Comment from w.j.debi

Excellent

We are getting to know the new group of characters. You do a great job showing their personalities through the office conversation. A Christmas party, now there are all sorts of things that can happen there. I look forward to more.

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023

Thank you, Debi, for your insightful review! I try to throw dialogue in where I can, and hope it doesn?t come off too chatty. I appreciate your thoughts and comments.

Take care,
Hugs,
Rhonda

Comment from Jay Squires

Excellent

I really like the grown-up Echo. She's a fine character, if a tad chatty about her past life. I'll be interested to see the development, if one occurs, of her relationship with Sara Beth.

I see you're from San Antonio. You know, I lived a spell in San Antonio as a lad 22 or so years? My friend and I were burgeoning writers and we spread our wings in San Antonio, where his girlfriend lived, and I was loving my newly discovered angst. I wrote about it in a series called "Down and Out in San Antonio". Anyway, San Antonio holds a special charm in my memory. That's all.

You've got a solid idea for a plot here. I'll be anxious to see how it plays out.

Jay

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023

Jay, thanks so much for the review, my friend. I appreciate your comments on the story. Echo is a bit chatty. It's one of her flaws, lol.

Very interesting about your past in San Antonio. I'm actually more from the Houston area, but my father was working for a spell in San Antonio, just about long enough for me to hatch. My son lived there for a while recently. It is a beautiful city!

Comment from Iza Deleanu

Excellent

I had so much fun reading this chapter, its like the murder never happen and everything goes back to nothingness:) thank you for sharing and good luck with your writings.

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023

Thank you for your review, Iza, and I'm glad you read it and got involved with the storyline!
Rhonda

Comment from royowen

Exceptional

I like your stories Rhonda, they contain that element of supernatural mystery, (and there's a lot in real life to draw on. Echo finds herself in the realities of this cynical world with her friend, but she's had a taste of other worldly stuff and will probably have more before long, well done, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023

Roy, thank you for the lovely 6 stars!! Always so welcome and especially from a writer of your standing and capabilities. Don't be afraid to tell me if you have any suggestions. I can always use tips.

Take care,
Rhonda

Comment from Paul Manton

Excellent

Wow, Rhonda - there's a lot to work on here - but I so enjoyed the last (shorter!) chapter that I didn't want to miss this one.
Well, don't you just want to slug Sara Beth! What a total cow! You got her right with your narrative because I was boiling over at the crass b****!
Apart from that, all the other characters are continuing to evolve into 3D - and I can tell that because I'm beginning to care about them and their interplay with one another.
Echo is certainly the foil for the story - and now we feel for her safety as the proximity of the killer is in question.
I am pleased to see that Claude is seeming to be a nicer and nicer boss, and that other family members are on Echo's side. I particularly like Frankie as a new and strong character in the story. Another smart woman!
Maybe she gets to drown Sara Beth next time. I can but dream!
Really this is going well. Looking forward to this developing along some of the many avenues you opened here.
Best wishes, Paul

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023

Hahaha, thanks Paul. You're right on wanting to hurt Sara Beth, but isn't there always someone like her in an office? She's sort of a static character, but will show some of her higher nature later.

Unfortunately, Echo is starting to attract the wrong type into her life.

Thanks for noticing Frankie! She's a bit of a side character, but a steadying influence in the office.

Thank you for taking the time to being so thorough in your review. It is so very helpful.

Take care, Paul,
Rhonda

reply by Paul Manton on 18-Jul-2023

Thanks Rhonda.
Looking forward to the next one.
Love from Paul

Comment from Sally Law

Excellent

***Virtual six***! I'm sorry no to have a six for you, my lovely friend. I wasn't expecting a book chapter so early in the week. I post on Monday usually without fail. Sunday is my day of rest, and my husband's only day off. (He still works 60 hours a week.)

Splendid chapter as more is told of the characters in the little town of Taylorville, Georgia. Echo seems to have her head on straight. She's a good girl.

Sending you my best today as always,
Sal XOs

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023

Sally, you are so very generous. I'm happy with your virtual 6. You saved my last post to grant a 6 Sunday, and that was sweet in itself. Mostly, I appreciate your reviews.

Echo is a good girl, terribly naive, though, and her innocence is about to get her back into trouble.

Thanks again,
Hugs,
Rhonda

reply by Sally Law on 19-Jul-2023

Thanks for the heads up. Trauma can hurt and sometimes help us. I'll be watching for sure! Sal xoxo's

reply by the author on 19-Jul-2023

;)

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Excellent

Your story flows well, Rhonda, and the dialogue is excellently done helping to build characters in the office and provided continuity with the story in the woods. It's a sensitive subject for Echo and, as well as that, she could be placing herself in danger with her investigations. She's obviously a trustworthy reporter but her colleagues don't know the full facts about her which could be an issue. Thanks so much for sharing this very intriguing story. Debbie

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023

Hi Debbie!
Thank you for reading and leaving your comments!
I'm glad the dialogue is working as I tend to rely on it heavily.

Echo loves writing and digging into mysteries even if they end up digging back.

Take care,
Rhonda

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Wow, you managed to have a five-way conversation with distinct personalities without getting me lost. I definitely don't like this Sara Beth character. But you used her well to bring out the past story about Theo. Perhaps she's more right than she knows and Theo will help Echo after all!

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023

Hi Helen!!

I'm glad the 5 way came off without confusion. I did it, in part, as a personal challenge, so I'm glad you picked up on that.

Sara Beth was used to forward the story and to build a little sympathy for Echo, and I think she's probably a bit jealous!

Thanks for stopping by,
Rhonda

Comment from Ricky1024

Excellent

This chapter was well written rich in Theme and Imagery.
It also, read well and Flowed well with no Grammar Issues.
Thanks for sharing this and have a great day.
Doctor Ricky

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023

Hi Ricky,

Thanks so much for your review. I'm glad you took the time to read and give your thoughts.

Take care,
Rhonda

Comment from Mike Stevens

Excellent

Another fine chapter, Rhonda----oh, talking about Christmas already? My least favorite time of the year, but that's just me, you don't want to hear my whining!

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023

Lol, I'm not sure why I picked Christmas, probably more for the weather than anything, but Christmas parties aren't for everyone.

Go for the whining. I'm raising a 2 year old girl right now (way long story) and am used to whining, lol.

Take care,
Rhonda

reply by Mike Stevens on 18-Jul-2023

About the same marurity level!