Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written chapter and some interesting happenings with Helen who disappeared while Charles is in the shower. Another word I picked up which you did not explain is 'dapper'. We use that word in Afrikaans which means to be brave.

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2019

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reply by the author on 28-Apr-2019

Thanks for your review of this chapter, Sandra. Perhaps I should add a note about 'dapper'. I've only ever heard it used to mean well turned out or smart.

Comment from Pantygynt

Excellent

I sensed a different tone from the beginning in this chapter. I have noticed it creeps in from time to time. it is a kind of flippancy , a desire to take a joking approach, as if the whole thing is a bit of a laugh. It may by my imagination or something to do with the serialisation of the story. It might be interesting to read this straight through rather than every few days. Would the style seem more or less unified then I wonder.

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2019

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reply by the author on 28-Apr-2019

Thanks, Jim. I'm a bit uncertain about how the mixture of levity and drama is working. I may have second thoughts when it comes time for the final edit.

Comment from LisaMay

Excellent

This is the first time that I've read any of your French Letter chapters, but I do like the way your style feels very natural and it flows well with good integration of dialogue. I did feel though that the humorous one-liner type additions were there thick and fast at the tail end of previous chapter and beginning of this one and thought that sort of thing could be scattered throughout more. I bet the boutique saleswoman hated a sweaty jogger turning up to buy clothing!

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2019

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reply by the author on 28-Apr-2019

Thanks for dropping in to review this chapter, LisaMay. I appreciate your comments and will have another look at the balance. Best wishes, Tony

reply by LisaMay on 28-Apr-2019

It whetted my appetite to read more... I just need a gap of decent time to absorb.

Comment from Ben Colder

Excellent

I find nothing to complain about in this story. It has a style of it's own and my compliments to the writer for a job well done. Very good style , I like it.

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2019

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reply by the author on 28-Apr-2019

Thanks, Ben. I appreciate your review. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from djsaxon

Excellent

Silly for me to comment on your writing style (I hate that word) because as always it is impeccable. You tiny "asides" have the potential to impede the flow but they never do. Totally enjoying this mate. DJ

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2019

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reply by the author on 28-Apr-2019

Thanks, DJ. I appreciate your kind comment. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from WryWriter

Excellent

Hmm...the plot thickens. So Helen lets Charles down again. And Kayla is keeping company with a henchman. I'm eager to turn the page. What's next?

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2019

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reply by the author on 28-Apr-2019

What next, indeed? That is a question that I keep asking myself, too!

reply by WryWriter on 28-Apr-2019

I have full confidence that you will answer that question and do so elegantly. : )

Comment from rspoet

Exceptional

Hello Tony,
Now if were me, I'd have waited for Helen to return,
but then you do have a plot to continue.
Jogging with a towel over his shoulders shows different Charles and I really are.
Charles should be able to get quite a bit in trade for that painting, I'll give him 100 US, no questions asked.
The appearance of one of Bellini's henchmen was a surprise and doesn't put Kayla in a very good light. But at least he's being tailed by one of Bamforth's men.
The plot continues to thicken and quicken.
Thanks for the "New World" note, though context reveals much.
Well done. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Robert

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2019

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reply by the author on 26-Apr-2019

Thanks for your review, Robert, and the extra star. Yes, I thought Charles was a bit hasty and he certainly made a bizarre choice, jogging bare-chested through the streets of Paris. Not what I'd have done either! But, as you say, the plot must go on!

Comment from royowen

Excellent

Well done with this episode Tony. Hung out to dry, is probably the appropriate term concerning Helen, so Charles arranges to meet Kayla and meet up for a chat, but spotsva Bellini henchman, plus the man who had been following Charles, but now was following the swarthy man..Well done tony, great episode, blessjngs,Roy

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2019

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reply by the author on 26-Apr-2019

Many thanks for your review, Roy. I appreciate it. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Well even though Charles was left "hung out to dry," he seems to have recovered well and takes control over the situation well.

I did a double take when the English followed the French so I would make a teeny suggestion but of course, it's fine as it is, too:
"Je voudrais acheter une chemise," I said. "Something vintage," I added in English.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2019

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reply by the author on 26-Apr-2019

Thanks, Helen. That's a good point. I appreciate your suggestion and have amended the dialogue now to make it clearer.

Comment from damommy

Excellent

It seems that Kayla is indeed a suspicious character. I hope Charles is very careful with her. I'm not real sure about Helen, either. What a scary situation he is in. Just the mention of ISIS is frightening.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2019

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reply by the author on 26-Apr-2019

Thanks, Yvonne. He does seem to be living dangerously at the moment.