Analiese’s Comments (group member since Apr 06, 2020)

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

I'm glad I was able to hear from you Don, Jean, and Ron. I hope you stay well!

I think this book was just the kind of read I needed during this time.

Although it's seven, the best thing about online discussions is that they can keep going! If you have any questions about the book you want to chat about or bring up, feel free to post them. I may not respond immediately but will keep checking and responding when I can.

I would hope so. Mrs. Watkins seemed sweet. I wish I lived in a place where I could drop by a stranger's house and they would offer me pie.

She was the key clue to the whole thing. I actually thought that Darius was going to end up being her son and the murderer. I liked that I didn't figure it out.

Jean wrote: "When Regine was first interviewed by Halia, I remember being struck by how fast Regine responded about her alibi and the videocam at her apartment lobby. However, I did not suspect her then. Everyo..."

Oh yes, the cornbread would be good to try too.

Mallory wrote: "Hello there"

Hello there!

Don wrote: "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 als..."

The exercise and the shame eating chicken is why I ended up liking Jacqueline at the end haha. Great scenes!

So as we are nearing the end of the scheduled online discussion time, how did you feel about the ending of the book? What did you like, what did you not like, and what do you wish had been different?

That's so cool! So you think the author did a good job in portraying PG County? p.s. you'll have to let me know the name of the sauce!

I know I felt like the county was a character in itself. The descriptions were great. I also liked how the author described the churches and hats. Also, how her aunt would be extra dramatic at funerals.

Did anyone else get insanely hungry while reading this? It made me want to try out some of the recipes she had listed, especially the waffles.

We are working out some kinks with having discussions online but that's a good idea to have instructions handy for the next time.

I'm glad you liked the author and the mystery! I've never read Rex Stout but now I'll have to put it on my list. Luckily this was the first of a whole series by A.L. Herbert so there are plenty to read from.

https://www.goodreads.com/series/1489...

Jean wrote: "From Don:
I liked the language of the characters and the setting was interesting. A fun read from beginning to end. I laughed out loud a lot!"

I did too! It was refreshing have a book with humor in it. Did you have a favorite part that you thought was especially funny?

What made the setting unique or important? Could the story have taken place anywhere?

Jean wrote: "Sorry, I forgot to add:
I would have done the logical thing and called the police but then I would not be able to tell the interesting story she could."

I don't know how I would react in her situation. I would like to think I would call the police but if I had all of my heart & soul (and money) put into the restaurant and it could be jeopardized... I'm not sure.

Ron wrote: "Signing off"
Thanks for joining us, Ron.

I actually thought Jacqueline was the one her killed Marcus for a while. I went back and forth between suspects. I even thought it might be Darius, the server, for a while.

Was there a character you thought was the murderer right off the bat?

I think my favorite character was Halia. Although Wavonne added some comic relief, I liked Halia's passion for her restaurant really made her pop out as a character for me. Surprisingly, I also began to really like Jacqueline, Marcus's sister, at the end.

Jean wrote: "Sorry for being late, but really enjoyed the book and the dialog. used to live in Maryland and had friends in PG county. Characters are familiar. Liked the ending as well as the development of even..."

No problem Jean, glad you made it.
I agree! Do you have a favorite character?

With more people? I agree. Although nothing beats face to face discussion.

Would you be open to trying a video chat discussion for the next one if we are not back in the library by that time?

Hi Ron, Do you see my comments in the reply of your answers?

Analiese wrote: "Ron wrote: "Waiting"
She certainly did a lot of waiting the next day, nervously at that! It would probably have saved her a lot of trouble if she just contacted the police in the first place.

But..."

Okay, That sounds good. Remember, you can always come back and answer the questions at a later time and keep the discussion going.