2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

We get Holly’s point of view throughout the story. When, if ever, did you think she may have had something to do with Lizzie’s death or made up the abuse story?

I didn't not suspect that she had made up the story til much later, but I knew she was part of the death.

I had the exact opposite thinking, Melissa! I doubted her abuse story early on (she just didn’t behave like an abused child) but never thought she had a hand in killing Lizzie but thought she knew who did.

From the very first chapter. Her descriptions of learning to cry on demand and not having any real emotions were a clear indication of her sociopathy.

This made it easier to see past her manipulations and I knew early on that she was involved in Lizzie's death somehow, especially when the fact that she found Lizzie's hat on the bus emerged.

It took me a bit to understand that sociopathy, Lauren, and I should have made the connection. To be able to make up that abuse should have been a sign she could also have hurt Lizzie. I shouldn’t have missed this.

It was very well merged into the plot, Jonetta. I've taken quite a few psychology courses over the years, and read a number of articles on sociopathy and other identity disorders, which makes it possible to spot the signs.

That’s unfortunate as I’m probably representative of the masses who aren’t trained on the signs and will be taken in by these people, at least for a time. I think most will eventually get there but it takes time and attention. Gerritsen did a great job because in retrospect, those clues were there...I just didn’t want to believe them.

Jonetta wrote: "I just didn’t want to believe them"

I know what you mean. Most people are generally honest and trusting. They believe the things that others tell them because it would never occur to them that they would be lying. That is why it is so easy for people like Holly to manipulate people like Everett.

I wondered early in the story if she had told the truth about the abuse. She was a very manipulative person. I thought she may have lied for some reason, but didn't think it was to cover up Lizzie's death.

I think her role in Lizzie’s death came as a surprise as it seemed a step too far from what she was capable of. But, being a sociopath....