2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

San Diego
Lucy’s sister Nelia barely acknowledges her, even after 18 years since her son Justin was killed. Your thoughts about the situation? Did her ex-husband Andrew’s explanations help?

I don't know what to think of Nelia. Does she really blame Lucy for Justin's death or actually wish Lucy died instead? That's crazy. Maybe she has just ignored the situation with Lucy for so long she doesn't know how to talk to her. I was happy to see she made a small concession with her question to Lucy about their father.

I think Nelia has yet to come to terms with Justin's death. Lucy had nothing to do with his death, but to Nelia, Justin is dead and Lucy is alive. Nelia needs to accept Justin died a tragic death. She needs to apologize to Lucy for abandoning her. Nelia and Lucy need to be locked in a room until they resolve this. There is still a lot unresolved here.

Lucy was 7-years old when Justin was abducted and later killed. I could understand Nelia initially having a tough time facing Lucy at that time but 18 years? I don’t expect her to ever get over the loss of her child but her behavior is awful. She’s layered a lot of guilt on Lucy that she doesn’t deserve.

I think if Nelia stayed in better contact with her whole family this might have been forced to a resolution. But, I don’t think it’s even on their radar that she doesn’t talk to Lucy. Even Patrick didn’t know.

It’s time for Nelia to step up.

Lucy lost not only her best friend but her sister when Justin died. At 7 all she felt was abandoned and guilty that she was alive and Justin was dead.

I’ve thought about this and wondered if the author tied this event to the decisions she made that led to her own abduction. There’s a book down the road that deals with Justin’s murder and I’m hoping this gets addressed, too.

I also noticed that Lucy was closely protected as a child. She just wasn't allowed the freedom that kids need in order to mature and make smart decisions. I think Justin's death did contribute to Lucy's risky behavior that unfortunately led to her not telling anyone about meeting her kidnaper.

I'm glad that there is a book that deals with Justin's kidnapping because, so far, there is a lot left unresolved.

It’s the book called Shattered, the 4th book in the crossover Max Revere series. We start that series after #12 in Lucy Kincaid.

By the way, that’s an excellent point.

18 years is a long time to hold a grudge on a family member for something they had no control over. Nelia is lucky that Lucy didn't go down another road growing up due to the guilt she felt. Nelia never let her forget it.
Good point Anita. I agree.
Thanks for the heads up, Jonetta. Every time Justin's murder is mentioned I wonder what happened and why it was never solved.

Looking forward to getting some answers, too.

Nelia's attitude toward Lucy surprised me. I understand her grief but to blame a seven year old all this time if ridiculous. It is interesting that her family didn't notice. Even Patrick who picks up on Lucy's moods didn't believe that Nelia hasn't talked to her directly in 18 years.

I'm looking forward to Justin's book.