Oakville Reads discussion

After Sadie stumbles upon Loeanneth, she's drawn to it, returning daily and "no matter which way she headed out on her morning run, she always ended up in the overgrown garden." What is it about Loeanneth that intrigues Sadie? Why do you think she dives head first into solving the mysteries of the estate?

I can definitely understand this pull that she had to the place - Morton's descriptions made is seem so beautiful. Specifically, the gardens and ponds sounded unreal. I think there are probably so few places left untouched like this, so that would be a real draw. Would be the perfect place to be alone at peace...perfect to read a book, watch the wildlife, etc.

I kept wanting Sadie to go in the house though... I don't know how she resisted. I guess being a cop would make you think twice about it ;)

Dana wrote: "I can definitely understand this pull that she had to the place - Morton's descriptions made is seem so beautiful. Specifically, the gardens and ponds sounded unreal. I think there are probably so ..."
I was surprised as well, Dana, that Sadie didn't go in the house without permission. The fact that she was on leave from her job for questionable behaviour probably made her stick to the rules so that she could get her job back.

As we find out at the end, Sadie is Alice's niece, so they must genetically share the love of solving mysteries. The abandoned property must have looked quite mysterious, and the natural question would be what caused the owners to abandon this property? And given Sadie's problems at work and forced leave, she probably appreciated the peace and quiet of Loeanneth.

Like Susan, I felt that Sadie was intrigued by the sheer mystery of the place: why was it abandoned? and so abruptly, with all furnishings left behind as if the people who lived there went out for a bit, but never came back? and who was Alice, and why was her name carved everywhere? etc. Once she got answers to her initial questions, more questions were raised. Like opening a big can of worms. And how could any detective resist this?

But I agree also with you Dana, the peace of the place must have been a big draw to Sadie ... its seclusion too -- an antithesis to the turmoil going on in her city life.