Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Ruckley, Brian - The Edinburgh Dead by Brian Ruckley - buddy read Start Date October 10th
Sans questions for Chapters 1-41. The history of medicine (and progress in general) is not pretty. Do you think you would have attended a demonstration like the one in the first chapter?
2. I watched From Hell with Johnny Depp at a friend's house a couple of weeks ago, so I'm picturing Jack the Ripper in Victorian London. What do you think of the setting and character descriptions and story set up so far?
3. Did anyone else think "werewolf" during Quire's conversation with Christison?
4. We finally circle back to the characters from the first chapter. Is the story holding your interest? Are you anxious to read more or unsure if you're willing to continue?
Questions for chapters 5-8:
1. Blegg. The description of his first appearance-a lackey- doesn't match with the one given when we meet him later. What do you think of him so far?
2. Do you think Quire would have killed Walker, had he not been injured?
3. Why does Quire relate the death of Carlyle to Boswell? Is it the violence he finds similar?
4. Toddrick’s Wynd, what did you think was in there? My first thought was a brothel.
5. So shooting someone in the chest means death, right? Zombies?
6. Quire finds a star dangling by a window, when his apartment is broken into. Do you think black magic will play an important role in the book? Also, touching it-not too good an idea, was it?
Lisarenee's Questions for Chapter 9 -12
1) What do you make of Ruthven's vendetta against Quire? I can't believe he did that.
2) We know Quire had a previous relationship with Cath, a prostitute, and he got in trouble. If he didn't have a troubled history I'd say he was okay. Knowing his reputation is not sparkly clean I'd be worried if I were him. Do you think it was a bad idea to confront Ruthven at the Audubon exhibition?
3) Looks like you were right Anomander. Looks like the twig star with feathers might be a form of witchcraft. Wonder what it means?
4) Quire knows Carlyle worked for Ruthven and he was scared. Are we still thinking zombies or perhaps some other form of reanimation? Do the words on the cover give us a hint, "There is a law against murder. But there are no laws for the dead."
5) What the the significance to the numbers 249 is? It's on the collar of the person on the front cover.
6) What do you think the significance is for the shirt being stolen? Will he be framed?
7) Thoughts on how Ruthven was almost thrown out of the Society?
8) I'm confused--are Resurrection men the name of the grave diggers?
9)Rutherford said, "These are men who don't say a word, not a word. Don't bleed--not any kind of blood I recognise, at least--nor feel no pain even if they're cut. They're not right. Not right at all. Not natural."
"Got dead eyes, Stronger than this horse here. Something of the Devil in them, I'll tell you that."
Looking more like zombies.
10) Are we going to end up with an Egyptian connection? "A fellow of the Institute of Sciences in Paris with--so it seemed to me, in any case--a quite profound knowledge of the antiquities of the Levant, and Egypt. He was a member of that expedition which accompanied Napoleon's invasion of Egypt, you know. A dreadful business, no doubt, but they obtained a remarkable amount of.."
"He's lodging with Ruthven, " Quire interrupted.
Sans' questions for chapters 13-16
1. Are you suspicious of Quire's calm at the beginning of chapter 13?
2. Now we know why the shirt was stolen. Why didn't I think of scent racking before?
3. Who do you think pounded on Quire's door and played possum in the middle of the street? And what do you make of the dogs?
4. Knox is an ass. Thoughts on if he'll pop up again?
5. Are you getting a bit annoyed by the continual exposition in each chapter? "Most of the rich and the title had emigrated to the New Tow, leaving their former haunts to men of a meaner sort. Amongst whose number Quire was quite content to count himself." Did that really need to be said? We've already had it ground into our heads that the rich live in New Town, the other 99% live in Old Town.
6. Do you think Quire and Cath will eventually get back together?
7. Things are going to get a lot more difficult for Quire now that Robinson is gone. How much do you think the superintendent really helped keep Quire out of trouble?
8. That coffee house sounds like my local Starbucks. Durand made another appearance. Thoughts on their conversation? What kind of farm do you think Quire will find?
Questions for Chapters 17-20:
1. Did you expect Quire to get any back up?
2. Well, what do you know..another pissing scene! Sorry Sans, but this is the first one I noticed and that too after you mentioned it. Did every body else feel that there were too many scenes with urination?
3. Quire has certainly become a one man army, is it possible due to his background or too much?
4. Why did the shed at the farm smell of goats?
5. Poor Davey Muir. Since Quire has already faced one of the undead, wasn't he a little unprepared for another confrontation with just a pistol and his baton?
6. Oh god, what part of Davey could Blegg still have a use for?
7. Okay, what was Knox's speech about? Just to fill a few pages? (Or to make Sans stop reading the booking completely) The same with the scene about Dunbar, a few pages ahead.
8. Thoughts on the dismissal scene with Baird. Who do you think ratted out on Quire about Cath?
9. Did you think we'd be meeting the Hare brothers again? What do you think Blegg wants them to do?
10. The Widow is an interesting character. Think we'll see more of her? Will she be important to the story?
11. So, Quire has a witch at hand..too convenient?
Sans' questions for chapters 21-24
1. There have been several references to notable historical figures and some literary references too (Hamlet most recently). Do you like the blending of "real world" with the fictional one Ruckley has created?
2. Did the conversation in Agnes' home make any sense to you? Cause I'm still lost. >_<
3. How many more times are we going to be slapped with the contract of a new, civilized age with pagan beliefs? I'm getting bruises.
4. WTF is that creepy moving skin/face on the wall?! So this is definitely a black magic thing, no Frankenstein-esque reanimated corpses using electricity after all?
5. What is Isabel's role in all this?
6. Hands up if you were hoping Ruthven would choke on his own smug insanity.
7. I'm betting Dunbar is going to be a casualty?
After a long experiment of trial and error, I've determined that Friday, Saturday and Sunday are NOT good days to start a read for me. I propose starting this on Monday, 10 October. That ok with everyone? Who will be joining this read?
I plan to, but I'm I may not be able to post a couple of days due to some volunteering I'm doing at my son's school. I am now an official owner of the book. This one looks to be a bit dark.
No prob, i'm figuring this will be a looser buddy read.
Sans wrote: "No prob, i'm figuring this will be a looser buddy read."Are we on for the 10th?
There are 33 chapters to this book. Since I'm reading it on Kindle, I can't tell how long each chapter is. Would everyone be ok with trying to read 4 chapters/day and see how it goes?
Date Chapters # of pages Question/commentator
Oct 10 1 - 4 = 35 pages ( 1 - 35) Sans
Oct 11 5 - 8 = 49 pages ( 36 - 84) Anomander
Oct 12 9 -12 = 39 pages ( 85 - 123) Lisarenee
Oct 13 13 - 16 = 41 pages (124 - 164) Sans
Oct 14 17 - 20 = 37 pages (165 - 202) Anomander
Oct 15 21 - 24 = 49 pages (203 - 242) Lisarenee
Oct 16 25 - 28 = 34 pages (243 - 276) Sans
Oct 17 29 - 33 = 55 pages (277 - 331) Lisarenee
Thank you, Lisa! I think 4 chapters looks very do-able. I'll take the first set of questions!
Sign me up for questions on any day other than the 13th.
Anomander, Hopefully it's okay that I put you down for the 11th and 14th. I can't do questions on the 13th or 14th so it worked out perfectly if I slotted you in for it. Let me know if you need me to change it.
I'm sorry this first round is thin on questions, but there was a whole lot of set up and not many discussion points I could find.Sans questions for Chapters 1-4
1. The history of medicine (and progress in general) is not pretty. Do you think you would have attended a demonstration like the one in the first chapter?
2. I watched From Hell with Johnny Depp at a friend's house a couple of weeks ago, so I'm picturing Jack the Ripper in Victorian London. What do you think of the setting and character descriptions and story set up so far?
3. Did anyone else think "werewolf" during Quire's conversation with Christison?
4. We finally circle back to the characters from the first chapter. Is the story holding your interest? Are you anxious to read more or unsure if you're willing to continue?
Sans' answers for Chapters 1-41. The history of medicine (and progress in general) is not pretty. Do you think you would have attended a demonstration like the one in the first chapter?
Not under any circumstance. I get squicked out rather easily (couldn't even dissect that mandatory frog in 7th grade biology).
2. I watched From Hell with Johnny Depp at a friend's house a couple of weeks ago, so I'm picturing Jack the Ripper in Victorian London. What do you think of the setting and character descriptions and story set up so far?
The descriptions seem a bit sparse to me. I'm glad the pages don't runneth over with every last detail though. It's rather fitting I think. Vague, slightly menacing. I've been to Edinburgh a few times and can picture the areas they're talking about, but I'm getting much more Sherlock Holmes meets Jack the Ripper vibes.
3. Did anyone else think "werewolf" during Quire's conversation with Christison?
I'm still unclear as to what genre this book is!
4. We finally circle back to the characters from the first chapter. Is the story holding your interest? Are you anxious to read more or unsure if you're willing to continue?
I'm feeling a lot like I did when I read In the Woods. Confused, out of my element, wondering if it's the book or it's me. I'm very much in a romance frame of mind, so the lack of it is jarring me.
Sans questions for Chapters 1-41. The history of medicine (and progress in general) is not pretty. Do you think you would have attended a demonstration like the one in the first chapter?
No. This is definitely a dark book. Do you think Zombies are in the future? It reminded me a little of Frankenstein. Anyone else?
2. I watched From Hell with Johnny Depp at a friend's house a couple of weeks ago, so I'm picturing Jack the Ripper in Victorian London. What do you think of the setting and character descriptions and story set up so far?
I like the comparison.
3. Did anyone else think "werewolf" during Quire's conversation with Christison?
*raises hand* Me! But you know me and paranormals. lol
4. We finally circle back to the characters from the first chapter. Is the story holding your interest? Are you anxious to read more or unsure if you're willing to continue?
I was surprised Carlyle, the man who seemed to no how to work the device at the beginning, is the one who is dead. He was stolen for his expertise from the original scientist so I'm wondering what happened?
Sans, I think it's too early to through in the towel. Let's see what happens in the next set of chapters.
Oh, I'm not suggesting we stop! I'm just curious how the book is grabbing everyone. ^_^
Right now it's not really grabbing me. Read ahead to almost the next stopping point and still isn't sucking me in. It's very violent.
Hmmm. Well, it is written buy a guy. I can't remember the last time I read a book written by a man that wasn't a history book.
Sans questions for Chapters 1-41. The history of medicine (and progress in general) is not pretty. Do you think you would have attended a demonstration like the one in the first chapter?
The only kind of dissection I like include a screwdriver and a computer thanks :)
2. I watched From Hell with Johnny Depp at a friend's house a couple of weeks ago, so I'm picturing Jack the Ripper in Victorian London. What do you think of the setting and character descriptions and story set up so far?
It's very gloomy...I love it :) It reminds me of another book, The Death of the Necromancer, different story but it rings some bells....
3. Did anyone else think "werewolf" during Quire's conversation with Christison?
If he's a werewolf, what's the frenchman ? A vampire ?
4. We finally circle back to the characters from the first chapter. Is the story holding your interest? Are you anxious to read more or unsure if you're willing to continue?
I will definitively read it to the last word.
Sans questions for Chapters 1-41. The history of medicine (and progress in general) is not pretty. Do you think you would have attended a demonstration like the one in the first chapter?
I dunno if I'd survive it but I'd still have wanted to go. I'm reading this book
and it describes Pavlov's work on dogs and the research involving heart surgery. It'd be bloody but it'd also mean I witness science in the making!2. I watched From Hell with Johnny Depp at a friend's house a couple of weeks ago, so I'm picturing Jack the Ripper in Victorian London. What do you think of the setting and character descriptions and story set up so far?
I like it, it feels authentic.
3. Did anyone else think "werewolf" during Quire's conversation with Christison?
I did too. I think the author meant for us to come to that conclusion.
4. We finally circle back to the characters from the first chapter. Is the story holding your interest? Are you anxious to read more or unsure if you're willing to continue?
Yep, I want to read ahead and make questions hehe
Questions for chapters 5-8:1. Blegg. The description of his first appearance-a lackey- doesn't match with the one given when we meet him later. What do you think of him so far?
2. Do you think Quire would have killed Walker, had he not been injured?
3. Why does Quire relate the death of Carlyle to Boswell? Is it the violence he finds similar?
4. Toddrick’s Wynd, what did you think was in there? My first thought was a brothel.
5. So shooting someone in the chest means death, right? Zombies?
6. Quire finds a star dangling by a window, when his apartment is broken into. Do you think black magic will play an important role in the book? Also, touching it-not too good an idea, was it?
Answers to Questions for chapters 5-8:1. Blegg. The description of his first appearance-a lackey- doesn't match with the one given when we meet him later. What do you think of him so far?
I think he still works for someone and is a Lackey, but with a larger role, perhaps more trusted, than most.
2. Do you think Quire would have killed Walker, had he not been injured?
No, I think he was just letting him know he was getting on his nerves.
3. Why does Quire relate the death of Carlyle to Boswell? Is it the violence he finds similar?
I think it was due to the violent nature of the murder.
4. Toddrick’s Wynd, what did you think was in there? My first thought was a brothel.
I thought it would the laboratory of a mad scientist. I thought it might be the place they were taking the cadavers.
5. So shooting someone in the chest means death, right? Zombies?
I think the verdict is still out on zombies.
6. Quire finds a star dangling by a window, when his apartment is broken into. Do you think black magic will play an important role in the book? Also, touching it-not too good an idea, was it?
Maybe black magic maybe, but doesn't sound like a pentagram.
I'll get questions up soon. Sorry for being so late.
Questions for Chapter 9 -121) What do you make of Ruthven's vendetta against Quire? I can't believe he did that.
2) We know Quire had a previous relationship with Cath, a prostitute, and he got in trouble. If he didn't have a troubled history I'd say he was okay. Knowing his reputation is not sparkly clean I'd be worried if I were him. Do you think it was a bad idea to confront Ruthven at the Audubon exhibition?
3) Looks like you were right Anomander. Looks like the twig star with feathers might be a form of witchcraft. Wonder what it means?
4) Quire knows Carlyle worked for Ruthven and he was scared. Are we still thinking zombies or perhaps some other form of reanimation? Do the words on the cover give us a hint, "There is a law against murder. But there are no laws for the dead."
5) What is the significance to the numbers 249? It's on the collar of the person on the front cover.
6) What do you think the significance is for the shirt being stolen? Will he be framed?
7) Thoughts on how Ruthven was almost thrown out of the Society?
8) I'm confused--are Resurrection men the name of the grave diggers?
9)Rutherford said, "These are men who don't say a word, not a word. Don't bleed--not any kind of blood I recognise, at least--nor feel no pain even if they're cut. They're not right. Not right at all. Not natural."
"Got dead eyes, Stronger than this horse here. Something of the Devil in them, I'll tell you that."
Looking more like zombies.
10) Are we going to end up with an Egyptian connection? "A fellow of the Institute of Sciences in Paris with--so it seemed to me, in any case--a quite profound knowledge of the antiquities of the Levant, and Egypt. He was a member of that expedition which accompanied Napoleon's invasion of Egypt, you know. A dreadful business, no doubt, but they obtained a remarkable amount of.."
"He's lodging with Ruthven, " Quire interrupted.
Sans' answers for chapters 5-8:1. Blegg. The description of his first appearance-a lackey- doesn't match with the one given when we meet him later. What do you think of him so far?
I wonder if he's playing both sides against the middle or is actually the mastermind here.
2. Do you think Quire would have killed Walker, had he not been injured?
He was working on adrenaline and shock and couldn't understand his own actions. I think he would have shot Walker.
3. Why does Quire relate the death of Carlyle to Boswell? Is it the violence he finds similar?
Not sure. I'm having trouble connecting the plot markers in this book.
4. Toddrick’s Wynd, what did you think was in there? My first thought was a brothel.
Same here.
5. So shooting someone in the chest means death, right? Zombies?
Actually, my first thought was Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. I thought the guy had that genetic condition where he would feel no pain, no matter what happened to him.
6. Quire finds a star dangling by a window, when his apartment is broken into. Do you think black magic will play an important role in the book? Also, touching it-not too good an idea, was it?
I think it'll be similar to Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes and black magic is just a red herring.
Answers for Chapter 9 -12
1) What do you make of Ruthven's vendetta against Quire? I can't believe he did that.
He's got Ruthven scared I think. Why else would the dude strike out so fast against Quire?
2) We know Quire had a previous relationship with Cath, a prostitute, and he got in trouble. If he didn't have a troubled history I'd say he was okay. Knowing his reputation is not sparkly clean I'd be worried if I were him. Do you think it was a bad idea to confront Ruthven at the Audubon exhibition?
Very bad, but I get the feeling Quire doesn't care much about stuff like that. He doesn't want to lose his job, but he's too focused on his kind of justice.
3) Looks like you were right Anomander. Looks like the twig star with feathers might be a form of witchcraft. Wonder what it means?
Still thinking red herring over here. But considering the fact that I haven't the foggiest of what's going on, I won't be surprised if I find out I'm wrong!
4) Quire knows Carlyle worked for Ruthven and he was scared. Are we still thinking zombies or perhaps some other form of reanimation? Do the words on the cover give us a hint, "There is a law against murder. But there are no laws for the dead."
Another reanimation, like Shelley's Frankenstein I think.
5) What is the significance to the numbers 249? It's on the collar of the person on the front cover.
Is it? I've got the ebook so I haven't really studied the cover.
6) What do you think the significance is for the shirt being stolen? Will he be framed?
If black magic isn't a red herring, it could be used in a ritual. Or, he's going to be framed.
7) Thoughts on how Ruthven was almost thrown out of the Society?
See, that's why I'm wondering if Blegg is actually pulling the strings. Ruthven gets to play with his spells and rituals while Blegg gets business done without drawing attention to himself.
8) I'm confused--are Resurrection men the name of the grave diggers?
No, Resurrection Men are what the grave robbers/body snatchers were called (think Burke and Hare).
9)Rutherford said, "These are men who don't say a word, not a word. Don't bleed--not any kind of blood I recognise, at least--nor feel no pain even if they're cut. They're not right. Not right at all. Not natural."
"Got dead eyes, Stronger than this horse here. Something of the Devil in them, I'll tell you that."
Looking more like zombies.
Zombies or reanimated? There's a difference, isn't there? I think? I'm confused!
10) Are we going to end up with an Egyptian connection? "A fellow of the Institute of Sciences in Paris with--so it seemed to me, in any case--a quite profound knowledge of the antiquities of the Levant, and Egypt. He was a member of that expedition which accompanied Napoleon's invasion of Egypt, you know. A dreadful business, no doubt, but they obtained a remarkable amount of.."
"He's lodging with Ruthven, " Quire interrupted.
No idea.
Questions for Chapter 9 -121) What do you make of Ruthven's vendetta against Quire? I can't believe he did that.
I can. He has to eliminate the threat, so he used his status in the society to do it.
2) We know Quire had a previous relationship with Cath, a prostitute, and he got in trouble. If he didn't have a troubled history I'd say he was okay. Knowing his reputation is not sparkly clean I'd be worried if I were him. Do you think it was a bad idea to confront Ruthven at the Audubon exhibition?
Quire, himself, said it wasn't the cleverest idea he'd had.
3) Looks like you were right Anomander. Looks like the twig star with feathers might be a form of witchcraft. Wonder what it means?
*Yaay! My name in a question!!* Okay, I'm so over it. I don't think it'd mean anything good. Even, if it doesn't really kill Quire, its bound to freak him out.
4) Quire knows Carlyle worked for Ruthven and he was scared. Are we still thinking zombies or perhaps some other form of reanimation? Do the words on the cover give us a hint, "There is a law against murder. But there are no laws for the dead."
Reanimation would have to involve zombies in every scenario, what other way is there? Yeah, I think the words pretty much say it.
5) What is the significance to the numbers 249? It's on the collar of the person on the front cover.
Are the bodies in a morgue (or the medical school dissection place) given numbers?
6) What do you think the significance is for the shirt being stolen? Will he be framed?
Nope, its for use in black magic.
7) Thoughts on how Ruthven was almost thrown out of the Society?
I didn't get the question.
8) I'm confused--are Resurrection men the name of the grave diggers?
Sans said it.
9)Rutherford said, "These are men who don't say a word, not a word. Don't bleed--not any kind of blood I recognise, at least--nor feel no pain even if they're cut. They're not right. Not right at all. Not natural."
"Got dead eyes, Stronger than this horse here. Something of the Devil in them, I'll tell you that."
Looking more like zombies.
A zombie is a reanimated corpse.
10) Are we going to end up with an Egyptian connection? "A fellow of the Institute of Sciences in Paris with--so it seemed to me, in any case--a quite profound knowledge of the antiquities of the Levant, and Egypt. He was a member of that expedition which accompanied Napoleon's invasion of Egypt, you know. A dreadful business, no doubt, but they obtained a remarkable amount of.."
"He's lodging with Ruthven, " Quire interrupted.
Yeah, the way author keeps mentioning Durand. I think we will.
Anomander replied to the question, "Thoughts on how Ruthven was almost thrown out of the Society?with
I didn't get the question.
In the chapter entitled Antiquities, they discussed a group called the Society. Because of the chapter heading I'm guessing they are an antiquities type of Society. The man Quire talked to said many of the Senior members didn't get along with Ruthven, and implied he would have been kicked out had he not quit. This was the same individual he asked about the star. It was revealed that Quire was not the only one with items stolen from them.
I'm curious, what is everyone's definition of zombie? When I think of zombie, I think Shawn of the Dead and Resident Evil, where zombies are out for any and all blood/brains they can find. They're mindless corpses function on the most basic of needs: to feed. The reanimated corpses (if that's what they are), are more controlled and have a specific task they're performing. They're not trying to bite everyone they see to eat their flesh. The way things are shaping up in this book, these corpses are more like robots, function on a specific set of instructions (dig up bodies, bring them back to home base, eliminate any threats).
So back to my question - what's the difference between a zombie and a reanimated corpse to you?
Basically the same things you just stated. I'm thinking Zombies are somewhat out of control and out for 'food'. Reanimated corpses (for lack of a better term) aren't looking to eat(Which let's face it why would a dead person need to eat?) anything and are more controlled. What I'm curious about when it comes to these dead people is can their brains function better than your typical zombie? What if some of the person they once were is retained?
Sans' questions for chapters 13-161. Are you suspicious of Quire's calm at the beginning of chapter 13?
2. Now we know why the shirt was stolen. Why didn't I think of scent racking before?
3. Who do you think pounded on Quire's door and played possum in the middle of the street? And what do you make of the dogs?
4. Knox is an ass. Thoughts on if he'll pop up again?
5. Are you getting a bit annoyed by the continual exposition in each chapter? "Most of the rich and the title had emigrated to the New Tow, leaving their former haunts to men of a meaner sort. Amongst whose number Quire was quite content to count himself." Did that really need to be said? We've already had it ground into our heads that the rich live in New Town, the other 99% live in Old Town.
6. Do you think Quire and Cath will eventually get back together?
7. Things are going to get a lot more difficult for Quire now that Robinson is gone. How much do you think the superintendent really helped keep Quire out of trouble?
8. That coffee house sounds like my local Starbucks. Durand made another appearance. Thoughts on their conversation? What kind of farm do you think Quire will find?
Lisarenee wrote: "Basically the same things you just stated. I'm thinking Zombies are somewhat out of control and out for 'food'. Reanimated corpses (for lack of a better term) aren't looking to eat(Which let's face..."So,if we use your definition of a zombie, then since these corpses don't feel when you hurt them and have no craving for brains, these are reanimated corpses without a trace of the person they used to be. Right?
Sans' questions for chapters 13-161. Are you suspicious of Quire's calm at the beginning of chapter 13?
No, I think its necessary for him to be this way, if he is to survive.
2. Now we know why the shirt was stolen. Why didn't I think of scent tracking before?
Because of all the talk about magic. Wonder who started it? hehe Even when it was hinted that Carlisle was attacked by a dog like creature!
3. Who do you think pounded on Quire's door and played possum in the middle of the street? And what do you make of the dogs?
Blegg? The dogs scare the heck outta me! I've a healthy fear of dogs..I get anxiety attacks, if I even see one! And undead dogs..*shudder*
4. Knox is an ass. Thoughts on if he'll pop up again?
Nope, don't think so.
5. Are you getting a bit annoyed by the continual exposition in each chapter? "Most of the rich and the title had emigrated to the New Tow, leaving their former haunts to men of a meaner sort. Amongst whose number Quire was quite content to count himself." Did that really need to be said? We've already had it ground into our heads that the rich live in New Town, the other 99% live in Old Town.
Yesss! I'm continuously put off by line after line of description. Dunno why the author felt the need for so much of it.
6. Do you think Quire and Cath will eventually get back together?
I hope so. I keep fretting the bad guys'l get to her!
7. Things are going to get a lot more difficult for Quire now that Robinson is gone. How much do you think the superintendent really helped keep Quire out of trouble?
With a boss like whats-his-name, quite a lot I'd say.
8. That coffee house sounds like my local Starbucks. Durand made another appearance. Thoughts on their conversation? What kind of farm do you think Quire will find?
I think its rather unfair of Durand to shoulder all of this on Quire. The farm would be their laboratory, I think.
Oh and how clever is Ruthven..hiding how bankrupt they are!
Anomander wrote: "So,if we use your definition of a zombie, then since these corpses don't feel when you hurt them and have no craving for brains, these are reanimated corpses without a trace of the person they used to be. Right? "Gah, I don't know! It's getting all confused in my head, especially after reading chapter 13. >_<
Sans wrote: "Anomander wrote: "So,if we use your definition of a zombie, then since these corpses don't feel when you hurt them and have no craving for brains, these are reanimated corpses without a trace of th..."hehehe wait till you finish it..maybe it'll be clearer then?
Did you finish the book already?
Yeah..couldn't stop..Honestly, I tried!;-)
I'm glad you were interested in it! Sadly, I'm feeling like I could go a while before picking it up again. ^_^;
What's putting you off? The details or is the story not interesting enough?
The constant exposition, reminding us of facts/details that have already been gone over several times previously, Quire is acting like he's too stupid to live (seriously, what's with all the falling and screwing up?), the violence, the repeated references to urination, the fact that I'm over half way through and things still haven't really "picked up" for me. Just not my kind of book, sadly. And I was so excited! Edinburgh during its heyday of schooling and discovery! Only...not so much.
Sans wrote: "The constant exposition, reminding us of facts/details that have already been gone over several times previously, Quire is acting like he's too stupid to live (seriously, what's with all the fallin..."Well as long as you don't have any major problems with the book! hehe but still, the pace will pick up in a bit.
Sorry for the delay.Questions for Chapters 17-20:
1. Did you expect Quire to get any back up?
2. Well, what do you know..another pissing scene! Sorry Sans, but this is the first one I noticed and that too after you mentioned it. Did every body else feel that there were too many scenes with urination?
3. Quire has certainly become a one man army, is it possible due to his background or too much?
4. Why did the shed at the farm smell of goats?
5. Poor Davey Muir. Since Quire has already faced one of the undead, wasn't he a little unprepared for another confrontation with just a pistol and his baton?
6. Oh god, what part of Davey could Blegg still have a use for?
7. Okay, what was Knox's speech about? Just to fill a few pages? (Or to make Sans stop reading the booking completely) The same with the scene about Dunbar, a few pages ahead.
8. Thoughts on the dismissal scene with Baird. Who do you think ratted out on Quire about Cath?
9. Did you think we'd be meeting the Hare brothers again? What do you think Blegg wants them to do?
10. The Widow is an interesting character. Think we'll see more of her? Will she be important to the story?
11. So, Quire has a witch at hand..too convenient?
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Pavlov's Dogs and Schrödinger's Cat: Scenes from the Living Laboratory (other topics)The Death of the Necromancer (other topics)
In the Woods (other topics)
The Edinburgh Dead (other topics)
This topic is open for discussion of The Edinburgh Dead by Brian Ruckley. Be prepared for SPOILERS.
Goodreads Description:
The year is 1827. For Adam Quire, an officer of the recently formed City Police, Edinburgh is a terrifying place. It is a city populated by mad alchemists and a criminal underclass prepared to treat with the darkest of powers. But nothing can prepare him for the trail of undead hounds, emptied graves, brutal murders and mob violence that will take him into the darkest corners of the underworld and to the highest reaches of elegant Edinburgh society.