2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Why do you think the author allowed Kevin Dawson to die?

I don't know, but I guess it is real life. I'm still thinking about why him, and why now.

I heard from Marsons this morning and let her know we would be discussing this. I also told her we were heartbroken, that it was a brave thing for her to do and I didn’t know how she survived it. She said she was in “a flood of tears.”

I’d like for us to speculate on this before asking her why directly. It is real life and she took a character we didn’t think much of and slowly transformed him into a better man. And, it is realistic that a police unit would lose someone in the line of duty. I’m just not ready.

I sent Angela Marsons an email (mostly praise and questions) shortly after I finished the book. I was surprised how quickly she responded. I didn't use any of her information in my response.

Dawson's death gave me Karin Slaughter/Grant County flashbacks! I can see why authors kill off a character (growth for remaining characters, reflection of real life, a chance to turn the story in a different direction, etc) but us poor readers!!

How fantastic that Angela Marsons responds to her readers. Kudos to her.

It's a brave move.. but gives room for development for her characters and the series as a whole. Heart breaking but good comparison to the Karin Slaughter series. Think about what happened next with the fabulous Will Trent Series.

I think this move as upped this from a good to a great series for me. Can't wait to see what happens next!

Jo Ann wrote: "Dawson's death gave me Karin Slaughter/Grant County flashbacks! I can see why authors kill off a character (growth for remaining characters, reflection of real life, a chance to turn the story in a..."

Oh, that brought back a flood of Grant County emotional memories! Glad it wasn’t just me. That’s also a reminder that I’ll never get over that loss.

I also know I can’t take anything or anyone for granted in this series.

Sharon, I think we’ve all weighed in. What does Marsons say?

Angela " I cried my eyes out while writing the final Dawson scenes. He had developed more than any other character in the book so there was nowhere left for me to take his character. he had matured and was becoming just like Bryant so the team needed to be shaken up a little bit. I thought he deserved a hero's end though and he was telling Stacey that he knew what was going to happen xx"

She also said her contract was extended for 12 more books. Kim will be around for awhile.

I read on her blog that her contract was for 16 books. I was worried because she was getting close.

Sharon wrote: "Angela " I cried my eyes out while writing the final Dawson scenes. He had developed more than any other character in the book so there was nowhere left for me to take his character. he had matured..."

So that look between them did mean something. We got it.

*sigh* Kudos to the writer for caring enough about the quality of the story to do what’s necessary. It has to be awful to kill off a character you’ve nurtured and come to love.

Sharon wrote: "She also said her contract was extended for 12 more books. Kim will be around for awhile.

I read on her blog that her contract was for 16 books. I was worried because she was getting close."

Woo hoo!!! I’m in for the long haul. Let’s make a pact to regroup for discussions of new releases once we get up to date.

Thank you for sharing that, Sharon.

I'm in

So glad to hear that there are going to be plenty more books in the series.

While I was completely devastated by Kevin's death, I have to say that if Marsons was going to kill off one of the team, he was the most appropriate choice.

For me, Kevin's character development seemed to have stagnated as compared to the others. Moreover, killing Bryant would have had such a traumatic effect on Kim that she would have retreated in on herself and possibly even stopped functioning.

Stacey is a character with tremendous possibilities for development and it would be missing out on opportunities to kill her off.

Sad as I am, it could have been worse :(

If she had to kill one of them, he was definitely the most logical choice. I just didn’t want any of them to go. I’d been pulling for Dawson, pleased at his maturing and during this story, was so very proud of how he was connecting with Geoffrey.

It is a send off that will keep him viewed as a hero in perpetuity, along with those flaws that made him real.

You are right Lauren. Kevin is the only character that could die at this point. I can't wait to see where Stacey goes now. I wonder if she will reconsider going for the promotion to take Kevin's position.

Thanks Sharon for that response from Angela. I love the way that she interacts with her readers. And woo hoo to more books in the series.

I'm surprised that she felt that she had no where to go with Kevin. I was feeling he was only just reaching his potential. There was room for slips ups and uncertainty and then moving on. But I guess of all the characters he was at the point for a spectacular exit. Certainly a way for the series to reboot and grow especially now there are a lot more books coming.

Thanks for the awesome discussion, ladies. So Looking forward to next month's read.

Jonetta wrote: "Sharon wrote: "She also said her contract was extended for 12 more books. Kim will be around for awhile.

I read on her blog that her contract was for 16 books. I was worried because she was getti..."

I'm in!!

Thanks for sharing AM comments, Sharon. Looking forward to a long and rewarding reading experience.

Thanks for sharing the note from the author, Sharon. I can't imagine what an author goes through when she decides that one of the characters needs to die. It would be like killing off a member of the family.

I agree with those of you who said that it will be an opportunity for growth of the other characters. Also, this may lead to the addition of new characters to spice up the stories.