Don’s Comments (group member since Apr 13, 2020)

Don’s comments from the Hackley Public Library Book Club group.

The author nailed PG County. Absolutely right on, including its history, and relations with DC and Montgomery County.
BTW, the Oxon Hill bike club (in PG Cty) is to bike clubs like Halia's restaurant, as it goes out of its way to make participants feel at home. We once has a flat tire on their ride, and before I could get the tire off, a support van stopped and did the chore for me, and their after ride party was a hoot!

As to the ending, Probably asking too much and not needed, but I worry about old Mrs. Watkins...did she keep her house? Maybe Halia took care of that.

some favorite scenes:
When Halia's mom takes over the talking to Mrs. Watkins
also
When Wavonne takes the drinks from the table of ladies who were spiking their drinks with their own booze; and also Wavonne when she overwhelms the young desk clerk at the apartment complex in order to see the video camera tapes.
and
the exercising that Halia did, and the comments she made about the instructor teaching yet another class, and working out later that evening...Halia could not believe it. But then, the instructor coveted fried chicken, so funny!

PG County was an ideal place for the story, it made so many things credible. PG is a place where African Americans are a majority and where a woman like Halia could make it. I have a friend from Jamaica who lives in PG County, who also started a restaurant, featuring his Jamaican cooking/heritage. He did so well that his jerk chicken sauce is sold on the internet.

I had a whole lot of trouble working this site and would hope to have Cliff Note type instructions for future use. That aside, I loved this book and would hope to dine at such a restaurant. Furthermore, Halia's attitudes about social responsibility resonant well with me. The world needs more people like her!
Finally, I hope to read future books by this author. Best mystery reading I've had since Rex Stout days!!