Books and Jams Readalong discussion

Here we go!

I'd love to hear your first impressions here.
What do you think of the writing style/pacing/characters?
What are your initial thoughts of how you'll like this one?

I'm listening to this on audio. It is taking a little bit to get going, but I feel like it's picking up now. I feel really bad for Hal, but that is a thriller mystery trope, right? The lonely girl with no family or friends gets herself into a sticky situation. Well we've got that nailed in this one!

I am having fun trying to figure out/guess if she really is related to this family. She has to be I'm thinking. I was guessing that Maud was really her mom and just changed her name when she cut ties with the family. But then that last little flashback changed that theory. So the tarot reader in 1994 is Hals mom maybe and Maud somehow takes her to raise? Maybe Hal's mom wasn't her mom at all. Maybe that 1994 reader had an affair or was raped by one of the brothers? Who knows.

So far I like this better than Woman in Cabin 10. I really didn't like that main protagonist. I don't agree with all Hal's choices, but I can feel for her. I'm excited to keep going.

I am enjoying this so far. The unkept estate, the mysterious family secret and a scoundrel (Hal). As long as it keeps to that format, I should enjoy it.

There is definitely some connection to the dead Maud, maybe an identity theft. Something beyond estrangement, hopefully something criminal - it makes for a better story.

I (almost) always like English mysteries, modern or not.

I am also very temped to start looking up tarot cards...I did visit a psychic before I had children. She got almost everything right - two children in a short period of time, one much much bigger than the other. The only thing was that she said they would be boys and i have girls. And they are much closer in age than we had planned! haha

I am also liking this more than Cabin 10, I really didn't buy into that book and am confused as to why it gets such great reviews.

I am enjoying this so far! I think the style is accessible and I appreciate that. I feel for Hal and her desperation to make ends meet. I wonder how much Mr Treswick knows... and yes, who is her mom? I don’t think a servant or anything. Another sister that no ones talks about, maybe because of scandal? Also, who is Maud’s actual daughter??

Excited to get to meet the brothers!