Reviews from

The French Letter

Viewing comments for Chapter 53 "A Web of Deceit"
A Novel

30 total reviews 
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

It seems Madam Jeanne has many sides to her. Interesting chapter Tony, and I'm sure this decision is going to have repercussions for Charles.
cheers
valda

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2019
    Thanks for your review, Valda. Much appreciated, as always. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Spitfire
Excellent
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A well-written condensation of the middle of the novel. The reader empathizes with Charles who seems hopelessly in love with Helen, enough to compromise his principles. The last line gives the reader a little shook up.

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2019
    Thanks, Shari. It's been a complex interweaving of plot, but I'm beginning to draw some of the threads together now. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Sally Law
Excellent
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This is a great chapter, Mr. Tony. It filled in the previous chapters and brought them up to date with some of the details of this twisty turning saga. I wonder though if Charles will fool them. He is surrounded by so many with evil, conniving motives. I look forward to the next chapter.
All my best,
Sal :+)

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2019
    Thanks, Sally. It's been a complex interweaving of plot, but I'm beginning to draw some of the threads together now. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from rspoet
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Tony,
Well, bad guys can't be likable, not Dr No, not Jaws, not Goldfinger
not even Odd Job. You've carried on the tradition very well,
even those these are supposed to be 'good' guys, in a strange sort of way.
You can always tell when a writer is doing a good job, the characters
seem real, like you can ring up Charles and say be careful or tell Helen
to trust Charles.
Excellent chapter that read true to my admittedly limited expose to espionage.
Well done
By the way, did you cop that beautiful floral still life from Arnoux's gallery?
Robert

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2019
    Thanks, Robert. Once again, I appreciate the sixth star. It's been a complex interweaving of plot, but I'm beginning to draw some of the threads together now. I must confess that my knowledge of the world of espionage is limited to the silver screen. I pinched the chrysanthemum picture from a Google image search. I guess I should probably credit it. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from S.M.E.Schultz
Excellent
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How can he manage to get out of this situation? I love your writing...every bit as suspenseful without the over-the-top action. I also love Charles's wry humour.

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2019
    Thanks again, S.M.E.S. Glad you're enjoying the humour. Best wishes, Tony
reply by S.M.E.Schultz on 23-Apr-2019
Comment from JudyE
Excellent
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This gets interestinger and interestinger! lol. And I've been away so sorry for the late reading.

Only one small query. In the following:
Bamforth interrupted. "Perhaps you could explain your subsequent interest in the Culverson sisters to our friend, Charles."

At first, I couldn't work out if Charles had to do the explaining or Madame Durand. Reading on, it's obviously M. Durand who gives Charles more information.
Maybe it should simply read: "Perhaps you could explain your subsequent interest in the Culverson sisters to Charles."
Kind regards. Judy


 Comment Written 21-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2019
    Thanks, Judy. It's been a complex interweaving of plot, but I'm beginning to draw some of the threads together now. Thanks for the suggestion. That makes the sense much clearer. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
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You did a great job, Tony, with this chapter. while it includes some complicated issues, I can see how they interact and rely on each other. It will be interesting to see how it all works together. Are you getting close to solving this? Thanks for sharing. Jan

 Comment Written 20-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2019
    Thanks, Jan. It's been a complex interweaving of plot, but I'm beginning to draw some of the threads together now. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Pam (respa)
Excellent
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-Good artwork and chapter, Tony.
-Well, you certainly infused this
chapter with bitter and sarcastic
exchanges between Charles and
Jeanne, which is to be expected.
-I can't blame him, as she even admits
to manipulating Helen and using
her for her own advantage.
-I am glad Charles calls her out
on it even though Bamforth
tries to nullify the effect.
-I think Charles sums up the pair very
well as he searched "for a vestige of
humanity in their faces. There was none."
-It is probably in the best interest of
Helen and Charles that he agrees
to resume things with her.
-The mystery continues to unfold
very well as we learn more and more.

 Comment Written 20-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2019
    I appreciate your comments, Pam. It's been a complex interweaving of plot, but I'm beginning to draw some of the threads together now. As always, thanks for your support, Tony
reply by Pam (respa) on 23-Apr-2019
    You are very welcome, Tony. I imagine it is difficult to put together an intricate plot, but am glad to hear it is coming along. You are doing a good job.
Comment from RGstar
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

You just have the period, as well the characters, spot on, that enriches the very same.
You are easing through nicely. A balance found that delivers the very heart of what you are portraying.
Won't be writing much tonight, a bit of a headache, which did not stop me recognizing good writing.
Nicely done Tony.
My best wishes.
RG

 Comment Written 20-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2019
    Many thanks for your continued support and encouragement, Roy. I appreciate the sixth star. I hope the headache was a one-off, and not a recurrent problem for you. My sympathy - that throbbing tends to drive most other things out of the mind.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
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Charles is better than that. I am not happy he's going to use Helen. Maybe some good will come of it. This is another good post.

Bamforth interrupted. "Perhaps you could explain your subsequent interest in the Culverson sisters to our friend, Charles." (comma needed after interrupted, not a period)

Its single chime marking the half hour reminded me of the bell in a boxing arena. (great description)

 Comment Written 20-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2019
    Many thanks for your comments, Barbara. You'll be pleased to hear that Charles probably is better than he seems to be here. Once free from the claustrophobic atmosphere of the Air Attache's office, he begins to see things a bit differently.