Real Murders: Disc. 1: Ch.1- Ch.5

[aero63]

Evening friends. Grab a snack, drink, and chair. Let's settle into some good conversation about this mystery that is brewing. Let the imagination soar about suspects and characters.

This book gets into the actual real murders pretty quickly. I find that the author, Charlaine Harris, gives a typical small town setting and pretty typical characters. I really find I like the librarian. She is at first discribed as a mousy type person, but then her character seems to blossom.

Who is your favorite character so far?

How do you feel about how she has described the characters? I kind of feel they are exactly what you would expect from a type of nerdy club.

I do like how what is remembered about people when they have been murdered or passed jumps out at you. For example, Aurora remembers the turqouise heels of Mamie's.

Is there something particular that you would remember about someone if something happened to them? A week and a half ago, a friend of mine died that I had dated for a short while. I remembered immediately upon reading his obit his Harley and his shed full of parts from Harleys.

I found it funny that no one seemed particularly concerned with Mamie not being seen. The only person actually worried about her was Aurora.

How do you feel about the Detective? I like how he is taking the time to question, but then again, it seems to be handled in a very laid back way. I am not quite sure what to think of Robin Crusoe.

I want to like Aurora's mother, but then again, she could wind up being one of those "love to hate" type of people, .

Things seem to progress rather low key until Chapter 5. It is just beginning to heat up with a real suspect in Aurora's mind, Benjamin, who she then dismisses. Then, I found it suspect immediately with the box of chocolates having been delivered. It is also in this chapter that I, myself, begin to picture Aurora as more than a mousy bookish type of person.

I actually feel like I am watching an episode of "Murder She Wrote" with Angela Lansbury. Enjoying it also!!!!

[susanny]

I will have to write my part of the discussion tomorrow. I've had a migraine all day and it doesn't let me think, . So far I agree with your picture of Roe, initially mousy but the girl has some spunk to show. I found it very easy to picture these characters in my head, didn't you? Good writing skills by the author. BB tomorrow with more, barring an extended headache.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

My book is in.... I'll pick it up today and start reading (I'll catch up)

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Woo Hoo... got it! Looks like an easy enough read.... (large print!)

[aero63]

Yes, I think it will be very easy to play catch up on this one, Jackie.

Susanny, yes, the characters are described very well, however, I think they are rather predictable. However, maybe that will change, just like Aurora

[susanny]

Was the reason for everyone's dislike of Mamie ever explained? I'm just wondering why as I don't remember reading about it. Roe really did hate those heels, didn't she? I think that said something about Mamie, though. We live in a small town, too, and I can think of only one woman here who would be wearing that type of shoe, . Her name is Brenda, and now that I think of it, she reminds me more of the Liz character instead. Dated every guy in town and more.

It's going to be fun to get to know these people better and see the suspects come to life. I don't think it was the guy who didn't show to the meeting, too obvious. I absolutely do not like Perry, he seems pretty creepy to me. Will it be that obvious, too? What about the gentlemanly John, the beau of Roe's mother? Seems like he would be the one who would have some knowledge about the chocolates being her favorite treat. And maybe the one who would be there to meet Mamie early for a business proposal. Hmmm...

I like Arthur , dislike Jack Burns. Good cop/bad cop, but that Jack is a real jerk. No empathy for Roe at all. Seems like he's going to have people pointing fingers at each other in no time.

I think that Roe dresses the way that she does to try and compensate for being so tiny. Her mom has such a big and successful personality that it would be difficult to be her daughter, although they seem to have a good relationship. It'll be fun to see what happens with Roe and Robin, I think there's romance in the Spring air, murder or not. Sure makes for easy conversation in the beginnings of a relationship.

Yep, interesting club they have there. Would definitely take a strange personality to want to join a group like that. Perfect setting for a murder and somebody is having their dream fulfilled.

[aero63]

I don't remember the dislike of Mamie being delved into. I kinda love her spunk and "I don't care what people think" attitude with the shoes.

I tend to disagree about Roe and her mother's relationship. I got the message that it was a strained relationship and that there was just politeness around others with letting it show. May be wrong. But I agree about her mother having such a big personality that it would be difficult to be around her with others around.

I see romance as well. With Roe and Mr. Crusoe or the detective.

[susanny]

I did a little re-reading and see where I goofed up, it wasn't Mamie who was meeting someone re: business before the club meeting, it was her husband. Duh. That's why her murder was so like the one they were to be discussing. Wonder how I got that into my head? I think the person who doctored the chocolates meant business and that those women are very lucky they didn't pop one into their mouths before seeing the holes. Do you check your chocolates? I used to squish the underside of them to see what was in them when I was a kid. Ohh, my mother and sister would get so mad at me. It will be very interesting to see if there really was any poison in them, or just holes to scare them.

[aero63]

Yep, interested in what was in those chocolates myself.

I think maybe day after tomorrow...Wednesday, is a good day to set for the next reading.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Well; I finished off Chapter 5 last night..... so much for a quick read . I find I'm trying to picture each of them and there's so many characters. Yeahp Aero; definitely reminds me of "Murder She Wtote" or one of the classic murder mysteries.... Ten Little Indians or Murder on the Orient Express.

Well.... I like Arthur but I'm not sure quite what to think of him yet..... I also think it's a bit too early for me to have a "suspect" in mind.

Aurora's a librarian; but with contrdictions. The ones that I know are either methodical, neat, no breaking of the rules etc OR, the other other type which is only that way during the day; after hours they sure like to party. Either way; both types are a bit ecentric I find. In Roe's case, she seems somewhere in between the two types I.e.; I picture her as somewhat mousey, a typical "straight laced" librarian but .... then she kinda throws that out by gathering up her clothes and just chucking them down by the washer. Meanwhile the rest of the house is tidy..... She doesn't strike me as being a party animal either....PLUS; what she's thinking of the new fellow (Mr Crusoe?) and what she'd like to do.

Somehow I think she's gonna blossom in all of this..... ;D

I'm curious about the chocolates...... you know the "why" or the "pupose" (plus the who of course)

Anyway; I've not really formed any "opinions yet" guess I'll have to keep reading!

[aero63]

I guess we can start readings again. I really don't have much else to add.

So we can read Chapters 6 through 11 (pp. 85- 181). The next scheduled discussion will be next Thursday, Dec. 30th. Does that sound good to everyone.

As usual, there will be warm drinks and snacks, along with comfy chairs and room for all.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Mind if I bring some white cheddar popcorn? It irritates my throat and makes me cough but.... what the heck; it's GOOD!

[susanny]

Not sure how much reading I'll get done this weekend with all my company being here through Mon., but I'll do the best I can. I think popcorn sounds great, but not allowed in my diet, darn!! Miss having that good stuff.

[aero63]

Popcorn is good. Wedding punch and fruit will be available with the sweet whipped cream

[susanny]

As long as there's no box of chocolates ..........