Safety in numbers, never go into a book alone. #Group Reads discussion

Here is the thread for one of the September books, The Haunting of Maddy Clare.

I want to join in with this one!! Looks awesome! X

Oh I’m so glad you will be joining also!

Hopefully I will be able to get a copy

Oh I hope so!

https://youtu.be/jjtvthj8I3o

I absolutely can not wait for my copy of this book to arrive!

Just watched the video you uploaded and it makes me excited to start reading this book!

Ok so I am only 50 pages in but I will tell you I am already liking how this story is going (view spoiler)[ I am liking Sarah's (Miss Piper) character a lot so far, she seems like a genuinely true person to me. This feels even more real to me because of that. Also, her first experience with Maddy in the barn was terrifying and I noticed myself holding my breath in fear alongside her. I'm a very curious where all of this is going to take us. I also will note that when I read that he ordered for her (beef, potatoes and stewed vegetables) it was a chilly day here and instantly made me think of a pot roast, and how excited I am for the fall to be here so that I can make a pot roast again. There are just certain foods I can only make during certain times of the year, and a pot roast in the fall is one of them (hide spoiler)] and I will add that I don't think I can read this book any further without making a cup of tea each time I pick it up.

My copy of this book is taking forever to arrive 😫! X

My copy is here!!! Going to get started as soon as I have finished “Ghost, Wood, Song. Are you spooked yet Dana? X

I'm at page 93 (beginning of chapter 11), and I definitely have to agree with Dana that I am enjoying it so far! (view spoiler)[ Maddy is terrifying, and even more so after this second encounter. I just know Alistair is going to jump on wanting to answer her "summons" and I'm so worried what her plans are for that encounter.

I'm also really intrigued by the other mystery happening, in regards to who's been watching Sarah and who ransacked her room?? What did they think they would find? It's so strange because she's probably the most outsider of the trio, and least connected to the case of Maddy or anything else going on in the town.

The other part I think I most enjoy so far is how much this small group of Sarah, Alastair, and Matthew have bonded into being a sort of team. I love their brainstorming conversations together, especially Sarah finding her confidence and the guys treating her as an equal too. Can't wait to see where that goes because I can see them really becoming friends as well as long-term professional colleagues (that is, if Maddy doesn't ruin everything!) (hide spoiler)]

I agree about the tea--this is such a cozy read. And it's getting so spooky I'm considering switching it to be lunch time reading instead of bedtime reading! 🙈

I fully agree with you (view spoiler)[ I am so worried about what Alastair has planned now that he knows Maddy wants to see him. I'm concerned for his safety, but also worried about his ability to have boundaries for himself and be respectful to her. He said "I am going to hunt her down." I am worried what that actually means.

My initial thought is that Maddy was clearly beaten and raped by a man or multiple men before being found by the Clare's and that is why she can't handle being around men. What exactly happened, I'm not sure but I do think those 2 things happened to her.

I'm thinking Matthew may be taking to Sarah just as much as she has to him, I am really interested to see if anything blossoms between the two of them. I loved reading about how comforting he was for her, just holding her, after her second encounter with Maddy. I think he genuinely cares about her.

I don't know if Alastair genuinely cares about anything other than his career. His ability to hide the truth from the Clare's and be fake towards Sarah after her knowing how she feels makes me question his motives. This seems to be more than just ghost hunting for him. I think he doesn't care about the ghosts he interacts with, and instead he just cares about how far they can get him in his success. (hide spoiler)]

I also agree with you Kendra, I read this during the day. This isn't something I can read and then fall asleep to, I think my mind would take me to the barn and that's just not somewhere I want to visit.

I am up to page 175 ... I can’t even. I don’t have words. This book is so much. I am really enjoying it (view spoiler)[ I am spooked by Maddy, I fear what she looks like based on what Matthews experience was. I’m spooked at how she’s able to manipulate many all at once in a variety of different ways. Also the Barry’s HAVE to be involved in Maddy’s life. I’m thinking maybe she was one of their workers and was abused by them? There is something that Mrs. Barry is afraid of them finding out and isn’t sharing. Also I am enjoying Sarah and Matthews side story. I am hoping he can break down some of his walls and just love her (I’m a sucker for love) but there’s just so much happening and I just have no words at all. I feel like I am at a loss of words in the best way. I love how much this book has sucked me in and I feel like I am there, I feel anxious for all them. I can’t wait to find out more. (hide spoiler)]

I am on page 226 and have some developing suspicions...

(view spoiler)[ Like you Dana, I definitely feel like Maddy's story is tied up with the town in some way. After what Sarah has heard from Maddy, Sarah's dream, and then her talk with Evangeline where she discovers Tom Barry is hunting friends with Jarvis and Nesbit, I'm thinking the three of them were the ones who attacked (probably raped?) her? Probably in the woods while on a hunting excursion? It seems like it might be too obvious...but there aren't really any other suspects or clues I'm picking up on. I know Alastair is involved with the Barrys too, but I think Maddy would have recognized him as an attacker rather than taking a liking to him if he were one of the three.

I am worried that Evangeline might be involved though, and I really hope not as her feelings for Alastair seem genuine. I would love for both of them to find happiness, potentially with each other, but who knows how this mess is going to play out. I'm also thinking that if Alastair makes it out of what Maddy's doing to him, this experience might result in him toning down his ghost hunting obsession (I know it would for me!) Wouldn't be a bad thing, really.

Overall this book certainly has me hooked! I love the way Maddy's ghost is so different than ones in other ghost stories I've read, and the way her story is slowly coming to light as well as town secrets, developing relationships, etc. (hide spoiler)]

I hope I don't have everything figured out already, but even if I do it's still a great read so far!

Just read up to page 226 ... I'm going to continue reading but I wanted to see if we had the same idea. (view spoiler)[ I definitely think that Tom, Jarvis and Nesbit were involved with Maddy being attacked in the woods. I'm also suspicious that one of them may have been out in the woods that night, Matthew saw something in the trees and I'm starting to think that maybe it wasn't just an illusion. I think that Evangeline knows far more about Maddy then she is letting on, I don't know what it is that is holding her back, but she definitely has answers. I wonder if she is protecting them to protect herself? I wonder what kind of husband Tom is, definitely one to be feared, that is for sure. It seems he times her when she is out alone because she is always referencing having to leave because Tom will notice.

I agree with you as well, I wonder if this experience with Maddy will help Alastair to tone it down a little bit and maybe actually view the ghosts as humans and not just hunts. There is something about him that draws Maddy in, and I am curious if we will find out what that is.

Also - I'm wondering if Maddy is really even Maddy. IF that makes sense. Clearly she's letting Sarah know where she is buried. But Jarvis is trying to say he buried her himself right there. What if this spirit that they are calling Maddy isn't the girl who they all think it is? Or, Jarvis could just be lying to them and really he knows that they dug her back up and buried her somewhere else because they are a sick group of people. I'm curious if Sarah ever gets the chance to venture to the Barry's house if maybe the chimney that Maddy sees lying in death is actually their house.

Just some thoughts. Overall I am really enjoying this book, I am fully invested in finding out the truth and I just want it all to end happily, for Maddy, For Sarah and Matthew, and for Alastair. I'm loving how this book gives off that old town feel, everyone knows everything, the secrets going on, side thought that just popped into my head ... who is the man who trashed Sarah's room and who hired him to do that? Could it be someone who works for Tom? Also I feel like there is more that Mrs. Clare and Mrs. Macready just aren't sharing. (hide spoiler)]

I am going to start this book tomorrow! Very intrigued by your previous posts, (obviously I haven’t read the spoilers).

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts Hollie!

Dana, I had the exact same thought you did (view spoiler)[ about Maddy maybe not being Maddy at all—or even that there are two different ghosts, or a ghost with multiple personalities?? Weird thought I know. It’s just that we’re getting two very different kinds of hauntings, one vicious and terrifying and demanding things be done “or else”...the other confused, sad, meek, and wanting answers. Must read more to get some answers myself!! (hide spoiler)]

Hollie I hope you get pulled in and enjoy it as much as Kendra and I are!

Kendra ... you read my mind!

On page 251 (view spoiler)[ and more than ever convinced of Rhoderick, Jarvis, and Tom Barry being guilty...however I'm stumped by the chimneys not being right. Is it possible they've been renovated/changed since the crime, as it happened 7 years ago? No other place makes sense for her being buried, and there are still no other really good suspects. I dislike Constable Moores, but I don't really think he ties in unless he helped them cover up the crime, which I doubt.

I loved the reveal of Maddy having been buried alive nearby before running to the Clare's. I did not predict that, and the way they got the clue from Sarah's run through the woods + Alastair's comments about her feet afterwards was really cool. It also explained so much that wasn't making sense before. Now just to figure out what's up with her ghost being so unpredictable, and also what happened to make her commit suicide (and I would question it actually being suicide if it weren't for the note). I feel like Rhoderick being the town handyman may tie into it somehow. Did he see Maddy one day while on a job at the Clare's? (hide spoiler)]

I wouldn't be surprised if I finish this very soon...I can't put it down!

I finished! I will have more to write at a later date. This weekend is tough, we drove up to Vermont super early (I finished the book on the drive up) but when I got hold my mom told me she got the call today that the assisted living home is ready for my nana to move in. I have mentioned it before, my nana has dementia and so I know it is what’s best for her safety and health to be there because she’s also physically weak and falls often. But it still hurts. She’s lived with us since I was 14 (I’m now 30) more than half my life she’s been in the house I have always called home. When her mind is clear, she’s been very upset and quiet and crying. It’s hard to see her like that because she’s always been a strong, stoic, leader of our family. But her dementia is bad and I know she needs to go to the home. And it’s near by, less than 20 minutes away. It’ll just be very different and I know she’s scared. It’s just a lot right now. Sorry to attach it to this thread. I’m just sad and I know I can talk to you both about it, and that this is a safe space.

I will say I loved how the book ended. Was I surprised at the ending? No. But that doesn’t at all take away from how much I loved the ending and enjoyed this book overall.

Dana, I have only just seen this message, of course this is a safe place and I am so pleased you feel like you can talk about your personal life in this group, I really hope and pray that since you posted that message things have got better for you, your nana and the rest of your family. Please always message on here whenever you need to offload, or need comforting. Please keep us updated about your Nana xxx

Please do update us on your Nana Dana! I also just saw this--I was unexpectedly very swamped with work this past week and am finally getting back to normal life today.

I'm so sorry you've been going through this tough time and I'm glad we can be here for a safe space/place for comfort and expressing personal thoughts. It sounds like it's definitely a difficult time of transition for your family--I think some of the hardest trials of all are when you know something is for the best but it doesn't make it easier. My prayers are with you all and please let me know if there's anything else I can do. ❤️️

As far as Maddy Clare, I feel the same way that the ending didn't surprise me but that in no way decreased my enjoyment of the book. I thought it was a great story + characters and was well done--very spooky and I loved the suspense at the end too. Great choice to ring in the fall season!

Thank you Hollie and Kendra! I didn’t get a notification that either of you replied to this thread. I appreciate the kind words and the prayers. I know it’s for the best for her health and safety and in the end I just need to keep reminding myself that. It’s also for the best for my mom. She’s been taking care of her for 15 years now, and my mom needs a break and needs to live her life again for herself. I’ll definitely keep you both updated. She moves the first week of October so it’s just around the corner.

Hollie how are you liking the book so far?

Kendra wrote: "I'm at page 93 (beginning of chapter 11), and I definitely have to agree with Dana that I am enjoying it so far! Maddy is terrifying, and even more so after this second encounter. I just know Alis..."

page 146 - I am absolutely loving the wintery feeling of this book! It has suddenly turned very cold here in England so it is perfect weather to snuggle up with this book while listening to the wind howling outside. (view spoiler)[ I have to say that it is rare that I like all the characters in a book but in this one, I really do! I would never have predicted the romantic connection between Sarah and Matthew! If anything I thought something would happen between Sarah and Alistair. I love how brave Sarah is, and I get the feeling she doesn't even know it! She just keeps pushing herself to the next level, even though she is terrified and I love that she just gets on with what she needs to do and is determined to help Maddy no matter what it takes.

And yes Kendra, I am also very intrigued about the man who trashed Sarah's room at the inn, at the moment though I do not think he was looking for something but his intentions were to scare her off, I get the impression whoever he is, he does NOT want Sarah talking to Maddie incase Sarah finds out something that could get this mysterious man into trouble. That's my theory anyway. I am also intrigued about the Barry's, I think maybe Mr Barry had something to do with Maddie's horrific history before she came to live with the Clare's, or maybe I just think this because he is clearly a villain in the book and maybe I have added together 2+2 and come up with 9 lol. I am really looking forward to the secrets of this book being slowly unravelled and am loving how this story is keeping me guessing! (hide spoiler)]

So glad you're liking it so far, Hollie! It's a nice cozy read for sure...perfect for this time of year. (view spoiler)[ I also really like all the characters and the ways they interact with each other, and that is definitely not always the case with books! You're right too about the mystery slowly unfolding and unraveling: it seems like every time a new character or event is introduced, it adds a new layer and it's pretty great. I can't wait to hear what you think through the rest of the book! (hide spoiler)]

Kendra wrote: "On page 251 and more than ever convinced of Rhoderick, Jarvis, and Tom Barry being guilty...however I'm stumped by the chimneys not being right. Is it possible they've been renovated/changed since..."

Page 253 - (view spoiler)[ Yes Kendra! I too still have so many questions that I NEED answers to! To be honest, I hadn't even thought that Maddie might not have committed suicide and that she might have been murdered instead, yes there was a note but right now I am thinking "Anyone can write a note can't they?" I kind of like the fact that Alistare is slightly out the picture at the moment therefore allowing Matthew and Sarah to solve the mystery together and get closer without Alistare being a third wheel. I really hope they get together properly. (hide spoiler)] I think my next post will be when I have finished! As I don't have much further to go!

Finished!! What a great book! Thanks for recommending! (view spoiler)[ I get what you both mean by a predictable ending, from quite early on I was 99% sure that it was Tom, Jarvis and Nesbit who attacked Maddie but that doesn’t mean It was any less satisfying when they all got their comeuppance. I love how the book had such a happy ending, Maddie finally being at peace, Sarah and Matthew going travelling together, and Evangeline and Alistair finally getting together. There is one thing that REALLY bothered me though... when Tom had Sarah at gun point in his house, her knowing by now that Tom had possibly killed Matthew as he was laying on the floor in a pool of blood. Why why why was she telling Tom to run and warn him about Maddie? Trying to protect him from her? I could have shouted out loud “Let her at him!! It’s what he deserves! And he is definitely no friend of yours anyway Sarah as he is currently threatening to kill you and bury you in the woods!” I was desperate for Maddie to turn up and save Sarah! (hide spoiler)] On the whole a lovely ghost story and will be recommending to friends.

I'm so glad you enjoyed the book Hollie! (view spoiler)[ I too thought it didn't sit right when Sarah was so desperately trying to save Tom (and also Rhoderick, earlier...and feeling bad about Jarvis). My best guess was that she simply didn't want any more death, and wanted the men to go to trial/have more traditional justice dealt to them. But it felt too much like she actually cared about these guys, and was more afraid of Maddie than she was of the clearly evil rapist and murderer holding a gun to her head! If I were in her situation, I'd be so grateful that someone who had nothing to lose and couldn't be hurt anymore (ie a ghost) was about to save me and all other future victims from Tom. I'm also surprised she thought Tom would listen to her in the first place! Besides that though, I did like in that climactic scene how resourceful and brave she was about fighting for her life, especially after being so shaken seeing a maybe-dead Matthew. That at least was definitely in line with her character and growth, and was great to see. (hide spoiler)] I agree that it's a wonderful fall read and I'll be recommending it as well!