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The Devil Fights Back

Viewing comments for Chapter 4 "The Devil Fights Back - Ch. 4"
Challenges in the pharmaceutical field

20 total reviews 
Comment from LJbutterfly
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This chapter allows us to understand Fran and the way she thinks and feels. She seems a bit defiant, conducting an independent investigation after being suspended. I suspect she will be the one to solve the case, but how will D'Onofrio react? I look forward to seeing how the story develops.

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2024
    We'll get to see how he responds to his maverick agent. He knows her well, so I think he kind of expected this. Let's see if this leads to trouble for her.
Comment from Pearl Edwards
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Fran's thought that it was better to ask forgiveness than permission is something I heard my husband say when he and his brother were relating childhood stories. A good chapter of Fran's innerthoughts as she gets on with the job of proving her innocence. Cheers,
valda

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 18-Nov-2024
    Thanks so much, valda. Fran is not famous for following directions. She's probably the smartest one in that field office. I think her boss recognizes this about her and may not mind so much when she goes off on her own. She usually gets results.
Comment from Neonewman
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There's always a mole in the FBI. Kevin, a sloppy, lazy S.O.B. He must have something on the upper management to still have his job, lol. He sounds like a real douchbag.

Fran is smart. I love how your bringing her pov into this chapter. Brilliant work, Jim. I didn't realize you had snuck this chapter in. I was about to read chapter five when I noticed.

God bless, my talented friend.
Steve

 Comment Written 17-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 17-Nov-2024
    Thanks, Steve. I've gotten about 6 chapters ahead in the writing, so I'll be posting regularly about every 3 days.
reply by Neonewman on 18-Nov-2024
    My pleasure, Jim, and I'll be watching. I'm only one ahead with mine, lol.
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
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Ruth's Chris Steak House is an upscale restaurant? I thought it was a middle-of-the-road chain? I ask because I wonder if it's worthy of this scene.

Patty is a handy friend to have:-) Kevin was probably sloppy with his cell phone because he didn't think anyone would ever suspect him.

This was a good chapter to help set the scene for the story, from Fran's perspective.

See you this weekend, Jim.

xo
Pam

 Comment Written 15-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 15-Nov-2024
    If you like steak and can find a Ruth's Chris near you, by all means try it, although it's expensive. An average bill for two people runs around $200 with tip, and maybe more if you order drinks, appetizers, or dessert. The steaks are all prime and served on a 500 degree serving platter atop melted butter, which sizzles when they bring it out to you. Best steak you'll ever have. Very upscale, but not very healthy. Go on a cheat day. We go once a year.

    Yep, see you Sunday.
reply by Pam Lonsdale on 15-Nov-2024
    I had no idea, Jim. I will look for one now:-)
Comment from T B Botts
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Hello Jim,
ah, the plot thickens. You make the story so interesting with the various characters you introduce and their particular personalities. I'm surprised that Kevin could maintain his job at the FBI if he's that lazy, but then trying to fire a government worker is almost impossible I guess. Well done buddy.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom

 Comment Written 15-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 15-Nov-2024
    Thanks, Tom. I guess even in the FBI, there area all caliber of agents. A lot of real jerks too, if you believe what you often see on TV or in movies. They always seem to portray them as alpha males who swoop in and take over from local law enforcement and push their weight around. I wonder if it's really like that?
Comment from Sallyo
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Coming along nicely, as we pick up more about this narrator and her suspicions prove right (almost certainly). Of course you might still pull a whammy and make her wrong! Either way, looking forward to the next chapter.

 Comment Written 15-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 15-Nov-2024
    Thanks, Sally. I think you've got a good feel for Fran and her capabilities. She's usually right about things.
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
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Fran is as bright as her brother and maybe a little sneakier than he ever was. I suppose being a spy does that for you. That she had a good idea who had gotten hold of the Dipraxa formula was a wise decision and now she has to prove who it is. Very enjoyable chapter.

 Comment Written 15-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 15-Nov-2024
    So glad you enjoyed it, Carol. Brian may be book smarter, but Fran certainly has the street smarts and the cojones needed for her job.
Comment from lancellot
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Hmm, as usual, you have solid writing and editing skills. Fran has certainly grown and expanded as a character since the first book. Now, I would caution you on the heavy exposition and telling aspect of this chapter. The reader, through Fran, is told almost everything and shown little. We only learn about things and character aspects by being told, not experiencing it.

 Comment Written 14-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 15-Nov-2024
    Point taken. I will try to be cognizant of that. Sometimes, though, that's the most efficient way to give details about things that aren't all that germane to the larger story but are needed for context. It's always a judgment call.
Comment from jmdg1954
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Excellent chapter Jim with the introduction of potential suspect. Many things go point his way, but in a mystery one never knows what may home up.

Looking forward to see where you take us.

Cheers,
John

 Comment Written 14-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 15-Nov-2024
    Thanks so much, John. This story will be going in a couple of directions, and I hope I can write it in such a way as to keep the readers engaged and not confused.
Comment from Ric Myworld
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The more I read, the more I wish I'd been around for your previous book and the added character information I could have acquired. But fortunately, it won't be a real problem since you are patient and methodical in your backstory and foundation building. Thanks for sharing another fine chapter.

 Comment Written 14-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 14-Nov-2024
    Thanks very much, Ric. Yep, pretty soon you'll know much of what happened in the previous story through the backstory, as you've already picked up on.