2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

The main focus of the story is the investigation into Tom Brandt’s murder. Sarah had the least active role and didn’t assist Frank this time. Did you miss that even though they had quite a lot of interaction?

I did miss Sarah's interaction and felt that sitting on the side lines did not suit her at all. She actually seemed to suffer a minor character change!

I agree. She's not a person who would sit back and let someone else work the case.

This is one of the reasons I found this installment rather lackluster. Sarah seems to lose all her agency and while I like Maeve it was disappointing that Sarah didn't play a more active role in the investigation.

I thought about this and reached the conclusion that the author didn’t want her to be involved in her own husband’s investigation. Part of the drama was her being on the sidelines, essentially helpless as others without bias did the sleuthing. The Pinkerton agents and Maeve’s pursuits were new territory and Frank’s clumsiness with the nosy neighbors heightened the feeling of Sarah’s absence. They really are a team and without her, Frank has a tougher time in more nuanced situations. He’s better but....

Jonetta wrote: "They really are a team and without her, Frank has a tougher time in more nuanced situations. He’s better but...."

Yes, I missed their working together to uncover the truth.

I missed Sarah's help in the investigation, but I can see how she might have been too personally involved to have the clear head necessary to find out the truth.