Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

Final comments for the entire book. Spoilers welcome.
What did you think of the story? was there growth and development of the characters from the first two books?
I read a preview that mentioned part of this book was from the point of view of a killer/ villain character. How did you feel about that?

Generally I don't care for crime novels with alternating points of view that include the killer /criminal pov; but in this case it worked well to move the story along (and to raise my blood pressure and feelings of panic for the victims)
Robin as a case in point was the character with the most growth, though Cormoran also seemed to evolve and then unravel. I listened to a podcast interview with JK Rowling regarding this book specifically (with spoilers, though they attempt not to) and I found it quite insightful and exciting, the next book will pick up right where this one left off.
Now about that cliff hanger....

http://www.npr.org/sections/monkeysee...

I think she did a great job of incorporating the killer's point of view. It was just enough information to create a sense of fear, and like her interview explains, to create the urge need that he needs to be caught. Chilling! Have I mentioned, I really like this book. As with the Harry Potter series, each book got better (I was almost not going to continue after the first one - it was enjoyable but didn't knock my socks off), deeper and things that happened in the earlier books came full circle. I can see that happening with this series. Small tidbits dropped in early chapters, were actually important. When I read ahead, and then went back to write the summaries, I was often surprised how much I missed.

Dawn: your summaries were fabulous and I know you weren't fishing for compliments- but you did a terrific job. And a job it can be. I have found doing summaries for a group read to really add to my enjoyment of a book and to also add a level of understanding far beyond what I first read upon reflection. They can be draining to compile too. Thank you!! Yours are so detailed we can all experience that depth in the conversations!!

Thank you, you are so sweet. I have even a much greater appreciation than I already did to you all who are so kind to do the summaries on a regular basis!

Ann wrote: "I listened to a podcast interview with JK Rowling regarding this book specifically (with spoilers, though they attempt not to) and I found it quite insightful and exciting, the next book will pick up right where this one left off.
Now about that cliff hanger....

http://www.npr.org/sections/monkeysee....."

Thanks for the link to this interview, Ann. The interviewer is a regular on my new favorite podcast, Pop Culture Happy Hour.

Ann wrote: "Dawn: your summaries were fabulous and I know you weren't fishing for compliments- but you did a terrific job. And a job it can be. I have found doing summaries for a group read to really add to my..."

Have to say ditto on this, Dawn. Having done summaries, as Ann and Barry have also done, I agree with Ann about how hard and time consuming it can be. It is so helpful, though, especially as I am coming back to comment after having finished the book two weeks or so ago. You did a fabulous job,

Carol: looks like I need to listen to Pop Culture Happy Hour more regularly if it's your new favorite! The Rowling interview was my first listen.
Loving podcasts thanks to you, and dd is hooked too! (Maybe more than me) :)

Ann wrote: "Carol: looks like I need to listen to Pop Culture Happy Hour more regularly if it's your new favorite! The Rowling interview was my first listen.
Loving podcasts thanks to you, and dd is hooked to..."

Then definitely recommend Pop Culture Happy Hour to DD also, I'm sure she'll love it too!

Thank you! You guys always do such an awesome job, the pressure was on ;)

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Ann wrote: "Dawn: your summaries were fabulous and I know you weren't fishing for compliments- but you did a terrific job. And a job it can be. I have found doing summaries for a group read to real..."

I wish I remembered enough to respond to your comments, Dave, but glad you enjoyed the book and came back to post.

Your post sent me in search of news of the next book in the series. All I could find out is that it is called Lethal White and must be in final production if there are reviews out already.