Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

 Amnesia after a traumatic event is quite common, as many victims of trauma repress these memories as a coping mechanism.  Is that what is happening to Lucy?  How can that be if everyone thinks she's the killer?  Do they repress memories, too?

Lucy became the best suspect of her best friend's murder when she was found covered in her blood and disoriented.  Further scrutiny came when she claimed that she had no memory of the tragic night.  When no evidence was found to either exonerate or implicate her, the case went cold.  

That is until a true crime podcaster started to dig into this intriguing case and Lucy's past is brought into clear view.  

Will she remember that night?  Did she actually kill her best friend, Savvy?  If she didn't, who did?

Join the Book Club Meeting online on October 4, 2024 @ 7 PM - RSVP HERE - Use code SAVVY to join for **FREE**

Discussion Questions:

• The story begins with Lucy losing her job because her past has been advertised in a popular podcast.  Do you think the employer was justified?
• What are your thoughts on Lucy's relationship with Nathan?  We get many clues throughout the story about her disinterest in him and their life together.  Why do you think she "kept" him?
• Ben, the podcaster, has traveled to Plumpton, TX to interview various witnesses and family members of Lucy and Savannah (Savvy); however, the police are not involved.  How does not including them make this case all the more interesting?
• Lucy's grandmother appears to have orchestrated Lucy's involvement in the podcast research; she seems to be the only true believer that Lucy did not do it.  Other than her love for Lucy, what do you think her conviction of her innocence could be from?
• Everyone in town describes Savvy as a beautiful and sweet girl; however, Lucy has different flashbacks and memories of a rebellious and murderous adult.  She never shared her experiences with Savvy with anyone during the initial investigation, or even later.  Why do you think that is?
• What are your thoughts on the murderous streak in Savvy?
• In the end we find out who the true killer was.  Did you see that coming?
• Lucy turns in her ex-husband and parents to the police after turning in the murderer.  Why?  Do you agree with her decision?
• What do you think will happen between Ben and Lucy?
  
  
  

Random In Death by J.D. Robb

 The latest "in Death" installment is out and it fits right into the series macabre.  I used to read these back in the early 2000s as soon as they came out and eventually my fandom fizzled, so I lost track of what was going on.  If you are picking up this book for the first time, there are several key elements that you may not understand (as I did as well).  The author does not explain them very well either, as I imagine she thinks that we are reading all of her books in order (there over 50 books in the entire series, if you have the time).  So, some elements that could be confusing, as they were to me until I jogged my memory, include: 

• Eve Dallas' super rich tech savvy husband and their amazingly electric relationship.
• Who in the world is Mavis and why are they so excited that she is gardening?
• What year is it?
• And much more ...

I'll do my best to bring a summary of the series at the meetup, but for now here are the questions for discussion:

The first murder victim died in her hero's arms, what do you think the significance of this?

The second murder victim thought she was stung by a wasp, one of her biggest fears, this also holds significance.  What do you think that could be?

The third victim got lucky because she was injected in a previous injury.  Did you believe this scene when it occurred?

The descriptions of the killer were pretty basic.  Did you think that Dallas and the group were going to find him?

What are your thoughts on Detective Eve Dallas?  Roarke?  Their relationship?  Does it remind you of anything/anyone?

Which other characters did you find intriguing?

This story takes place much in the future; however, elements of today still exist (i.e., Coney Island).  Did you find this interesting?  Why or why not?

What are your thoughts about the murderer's father's involvement?

What are your thoughts on the final confession?  Do you think this is over?

What do you think the murderer will be sentenced?  What would you give him if you were the judge/jury?

Join the Discussion on 9/20/2024:  RSVP HERE

FREE CODE = RANDOM