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Post by aero63 on Feb 8, 2011 14:46:24 GMT -5
Pull up a chair, there are quilts and throws and hot drinks to keep us warm. I hope everyone enjoyed the reading this week. In the beginning, I found it funny that we began reading this book when we were all getting bad storms and ice storms; that is exactly the way the story begins with Natalie driving in it to Jersey from the Cape. Natalie suspects her roommate's (Jamie)married boyfriend (Jess)of killing her. I can't help but believe that somewhere else in this book that that person will show up. Somehow that fact and the story starts off for that reason, or maybe it is just to set the scene for Natalie's murder. I guess there are times when we can thank nosy neighbors' housekeepers, . Even though the neighbor that found Nat was a little too late. If Natalie had lived, I wonder if her and Gregg still would have gotten back together? Emily lost her husband in Iraq, but still seems put together. I like that about her. Can't yet get a grasp of her, even in the courthouse setting. She is absolutely positive that Gregg murdered Nat. Maybe this is what gives her drive and the go get em attitude in the courtroom. I am wondering what illness she had. I don't think they have mentioned it yet, unless I missed it. I wonder if Zachary Lanning has a connection to Nat.? I would not have had him watch my dog in my house. It doesn't seem like Emily knew him all that well. Would you do what she she by letting him watch the dog? I myself, think I would have hired a neighborhood kid or reputable people and left the dog on the porch for them. I think after finding Zachary still on the porch and asking questions that were so personal, I would second guess and find someone else to do the job. I wonder if this guy Easton went ahead and killed Nat just to blackmail Gregg into giving him money. Or maybe someone offered him more money. I like Moore, Gregg's attorney. I don't think the author is trying to make him into a likable attorney though. I don't believe an attorney has to believe someone is innocent to win the case. I feel sorry for Alice, being so torn between her loyalties to her daughter and her believing that Gregg is innocent. She seems to be grappling with that alot and going back and forth between Gregg's innocence and guilt. I want to like the relationship that Gregg and his daughter, Katie, have, but then again it seems like she is just too too perfect and there way too much for her father. It is just too perfect to be believable. Maybe......... I wonder how objectively Gordan can journalize the trial. That Suzie Walsh was certainly a little too eager to testify as witness at the trial. Does anyone else think this Katie is a little to good to be true?
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Post by mary57 on Feb 8, 2011 20:16:19 GMT -5
I too had to wonder about Jess. Just who/what he is and if Jamie was killed just because she knew him, then it wouldn't be too muich of a strech for Natalie to be targeted too, she did see his picture. But it is quite awhile after Jamies death so I would think it would have to be a public/political type job for him to want to clean up his past indescretions.
Yes neighbours can be very knowledgeable of our activites as we can of theirs. As for Suzie liking the limelight, I think that's just what it is, she is liking the attention and 'notority' of 'finding' Natalie. Not dweling on the fact that she was practicaly stalking her.
As for Emily, I think she has blocked out her grief in her need to 'work'. As an assitant DA, trying to prove herself I think she has to believe in Gregg's guilt in order to prosicute him. As for her neighbour Zachary, he is a plant there, to watch her, but I'm not sure why or by whos orders. Perhaps he is the one who murdered Natalie, but I don't think it was Gregg who was behind her death. As far as letting him walk, care for her dog, I wouldn't let him near any animal of mine. Then to find him sitting in wait for her to come home and then to have the nerve to question her is way out of line. I do hope she smartens up.
I'm not sure of the tie in with Billy Tyron, and Jake Rosen, the homocide detectives who worked Natalies case, and the possible tie in to Jamies death. Did they do a good job or did they just scratch the surface and go after the husband?
Micheal the host of Courtside also a former defence attorney and long time friend of Gregg and Natalie, seems to be slanting public opinion against Gregg. Why, a cover up for someone else or does he really know something.
As for Katie, at 14 (if I'm not mistaken) is too self assured and mouthy for my taste. Is she 14 going on 40? and how did her life contribute to this? I don't think schools even private ones can accomplish this.
I have to say I have enjoyed the story so far, and yes it was rather coincidental that we all had storms at the begining of the story. Just the right time to curl up with a hot cuppa a blankie and a good book.
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Feb 9, 2011 7:27:13 GMT -5
I have to watch myself becasue I was (had been) reading another book at the same time with similar story lines ... started getting the characters confused......
For Suzie; I totally agree with you Mary. She's enjoying the limelight and the notoriety. Something seems "off" though with the death scene of Nat..... Might be my imagination however...
As for Katie; I don't have an opinion there...... yet.
I don't think Gregg did it (nor had the murder commited); seems too convenient and as for this Zach creature how the devil did he end up where he is....... why her, (Emily) You're right; he could be a plant Mary. The fact that he murdered his family a year before, has been on the run obviously, and he now has a steady job and e'thing. I wonder who owns the company he works for.
Anyway; I'm ready to move forward...... and yes; it's a good read thus far.
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Post by aero63 on Feb 9, 2011 21:10:40 GMT -5
Hmm, maybe Zachary is a plant, but I also think he has an obsession. I remember reading somewhere that he said she may not know it but they were meant for each other or to be together or something like that.
I'll set the next chapters tomorrow. I think there is one more person that may want to comment here on the readings.
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Post by susanny on Feb 10, 2011 0:28:45 GMT -5
Yes I do, thanks. I don't have much to add, but then you know me. Once I get started...
I have to admit that I read the acknowledgments in the beginning of the book and saw where the author thanks a transplant dr, so I think that Emily has had a transplant, and probably heart by the book's title. Will be interesting to see if I'm right. Now, Zach murdered his wife, do you think Emily could have her heart? Although it'd be a stretch as they didn't live near each other, but that doesn't always mean anything. Just can't figure out how else Zach got himself attached to her.
And does anyone else wonder what the significance is of Emily looking so similar to Natalie? Wonder what's up with that?
Gregg's daughter had to grow up pretty fast and she and her father had to stick and be together a lot during that time. Then he sends her off to boarding school where she'd probably be more apt to be more mature than the kids we know. Maybe that's why she's like she is about her father's case.
I'm not entirely positive that Emily totally believes that Gregg did it, either. I know she's going to do her best to prove that he did, for many reasons, but I think deep down she questions it. At least she did in the beginning of her research of the case. I wonder what would happen to her position if she decided he WASN"T guilty. All heck would break loose, that's for sure. I think that's what's going to happen though.
I'm interested in hearing how this crook knows what Gregg's home looks like, and why his number came up on the phone records. Something's there, but I still don't believe Gregg did it. They loved each other too much. Am I naive? That's why I get upset with true crime. I can't believe people can be so evil.
Ok, and on with the show.......er, book. I guess I'm ready for full steam ahead. I already started the next chapter at lunch.
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Feb 10, 2011 8:43:59 GMT -5
Wow; I never thought of that Sue...... one plus one. We know that she's been in the hospital (Emily) though it didn't state what for...... Hmmmmm; you could be on to something there. It just seems strange that Zach would be where he is "out of the blue"
I also think you're right in that Emily has her doubts about Gregg's guilt. Maybe her boss is thinking the same thing so for him to try the case might be political suicide since he has aspirations. Give it to Mikey.... in this case Emily.
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Post by susanny on Feb 10, 2011 10:05:50 GMT -5
A little bit of reading last night shows me I have to keep reading the book, . I was thinking that same thing about Emily's boss! Too public of a defendant.
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Post by aero63 on Feb 10, 2011 10:32:31 GMT -5
So I checked out the chapters we have left to read.
I thought that the next reading could be Chapters 15 - 31 (pp. 67-134). We could next meet on Friday, the 18th.
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on Feb 10, 2011 11:54:59 GMT -5
I'll start this evening....
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Post by mary57 on Feb 11, 2011 11:54:43 GMT -5
Great, I'll get started.
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Post by susanny on Feb 11, 2011 18:04:07 GMT -5
Already up to 26, it's a fast read.
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