The Parlor PI's discussion

I'm midway through this second section, so I thought I start up the discussion. Holly's efforts to gather information about Margaret seems to have caught the attention of the murderer, with a nasty "message" on her front porch.

I think it is probably safe to exclude the sheriff as the culprit, seeing he seems destined for Holly herself. Not so sure about the reporter. Seems nice, but I have a feeling... There is a pretty clever trick (though Holly didn't seem to plan it that way) where she finds out a little something about money coming to Margaret and the restoration society.

I just finished this section. I agree, we are gathering more information, but nothing is resolved yet. I think the attraction between Holly and the sheriff is fairly strong. I will admit that I have a weird feeling about Caroline, but I could be off (I frequently am, lol!).

I'm wondering about that France guy, given now that the restoration group is being involved money wise.

Me, too, Mark! I pretty much have no idea whodunit, lol!

Quite a busy day yesterday, with one thing and another, but we are snowed in today, so I will try and move ahead on the book. (Maybe 8 inches of snow at this point here in Pittsburgh!)

WOWZA, Mark! My niece in WV has almost a foot. Here in my section of Maryland it's mostly ice. Enjoy your reading!

I was just out clearing the sidewalk and car. I measured 10 inches in each of three different places!

There is no lack of things happening. I'm about half way through and now another "message" from the murderer!

I wonder how many times these threats actually work and the murderer is able to convince someone to back off, lol!

Nicole, not many, or it would be a much shorter book!

I'm savoring the read for this holiday season, but I will try to get the final part started in a few days. This year the Christmas season seems to be going faster than ever!

Mark Pghfan wrote: "I'm midway through this second section, so I thought I start up the discussion. Holly's efforts to gather information about Margaret seems to have caught the attention of the murderer, with a nasty..."

Made it to The Kool Kids' Table via this section of chapters. Yeah, those donations - hmmm? Though I just got to noted point in story, it seems donations gathering or gathered? are for a just purpose. I mean, who wouldn't want to save a covered bridge? As I just got here, maybe things won't look so Currier & Ives-ish as I proceed?

Whoa! That open window scene was creepy. Didn't need blood all over the place to "get your spooky on." Can you imagine waking up and finding all that??

Mark Pghfan wrote: "Quite a busy day yesterday, with one thing and another, but we are snowed in today, so I will try and move ahead on the book. (Maybe 8 inches of snow at this point here in Pittsburgh!)"

Sunshine, barefoot and shorts in yard. Palm and coconut trees against a blue sky by day, deep dark teal at night. Anyone want to trade just two days with me? I'd love a dash in the snow for a few.

Mark Pghfan wrote: "I'm savoring the read for this holiday season, but I will try to get the final part started in a few days. This year the Christmas season seems to be going faster than ever!"

Yes, it is, Pghfan. Christmas almost here; we need to savor and enjoy all.

Nicole wrote: "Me, too, Mark! I pretty much have no idea whodunit, lol!"

No idea here either, Nicole. Nice array of suspects though.

I love how the holiday thing in this book never lets up. Threads nicely throughout whole story. A very Christmas mystery for sure.

On chapter 18. Right behind you PI's. Oof, that sleigh ride exchange. Was Holly a bit too testy on this one? She could've tamped it down some and still get point across. Poor sheriff but then he may be the bad guy. lol But I doubt it.

Cute love interest sheriffs are rarely the bad guy IMO, lol!

Holly IS getting a bit testy about the Sheriff all right. He seems perfectly reasonable and her pluckiness is now getting wearisome. I could see it somewhat if this was not the first book in the series, and she had shown some abilities in crime investigation. But not now.

Nicole wrote: "Cute love interest sheriffs are rarely the bad guy IMO, lol!"

LOL So true, Nicole. That would be a twist for some novel.

Mark Pghfan wrote: "Holly IS getting a bit testy about the Sheriff all right. He seems perfectly reasonable and her pluckiness is now getting wearisome. I could see it somewhat if this was not the first book in the se..."

Agreed, PI Pghfan! If I'd been the sheriff, I'd have jumped out and told her to have a nice ride! LOL

I got a feeling the relationship will be a constant battle of trying to tame Holly.

Mark Pghfan wrote: "I got a feeling the relationship will be a constant battle of trying to tame Holly."

I'd have given this book a 4 1/2 stars...maybe a 5 if Holly wasn't touchy w/the sheriff. He just seemed like a good ol' guy and she was a bit harsh on him when it wasn't necessary. IMHO.

Yes, exactly. The sheriff seems perfect. Too perfect? Well, we'll have to find out!

Do you think he would hustle over to the rescue of all citizens who called him on his personal cell phone, or just the pretty ones? ;-)

Nicole wrote: "Do you think he would hustle over to the rescue of all citizens who called him on his personal cell phone, or just the pretty ones? ;-)"

Good question, Nicole, though he does seem up for the Holly challenge.

Mark Pghfan wrote: "Yes, exactly. The sheriff seems perfect. Too perfect? Well, we'll have to find out!"

Mmm? Yes, we will, Pghfan.