Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
This topic is about
The Skeleton Key
Books of the Month
>
The Skeleton Key by Erin Kelly - Adult / Non-Fiction BOM Mar 24 (starts 2 Mar)
message 2:
by
Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief
(last edited Mar 01, 2024 04:38AM)
(new)
-
added it
Mod
Date Chapters Pages MPDQs
2 Mar Prologue + Part One Lisa (Aussie Girl)
3 Mar Part Two Judith
4 Mar Part Three MelanieJoy (maybe?!)
5 Mar ****** BREAK DAY *****
6 Mar Part Four Cat
7 Mar Part Five E (fingers crossed!)
Guidance for DQ setters
Aim for a reasonable number of questions: 4 - 5 is typical. Please don't post too many - any more than 7 gets unwieldy!
Use consecutive numbering of the DQs for your days. So, for example, if Day One is posted as questions 1-4, Day Two should start at number 5 etc.
Don't worry too much about your questions: you aren't being tested on how clever your questions are!
Hints and tips:
- Is there a quote that jumped out at you? Use that in a question.
- What about the characters - do they generate strong feelings? No feelings? - either way, we can explore that!
- What about that plot twist?!
- Explore the writing style: is there an unusual structure being used? what's the tone of voice like? or the point of view?
Want more information about how NBRC runs their Book of the Month discussions? Check out the information here
message 3:
by
Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief
(last edited May 15, 2024 07:25AM)
(new)
-
added it
Mod
Yay, looking forward to reading this one.
I'm in for this one.
I have a copy of this on the shelf, but not sure if I'll get around to it this coming month...
Mod
No problem, I'll do mine then we'll see.
Mod
There were 17 votes for this one.. so there may be a few more readers. If no one else wants to do DQ's I'm happy to do the first three sections if Cat wants to take the last two after break day.
Mod
Mod
Mod
*face palm*
Mod
Mod
The book is only 99cents on Amazon - I don't mind to buy it for that! Lol. If you need someone else for questions, I can help.
99 cents is good because my library copies are all checked out.okay I'm good for Day 3.
Great ladies.. lets me off the hook, LOL. I'll get Day 1 questions up a bit later on. Happy reading, hope we all enjoy it.
For 99 cents, I am in as well. I thought I would miss it because my library does not even seem to know the book exists. I can also help with DQs, E, if you can't find a copy for the last day.
DQ'S DAY 1 PROLOGUE - PART 1 1. First up let's discuss the artwork on the cover. When this book first popped up on my Goodreads feed I was drawn to the intriguing combination of bones, keys and flowers. Pretty. How important are covers and cover art to you when choosing to pick up (or download) a book? Does the growing popularity of audio and eBooks lessen the importance of what the cover looks like?
2. The author's note and the prologue set the scene for a riveting tale. Have you ever heard of Kim Williams' Masquerade (I hadn't)? What differences do you think the digital and social media era would bring as compared to the original treasure hunt?
3. "What's mine is his and what's his is his". (Lall)
Frank - generous Patriarch, friend and benefactor or control freak? Discuss.
4. Finishing up Part 1 the story is a little different to what I thought it would be. I was thinking along the lines of an epic Grail quest and for me it's more a story of the family dynamics and egos. Not about the actual text of The Golden Bones but how it has affected the author, family, friends and the Bonehunter community. What's your thoughts on the novel so far and what's your prediction for what's to come?
Mod
Because I don't have time to go buy a copy today, ordering will take too long and most of my reading is done over the weekends these days. So I'll read this at a later date.
Mod
1. First up let's discuss the artwork on the cover. When this book first popped up on my Goodreads feed I was drawn to the intriguing combination of bones, keys and flowers. Pretty. How important are covers and cover art to you when choosing to pick up (or download) a book? Does the growing popularity of audio and eBooks lessen the importance of what the cover looks like?
I'm a ho for a beautiful cover. It won't necessarily make me buy a book but it will certainly make me stop and look. And that's either in the store or if something pretty pops up in my GR feed. So cover design matters no matter the media type I think.
To me word of mouth is still the best marketing for a book period. My GR peeps generally don't let me down :P
2. The author's note and the prologue set the scene for a riveting tale. Have you ever heard of Kim Williams' Masquerade (I hadn't)? What differences do you think the digital and social media era would bring as compared to the original treasure hunt?
No, but not sure if that's because I'm not in the UK and maybe it was more of a UK thing? Digital allows more accessibility but can also limit in a different way because physical clues would be harder to include. And you can just dig a hole to check. Easier for people to steal your work too. I feel the original treasure hunt would feel more like a quest or adventure than the digital one.
3. "What's mine is his and what's his is his". (Lall)
Frank - generous Patriarch, friend and benefactor or control freak? Discuss.
master manipulating control freak dink. I am not a fan of his.
4. Finishing up Part 1 the story is a little different to what I thought it would be. I was thinking along the lines of an epic Grail quest and for me it's more a story of the family dynamics and egos. Not about the actual text of The Golden Bones but how it has affected the author, family, friends and the Bonehunter community. What's your thoughts on the novel so far and what's your prediction for what's to come?
I think it's an interesting take on how fame of parents can impact kids through multiple generations. I have no idea except based on the blurb, someone dies. Not sure who though. I'm just going to go along for the ride.
Mod
Part 2
5.) What do you think of Richard, past & present? Do you believe that he really loved Nell? If you were Nell could you of stayed with Richard or ever forgiven him?
6.) Do you like the set up of the book, flashing back and the current timeline? What about the Frank/Lal chapters with the Up/Downs, complicated friendship there. Do you find this effective or distracting?
7.) "He used other people's bodies as weapons." Do you think Frank and Bridgit had the affair? If so do you think Lal knew/knows?
8.) Oisin got quite the reality check about his family. Poor dude, grandparents weren't always old and could of been very different people from who they are at 70. Do you think Frank and Lal did it? A setup, if you any guesses as to who?
Mod
Part 2
5.) What do you think of Richard, past & present? Do you believe that he really loved Nell? If you were Nell could you of stayed with Richard or ever forgiven him?
I bizarrely like him as a friend for Nell. What he did was despicable and shattered what little faith Nell had in trust and relationships. But I also think he got into a situation he saw no path out of, not sure where he thought their relationship was going to go though. I think he really did love her though, that's why he's helping her now.
I would of walked to, I'd never trust him with my intimate thoughts again. Some things just can't be put back together.
6.) Do you like the set up of the book, flashing back and the current timeline? What about the Frank/Lal chapters with the Up/Downs, complicated friendship there. Do you find this effective or distracting?
I think this author is pulling it off, a lot don't and the story drags. I think it helps the flashbacks are short, to the point of providing context, and are only a chapter long before returning to the current time. I think the Frank/Lal chapters are very illuminating and I like the set up of the Up/Down. I'm not sure if they are life long friends or life long frenemies.
7.) "He used other people's bodies as weapons." Do you think Frank and Bridgit had the affair? If so do you think Lal knew/knows?
In the right moment I think it could of certainly happened if it was during Lal's drinking and the mental/physical/emotional abuse happening. As for Lal knowing? I honestly don't know, there's not much to go on for his character.
8.) Oisin got quite the reality check about his family. Poor dude, grandparents weren't always old and could of been very different people from who they are at 70. Do you think Frank and Lal did it? A setup, if you any guesses as to who?
Oisin's little head just exploded during that family meeting. Bless his heart. I don't think they did it and if it's a character we've had some page time on, I'm going to go with Cora. But that's just a guess with out much to back it up. I really don't know where this is going.
DQs Day 2Part 2
5.) What do you think of Richard, past & present? Do you believe that he really loved Nell? If you were Nell could you of stayed with Richard or ever forgiven him?
Once Nell found out the truth about Richard it was too late, even if he had fallen in love with her. There was no way back from that sort of betrayal. He probably still carried a torch for Nell through the years and she seems to use this when it suited her. Not really a good basis for any sort of relationship even friendship.
6.) Do you like the set up of the book, flashing back and the current timeline? What about the Frank/Lal chapters with the Up/Downs, complicated friendship there. Do you find this effective or distracting?
Can't say I'm loving this book. I'm not fond of books with a plethora of dysfunctional characters and this book has a lot of them. The Up and Down chapters do provide a break from the current action and I think they are providing important backstory about Frank and Lall which may unlock the mystery by the end.
7.) "He used other people's bodies as weapons." Do you think Frank and Bridgit had the affair? If so do you think Lal knew/knows?
Nell's theory about Bridget being one of Frank's nude models thus they slept together provides possible new information. But contradicts Frank's thoughts in the last up and down. The truth coming out may be an important part of solving the mystery.
8.) Oisin got quite the reality check about his family. Poor dude, grandparents weren't always old and could of been very different people from who they are at 70. Do you think Frank and Lal did it? A setup, if you any guesses as to who?
Frank and Lall may be a red herring. I think there is going to be an almighty twist in the final chapters. It is that sort of book.
DQ'S DAY 1 PROLOGUE - PART 11. First up let's discuss the artwork on the cover. When this book first popped up on my Goodreads feed I was drawn to the intriguing combination of bones, keys and flowers. Pretty. How important are covers and cover art to you when choosing to pick up (or download) a book? Does the growing popularity of audio and eBooks lessen the importance of what the cover looks like?
Covers are important to me, they are (in combination with a catchy title) what draw me in and have a look at what the story is about. I think the growing popularity of audio/ebooks doesn't lessen the importance even in the audible/storytel apps I make a selection based on cover/synopsis.
2. The author's note and the prologue set the scene for a riveting tale. Have you ever heard of Kim Williams' Masquerade (I hadn't)? What differences do you think the digital and social media era would bring as compared to the original treasure hunt?
I haven't heard of Masquerade, I have heard of other treasure hunts like it. I am a fan of the tv show Expedition Unknown (discovery+) where a few episodes were spend on
and Forrest Fenn (also mentioned in the authors note) and a French treasure hunt Sur La Trace De La Chouette D'or the hunt for the golden owl. Difficulty with these hunts is that time catches up with them and sometimes landmarks used in clues change. The digital age can help in these types of treasure hunts when you can recreate certain landmarks.3. "What's mine is his and what's his is his". (Lall)
Frank - generous Patriarch, friend and benefactor or control freak? Discuss.
I think master manipulator. He is generous when you do what he wants and on his terms. Don't like him.
4. Finishing up Part 1 the story is a little different to what I thought it would be. I was thinking along the lines of an epic Grail quest and for me it's more a story of the family dynamics and egos. Not about the actual text of The Golden Bones but how it has affected the author, family, friends and the Bonehunter community. What's your thoughts on the novel so far and what's your prediction for what's to come?
Not what I was expecting either, but I am intrigued by the story and the family dynamics. No predictions from me so far.
I’m still reading for Day 3 DQs. I Can post tomorrow or someone can cover for me. Up to the Mods.
Mod
DQ'S DAY 1 PROLOGUE - PART 11. First up let's discuss the artwork on the cover. When this book first popped up on my Goodreads feed I was drawn to the intriguing combination of bones, keys and flowers. Pretty. How important are covers and cover art to you when choosing to pick up (or download) a book? Does the growing popularity of audio and eBooks lessen the importance of what the cover looks like?
I definitely think my interest in the book depends on the cover. And covers can occassionally help me figure out the genre of the book to determine if I'm in the mood for that genre. This cover felt more ambiguous, and it definitely drew me in.
2. The author's note and the prologue set the scene for a riveting tale. Have you ever heard of Kim Williams' Masquerade (I hadn't)? What differences do you think the digital and social media era would bring as compared to the original treasure hunt?
I'd never heard of Masquerade. The main difference is the ease at which you can access the info, for physical treasure hunts I think you had to be way more committed.
3. "What's mine is his and what's his is his". (Lall)
Frank - generous Patriarch, friend and benefactor or control freak? Discuss.
mostly manipulative, but definitely here he believes he's being generous. I definitely dislike him though for many reasons.
4. Finishing up Part 1 the story is a little different to what I thought it would be. I was thinking along the lines of an epic Grail quest and for me it's more a story of the family dynamics and egos. Not about the actual text of The Golden Bones but how it has affected the author, family, friends and the Bonehunter community. What's your thoughts on the novel so far and what's your prediction for what's to come?
I was about 15% in and I went back to the main page for it in GR, and realized one MPG is "Gothic" and "Horror" and I wasl ike ohhh it's one of THOSE books. So Nell's horror and trepidation kind of made more sense. Definitely family dynamics play into it but she describes the book and the quest as well. To note - it is interesting instead of the treasure hunt being something you WANT to participate in and something positive, here it's entirely negative. so it's a unique twist on the obsession of treasure hunting. Definitely makes for a good premise.
DQs Day 2Part 2
5.) What do you think of Richard, past & present? Do you believe that he really loved Nell? If you were Nell could you of stayed with Richard or ever forgiven him?
I don't think Richard is that bad after reading this large chunk. I don't think Nell should have expected his answer to be he'd pick her over the jewel at this point in his life, having made another family. If he was still single and things hadn't gone as well, then yeah maybe it's a good question to ask. It's hard to for me to picture myself as Nell because it's hard to relate to all this trauma she's going through related to the search. She seems very self-focused, paranoid, and cosntantly on the lookout for the next threat to her life. Maybe she has a point, but I'm having trouble seeing it.
6.) Do you like the set up of the book, flashing back and the current timeline? What about the Frank/Lal chapters with the Up/Downs, complicated friendship there. Do you find this effective or distracting?
I do appreciate them but I feel like I could get just a little more out of them, they're more like teasers than real information for some sections.
7.) "He used other people's bodies as weapons." Do you think Frank and Bridgit had the affair? If so do you think Lal knew/knows?
It's really hard to guess based on the chapters from the previous years and how Frank felt about Bridgit. But signs do point that way, so maybe they almost went all the way? Or oneo f them suggested something for money or to sober Lal up? But the end of the second part had that huge cliffhanger to lead you that directions so it's hard not to imagine that it happened and that Lal knows.
8.) Oisin got quite the reality check about his family. Poor dude, grandparents weren't always old and could of been very different people from who they are at 70. Do you think Frank and Lal did it? A setup, if you any guesses as to who?
I definitely think grandparents can be different people and change behaviors after mistaeks and regrets; my great grandmother was a different person around me but I've heard stories of how she was as a mom to my grandma and it wasn't pretty. My guess was definitely Frank and Lal murdered this girl but I truly don't know.
DQs Day 3Part 3
9. "Home was vomit and broken glass, and under Frank's hands she was a ripe peach splitting open, danger and solace merged in the act." - what compelling language! I had to re-read this line multiple times, and I'm still unsure if I received the author's intent. What was your interpretation? What are your thoughts on Frank and Bridgit's affair as a whole?
10. Let's talk about some of the characters. In this section I grew to truly despise Frank, understand Cora and Dom a little more, but Bridgit is the most interesting to me- I keep mulling over her desire to no longer be tied to Frank, divorce Lal, and get out, but seemingly choosing to stay for Rose; and shocked but intrigued by her actions on the phone at the end. Who stands out to you and why?
11. This section breathed new life into the book for me. It was refreshing to see one night of the story from multiple viewpoints, and it drew me in, knowing that it will be catalytic for the remainder of the book. Did part 3 increase, decrease, or have no effect on your enjoyment of the book and why?
12. Who do you think got into the car with Lal?
Mod
Part 3
9. "Home was vomit and broken glass, and under Frank's hands she was a ripe peach splitting open, danger and solace merged in the act." - what compelling language! I had to re-read this line multiple times, and I'm still unsure if I received the author's intent. What was your interpretation? What are your thoughts on Frank and Bridgit's affair as a whole?
That home was dirty pain and abuse and Frank made her feel desired and provided comfort even though she knew it could cost her everything. I think he was being an a**hole to get back a Lal because they aren't actually friends. I think she was really looking for a way out because she thinks if Lal finds, straight to divorce and she can take Rose and run for her life.
10. Let's talk about some of the characters. In this section I grew to truly despise Frank, understand Cora and Dom a little more, but Bridgit is the most interesting to me- I keep mulling over her desire to no longer be tied to Frank, divorce Lal, and get out, but seemingly choosing to stay for Rose; and shocked but intrigued by her actions on the phone at the end. Who stands out to you and why?
I think that phone call was brilliant. Frank might never recover from who bought all those paintings. LOL, dink. He deserved that 100%. What stood out was how unbelievably selfish all of the adults are and they are all crap parents. Bridgit is the best of the lot but being the best out of piles of crap isn't exactly something to brag about. Poor Dom, he needs a hug.
11. This section breathed new life into the book for me. It was refreshing to see one night of the story from multiple viewpoints, and it drew me in, knowing that it will be catalytic for the remainder of the book. Did part 3 increase, decrease, or have no effect on your enjoyment of the book and why?
I think it was an interesting and effective section. That seems to be a pivotal day for the families so I like that we got it all in one go instead of in snippets.
12. Who do you think got into the car with Lal?
I honestly don't know. I'm just riding this bus to crazy town and just waiting to see what's at the next stop.
Mod
1. First up let's discuss the artwork on the cover. When this book first popped up on my Goodreads feed I was drawn to the intriguing combination of bones, keys and flowers. Pretty. How important are covers and cover art to you when choosing to pick up (or download) a book? Does the growing popularity of audio and eBooks lessen the importance of what the cover looks like?
It's pretty for sure! I don't think that ebooks and audio have lessened the importance, but does mean that how a cover works on the different size and shape of audio has to be considered
2. The author's note and the prologue set the scene for a riveting tale. Have you ever heard of Kim Williams' Masquerade (I hadn't)? What differences do you think the digital and social media era would bring as compared to the original treasure hunt?
I'd heard of the treasure hunt book, though couldn't have named it!
I'd think that the digital / social impact would be significant in sharing of the information and solves
3. "What's mine is his and what's his is his". (Lal)
Frank - generous Patriarch, friend and benefactor or control freak? Discuss.
Generous provided he gets the kudos. Generally not a nice person, being massively self-centred
4. Finishing up Part 1 the story is a little different to what I thought it would be. I was thinking along the lines of an epic Grail quest and for me it's more a story of the family dynamics and egos. Not about the actual text of The Golden Bones but how it has affected the author, family, friends and the Bonehunter community. What's your thoughts on the novel so far and what's your prediction for what's to come?
Agreed, it's not exactly what I expected. I've read on, so can't predict
Mod
5.) What do you think of Richard, past & present? Do you believe that he really loved Nell? If you were Nell could you of stayed with Richard or ever forgiven him?
He made some appalling decisions in favour of money. I think he did love her, but given she was stabbed because of the hunt, no, I don't think I'd forgive such a massive lie
6.) Do you like the set up of the book, flashing back and the current timeline? What about the Frank/Lal chapters with the Up/Downs, complicated friendship there. Do you find this effective or distracting?
I like it, but it's a slightly strange choice - we a very much under the control of the author and what they want to reveal, even whilst we end up knowing more than any of the individual characters. I think the Up/Down sections are effective at showing what a dick Frank is!
7.) "He used other people's bodies as weapons." Do you think Frank and Bridget had the affair? If so do you think Lal knew/knows?
I've read on, but at the time, yes I thought they had an affair, but that Lal doesn't know
8.) Oisin got quite the reality check about his family. Poor dude, grandparents weren't always old and could of been very different people from who they are at 70. Do you think Frank and Lal did it? A setup, if you any guesses as to who?
SO different! I wasn't guessing at this point, cos I needed to catchup, but Nell's hope for it to be externals was feeling pretty threadbare
Mod
9. "Home was vomit and broken glass, and under Frank's hands she was a ripe peach splitting open, danger and solace merged in the act." - what compelling language! I had to re-read this line multiple times, and I'm still unsure if I received the author's intent. What was your interpretation? What are your thoughts on Frank and Bridget's affair as a whole?
That line struck me too, Though the solace is not for the peach/Bridget, but for Frank, surely? So Bridget is very ambivalent about the escapade.
10. Let's talk about some of the characters. In this section I grew to truly despise Frank, understand Cora and Dom a little more, but Bridget is the most interesting to me- I keep mulling over her desire to no longer be tied to Frank, divorce Lal, and get out, but seemingly choosing to stay for Rose; and shocked but intrigued by her actions on the phone at the end. Who stands out to you and why?
I agree that Bridget is interesting in this section, and that Frank is becoming increasingly caricature evil.
11. This section breathed new life into the book for me. It was refreshing to see one night of the story from multiple viewpoints, and it drew me in, knowing that it will be catalytic for the remainder of the book. Did part 3 increase, decrease, or have no effect on your enjoyment of the book and why?
I enjoyed the focus on the one evening as the pivotal point in the book and in their lives, was very effective and helped propel the story along.
12. Who do you think got into the car with Lal?
No idea!
Mod
13. The relationship between Billie and Nell - do like like this relationship and how it's developed over the course of the book? How does it fit with the other parent-child relationships we see (explicit or implied, like with Frank and The Admiral)
14. Cora and Dom: did anyone expect that twist?! What do you think of this big reveal?
15. The Bonehunters: what do you think of the different Bonehunters? In day 1 Lisa asked about how digital / social changed the mechanics of the hunt. Have your thoughts been played out in the book? Given at the start we were all thinking about it as a hunt, and it's ended up being a relationship book, who has the move to digital for the Bonehunters affected their interactions, with each other, the world and the hunt?
16. Who's portrait are they actually hung up on, if it's not Bridget (given that Bridget was clear there was a portrait of her in the last part)?
Am E or I doing day five? I’m phone only and forgot how hard it is to answers questions but I can try.
Mod
If you want I can email or PM you the questions and can post them for you if that would make it easier. Just let me know :)
DQS Day One. Prologue - Part 1 1. First up let's discuss the artwork on the cover. When this book first popped up on my Goodreads feed I was drawn to the intriguing combination of bones, keys and flowers. Pretty. How important are covers and cover art to you when choosing to pick up (or download) a book? Does the growing popularity of audio and eBooks lessen the importance of what the cover looks like?
1a. It is pretty! I like the roses, and the bones are holographic on my copy. It shouldn’t matter what the cover looks like but I can’t help but let it persuade me a bit :p Especially if it’s striking in some way.
2. The author's note and the prologue set the scene for a riveting tale. Have you ever heard of Kim Williams' Masquerade (I hadn't)? What differences do you think the digital and social media era would bring as compared to the original treasure hunt?
2a. Nope I hadn’t heard of Masquerade. I’m from the UK but it was released a couple of decades before I was born, bit gutted I missed out on the Treasure hunt 😛. Honestly I was a lil confused by the prologue, but hopefully I can make more sense of everything the more I proceed through the story. &
3. "What's mine is his and what's his is his". (Lall)
Frank - generous Patriarch, friend and benefactor or control freak? Discuss.
3a. It seems generous, but there’s definitely another motive, maybe I’m cynical but it's not often people are willing to give without expecting something in return.
4. Finishing up Part 1 the story is a little different to what I thought it would be. I was thinking along the lines of an epic Grail quest and for me it's more a story of the family dynamics and egos. Not about the actual text of The Golden Bones but how it has affected the author, family, friends and the Bonehunter community. What's your thoughts on the novel so far and what's your prediction for what's to come?
4a. Honestly as soon as I saw the duel timelines I was like meh. I’ve been seeing this a lot lately and it almost always ends in my favouring one timeline to another. Hopefully having some insight into the past will add substance and it won’t just co-exist with the main timeline. No predictions of what's to come, it's pretty unusual story so not sure what to expect
DQ'S DAY 1 PROLOGUE - PART 11. First up let's discuss the artwork on the cover. When this book first popped up on my Goodreads feed I was drawn to the intriguing combination of bones, keys and flowers. Pretty. How important are covers and cover art to you when choosing to pick up (or download) a book? Does the growing popularity of audio and eBooks lessen the importance of what the cover looks like?
Oh, I love pretty covers! They draw me to a book before anything else. Actually, so will a really weird cover! Regardless of the media, covers are the first thing that draws me and probably others to a book. I catchy title is probably next. If something doesn't draw me to the book, I won't pick it up and read the synopsis. References from others and the synopsis is what influences me to buy.
2. The author's note and the prologue set the scene for a riveting tale. Have you ever heard of Kim Williams' Masquerade (I hadn't)? What differences do you think the digital and social media era would bring as compared to the original treasure hunt?
I hadn't heard of it. I think a digital treasure hunt would be more popular because so many people could join it. Information and clues would probably be more accessible.
3. "What's mine is his and what's his is his". (Lall)
Frank - generous Patriarch, friend and benefactor or control freak? Discuss.
Manipulator, control freak, nasty person.....
4. Finishing up Part 1 the story is a little different to what I thought it would be. I was thinking along the lines of an epic Grail quest and for me it's more a story of the family dynamics and egos. Not about the actual text of The Golden Bones but how it has affected the author, family, friends and the Bonehunter community. What's your thoughts on the novel so far and what's your prediction for what's to come?
Not at all what I was expecting. At this point I'm just along for the ride. I've decided to read the BOM's regardless of the book, but not really liking this one. I've read ahead, so won't speculate.
DQs Day 2 ~ Part 25.) What do you think of Richard, past & present? Do you believe that he really loved Nell? If you were Nell could you of stayed with Richard or ever forgiven him?
I do think he loved Nell, but he was focused on money and made really awful decisions. I don't think I'd be able to forget or forgive.
6.) Do you like the set up of the book, flashing back and the current timeline? What about the Frank/Lal chapters with the Up/Downs, complicated friendship there. Do you find this effective or distracting?
Not usually a fan of a dual timeline that flips back and forth, but it seems to be working for this book. The Up/Down gives some good information. The more I read the more of a horrible person, I see that Frank is....and I'm not sure if Frank and Lal are friends or enemies or just tolerate each other!
7.) "He used other people's bodies as weapons." Do you think Frank and Bridgit had the affair? If so do you think Lal knew/knows?
I've read ahead so I won't answer this one.
8.) Oisin got quite the reality check about his family. Poor dude, grandparents weren't always old and could of been very different people from who they are at 70. Do you think Frank and Lal did it? A setup, if you any guesses as to who?
I really have no idea!! I don't think Frank and Lal did it - that seems too obvious. I can see a huge twist coming at us.
DQs Day 3Part 3
9. "Home was vomit and broken glass, and under Frank's hands she was a ripe peach splitting open, danger and solace merged in the act." - what compelling language! I had to re-read this line multiple times, and I'm still unsure if I received the author's intent. What was your interpretation? What are your thoughts on Frank and Bridgit's affair as a whole?
It seems Bridget wants out of the whole Frank/Lall show.. and by sleeping with Frank it lights the fuse. If/when Lall finds out he'll never forgive her and she can make a break for it.
10. Let's talk about some of the characters. In this section I grew to truly despise Frank, understand Cora and Dom a little more, but Bridgit is the most interesting to me- I keep mulling over her desire to no longer be tied to Frank, divorce Lal, and get out, but seemingly choosing to stay for Rose; and shocked but intrigued by her actions on the phone at the end. Who stands out to you and why?
I agree with Judith, what a lot of crap parents and selfish people the whole cast of characters are. I'm getting a bit tired of them really. After what happened to Nell they should have shut the whole thing down but it seems to have a life of its own and all the adults but especially Frank and Lall seem to revolve their life around it.
11. This section breathed new life into the book for me. It was refreshing to see one night of the story from multiple viewpoints, and it drew me in, knowing that it will be catalytic for the remainder of the book. Did part 3 increase, decrease, or have no effect on your enjoyment of the book and why?
Glad you enjoyed it.. but not me. What a bunch of narcissists, I'll be glad to get to the end.
12. Who do you think got into the car with Lal?
Don't really know and at this stage don't care..
Mod
DQs Day 5
Part 5 to end
17. What do you think of the ending with Frank? What do you think caused his final response?
18. Were you surprised by the family’s response to Nell especially Rose’s response? Would you have sided with the family or Nell?
19. This book deals with serval major themes. Do you think the author handled them well? Especially each person’s response to what Frank did to Rose?
20. Finally, the epilogue. Did you think it was necessary and were you surprised?
Mod
13. The relationship between Billie and Nell - do like like this relationship and how it's developed over the course of the book? How does it fit with the other parent-child relationships we see (explicit or implied, like with Frank and The Admiral)
I think it's interesting and glad they had that talk. Oof. Both of them have had a rough go and crap parents. I think Nell is doing her best to be there for Billie and provide stability. It seems one of the healthier ones around. Dom's kids have mainly been mentioned in passing so don't have the best handle on those.
14. Cora and Dom: did anyone expect that twist?! What do you think of this big reveal?
I called it! At least the Cora part, I didn't see Dom having the knowledge or any where near that level of involvement. But it makes a lot of sense in hindsight. If I was Nell, I'd pick Billie up and run.
15. The Bonehunters: what do you think of the different Bonehunters? In day 1 Lisa asked about how digital / social changed the mechanics of the hunt. Have your thoughts been played out in the book? Given at the start we were all thinking about it as a hunt, and it's ended up being a relationship book, who has the move to digital for the Bonehunters affected their interactions, with each other, the world and the hunt?
I think it's made it more insidious and impossible to get away from. Like internet trolls who gather together and crash sites and ruin people's lives without ever revealing themselves or even leaving their house. Ingrid was unnerving and scary but she was a real, physical person Dom was able to fight off of Nell in the moment. You can't really do that digitally.
16. Who's portrait are they actually hung up on, if it's not Bridget (given that Bridget was clear there was a portrait of her in the last part)?
It's got to be Rose. No one else makes sense at this point. GROSS.
Mod
Part 5 to end
17. What do you think of the ending with Frank? What do you think caused his final response?
I found it fitting for his character once he knew all his big dirty secrets were out. That his wife and son were all set to frame him for murder probably didn't help. I honestly think the final straw was Lal knowing the truth about his perverted, slimly self. Unknown, that knowledge could be seen as power but out in the light of day? He could never one-up Lal ever again. And Frank couldn't live with that.
18. Were you surprised by the family’s response to Nell especially Rose’s response? Would you have sided with the family or Nell?
No, I wasn't surprised. It's a family full of horrible people of course they would be on board with the most self serving outcome. Rose's response to me though made the most sense. I can't imagine her trying to tell her children all the details of what happened between her and Frank. and then drag them into a media circus that would likely end with their father going to jail for life. It is beyond messed up but I can follow her logic.
19. This book deals with serval major themes. Do you think the author handled them well? Especially each person’s response to what Frank did to Rose?
Hmmm. Most things in a bizarre way, yes. The author didn't glorify most of the themes but showed what a dumpster fire and toxic family forms from them. It was a bit too blasé for me about the basically incest between Rose and Frank. 14? I mean WTF.
20. Finally, the epilogue. Did you think it was necessary and were you surprised?
I'm not sure what that added at that point in the story. I'm not surprised Frank was a crap person all along. I really don't know what the author was hoping to get out of including that flashback.
Mod
Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 4: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 5: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQs Day 3 ~ Part 39. "Home was vomit and broken glass, and under Frank's hands she was a ripe peach splitting open, danger and solace merged in the act." - what compelling language! I had to re-read this line multiple times, and I'm still unsure if I received the author's intent. What was your interpretation? What are your thoughts on Frank and Bridgit's affair as a whole?
I thought that it was about Lal's drinking and how bad it was afterwards; making sex with Frank an escape albeit a dangerous one. I think everyone that even looked at Frank a 2nd time was insane because they knew the kind of person he was. And the more I read about Frank's actions, the more I really can't stand the character!
10. Let's talk about some of the characters. In this section I grew to truly despise Frank, understand Cora and Dom a little more, but Bridgit is the most interesting to me- I keep mulling over her desire to no longer be tied to Frank, divorce Lal, and get out, but seemingly choosing to stay for Rose; and shocked but intrigued by her actions on the phone at the end. Who stands out to you and why?
The whole lot of them are insane!
11. This section breathed new life into the book for me. It was refreshing to see one night of the story from multiple viewpoints, and it drew me in, knowing that it will be catalytic for the remainder of the book. Did part 3 increase, decrease, or have no effect on your enjoyment of the book and why?
It was an interesting section and it helped to move the story forward.
12. Who do you think got into the car with Lal?
No clue!!
DQ Day 4: Part Four13. The relationship between Billie and Nell - do like like this relationship and how it's developed over the course of the book? How does it fit with the other parent-child relationships we see (explicit or implied, like with Frank and The Admiral)
I think that Nell is trying to give Billie the parents that she never had and trying to do it in a way that she would have liked to have had herself. They'd both had a rough go of it and I think they are good for each other, but am so glad they finally really talked to each other!
14. Cora and Dom: did anyone expect that twist?! What do you think of this big reveal?
I suspected Cora but thought it would be more intentional that it was. Didn't see Dom having a part in it though, especially not that big of a part. Initially I thought Nell was a little crazy - but she may be the sanest of them all!
15. The Bonehunters: what do you think of the different Bonehunters? In day 1 Lisa asked about how digital / social changed the mechanics of the hunt. Have your thoughts been played out in the book? Given at the start we were all thinking about it as a hunt, and it's ended up being a relationship book, who has the move to digital for the Bonehunters affected their interactions, with each other, the world and the hunt?
It made them always be accessible to each other and impossible for everyone to get away from. You don't really have much defense against a digital attacker!
16. Who's portrait are they actually hung up on, if it's not Bridget (given that Bridget was clear there was a portrait of her in the last part)?
I agree with Judith - it has to be Rose.
DQ Day 4: Part Four13. The relationship between Billie and Nell - do like like this relationship and how it's developed over the course of the book? How does it fit with the other parent-child relationships we see (explicit or implied, like with Frank and The Admiral)
It makes sense that Nell would have such a close relationship with Billie after her own childhood. An opportunity to pour all her love in and make a difference for an unloved child. Give her the support and good parenting that she never had.
14. Cora and Dom: did anyone expect that twist?! What do you think of this big reveal?
No, I didn't see it coming but it improved my enjoyment of the story after it lost my interest in the middle.
15. The Bonehunters: what do you think of the different Bonehunters? In day 1 Lisa asked about how digital / social changed the mechanics of the hunt. Have your thoughts been played out in the book? Given at the start we were all thinking about it as a hunt, and it's ended up being a relationship book, who has the move to digital for the Bonehunters affected their interactions, with each other, the world and the hunt?
Wow, the majority of the Bonehunters seem to have big mental health problems. I know people can be passionate about their hobbies but to take it to the level they do...The internet does seem to bring obsessed people together. Somehow taking it digital does take the fairytale romance out of the hunt. In a funny way it's like reading an eBook in comparison to a hardcover. For me anyway, LOL.
16. Who's portrait are they actually hung up on, if it's not Bridget (given that Bridget was clear there was a portrait of her in the last part)
Ahhhh. It's Rose, a lot of it makes sense now, especially Dom following through on his plan to frame Frank.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Secret: A Treasure Hunt (other topics)Sur La Trace De La Chouette D'or (other topics)
A reunion leads to tragedy, and the unravelling of dark family secrets . . .
It is the summer of 2021 and Nell has come home at her family's insistence to celebrate an anniversary. Her father, Sir Frank Churcher, is regarded as a cult figure by many. Fifty years ago he wrote The Golden Bones. Part picture book, part treasure hunt, it was a fairy story about Elinore, a murdered woman whose skeleton was scattered all over England. Clues and puzzles in the pages of The Golden Bones led readers to seven sites where jewels were buried - gold and precious stones, each a different part of a skeleton. One by one, the tiny golden bones were dug up until only Elinore's pelvis remained hidden. The book was a sensation. A community of treasure hunters called the Bonehunters formed, in frenzied competition, obsessed to a dangerous degree. People sold their homes to travel to England and search for Elinore. Marriages broke down as the quest consumed people. A man died. The book made Frank a rich man. And it ruined Nell's life.
But Sir Frank has reunited the Churchers for a very particular reason. The book is being reissued, along with a new treasure hunt and a documentary crew are charting the anniversary. Nell is appalled, and fearful. During the filming, Frank finally reveals the whereabouts of the missing golden bone. And then all hell breaks loose.
From the bestselling author of He Said/She Said and Watch Her Fall, this is a taut, mesmerising novel about a daughter haunted by her father's legacy . . .
======
nominator: Lisa (Aussie Girl)