Part 1: The Dead Mother (SPOILER ALERT)

[Debra]

Put your comments about Part 1 here.

[Ann]

Well, this part jumps around in time quite a bit and from point of view to pov, but it works rather well to tell a tale that is starting to twist and turn. We meet Mark Underhill, Philip Underhill and Tim Underhill; at events put into motion after the death of Nancy Underhill, Philips wife and Mark's Mother.
The relationship between brothers Philip and Tim seems quite complicated. With Tim's voice by way of his journal entries the more rational, we get a glimpse of the family dynamic between Philip and anyone, especially Tim, whom he doesn't seem to like much at all, and Mark, who seems a typical teenager as well as a typical boy who happens to have lost his mother to suicide.
Tim seems to realize right away that things are not quite right in Millhaven, and then at Nancy's funeral and visitation, the people are not quite so right either.

[Debra]

I found myself disliking Philip right off the bat. He's just not a likable character. I felt sorry for Mark having a dad like that. Tim is the sympathetic uncle... wish he could have taken Mark away from his negative dad.

[Almeta, co-moderator]

I got lost somewhere between a "flashback" and current time and it took me a while to stabilize. Although I considered starting again, I decided that it would not really make much difference.

I also, so far, don't think much of Phillip. I do sympathize with his frustration at not being able to get the police to investigate the whereabouts of his son. His lack of sympathy for his son, his seemingly lack of reflection on his wife's unhappiness, his callous regard toward her death as a poor reflection on his job potential; all make him difficult to like.

Tim seems a bit more stable, although he does dish out some judgments...probably as a result of character studies for his novels. I appreciate that he showed an interest in Mark, even through long-distance emails.

Mark seems typical of an ignored moody teen. I think he is in trouble, but no matter what it is now, he must have initiated a "run away from home". This is what I think he and his red-headed friend were arguing about.

Jimbo knows the plan but is not saying.

Well, read on and see.

[Debra]

Yep, Phillip is just an unlikeable jerk! Didn't catch that about Tim, but now see what you mean - likely part of his being a writer, for sure. Mum's the word on what has happened to Mark! Keeping reading! Looking forward to more of your comments.

[Almeta, co-moderator]

Debra wrote: "Mum's the word on what has happened to Mark! Keeping reading! ..."

You know I started to think more about this and am changing my mind. It occurred to me that Mark seemed somewhat enthused about visiting his Uncle Tim in New York. His response, unless he was faking it which could be of course, is not the likely one for a person planning on running away.

I still think Jimbo knows what he was up to.

Stop talking...read on.

[Debra]

You're heading in the right direction!