The Parlor PI's discussion

The Breakdown:

Sept. 1: Chapters 1-7
Sept. 8: Chapters 8-14
Sept. 15: Chapters 15-21
Sept. 22: Chapters 22-29
Sept. 29: Chapters 30-34

Boy, that aunt sure is a grouch! I'd think she could've offered a little comfort, shown some compassion to Liddy! I would've left ASAP. "Sorry, lady. You're on your own. Hope the ghost doesn't get you!" LOL

Many characters in the story but at least author introduces them a bit at a time which gives readers a chance to get familiar with them. Good job, MRR!

Actually, I like Rachel. Liddy is very annoying.

Anyway, I think the book reads quite up-to-date given that it was published in 1908. And the story keeps moving nicely, so (at least so far) we don't get bored. And the murder/body comes up fairly early, and we have an interesting choice of possible culprits. I'm thinking Halsey is an unlikely choice, given his disappearance and just looking too guilty at this point.

I've just finished chapter 8 and things are now going to take a change!

I like Rachel. Liddy just seems like an air-head and I have no patience with that lol.

I like the way this is written, as if you're right there along with the characters.

Okay, I just finished chapter 7. Can you imagine living like that? Not having to work, and renting a house in the country for the summer?!? Also of note, the fact that electricity is new and it's shut off at midnight because the people working at the electric company go home to bed. :-)

I'm a little confused, forgive me...there are TWO staircases in the house, correct? And the body was found at the bottom of the regular one, not the circular one?!?

I'm not sure what's going to happen, and who it's going to happen to, and why. But I do know that I really am enjoying this mystery.

I think that is right about the staircases, Nicole, though I admit not to have followed that part too closely. I am ready to move to the next section, so as not to lose track of what is going on. The discussion doesn't need to start right away, though... I hate to leave a book for several days--I end up having to go back and check on things!

Ok, I finally got to start the book this morning since I got up early. Armed with a cup of coffee, I read clear to chapter 7!! Couldn't stop reading!! Glad I didn't start it at night though since it started off a bit spooky with talks of ghosts and rattling windows. I am thoroughly intrigued so far.
I agree, all Liddy does is complain. I might have felt sorry for her way at the beginning when she was scared but now she's just whiny and complains about everything in a sarcastic way.
I like how the deteictive isn't telling Rachel to keep important police matters to the police! He is actually willing to share information with her (as soon as she shares some with him). She is sounding like a quite capable lady.

"I agree, all Liddy does is complain. I might have felt sorry for her way at the beginning when she was scared but now she's just whiny and complains about everything in a sarcastic way."

LOL NicoleG and PI's. I think maybe Liddy's hoping that if she complains enough, Rachel will gladly send her on her way.

Mark Pghfan wrote: "I think that is right about the staircases, Nicole, though I admit not to have followed that part too closely. I am ready to move to the next section, so as not to lose track of what is going on. T..."

I agree, Mark. If I leave a book for just a few days, I've a time getting back into the story. Just wired that way. :-/

Tina wrote: ""I agree, all Liddy does is complain. I might have felt sorry for her way at the beginning when she was scared but now she's just whiny and complains about everything in a sarcastic way."

LOL Nico..."

She did say she wanted to leave in the beginning! I guess she didn't want to pay her own way to get back home LOL

I'm not liking Gertrude. Something is fishy with that girl!

Tina wrote: "Mark Pghfan wrote: "I think that is right about the staircases, Nicole, though I admit not to have followed that part too closely. I am ready to move to the next section, so as not to lose track of..."

This is a book I could probably read in one sitting if I had the time. I just want to keep turning the pages and not get out off the story.

NicoleG wrote: "Tina wrote: ""I agree, all Liddy does is complain. I might have felt sorry for her way at the beginning when she was scared but now she's just whiny and complains about everything in a sarcastic wa..."

True that, NicoleG. I can see her not wanting to pay but I'd pay to get out or opt to walk just to get outta there. lol

It is a fine read. They don't seem to make 'em like that any more.