Sandra’s Comments (group member since Apr 28, 2019)

Sandra’s comments from the 2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 group.

This sounded "off" to me. In that period of time, I think family would have expectations of actually speaking to a loved one. This felt "squirrely" to me all the way. All those years and never file a missing person's report is insane.

This scene haunted me throughout. It says so much with few words. I knew something bad happened & kept thinking about it as I read.

I had not heard of it, but then I have little to no knowledge of those type crafts.

I do think Tyler will become a problem in future books. It's great that they co-parent cohesively, but he clearly has hopes of more from Nikki than she's willing to give him.

I have to agree. Female lead detectives tend to come across as reckless at times. Not sure why but this seems to be a trend in this genre now.

In the beginning, I felt it was too early in their relationship to introduce Rory to her daughter or ex. I think Nikki needed to see where their relationship was going and make some decisions about her future before bringing him into her family's life. While it wasn't her Ex's business, I think it was a courtesy to him to tell him later on...not in the beginning. As to Rory's parents' feelings about the role Nikki played in helping get Mark imprisoned, I understand their point of few - especially early on. Not that I think Nikki should be blamed for it, but the pain & hurt his parents had to feel would make it hard for them to welcome her into their family. Later, I felt they needed to also consider Rory's choices and happiness and at the least, give Nikki a chance.

Hardin should have been prosecuted!! I couldn't believe they allowed him to waltz off into retirement! He's the reason Mark spent 20 years in prison. I don't think it was "just laziness and sloppy investigating" although it was to a point, but he made the decision to neglect evidence and even got rid of evidence like the tox report all because of a personal grudge. Unforgivable!!

I think this is another addictive series much like Josie Quinn! Looking forward to reading on.

I liked Roy from his first appearance on. He came across as sincere and just nice. I think Nikki recognized him as a "good guy" from the start and yes, the physical attraction was immediate. Probably not a smart choice to jump into his bed so quickly, but with everything else going downhill fast...I think she needed the connection and comfort she got from him. I see them as a couple going forward.

I thought he was innocent early on. Things were beginning to add up wrong and it became more and more clear that Nikki had been drugged & really didn't know the truth. I was sure Mark was going to be found innocent. Her perceptions of that night were way too fuzzy and I thought I could see why she would think he was attacking her but my immediate thought was Maybe he was helping her.

I thought it was coincidental for some reason. It seemed innocent enough but maybe not. I liked Rory right away. I didn't think he was making up anything to get his brother off but really believed that Mark had information Nikki needed to hear. Her memories of that night were fuzzy and Mark was there. He knew what really happened. Of course, he could be lying, but it was clear all along that more than Nikki remembered happened and I felt John was involved all along. A lot of what Nikki "knew", John told her.

This bothered me. I don't know if it was right or wrong. I think it helps that she didn't harm anyone and given the fact that she was now grieving the loss of her daughter, maybe they didn't see any benefit to arresting her or turning her in at this point. Stopping her from continuing would be enough. It's one of those "gray" areas for me.

I agree with Robin. Can't add much more to that.

I agree, Robin. It brought all the bad memories flooding back & threatened to overwhelm her. It also started bringing back bits and pieces of her recessed memory of that night. It was a lot to deal with.

I agree. Hardin was such a creep. Knowing what he did, I'm sure he'd do anything to run under the radar on that past case.

I wondered about it but wasn't sure of the protocol. It created more drama for the story that she learns about it after returning to Stillwater.

Nikki wanted to leave it at No Comment, but Caitlin kept baiting her. I think the more time went on and the protestors and reconnecting with people from her past all combined to drive her more & more to think about the past, she lost patience a little & responded more than she would have otherwise.

I think she's committed to finding justice for the girls once she sees their bodies. She reminds me of Eve Dallas in that aspect - it would certainly be more comfortable for her to step away, but I'm not sure she's capable of doing that. Just my opinion but I felt she was truly devoted to finding the killer. And maybe on some deeper level, she felt it was time to find some answers of her own.

We can all agree Garwood knew how to write an opening line or paragraph to entice readers in. Exceptional job!!

I'll have to agree. It's one thing to donate the land for conservation...but to give away every penny of millions just because their uncle was a mean spirited old man is a bit dumb. As y'all said, it doesn't change a thing. Give some to charity and keep some.