2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

When Stephanie Keller’s burned body is found in the bathroom, chained and almost decapitated, the scene is exactly as Olivia had described. Rick Bentz takes her more seriously but takes the investigative steps to examine her more closely, along with her friends, relatives and colleagues. And, he takes steps to provide her with more security. Did he do the right things or should he have focused more on Olivia’s “gift?”

He did exactly the right things. Most people obviously see her as a crackpot, and her took her more seriously than most. I think a cop's first instinct would be to believe that she was somehow involved and that's why she knew so much about what happened.

He seemed to be very thorough with his investigation. I didn't think the detectives and their skills were described all that favourably in the first book so this is good to read.

I thought he was being very professional. He had to investigate her as well just in case she or someone close to her was involved (how else could she have known the details?)

He sensed she was involved some how. He had to investigate to make sure how she was connected.

Bentz handled things so professionally. He had to acknowledge that Olivia could no longer be discounted but he did the investigative work to either prove her involvement or accept that she had some sort of gift.

She knew things that no one except the first responders and the killer knew about. Bentz is no dummy, she either actually had a vision or she was involved. His job is to find the killer and she is definitely a clue.

Lauren wrote: "I thought he was being very professional. He had to investigate her as well just in case she or someone close to her was involved (how else could she have known the details?)"

I also agree that I thought he was very professional. It seems like a basic cop instinct to investigate thoroughly. And I felt that it ultimately paid off for him, because the killer was someone who was connected to her. I feel that his steps of investigating her revealed the connection with her brother. Though Olivia found out about her brother through other means, Bentz had taken the steps and was already ahead of the game to connect the dots.

Exactly Hannah!
Old school police work paid off.

I agree Hannah. A good cop will use all the tools available while doing an investigation.