2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Sarah decides to go interview the Walcotts one more time, alone. Why do you believe she wouldn’t find this foolhardy, especially if she suspected something fishy was going on?

This is a perfect example of something I wish authors would not do, and the only thing which is disappointing me in these books so far. Sarah is a sensible, confident woman but she is not a fool. And only someone foolish would do what she did. As it was happening I was thinking that I hope it is not going to happen in every book just for the sake of an exciting ending.

I completely agree, Phrynne. It felt out of character. Let’s hope it’s the last time.

I gave up reading Patricia Cornwell for the exact same reason:)

Same here.

I dislike the TSTL moments used to move the story forward. She could easily have waited for Frank to accompany her.

I totally agree. It's an unfortunately common occurrence in this genre. It happens on tv shows all the time too. I'm always yelling at the tv, "Wait for backup!!".

I totally agree with you all. It's already bad when they can't see glaring clues about someone's true intentions, but when they know and still do something out of character and stupid is even worse.

It does feel out of character. Sarah is smart and sensible. Why would she go back to that house to talk to them again when she already suspected something was going on? She should have waited for Frank. Sometimes if feels like she wants to show him up by solving the mystery without him.

Robin wrote: "Sometimes if feels like she wants to show him up by solving the mystery without him. ."

I get that impression as well. She's still trying to prove herself worthy

Agreed. If we keep getting these almost- or real TSTL moments in this series, it will be just about ruined for me. That would be a waste of good stories.

I wish several authors would read our continuing comments on these situations and think/write themselves out of the TSTL box.

I hate TSTL characters but in Sarah's case (even though it irritates me) I chalk it up to her being naïve about certain things. I think she thinks most people will do the right thing because it's the right thing to do. It's as if she believes upstanding people will maintain polite manners even though they might be murderers or know the murderer. But I'm with you all, I hope this trend isn't going to continue.

I think it’s really hard for Sarah to conceive that these people in her circle could be murderers. She’s not silly or ignorant, just terribly naïve, as you say.