Question C

[Jonetta]

Nick notices that FBI Agent Avery Hill seems to be unduly interested in Sam, as does she. In fact, we learn from him that he’s hopelessly besotted by her, to the point where he was ready to leave town to put some space between them. Your thoughts about the situation? Did you get a vibe that Sam was flattered by it or not? Did she do anything to encourage/discourage the attention?

[Sharon]

Again, my first thought was "another steal from In Death." This is Sam's Webster?I'm glad Nick didn't go after Avery.

I think Sam was flattered originally, but she quickly realized that his infatuation is over the top when she, and Nick see him watching her every move,

[Anita]

Hill is almost 40 years old and to be so over the top infatuated with someone he has no prayer of having is a little troubling. It think Sam was a little flattered, but a lot concerned by the fact Hill didn't do a very good job of trying to hide his infatuation and Nick saw it so plainly. Sam did nothing to encourage Hill.

[Lauren]

Sharon wrote: "Again, my first thought was "another steal from In Death." This is Sam's Webster?."

My thoughts exactly. The comparison is inevitable.

To be honest, I don't like this. This is the third man who is besotted with Sam. It's unnecessary and adds nothing to the story or characterization.

I hope that Avery moves on sooner rather than later and that this does not become a recurring element.

[Jonetta]

You know Lauren, I couldn’t put my finger on why this bothered me so much and you hit the nail on the head. Why introduce yet another guy hopelessly smitten with Sam?

I hadn’t thought of the Eve/Roarke/Webster comparison but you’re right. I remember people grumbling that she was copying that series and this couldn’t have helped the defense.

In any event, Avery is too old for this kind of behavior and I’m hating every moment. I saw hints that Sam was flattered but she never encouraged the guy.

[Lauren]

Jonetta wrote: "Avery is too old for this kind of behavior and I’m hating every moment"

Very true!
Other than one encounter in the last book where Sam was rude to him, Avery knows nothing about her. What exactly is he so enamored with - her looks? Her prickly personality?

It makes no sense that a mature man and experienced agent would become what amounts to being a stalker with zero encouragement.