Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written chapter the fuNepal is over and it is time to move on to the next adventurous assignment, that seems to be a mystery and will not be well received by Helen.

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2019

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reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019

Thanks for your comments, Sandra. I appreciate your support and encouragement. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from Jannypan (Jan)

Excellent

You did a great job with this chapter, Tony. I liked the description of the scenery early on (with the mention of Druids). Everything flows well. You did a great job bringing in the painting again. That notebook that escaped the fire will probably turn up some interesting facts/clues. Thanks for sharing. Jan

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2019

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reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019

Thanks for your comments, Jan. Glad you enjoyed this chapter. I appreciate your support and encouragement. I'm not sure what else Helen might find in that journal. Perhaps some unforeseen connection. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from Ulla

Excellent

Hi Tony, this is another great chapter. You know I love the story and you've left us hanging and with a slight feeling of unease.
Now, you will be annoyed with me but I can't help myself. The Scottish toast is Slainte mhath pronounced slan-cha-vah and use all the time in daily speech. I think it would much more original leaving a note for the readers. I've lived in Scotland, was married to a Scottish man up to recently and most of my best friends are Scottish. Even though I live in Spain. I hope you don't mind. I'm looking forward to what happens next. All best. Ulla:))

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2019

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reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019

Thanks very much for your review and comments, Ulla. I was going to put Slàinte mhath, but thought the phonetic spelling might be more familiar to people. I pulled that version off the internet, but suspect yours is more phonetically accurate.

Comment from damommy

Excellent

I think he didn't want Bisto to say anything in front of Helen because he doesn't completely trust her. I think he's wise not to.

You have great imagery in this chapter. One of them is this lovely description: its trunk had been split into three parts by lightning, creating a charred grotto lined with staircases of saffron fungi.

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2019

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reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019

Thanks, Yvonne. Glad you enjoyed the imagery. I had in mind a similar oak that grew in my brother's garden in Cheshire - the Marton Oak - reckoned to be 1200 years old.

reply by damommy on 01-Jul-2019

Wow! That's lovely.

Comment from Mystic Angel 7777

Excellent

I so enjoy your descriptive passages! They always read like pure poetry and never prose. The part about the tree and the saffron fungi was especially lovely. You are always true to the period and culture you are writing about which lends such a feel of reality and brings the characters to life. For example:
"Slange Var" - I love this toast as it is such a lyrical way to say 'good health'.
I hope nothing happens to them on their trip but, I suspect it is pretty much a given that something will LOL. Well done and thank you very much for sharing it.

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2019

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reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019

Thanks, Monica. Such a wonderfully supportive review!
Glad you enjoyed the imagery. I had in mind a similar oak that grew in my brother's garden in Cheshire - the Marton Oak - reckoned to be 1200 years old. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Exceptional

It seems things could possibly be a little dangerous in Pakistan. I am still curious about this painting. I am not sure we're finished with it yet. I do enjoy reading this story. You're doing a great job with it.

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2019

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reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019

Very many thanks for your review of this chapter, Barbara, and for the sixth star. I think you may be right about the painting still having a part to play in this story, though I'm not sure what it is yet. LOL

Comment from Darlene Franklin

Excellent

I enjoy the continuing story of Charles and Helen, which I began mid-story. This is a good chapter, a break from whatever happened to culminate in their home (?) being burned down while setting up what's going to happen next.

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2019

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reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019

Thanks for your continued support, Darlene. Appreciated. Best wishes, Tony

reply by Darlene Franklin on 30-Jun-2019

I'll be starting my Christmas novella this next week and will probably be sharing. Probably not your cup of tea, however.

Comment from royowen

Excellent

After the tragic fire at Moonraker, and Charles having lost most of his belongings, not that he's particularly bothered more relieved really. They attend Bisto's wife's funeral, they decide to leave for Paris then on to Chitral Pakistan, then back if luck holds. Meanwhile makes arrangements for the return of the painting, well done, blessings,Roy

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2019

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reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019

Thanks for your continued support, Roy. I appreciate your plot summary. Best wishes, Tony

reply by royowen on 30-Jun-2019

Well done

Comment from JudyE

Exceptional

Love the description of the English woodland. So different to the Australian bush.

I think you need to double-space the following. Nothing else to report. :)

"What do you mean, 'Should anything happen'? You're being a bit melodramatic, aren't you?"
"Maybe. Nevertheless, I'll leave the key with Helen's landlady on Avenue de Villiers. Name of Madeleine Bisset. Absolutely trustworthy. Salt of the earth. I'll let her know of the arrangement."

Best wishes
Judy

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2019

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reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019

Thanks, Judy, both for the extra star and for the catch. Now corrected. Appreciated. All the best, Tony

Comment from Alex Rosel

Excellent

Another, flowing, easy-to-read, excerpt.

Here are a couple of narrative highlights I picked out:

a charred grotto lined with staircases of saffron fungi -- I like this imagery :)

He poured two generous fingers of scotch into each glass -- Again, nice imagery :)

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2019

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reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019

Thanks, Alex. I appreciate your comments. Best wishes, Tony