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

(if) I Did It: Confessions of The Killer by O.J. Simpson (Ron Goldman, LLC)

 On June 12, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were found brutally murdered on her doorstep with her children sound asleep inside.  They were stabbed to death so viciously that the police thought Nicole was decapitated.  There was only one arrest made in connection to this murder, Nicole's husband, O.J. Simpson.  He was an acclaimed football star and actor at the top of his prime.  No one wanted to believe it was true.  Not even the jury.  After an excruciatingly long trial, O.J. was acquitted.  He was set free to continue his fame in notoriety. 

But the question remained - who killed Nicole and Ron?

No other arrests were made, and the families remain convinced that O.J. did it!  

Later, in 2006, O.J. had the audacity of actually writing and publishing a book that many believed was his confession.  The Goldman family were appalled that he would profit from the gruesome murder of their son and, naturally, sued him for the rights of that book.  They won the request for rights; however, the judge made a shocking condition - the family had to publish the book in order to claim any capital that could come with it.

So, this version of the book, revised by the Goldman family is the only legally available copy of the "confession" by O.J. Simpson.  It was both wanted and rejected by the public, but eventually became one of the New York Times bestsellers.  What do you think?

Join the Discussion on August 17, 2024.

Use this link to RSVP on Meetup

Use this CODE to join for FREE:  JUICE

Discussion Questions:

1. The Goldman Family published a book about their only son's murder.  They were disgusted by the topic and did not want that to be their son's legacy.  Why do you think they eventually did?
2. O.J. wrote about the love/hate relationship he had with Nicole prior to the murders.  How accurate do you believe his view of their life was?
3. During the year together, O.J. mentioned that Nicole asked to move into the larger home with O.J. and the children.  O.J. indicated that he did not want that, even though Nicole was losing her lease.  He later writes that he has several smaller and vacant homes (except one was occupied by Kato) on the property.  Do you think there was every discussion about allowing the family to live on those properties?  Or was this all a lie?
4. On the night of the murder, O.J. mentioned that there was a man named Charlie present.  Who is Charlie?
5. O.J. appears to have blacked out during the actual murder and then discusses how he hypothetically covered up a crime he never committed.  What do you get out of the depiction of this night?
6. How do you feel about Ron Goldman's involvement?
7. Do you think O.J. did it?