Reviews from

The Aspen Grove Murders

Viewing comments for Chapter 3 "The Aspen Grove Murders #3"
A Tommy Thompson Mystery

34 total reviews 
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

My two cents. Very creepy. Tommy's face was not really explained. But very good just the same.GOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOODGOOD Karen

 Comment Written 11-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 11-Sep-2023
    Thank you, Karen. Blessing, Sal XOs
reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 11-Sep-2023
    What is the deal with his face?
    Karen
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A fun expression: "Not buying it, Detective, and as Willa would say----spill!" A situation comedy scene: " not that there was any room in there for three adults." Coffee could offer comfort too: "Willa returned with the coffee" Are you familiar with the hand signal for help. He could have used that:"But I know my daughter; and as a seasoned detective, I also know things can appear to be one way, when in reality, they're just the opposite." Once again your skill for meaningful setting descriptions: "A film of gray mist hung over the town of White Falls, casting a ghostly aura." We will be back.

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 17-Dec-2022
    Thank you for the detailed review and kind stars. I'm glad you're enjoying my latest. Sending you my best today as always,
    Sal XOs
Comment from Begin Again
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Good day, Sally

Life has put me in a position of running behind, and my mind forgot some details, so I read the first two chapters again, and now this one. Quite the 'devilish' mystery on our hands. You distinctly show the reader the good and the bad. Well done!

Smiles, Carol

 Comment Written 12-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2022
    Thank you so much for your kind review in my book chapter. I'm glad you're enjoying it. Have a blessed and wonderful Christmas season. Sally XOs
Comment from WalkerMan
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

In this chapter, Section One, Tommy finally goes home, where only Phoebe's friendly stray cat, which she had named Sebastian, is there to greet him.

In Section Two, when Tommy returns to the police department, Willa notices that his appearance had changed without his knowing. It is his new confidence and determination shining through.

In Section Three, Tommy meets Dan and Maggie Van Velzen, parents of Candace, who had vanished in 2009 after being accosted by a young-looking man highly similar to the one they had also seen with Phoebe.

In Section Four, the police sketch artist shows Tommy his impression of the strange man, which Tommy recognizes as close enough if his hair is darkened.

In Section Five, Willa calls Tommy to say that the Van Velzens' view of the man in 2009 perfectly matches the drawing Tommy approved; and she noted that the man seemed not to have aged in between. Recalling how he was accommodated overnight, Tommy invites tired Hank and Willa to dinner he was preparing.

In Section Six -- present day in White Falls, New York -- While refueling his Mercedes with premium extra, Joe Santucci receives a phone call so upsetting that he destroys his cell phone and then hands the attendant a now-rare thousand dollar bill to assure his silence about whatever he might have seen and/or heard. Then a vintage Harley pulled in, ridden by a demonic-looking man with "soulless eyes" that briefly scared him. Later, Santucci assured himself that he still had the upper hand, which turned out to be totally wrong when the demon motorcyclist returned and forced him over a cliff to his demise.

Tommy won't find and get to question him, but facts will still come to light once local police investigate the wreckage and identify the driver.

Superb, and aptly illustrated.

 Comment Written 04-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 07-Dec-2022
    Thank you for the exceptional review and shiny sixer! I'm delighted you are enjoying my newest book and the colorful characters. It's easy to discern the good from the evil. Stay tuned! Sending you my best today as always,
    Sal :)))))
reply by WalkerMan on 07-Dec-2022
    You are most welcome, Sal. Yes, the characters are certainly colorful in this story. As you say, each one is devoted to his or her focus, good or evil. Overconfidence can be dangerous, though, as Santucci's end proves. :)) -- Mike
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I like the impact the Angel had on Tommy, and am wondering how much his appearance has changed. I'm catching up after a couple of absent weeks. Great chapter Sally.
cheers,
valda

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 02-Dec-2022
    No worries. I?ve been sick too and trying to finish the year strong. It?s been a challenge. I?m glad you enjoyed my latest.

    Sending you my best today as always,
    Sal XOs
Comment from Rosemary Everson1
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Phoebe's name is a familiar name; so glad they are trying to find the one who was the perpetrator. Was she kidnapped or did she just disappear out of the blue?

 Comment Written 30-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 01-Dec-2022
    Thank you for checking out my new book. To understand any of this, please read chapter one as it is the pilot chapter. It is crucial in understanding the situation and the book. The crime against Phoebe is the opening scene. Sending you my best today as always,
    Sal XOs
Comment from Mary Shifman
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I went to read chapter four and realized I hadn't yet read chapter three so I had to catch up! So I realize that Tommy's appearance has changed, but is he younger or just looking healthier? Well, the former Chief of Police sure got his just desserts. Well done. I'd forgotten the identity of Joe Sanucci, so the list or characters at the end really helps.

 Comment Written 28-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 29-Nov-2022
    Thank you so much for the wonderful review and insight. Tommy has been with an Angel and it has changed his appearance, much like Moses when he came down from Mt. Sinai. I?m glad you are catching up. Sending along my very best to you and yours, Sally :))
Comment from Gloria ....
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Another good chapter that moves along the plot at a fine pace. I enjoyed the heartfelt interaction with Sebastian, the cat who should serve to be a bit of a sounding board.

The characterization is interesting, and the setting fleshed out to perfection.

Just one small typo here:
and we will discuss permanent accomodations (accommodations)

Very well done, Sally. :))

Gloria

 Comment Written 26-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 28-Nov-2022
    Thank you for the wonderful review and super stars, dear Gloria. I appreciate the fix too. My blind keyboard holds on to typos. I still haven't figured out why. Accommodations gives me a fit! Sending you my best today as always,
    Sal XOs
Comment from Cindy Warren
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Why did the thing on the motorcycle kill Joe? That wasn't clear. Seems Joe wasn't one of the good guys. I wasn't sure about the cat. Is he an ordinary tabby, or something more?

 Comment Written 26-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 28-Nov-2022
    Thank you for lovely review and insightful comments. Stay tuned. Sending you my best today as always,
    Sal XOs
Comment from JoannaN
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

It was a good idea to add another death to this scene, to raise the stakes and create more tension for the reader. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the next scenes to come. Keep writing :)

 Comment Written 24-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 25-Nov-2022
    Thank you for the wonderful review and generous stars, Joanna. Your kind reviews mean so much! Blessings to you always,
    Sal XOs