive them, your eyes may boggle at the insanity. They are very disturbing and unrelatable to any sane person. Religious-based cults lead the pack. From the text of the novel, the Purpose falls into this category. On a larger scale, many would consider the leaders and participants of the murderous religious inquisitions throughout history as cultists. The trend in street gangs is to dabble in the occult on some level. I won't name them, but they are one of the world's largest street gangs. Their entire doctrine is based on their interpretation of Satanic deities. Some cults base their murder tenets on Christianity, and so on. Their leaders are psychopaths, sociopaths, or narcissists at the highest levels, and their followers are deceived, willing participants, or compelled. It might be that "The Purpose" is merely another example.
C.J. wrote: "Chris wrote: "I am hoping that in the last book it is explained what the purpose is b/c in this book it was explained what it was but to me what a backward definition and I can see why Madison had ..."I know all about cults. The gang ones I haven't heard about but then again I can understand them being a cult. Do anything for the leader smh.
Chris wrote: "C.J. wrote: "Chris wrote: "I am hoping that in the last book it is explained what the purpose is b/c in this book it was explained what it was but to me what a backward definition and I can see why..."Yes. Beyond normal comprehension. Like a robot, in a way. No feelings. No empathy.
I'm a bit past the halfway point of this book. I will finish this book before reading the posts and prividing my feedback. I will mention this with this post, though. Is this a book or a rollercoaster? Wow, this book has more turns than a seculuded road in the mountains of Colorado,
Mod
stephanie wrote: "Well Ruth, here we go on this book....Madison has alot of issues, first of all I still can't see how within 4 days is in love, that is a weak sistah..Yep I called her weak, because those types of w..."Maybe the reason she volunteers are the shelter is to atone for the murders she commits. She can have the mindset that if I do something bad doing something good will erase it.
C.j. you put a little mythology into this book.
stephanie wrote: "Well Ruth, here we go on this book....Madison has alot of issues, first of all I still can't see how within 4 days is in love, that is a weak sistah..Yep I called her weak, because those types of w..."Yep. One of those needy types. But, as an empath, I understand that she has been so sheltered, and tormented (by late Elizabeth) until adulthood. She seems to crave affection and love. It's probably not a wonder that she succumbs when a trustworthy, good-looking, respectful guy like Alex pursues her. All of us over 50 have seen this somewhere, sometime. I've been a victim..love at first sight! I was 15 years old haha. She's older, but still sheltered, so you have to adjust for that, and then, you know, there are so many other variables. I'll have to read some more :)
Ruth wrote: "It let’s remember, Alex and Madison dance around romance in the first book. It rekindled and took off in book two. I have wondering if I believe if she is psychopath or not. With the volunteering a..."Good observation. When I read, it said that she was going to therapy, but of course, never revealed her murders and the reason why she didn't. Fighting the demon herself. So, the narrator is reliable, and the statement about her condition, is, well, what she thinks of herself. She's never been diagnosed! That's what I want the readers to figure out! Why does she murder? Each killing is a clue. You are on to it, Ruth!! Yes!
Ruth wrote: "It let’s remember, Alex and Madison dance around romance in the first book. It rekindled and took off in book two.."You're a literary bloodhound! Yes. It had been over a year. Madison was in a good mood, surprise and caught off her guard. She fled, but it was too late. Has anyone ever had your hard crush approach you with interest? If not, imagine. Imagine if you flee from anxiety, they slowly pursue. Sooner or later you ask yourself, like Madison did, and Brittany advised, "Why not?" I'll have to read that section again :)
Chris wrote: "C.j. you put a little mythology into this book."Chris, you did say you were looking up the Valkyrie. Hmmm...
stephanie wrote: "Well Ruth, here we go on this book....Madison has alot of issues, first of all I still can't see how within 4 days is in love, that is a weak sistah..Yep I called her weak, because those types of w..."Come on Steph, don't be too hard on her lol. It was crush at first sight, butterflies for two weeks, then love...maybe that morning for sure...confirmed? not sure. Only Madison knows. It had been a long time between love...and in Madison's case, never. What man ever loved her besides her father? She'd been fooled before, but somehow, Alex had the key to her heart. Her successful love average ratio is 1 for 3. Tony, Conor, Alex. Brittany signed off and Madison was ready. I'll have to read again to make sure :)
"Maybe the reason she volunteers are the shelter is to atone for the murders she commits. She can have the mindset that if I do something bad doing something good will erase it."I think so. It also may make her feel good. Another indicator is if she is a true psychopath or not, or only has psychopathic tendencies triggered by certain situations. I'll have to read a little more.
You all have done your homework. I knew you would, but still impressive. Thank you!
Mod
C.J. wrote: "Chris wrote: "C.j. you put a little mythology into this book."Chris, you did say you were looking up the Valkyrie. Hmmm..."
Yes I did C.J. because the word was used a few times in the book. I believe in the book it was mentioned that the old man of the family started the group in the 1800's but Valkrie is from Norse mythology. Also they are always women. Also her mother hinted at it and cousin mentioned that she had to be trained in it
stephanie wrote: "EVERYONE HAS A PLAN, UNTIL YOU GET PUNCHED IN THE FACE......."Yep! Including Iron Mike, lol. Buster put a few lumps on his hard head!
The love-hate debate over Madison is as it should be. She is a classic anti-hero, imperfect, criminal, a killer. But loving, brave, at times very honorable, empathetic, selfless, a saving grace, etc. She gets away with a lot, because we understand her past issues, those things which contributed to her condition. Much of her grief and suffering was forced upon her...so we sympathize...BUT! Here is where readers diverge, as it should be. Some readers justify certain murders, but excuse others. Some pardons are to be understood (attempted rape=Madison's going to kill you) understood, but others (the 2 thugs at the rest area) not so much. There were other ways to handle that situation, but she lured them. WHY?
Madison is psychologically confused and now you are, too!
