2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Martin Wilcox was "allowed" to die. Did Sebastian cross a line? What do you think about Lovejoy's complicity in the deed?

It fit the period of the story. A scandal to be avoided, rather than facing trial. It is only today's view that taking the law into your own hands is wrong. Lovejoy didn't see Sebastian as a murderer, but a justified killing. Remember there wasn't the evidence gathering and reporting procedures that are expected from such incidents today.

It is highly unlikely given his social standing that Wilcox would have paid for his crimes with the small amount of evidence at hand.

Consequently, justice was done if not exactly according to our modern perceptions of the concept.

It's one of those gray areas, too. He didn't really kill him, just didn't bother saving him. And, given his own injuries, Sebastian had a good foundation.

Interesting form of justice.

I'm still not certain of that line, Stephanie:) I keep moving it!

I didn't have a problem with Wilcox drowning. It seems fitting the way he killed those two women. Like you said, he didn't kill him, he didn't risk his own life to save him.

Besides, he lives on an island; he should know how to swim.