Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

Synopsis
An unsolved murder comes to light after almost seventy years...

In 1999, art dealer Alex Clayton stumbles across a lost portrait of Molly Dean, an artist's muse brutally slain in Melbourne in 1930. Alex buys the painting and sets out to uncover more details, but finds there are strange inconsistencies: Molly's mother seemed unconcerned by her daughter's violent death, the main suspect was never brought to trial despite compelling evidence, and vital records are missing. Alex enlists the help of her close friend, art conservator John Porter, and together they sift through the clues and deceptions that swirl around the last days of Molly Dean

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At NRBC we use three styles of buddy reads. These will be indicated in the thread title as “Buddy Read”, “Relaxed Buddy Read” or “Informal Buddy Read”.

A “Buddy Read” has a discussion leader and a reading date is set to start the book. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book. More information about these types of reads is below. An example is here, showing a reading schedule here.

A “Relaxed Buddy Read” is similar to our usual “buddy reads” except there are less questions and break points. For example, a book may be split into three sections and those reading the book should pause at the end of the section to answer some discussion questions, make comments, or ask their own questions to other readers. An example is here.

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MORE UNDER SPOILER
(view spoiler)[

“Buddy Reads” (“BRs”) include:

• A reading schedule which can range from 50, 75, to 100 or so pages a day.

• Discussion questions posted daily by moderators and occasionally group members
   who help one of us out. If you want to be a Discussion Leader, let us know.

• If the book is really long, we'll plan a break day.

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   sequels come out. This helps us to remember what exactly happened in the previous
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   sentences about a book. We feel this is what distinguishes us as being a ‘book club’
   rather than just another GoodReads ‘group.’

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• Discussions and questions are set up to make you think, analyze, and see things you,
   or even we, may have missed. Feel free to add your own thoughts at any time, if you
   think we've missed something.

• If you've read the book, feel free to let us know what you thought about the book.
   You can do so at the end of the buddy read, or, if you can't wait, add spoiler tags
   before you comment like:

   **************BEWARE! SPOILER FOR THE END OF THE BOOK**************

   Or insert a (view spoiler)[spoiler (hide spoiler)]. If you do NOT know how to do so, just check out our
   GoodReads 101 explanation on how to Insert a Spoiler.

• If you are looking for a reading buddy, post an inquiry in our Buddy read requests thread. Use that thread, if you want to have a repeat read of a BOM
    or buddy read, too.

• Have fun! We always do when more than one person joins in. And we look less silly
   if someone else discusses a book with us. (hide spoiler)]

r

I requested & received this from NetGalley as I really liked the cover (I know), but also the synopsis.

Then in the paper I saw this article and it really has me intrigued.

Can't wait to start :)

How about a start date of May 23?

That works for me! :)

Thanks for the article! Good review.

Great!

Yes it was really interesting. I love fiction based on real facts that I’ve never heard of 😉

I started a bit early ;)

I'm up to 22%, so just finished the 1930 section that ends
"He gave ger a wriy smile. 'Letter's on the hall table.'

Initial thoughts:
(view spoiler)[
I wasn't expecting the back and forth between 1999 and 1930. I kind of like it. It is a good way to explore Molly and it is an interesting time period. I would love to know how close to the truth the author has tried to go ; or if there is lots of poetic license (this kind of HF fiction and the path the author chooses always fascinates me!)

When it started I was a bit confused as to if Alex was male or female. I wonder if that is intentional?
I love the auction description and this entry into the art world which is a life that I've never experienced,
I did wonder why the time period of 1999 has been chosen. The murder was in 1930. Does that mean the author is going to attempt to have some people that knew Molly enter the story (they would be old, but it is plausible)?
Who is this unknown bidder? If they really wanted the painting why did they allow themselves to be outbid?

(hide spoiler)]
Enjoying it all so far and looking forward to some more info!

Oh! I had started another book while I was waiting, but I'll put it aside and start this one tonight. I'll be a bit behind.

No worries! I kind of read when I have a spare moment and I had some time today waiting for a client meeting :)

I'll switch to Count of Monte Cristo now before I continue on so I can wait for you to get to the same spot xD

So real life got in the way today and I only made it to 8%. I'll try to make more progress during the day tomorrow. Looking forward to reading your spoiler! Just leaving Alex now and heading to 1930 in the morning.

I’ll probably read a bit more tomorrow. I’ll use spoiler tags though 😎

Ah! Sorry, I've been such a bad buddy. Life has been a bit hectic. I have made it to 22% though and plan to read more this evening.

re your spoiler (view spoiler)[ I feel like there is going to be a bit of poetic license in this one. I'm not sure why I feel that way...maybe just because it's been a lot of private conversations so far that no one would have been privy to? But, I'm hoping a lot of what surrounds that, such as the details of her life and relationships that were public knowledge are as accurate as possible.

I like the back and forth too. I think it's a good way to get to know Molly Dean in a personal way, while the research in the 1999 part fills in the blanks that don't fit neatly into her 1930 story.

I hadn't considered someone from 1930 being in the 1999 storyline. That is a good point. It could happen and would make for some good overlap of the storylines.

I was also wondering about the unknown bidder. It makes no sense that that they allowed themselves to be outbid if they really wanted the painting that much. I mean why even hesitate at such a low price if they were willing to go so much higher? It seems that maybe they got more information after the fact or something else is going on. It seems pretty sketchy that they set up a whole fake account too. I hope that doesn't put Alex in danger. (hide spoiler)]

36% (view spoiler)[ I wonder who took all the files and why. Was it the murderer? Also, how did they get them all without leaving a trace, no name signing them out? I suppose it was easier to do back then but still.

Molly's mom sounds just awful. I don't think mom's get much worse than that.
(hide spoiler)]

Kristie wrote: "36% I wonder who..."

(view spoiler)[Yes that was so interesting with the files. Seems to suggest something larger was at play. Interesting that Daphne Lambell was looking for them in 1958. I love the line when Alex meets her about her father:
"He was my hero and I was his only child."

Oh that mother! ah! I want to throttle her. Horrible person.
(hide spoiler)]

I'm up to 70% in 1999 finishing with "Just glad I've got a ringside seat for the next bit"

(view spoiler)[

At the end of the chapter you must be on - it is at 41%

"Of course, that still leaves me with a pressing question: why did the trial never happen?"

and 43% she seems to agree with us about the mother
"an above average cold-hearted bitch or an absolute psycho"
LOL
How on Earth did Adam Graham get out on bail when it was set that high? I guess the author is now taking us down her conspiracy theory path. It is quite interesting.

I wonder if Tony and Geoffrey will feature more in the story or if we were just introduced to them so she could take home that painting and then the attacker mistake it for the Molly Dean painting (presumably).

Did Raeburn arrange the attack, and when it didn't work, then use his son to try and set up a more conciliatory meeting? I was really surprised Alex gave them the details of where the Molly Dean painting is to come and visit. Did that seem odd to you?

Also, I know she gave a reason for not going to the police... but seriously... how would any of her customers have found out for it to impact her reputation? She didn't even go to a Dr?

I love the relationship Alex has with John. Mulder and Scully. teehee (hide spoiler)]

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "I'm up to 70% in 1999 finishing with "Just glad I've got a ringside seat for the next bit"

[spoilers removed]

Oh geez! I won't get that far tonight! lol I'll probably get there in a couple days.

How are you liking it in general?

lol

I'm finding it a really easy read (especially compared to my other book right now... The Count of Monte Cristo! I think that is why I was able to easily read quite a chunk.

I really like Alex and her friendship with John.

I'm still not feeling much towards Molly - either way. Maybe she hasn't had as much time in the book... I'm not sure. I'm just not really feeling like I have a hold on her character

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "I'm up to 70% in 1999 finishing with "Just glad I've got a ringside seat for the next bit"

[spoilers removed]"

I had the same thoughts you had! (view spoiler)[ As I was reading I honestly had the same thoughts! Why wouldn't she go to the police? I understand she wouldn't want her clients to know and nothing was taken, but she was assaulted!

Also, she didn't have a doctor look at her head? Not only could she have had something injured in her hand, but she could have had a concussion when she hit her head that hard. I suppose not everyone goes to the doctor for everything.

My bigger surprise was that she gave up the location of the Molly Dean. Not only did she risk having them come over, but now they know where it is and John is in danger. She told them they can't have it. I feel like I would assume they would try to break in and steal it after the last incident. (hide spoiler)]

I read this a couple of months ago and really enjoyed it.

I should have read it months ago... I've not been a very good reviewer with my NetGalley books! lol

@Kristie

Yes, exactly. This felt like a plot device to me rather than a believable account of what Alex would do. It just didn't match her character? She is an art dealer, .... it's not like she is Jack Reacher. lol!

The ending
So I finished and it was an easy read.
(view spoiler)[
I enjoyed this last 30% much less. I think for the reasons we spoke about with the whole police/Dr thing ; and also going to Raeburn's house *AND TAKING THE PAINTING WITH HER*.
And then basically accusing him of murder.!?
He is clearly still relatively powerful and has someone that can rough her up so that seemed really weird.

I like that the author was trying to give a plausible explanation for Molly's death... but I don't know... it still felt a little contrived. I also would have liked more development of Molly's character. I don't think she did a great job there.
(hide spoiler)]

I did enjoy the book and 3.5 stars and would read more of her work. This was a debut novel, after all.

What did you think Kristie?

I agree. I'm at about 93% and am hoping to finish tonight. I felt the same way when she (view spoiler)[ went to confront the man she believes to be the murderer in his home. Why would you put yourself at risk like that? You've already been attacked once. You have no idea who will be there or if he has weapons. If you believe he has killed or had someone killed before, what would make you think you would be safe in his home while accusing him of the murder? (hide spoiler)] Even she seemed to be stretching to come up with a reasonable way to explain her own behavior at times. I don't think a rational person would do something like that. So, it definitely felt like a plot device.

I'm around the same rating as you right now unless something very different happens in the last 7%. I'm thinking 3.5. I'll probably round down to 3 for stars. I'm enjoying it, but I don't think it's anything really special. It's certainly good for a debut and I'd also try more of her work in the future though I wouldn't seek it out necessarily.

Funny how the editors either don't agree or are ok with just allowing such an obvious plot device? I wonder how they decide what to change and what to leave?