2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

When the police begin their investigation into Josh Bandeaux’s murder, Detective Pierce Reed immediately sees Caitlyn as his prime suspect. Did you think he had enough information at that time to hone in on her solely?

It is quite common for the spouse to be the prime suspect and there was evidence such as the eyewitness seeing her car. Also, it was no secret that she and her husband were estranged and he was suing her. Given these facts, his suspicions were warranted.

There was enough evidence for Caitlyn to be a person of interest, but there wasn't enough to prosecute. Besides she was acting so strange it was igniting their police senses.

The spouse is always guilty until proven innocent, especially in this case with a nasty divorce and wrongful death suit and an credible eyewitness seeing her car.

Sharon wrote: "There was enough evidence for Caitlyn to be a person of interest, but there wasn't enough to prosecute. Besides she was acting so strange it was igniting their police senses."

I agree with you all here.

I thought they had a lot of reasons to look at her closely but not stop looking at the scene objectively and keeping all options open. When they realized there wasn’t enough blood on the scene, that should have been something they explored more thoroughly.

Yes, given the facts of the case and the fact that she was the spouse. I agree with those of you above who brought up these things.

Jonetta wrote: "I thought they had a lot of reasons to look at her closely but not stop looking at the scene objectively and keeping all options open. When they realized there wasn’t enough blood on the scene, tha..."

I thought that she was a viable suspect, but Jonetta, I agree with you that even prime suspects and obvious clues should not be an excuse to stop objectively investigating. I feel like we see that in the In Death series, as Eve is so passionate about leaving preconceived notions behind and looking at the evidence. But I feel like Reed did keep digging. He may have suspected Caitlyn, but he seemed to follow other leads, investigating other suspects and trying to find all the clues about the Montgomery family.

Hannah, we’ve been well trained by Eve. Even when her instincts are strong about a suspect, she still does the work to eliminate other alternatives.

Jonetta wrote: "Hannah, we’ve been well trained by Eve. Even when her instincts are strong about a suspect, she still does the work to eliminate other alternatives."

I believe Eve has influenced my opinion in all mystery novels. I expect all police detectives to be just as good as she is!