Running Blind
Viewing comments for Chapter 2 "Running Blind ~ Chapter Two"The Blind Girl's toughest cold case.
28 total reviews
Comment from Raffaelina Lowcock
There are a few scenarios here that are ringing bells. The acceptance of the cold case, by Sally, ensures the careful investigation will no doubt find some good clues to follow. With her reliance on DNA she is confident there will be a trail of some sort, soon. The people she has on her team are very professional. Then there is the intention she has of helping Detective Lieutenant Miles Jean-Baptiste, financially. Skip forward to Olivia Smith, the amnesia victim and there is where the bells ring.
Ralf
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2021
There are a few scenarios here that are ringing bells. The acceptance of the cold case, by Sally, ensures the careful investigation will no doubt find some good clues to follow. With her reliance on DNA she is confident there will be a trail of some sort, soon. The people she has on her team are very professional. Then there is the intention she has of helping Detective Lieutenant Miles Jean-Baptiste, financially. Skip forward to Olivia Smith, the amnesia victim and there is where the bells ring.
Ralf
Comment Written 15-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2021
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Thank you for catching up and for the lovely review, dear Ralf. Sending you my very best,
Sal XOs?
Comment from Father Flaps
Wow! Sally, dear, I'd give you 7 stars for this chapter if I could. It's writing like this that prevents readers from putting the book down, and going to sleep. (I do most of my reading in bed at the end of a day.)
I enjoyed the reference to "Deliverance" with the "Last Stop" convenience store with the almost extinct pay-telephone.
You manage two cliffhangers to keep us wanting more. First, who is in that Dodge Charger? ...not that you'd have to worry with King for protection. Hopefully, the second SUV with Dr. MacLavish and her husband, Alan, and Miles Jean-Baptiste and his dog, Samson, will be along very soon. What's keeping them? Not a good idea to get separated in No Man's Land.
And then, there's the flashback scene, to 1990 and Olivia Smith. She seems to have stumbled into some good fortune... She should have accepted a name like "Cinderella", with a delicious supper, bed, bath, clean clothes including sea shell-"slippers", French Roast coffee and a slice of the pecan-cinnamon cake (right out of the oven). Things are going so good for her that we lose sight of her real predicament... Amnesia! And to add misery to this, she's sick... pregnant? Where's the doctor?
We don't know if "Olivia" is dead or alive? If alive, did she ever recover her memory? And where is she now? If dead, what happened to her? And where's her grave?
There's two heroines here... Olivia and the blind detective? Their paths are crossing, and I'm sure it will be a terrific story. Keep up the excellent work!
By the way, I also enjoyed the sale of her uncle's painting for $550,000. As you know, my wife and I just discovered a gorgeous watercolor by Ruth Baderian. It's worth much more than what it cost us.
And there's the cakes... Sally's chocolate birthday cake, and Olivia's pecan cinnamon. Unfortunately, Olivia's morning surprise (and sudden upchuck) might mean that she was having some morning sickness. She might be pregnant, but that remains to be seen. You have to wonder what the future holds for her, although the townsfolk seem too good to be true with Albert and Shirley and Pastor Lyle.
Hugs,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 30-May-2021
Wow! Sally, dear, I'd give you 7 stars for this chapter if I could. It's writing like this that prevents readers from putting the book down, and going to sleep. (I do most of my reading in bed at the end of a day.)
I enjoyed the reference to "Deliverance" with the "Last Stop" convenience store with the almost extinct pay-telephone.
You manage two cliffhangers to keep us wanting more. First, who is in that Dodge Charger? ...not that you'd have to worry with King for protection. Hopefully, the second SUV with Dr. MacLavish and her husband, Alan, and Miles Jean-Baptiste and his dog, Samson, will be along very soon. What's keeping them? Not a good idea to get separated in No Man's Land.
And then, there's the flashback scene, to 1990 and Olivia Smith. She seems to have stumbled into some good fortune... She should have accepted a name like "Cinderella", with a delicious supper, bed, bath, clean clothes including sea shell-"slippers", French Roast coffee and a slice of the pecan-cinnamon cake (right out of the oven). Things are going so good for her that we lose sight of her real predicament... Amnesia! And to add misery to this, she's sick... pregnant? Where's the doctor?
We don't know if "Olivia" is dead or alive? If alive, did she ever recover her memory? And where is she now? If dead, what happened to her? And where's her grave?
There's two heroines here... Olivia and the blind detective? Their paths are crossing, and I'm sure it will be a terrific story. Keep up the excellent work!
By the way, I also enjoyed the sale of her uncle's painting for $550,000. As you know, my wife and I just discovered a gorgeous watercolor by Ruth Baderian. It's worth much more than what it cost us.
And there's the cakes... Sally's chocolate birthday cake, and Olivia's pecan cinnamon. Unfortunately, Olivia's morning surprise (and sudden upchuck) might mean that she was having some morning sickness. She might be pregnant, but that remains to be seen. You have to wonder what the future holds for her, although the townsfolk seem too good to be true with Albert and Shirley and Pastor Lyle.
Hugs,
Kimbob
Comment Written 29-May-2021
reply by the author on 30-May-2021
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You're a sweetheart to give me such a wonderful review and six ... no, seven stars! How kind. I'm blessed from head to toe. I'm delighted you are enjoying this. It continues. Hang on! Sending you my best and blessings always,
Sal :)) XOs...
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
Wonderful story, Sal! I like spending time with Detective Sally Law and her team, and with Camille Jean-Baptiste, even though I know Camille doesn't have long for this world. So sad! And pregnant? Probably! I don't think there was anything sinister in that coffee and pecan-cinnamon cake. The Lyles don't strike me as devious murderers. Somehow I don't think her road ends at the Bates Motel.
Minor errors and suggested revisions:
and I needed it to jump start this stone cold case.
-->
and I needed it to jump-start this stone cold case.
Most importantly, several of the ladies items fit.
-->
Most importantly, several of the ladies' items fit.
After removing her hot mits,
-->
After removing her hot mitts,
[I flagged some errors in the previous chapter that I also noticed in the background and character list in Chapter Two, but I didn't flag them the second time, lest I become a pest. But they are the same.]
***
I like the way you've structured this... it looks like we're going to learn more about Camille's story, as we move forward.
reply by the author on 28-May-2021
Wonderful story, Sal! I like spending time with Detective Sally Law and her team, and with Camille Jean-Baptiste, even though I know Camille doesn't have long for this world. So sad! And pregnant? Probably! I don't think there was anything sinister in that coffee and pecan-cinnamon cake. The Lyles don't strike me as devious murderers. Somehow I don't think her road ends at the Bates Motel.
Minor errors and suggested revisions:
and I needed it to jump start this stone cold case.
-->
and I needed it to jump-start this stone cold case.
Most importantly, several of the ladies items fit.
-->
Most importantly, several of the ladies' items fit.
After removing her hot mits,
-->
After removing her hot mitts,
[I flagged some errors in the previous chapter that I also noticed in the background and character list in Chapter Two, but I didn't flag them the second time, lest I become a pest. But they are the same.]
***
I like the way you've structured this... it looks like we're going to learn more about Camille's story, as we move forward.
Comment Written 28-May-2021
reply by the author on 28-May-2021
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Thank you for the lovely comments and needed improvements. I'm so glad you're enjoying my newest book. Sending you my best today, and blessings always,
Sal XOs....
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You're very welcome, Sally, and as always, I'm happy to be of some little assistance. Sending hugs and smiles across the miles! Love, Mary Kay xoxo
Comment from Gloria ....
A most interesting story, Sally. You got laughing, with the Champagne burning the nose, and cringing with the "Deliverance" setting and the swamps creeping things. Excellent showing, and it works with great effect.
All the senses are involved in this thriller, and the cliff-hanger keeps us waiting for the next chapter.
Great read today. :)
Gloria
reply by the author on 28-May-2021
A most interesting story, Sally. You got laughing, with the Champagne burning the nose, and cringing with the "Deliverance" setting and the swamps creeping things. Excellent showing, and it works with great effect.
All the senses are involved in this thriller, and the cliff-hanger keeps us waiting for the next chapter.
Great read today. :)
Gloria
Comment Written 26-May-2021
reply by the author on 28-May-2021
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Wow! I'm so honored by this and the generous stars. Thank you so much, dear Gloria. I've lost a few dedicated followers due to the difficulties of the year, and one just recently left FanStory without a word. My sorrow is lifted by the kindness you have shown me. I'm so delighted to be picking up some new followers like you. :))
Sending you my best today as always and blessings for your week,
Sal XOs....
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
First off, I'm so sorry I can only offer a virtual six. You will get the real one on the next part, I promise. Now, you have been really naughty here, Sal. You have given us TWO, not, ONE cliffhangers! First, you leave us wondering who is driving that Dodge Charger, and the second, who is this poor lady who has no idea if she's pregnant or not!! So you have us delightfully hooked, and panting for the next part! Your writing is amazing, and so detailed. You put us right there in the field. Well done, my friend. :)) Sandra xxx
reply by the author on 28-May-2021
First off, I'm so sorry I can only offer a virtual six. You will get the real one on the next part, I promise. Now, you have been really naughty here, Sal. You have given us TWO, not, ONE cliffhangers! First, you leave us wondering who is driving that Dodge Charger, and the second, who is this poor lady who has no idea if she's pregnant or not!! So you have us delightfully hooked, and panting for the next part! Your writing is amazing, and so detailed. You put us right there in the field. Well done, my friend. :)) Sandra xxx
Comment Written 26-May-2021
reply by the author on 28-May-2021
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Thank you very much for the wonderful review of my book chapter. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Most of all, so glad to see you. Sending along my very best, Sally XOs...
Comment from Loren .
Another intriguing chapter, Sally. I am glad I got the second chapter to read. Two of my favorite authors are David Baldacci and Patricia Cornwell and I see an element of both in your writings. The mystery continues and I appreciate having a "cozy mystery" to read. Loren
reply by the author on 25-May-2021
Another intriguing chapter, Sally. I am glad I got the second chapter to read. Two of my favorite authors are David Baldacci and Patricia Cornwell and I see an element of both in your writings. The mystery continues and I appreciate having a "cozy mystery" to read. Loren
Comment Written 25-May-2021
reply by the author on 25-May-2021
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Thanks you very much for the wonderful review and kindest compliments. It is so appreciated. Sending you my best today as always,
Sal XOs...
Comment from Rosemary Everson1
A good story to read....it is intriguing how you come up with so many great plots in the beginning of each chapter. The reader definitely hangs on until another chapter is available to read.
reply by the author on 25-May-2021
A good story to read....it is intriguing how you come up with so many great plots in the beginning of each chapter. The reader definitely hangs on until another chapter is available to read.
Comment Written 25-May-2021
reply by the author on 25-May-2021
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Thank you for the excellent review and kind compliments, dear Rosemary. Sending you my best today as always,
Sal XOs....
Comment from WalkerMan
Ha! You leave us hanging on two levels with this one.
In Section One, you prove what a heart of gold you have by selling one of your dear Uncle Andre's paintings to raise cash for more comfortable housing for Miles Jean-Baptiste, who had depleted his own family inheritance trying to find his long-time missing sister, Camille, the subject of this new cold-case story. The love evident in each of your stories in this series makes every one worth reading for that alone. Add in the humor you sneak in at just the right moment (in this case the champagne birthday toast by Miles and your response), and the story becomes even more endearing.
In Section Two, you explain the importance of DNA evidence in solving cases justly, and toss in interesting relevant history in the process.
In Section Three, it is ironic that the team stops in River Ridge for lunch, not knowing that was the very village where "Olivia" (Camille) had first escaped to from the unhelpful asylum in New Orleans three decades before. "So near and yet so far" comes to mind.
Then the SUV Detective Lembowsky is driving hits something that blows a tire; and he, you, Jackson, and King get out to replace it with a spare, as there is no cell phone service available. Dr. Marie MacLavish and her husband, Alan, plus Miles and Samson, were delayed and have not yet caught up. Instead you hear a Dodge Charger approaching, King becomes protective, and Detective Lembowsky is wary, perhaps suspecting that the flat tire was not accidental. That becomes the first suspense point.
In Section Four, you take us back to 1990, and show us Olivia waking up in her hostel room, finding items and clothing suitable to her needs, and going to breakfast in the main house. The ensuing getting-acquainted dialog is plausibly realistic, including Shirley's humor. Olivia's sudden reaction to Shirley's freshly baked pecan-cinnamon cake leaves us to wonder why -- the second suspense point.
Throughout, the degree of caring all the main characters exhibit toward one another is delightfully heartwarming, making this story a welcome distraction from the hard reality of our present times.
Superb, and aptly illustrated by an image of a painting like Andre's.
reply by the author on 24-May-2021
Ha! You leave us hanging on two levels with this one.
In Section One, you prove what a heart of gold you have by selling one of your dear Uncle Andre's paintings to raise cash for more comfortable housing for Miles Jean-Baptiste, who had depleted his own family inheritance trying to find his long-time missing sister, Camille, the subject of this new cold-case story. The love evident in each of your stories in this series makes every one worth reading for that alone. Add in the humor you sneak in at just the right moment (in this case the champagne birthday toast by Miles and your response), and the story becomes even more endearing.
In Section Two, you explain the importance of DNA evidence in solving cases justly, and toss in interesting relevant history in the process.
In Section Three, it is ironic that the team stops in River Ridge for lunch, not knowing that was the very village where "Olivia" (Camille) had first escaped to from the unhelpful asylum in New Orleans three decades before. "So near and yet so far" comes to mind.
Then the SUV Detective Lembowsky is driving hits something that blows a tire; and he, you, Jackson, and King get out to replace it with a spare, as there is no cell phone service available. Dr. Marie MacLavish and her husband, Alan, plus Miles and Samson, were delayed and have not yet caught up. Instead you hear a Dodge Charger approaching, King becomes protective, and Detective Lembowsky is wary, perhaps suspecting that the flat tire was not accidental. That becomes the first suspense point.
In Section Four, you take us back to 1990, and show us Olivia waking up in her hostel room, finding items and clothing suitable to her needs, and going to breakfast in the main house. The ensuing getting-acquainted dialog is plausibly realistic, including Shirley's humor. Olivia's sudden reaction to Shirley's freshly baked pecan-cinnamon cake leaves us to wonder why -- the second suspense point.
Throughout, the degree of caring all the main characters exhibit toward one another is delightfully heartwarming, making this story a welcome distraction from the hard reality of our present times.
Superb, and aptly illustrated by an image of a painting like Andre's.
Comment Written 24-May-2021
reply by the author on 24-May-2021
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Thank you for the awesome review, my friend. I'm delighted you enjoyed it so much, and the generous stars always mean so much. I have repaired the issues in the Main Character sections. I appreciate the helpful critique and eagle eyes.
Sending you my best and blessings always,
Sal :))
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You are most welcome, Sal. I have liked every chapter in this series since the first chapter of What the Blind Girl Saw two years ago. Not one of these stories has been "ordinary"; every one has aspects not present in anything else I have read. -- Mike
Comment from Liz O'Neill
It was nice to hear uncle Andre Dupree's name mentioned. It's fun when an old friend is mentioned. My favorite authors, the Gears often mention a character or two from previous books. It always makes me smile. This did the same. I see you have included others also. What a fun image described for the birthday surprise. Just inserting this draws the reader in: "After days of bad weather," You left us out in the middle of nowhere and in possible danger. Mention of food always works. The 2nd scenerio had a lot of potential. Great.
reply by the author on 25-May-2021
It was nice to hear uncle Andre Dupree's name mentioned. It's fun when an old friend is mentioned. My favorite authors, the Gears often mention a character or two from previous books. It always makes me smile. This did the same. I see you have included others also. What a fun image described for the birthday surprise. Just inserting this draws the reader in: "After days of bad weather," You left us out in the middle of nowhere and in possible danger. Mention of food always works. The 2nd scenerio had a lot of potential. Great.
Comment Written 24-May-2021
reply by the author on 25-May-2021
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Thank you for the wonderful review and for your support down through my books! That means so much! Blessings always,
Sal XOs...
Comment from Cindy Decker 2
Sally,
It's good to hear from you.
I love your story. This would be a sequel or spin off of your other story because of the like characters?
You always have sharp dialogue and your details always prove to be paramount to the story.
I really like this one with a missing girl and a woman who may be pregnant under mysterious circumstances.
Great work, Sally!
Good luck in the contest.
Stay well.
Blessings,
Cindy
reply by the author on 24-May-2021
Sally,
It's good to hear from you.
I love your story. This would be a sequel or spin off of your other story because of the like characters?
You always have sharp dialogue and your details always prove to be paramount to the story.
I really like this one with a missing girl and a woman who may be pregnant under mysterious circumstances.
Great work, Sally!
Good luck in the contest.
Stay well.
Blessings,
Cindy
Comment Written 24-May-2021
reply by the author on 24-May-2021
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Thank you so much for the wonderful review of my new book. Im glad you're enjoying it. Sending you my best today as always,
Sal XOs....
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It?s so nice to always hear from you, Sally.
Your books are fresh and interesting.
Hugs,
Cindy