Mic Breaks Only discussion

***Open discussion of chapters 21 - 30 below, no spoilers needed. Be sure you have read through chapter 30 before reading! Note: if this is your first visit to this topic I recommend you read this post about discussion ideas, then skip down and post your initial response, then read and respond to other people's posts.***

At the very least check in here when you finish chapter 30 and tell us if you are enjoying the book. I'll post specific discussion ideas below, along with some general topics we'll see repeated throughout the book. If you have additional ideas post them and I'll add them to this post.

Chapter 21 - 30 discussions:

1) Who is Jack Lennon?

2) Post your ideas!

General Discussions:

1) Share your favorite quote(s) from this section.

2) Do you have a favorite or most intriguing character at this point in the novel?

Location reminder

Fegan snuffs (view spoiler)[Father Coulter (hide spoiler)].

GO!

Still enjoying the book, but I'm getting a slight chafing from the contrast between the historical setting and the Die Hard plot. At this point I also find the mix of immense moral complexity in the setting (The Troubles) versus complete immorality in the characters disjarring.

Lennon: I don't know. The IRA's inside man? Campbell? Neither seem likely since Marie would recognize either. Marie could be making him up, but I don't believe that considering the book is a "Detective Jack Lennon" novel. My long shot guess is McGinty. There is some weirdness between him and Marie evidenced by Campbell's observations. (My guess is essentially disproven already by the camp story relayed by McGinty about Bull, but I'm lost otherwise).

Quotes? I didn't think this section had much stand out writing. I was intrigued by this comment about Campbell: He made his way upwards... silent as a ghost. It set an odd contrast since Fegan's ghosts aren't silent in any way. I can't even tell if this was well written or just a lazy metaphor.

Character? Joe-Joe the cockatiel. If he plays a significant role in the rest of the book I'll be so irritated. Mad. The only acceptable spot for him is as a pet for Ellen.

Overall: I've got some thoughts on the roles of forgiveness and blame, but I'm simmering them on a back burner - probably til the final discussion. Also, the fact that Campbell carries his Red Hackle around is stupid.

I didn't realize the book is called Jack Lennon. I am starting to think he is a made up character to cover up Marie getting pregnant by McGinty? I could be completely off there but that is what I am thinking so far.

I liked getting to know Ronnie in this chapter, he makes Fegan seem more humane because other than his mother and his obvious feelings for Marie and her Wee Girl he hasn't come off as such a good person. I don't think he would be helping to right the wrongs for the ghosts if it wasn't for selfish reasons.

I will use Ronnie for my quote this time "Big word must be serious" referring to when Fegan said the Dr described his seeing the ghosts as manifestations.

Well enough for now...

I answered the Jack Lennon question in my last post, I still stand by that. I will add that he is a cheating arse who left his baby's momma (rude). I do wonder if the Collusion part of my book bundle has Detective Jack Lennon in it (I would hope).

My second question would be: Did Father Coulter's murder seem different than the two prior murders? I kept feeling that it was a bit of a stretch to blame Father Coulter for the death of the three Brits. Gerry also seemed much more conflicted over this assassination. I was shocked Gerry made a full confession to Father Coulter. I had an aversion to the stabbing death (which is weird because I talk about stabbing so much), it seemed super intense and disconcerting.

I think Patsy Toner is a double agent, due to him facilitating Campbell's return to the McGinty group. I thought there was a statement earlier in the book referencing a man on the inside coordinating Campbell's transfer back to McGinty.

During this group of chapters there was a statement about the ghost baby that reinforced my opinion that Gerry is mentally ill rather than haunted "It stared back up at him, its toothless mouth contorted with hate". I don't think a baby would possess the ability to look at someone with hate. It seemed more likely that Gerry was feeling strong emotions and transferring his emotional baggage onto his hallucination.

I thought the author at this point in the book was forcing ghost references. When Campbell was sneaking into Gerry's house "He made his way upwards, his feet to the outside of each step, silent as a ghost." On the other hand, I did enjoy the stand off between Campbell and Fegan, it was action packed and exciting.

My favorite quote of the section, and maybe the whole book so far is "Death clings to men who've wielded it, like the stench of the abattoir." I also liked "You can't reason with crazy." and "The media's a better weapon than Semtex ever was."

I am most interested in finding out what past history exists between Marie McKenna and McGinty - I'm so curious.