Challenge Corner discussion

The desert heat can be deadly. But nothing kills like a cold heart.

Gertie hasn't seen her siblings since she was a toddler. Now, she's back at the family home she barely remembers, summoned there to witness the reading of her father's will. Shockingly, Gertie stands to inherit a substantial portion of the family business and her father's prized Palm Springs home. And no one is more surprised—and angry—about Gertie's inclusion in the will than her sisters and brothers.

Trapped in a remote house that doesn't feel like home with siblings that don't feel like family, Gertie is isolated in more ways than one. And when she discovers that her father may have been murdered, and a member of the household staff dies not long before she has a near-deadly accident of her own, she realizes she'll be lucky to get out of this unexpected family reunion alive.

A suspenseful read that feels just as suffocating as the dry California air in which it is set, She Didn't Stand a Chance takes readers on a wild journey of jealousy, lies, and family secrets with deadly consequences.

Keeping an eye on this thread - I don't have the arc, I bought it, so I'm ready to start reading when you get here!

Ooooo, okay! This one should be good (and quick), judging from the author's last book.

I ended up starting this one last night as I needed a little genre switch. I made it to around Chapter 3 and am so far very intrigued. Our MC, or the person we're following so far, Gertie, is definitely out of place in this family and I'm interested to see where this goes...

To Ch 6: Soooo, all the kids (view spoiler)[were actually staying at the house at the time he tumbled to his death down a staircase? That is a little sus, but Maryann (is that her name) was the only one not home at the time? That almost makes her more suspicious to me, although she's not being totally horrible to Gertie, so maybe we like her. (hide spoiler)]

11 chapters / 25%

(view spoiler)[ I agree - super intriguing. all the siblings are suspect - I agree, especially Maryann who was supposed to be "gone" while they were there. AND the brother's wife, right?

the IOU part is super cute but also sad. He never brought her into his life until now. . .
I also like the attorney. interested to see where this goes! (hide spoiler)]

Trisha wrote: "11 chapters / 25%

I agree - super intriguing. all the siblings are suspect - I agree ..."

I like (view spoiler)[the attorney too, and the chef, I hope nothing happens to either of them. I am interested to meet the property manager that has been mentioned a couple of times. She may be full of knowledge. I'm wondering if it's gonna be like a Murder on the Orient Express situation. I'm also loving the use of the various mixed media elements. (hide spoiler)]

through 25 chapters / 51%

(view spoiler)[ wow, he was so recently introduced, I didn't expect the gardener to be killed too
and yes! I really like the chef and now Mrs. Phan! I hope they both make it to the end of the book!

and the siblings are pretty awful and they are all struggling for money (including their kids!) so money definitely seems the motive
but it seems to easy that they've framed Haylee. I don't think she had any reason to do it!

and the missing statue! yikes! that's awful!

oh and I really liked the mixed media too! adds an interesting element! (hide spoiler)]

40 chapters / 77%

oooh man
(view spoiler)[ that note was sketchy
the tires being over inflated and her ruined things. Could this be EACH Sibling doing something independently - just waiting for one more, the one who actually kills?

crazy that the files she found date back to the 90's?! like, what was going on SO FAR back that he wanted a record? Has he been moving funds into another account for her? someone stealing from him? I'm so confused! (hide spoiler)]

and done!

(view spoiler)[
I wondered if it was Maryann, the only one trying to give herself an actual Alibi
but wow, to hurt her brother and then try to blame it on all her siblings. yikes

this one was good but it felt looooong lol (hide spoiler)]

Trisha wrote: "through 25 chapters / 51%..."

Yeah, I agree, (view spoiler)[Haylee would be way too easy to frame. I'm sort of fixated still on Maryann 'being off property' conveniently at the time. What was she doing? Also, when Gertie noted at the service, Maryann crying, showing emotion, during her eulogy, she was so surprised and fixated on that, I'm thinking, is it guilt? Perhaps, Maryann, who has been so focused on the family business, knew that he may be thinking of leaving a good sized share to Gertie, perhaps she killed him to keep control of the company, not realizing he had already changed the will? I'm surprised the gardner, Tim, was killed too. I am thinking, maybe someone buried the statue after using it to kill the Dad, and Tim came across it and not realizing what he had, he stupidly said something to the wrong person, who ended up killing him to cover it up. I love Mrs. Phan, I am hoping she is the silent hero of this book, and doesn't end up being a snake in the grass... (hide spoiler)]

To Ch 26: (view spoiler)[I'm proud of Gertie. I like how methodical she is being in her search for answers, and I also appreciate that she's not backing down to the 'Family's' intimidation attempts. That whole scene with Jennifer blocking the entrance to the pool house, how petty can you get? And then Jennifer acting off-kilter at the memorial? What is her deal? (hide spoiler)]