Bone Collector, The ~ Jeffery Deaver ~ 12/99 ~ Hor Export

The Bone Collector
by Jeffery Deaver

Do stories of HORROR and SUSPENSE intrigue you? Do you enjoy reading books by Stephen King, Thomas Harris, Jeffrey Deaver, Ann Rice? On Dec. 15 we will be discussing the new best-seller, recently made into a movie, The Bone Collector by Jeffrey Deaver.
This book, about a quadriplegic who can move only one finger, shows us how Lincoln Rhyme abandons retirement to track down a killer both ingenious and elusive. Rhyme enlsists the aid of a new partner, Amelia Sachs, who acts as his arms and legs, and together they work desperately to save the killer’s future victims.
Their frantic unraveling of the clues left by the killer is told with mounting suspense and terror in these pages, and reading this book is "one thrilling ride,” as one reader puts it.

Come join us for discussion of The Bone Collector on Dec. 15.

Everyone is welcome,
All comments by readers will be appreciated!

Discussion Leader was Lorrie Gorg

Welcome to "The Bone Collector" Discussion!

Hello, all you horror fans out there! We'll be talking about a new book,"The Bone Collector" by Jeffery Deaver, that many people are now reading, and I'd like to see what all you readers out there think of it. The discussion starts officially on December 15, but please feel free to post here and let us know if you're interested. Everyone is welcome! Lorrie

Hi Lorrie!

This looks like fun...will help get the word out! Have you read anything else by this author?

Yes I want to read it and will see if I can get it in paper back or at the library. I don't usually buy this kind of book new or in hard back.

Claire

Claire and Joan: Good to hear from you. Yes, the book can be found in paperback, Claire, that's what I've got. It looks really exciting, and I'm looking forward to what people have to say about it. Lorrie

changed my mind.....not in the mood for canned mysteries and besides I just picked up three other books at costco. Gots lots to read just now.

Claire

Angeles Ashes, and two Barbara Kingsolvers novels.

Claire, that's okay, perhaps you might want to pop in an lurk a little, anyhow. It seems like everybody's reading, reading, reading these days. Isn't it wonderful? Lorrie

Here's an interesting comment for those of you who feel that "serial killers" have been done to death, (Pardon the pun!)

"The Bone Collector is based on several implausible concepts such as the old Ironside gimmick of having a civilian run an investigation and using official police equipment and employees to do his bidding. The characters are two dimensional, though readers understand Rhyme's plight. Serial killers have also been recently done to death (no pun intended) by mystery writers. With all that going against Jeffrey deaver's novel, this reviewer provides the highest recommendation because the story line is so good, it turns The Bone Collector into an action-packed, mesmerizing one-sitting reading experience that should not be missed." Lorrie

Lorrie: I'll be joining you in the discussion of this book. I recently read it and found it quite a page turner...but then I'm easily pleased.

Anytime, Claire! Your comments are always welcome here.

Nellie: I'm delighted to hear from you! Folks, Nellie had the Sci/Fi Horror discussion folder before, and I will welcome anything she has to say about this book, or any other suggestions she would care to make. This is going to be fun! Lorrie

Two more days to go! I've started the book, and believe me, I have trouble putting it down! This is truly going to be a "finish-before-I-do-something else book." I have to admire the research that evidently went into this novel.

Come and join us on the 15th! Lorrie

My book is on its way from B&N.. Had an email last night saying it had been shipped along with 1 Harry Potter and 5 Pokemon's.

I saw in last Sunday's PARADE magazine it's a new movie, too!

Ginny

Hi Ginny, I saw the movie with Denzel Washington, and it was superb!!! I don't have the book, can I follow along and see how close the movie came to the book? Thanks, ~Samantha~

Samantha!! Welcome, welcome! I know Lorrie will be delighted to see you here as am I and but of COURSE you can and must follow along. You've already SEEN IT? It's out then. How was it without revealing any secrets?

Great to see you here, pull up a chair and go look at the BC Online schedule for 2000, a year of reading or any of our other discussions, we will be honored to welcome you into every one of them!

Ginny

Hi, Samantha! I was delighted to see your post here, and of course you may chime in any time you want. I'm sure we'll be comparing the book with the movie, somewhere along the way. Hello, Ginny and Pat! Isn't this great? We've already got enough here for a quilting bee, even with Claire if she joins, but somehow I don't think Claire is into quilting these days, with all the reading she's got scheduled.Right, Claire?

Lorrie

Robby, Are you lurking out there? I have a question I'd like to ask you, professionally speaking, about this book. Lorrie

Hi Laurrie, I don't know what time I'll be able to get on here. Do you just show up and go from there? How do I find the list of books that are scheduled for next year? Has anyone seen the "Sixth Sense" or read the book??? IMHO it's AWESOME!!!!

see ya tomorrow, ~Samantha~

Hi, Samantha: Listen, we're not on a tight schedule here. Just show up whenever you feel like it and do your thing. We post whenever we feel like it. I usually look in a couple times a day, but mostly to see if there are any new readers. Take your time, nobody around here is in a big rush. As to your other questions, I'm going to let Ginny answer. She's smarter than I am. hahaha

You know, that title "Sixth Sense" rings a bell. Was that another book made into a movie?

Lorrie

BOOK SCHEDULE 2000

Samantha, try this clickable to get some more information about upcoming books in the next year. Remember, too, we'll be talking about other books of horror and thrillers on this page. That's why we're open for discussion and suggestions.

Lorrie

LORRIE...I do not know for a fact that there was a book first, then a movie, but it was so extra-ordinally done (and I'm guilty of this alot) I assumed that because of the minute details, now I'm going to have to check into and find out for sure i'll be back if I find out anything.

~Samantha~

OOOOHHHH! This book starts out with a real bang! We're thrust immediately into the action, when the hapless, though tough, T. J. and her boss, John step into that cab with the enigmatic driver. I don't know about you other readers, but I was hooked from the first page. That wild ride through Manhattan is enthralling and the ambiguous way the victims were left at the end of the first chapteris truly suspenseful. Now to meet the acclaimed, "helpless" Lincoln Rhyme.

Lorrie:

I received your email but I've been having Service Provider problems. I haven't been able to get into Senior Net for four or five days and my email is still not operating properly. If I don't answer any questions you have for me, I'm not being rude - I'm just out there somewhere trying to get in. Incidentally, if anyone in any of the other discussion groups wonders where I am, please let them know but I am doing well but my ISP is sick.

Robby

Dear Robby: Thank you for letting us know you're okay, but your provider isn't. I was afraid maybe that some of the "forward looking" ladies in your discussion group had kidnapped you and were holding you for ransom. We were even thinking of passing the hat to raise some ransome money.

For those of you readers who are not familiar with Robby, he is a practicing clinical psychologist who also leads another interesting discussion group in these Round Tables, called "Seniors View of the Future." and whose opinions I value tremendously.

What I wanted to ask you, Robby, is this: If a person loves to read horror stories and thrillers, and also likes to see movies of that genre, does that mean that somewhere deep down there's something wrong with that person? For instance, I adore reading about murder and mayhem and being scared out of my wits, but does that mean I'm a potential killer? I hate to think that I'm capable of hacking my way down Fifth Avenue, or even worse, taking an axe to all my neighbors in this Senior Complex where I live. (Sometimes I think that isn't such a bad idea!) So many of the books being written of this type show the murderer to be psychologically scarred, but not evidently so.

I'm hoping by the time you read this,, you'll be reconnected with Senior Net.

Lorrie

Lorrie:

I see that my answer to your question and a comment made about my answer which were posted are no longer there. I guess they were lost in the crash.

Robby

We did have a crash that includes all the discussions... Posts from about 12:30pm to 8:30 pm yesterday are missing. I rather doubt if they will find them.

I started to copy Robby's post, it was so good, and thought I had, but find I didn't. Serontonin, I believe, very interesting theory. It makes sense! Stephen King, in his treatise on horror DANSE MACABRE, stated that it's a way of vicariously and safely being exposed to danger and living to tell the tale. A way of being thrilled (the horror movies, books, etc.,) but being in control at the same time. He seems to think it's a need and good therapy. It may be seratonin (SP) in the end!!

Ginny: that's a fabulous book if you're interested at all in the genre.

Ginny:

Much of this was discussed in the now defunct group, "About Men". Male teenagers out on motorcycles, racing cars, going hunting, shooting people, enlisting in the armed forces, picking fights, chasing girls, etc. etc. Adult men doing much of the same. Some males doing the above and some not but it all relates to the need for stimulation.

But some women (not all) do the same thing, don't they? It would be interesting to determine what percentage of women like horror stories and movies and what percentage don't. My guess (I could very well be wrong) is that a greater percentage of women like romantic novels. Of course, we in Senior Net are not a typical cross section. I would say that the majority of women "out there" were not Go-Go dancers, were not in beauty contests, did not cross a nation in a typhoon, did not go to Alaska, (all stimulating),etc.

Robby

Robby, I do believe that the majority of women today like Romance novels above any other kind, although I can't say why. (I detest Romance novels, to me they seem too formulaic.)

Ginny, I'm so relieved now, after reading your quote from Stephen King "a way of being thrilled but being in control at the same time." Now my neighbors are safe! hahaha

Robby, could you possibly remember what your first post was, the one that got lost? It sounds interesting.

There’s one thing about this book that impresses me. That is the amount of research the author must have put into learning the intricacies of forensic crime investigations. His description of crime scene procedures alone is awesome, and if I hadn’t finally noticed the Glossary in the back of the book all these procedural terms would have left me completely bewildered.

I like this gal Amelia. She’s spunky, ambitious, apparently quite beautiful, but possessing some of our more human frailties, such as biting her nails. I can see early on that she’ll be a match for the cantankerous Rhyme.

Lorrie

Lorrie:

What I had said (in brief) was research indicates that a significant number of people have a chemical imbalance in that they lack sufficient serotonin. Behaviors which are of a stimulating nature, such as ones I just mentioned, cause the brain to manufacture the needed serotonin, thereby enabling a "balance" to take place. This lasts for a while and then the imbalance creates a need for further stimulation. The person is, in effect, self medicating.

Robby

Serotonin! That's really a new word for me! Thank you, Robby, I appreciate your prompt reply. You know, what you say about serotonin sounds perfectly logical. It makes sens to me and explains a lot about why people like to read what they do.

Lorrie

Here I am finally! I'm another person who loves horror stories and thrillers and also science fiction and fantasy - now there's a real mixture.

The Bone Collector does grab you right away, although you don't know for certain anything is awry until the two passengers discover there are no door handles on the inside back doors of the cab, and that they can't get out.

There are the main characters of whom we first meet Amelia Sachs whose thoroughness in attempting to preserve the crime scene of the first known murder gets her in hot water with those higher up. Then there is Lincoln Rhyme a brilliant criminologist who has been crippled almost totally -he can move one finger-in an accident; and who has one desire throughout the book...and that is to end it all. Finally we have the mysterious and deadly Bone Collector of the title who seems 'haunted' or 'trapped' by a past he never lived in...he seems almost doomed to repeat the murderous actions of another criminal who lived in the past.

I think that is enough for now...

LORRIE....I Love this!!! So far you sound just like me watching this movie...it was superbly done, IMHO, intrictly a stickler for detail..I can't wait to see if the book is half as good as the movie..

Samantha P.S...thank you for putting a clickable for future books for me.

Samantha: It's so good to hear from you! At least now that you and Nellie are aboard I can get somebody else's opinion of this book. Samantha, I know you saw the movie, and you can let us know if they changed anything, like they do so often in movies. Just don't tell us the ending, yet!

Nellie, I'm so glad to see you here! I was hoping you'd join us because I know you sometimes read horror stories even though science/fiction is your first love.

Isn't that guy Lincoln Rhyme something else? I couldn't help but feel sympathy when he was talking so matter-of-factly to that doctor about committing suicide. Who knows how anyone would feel if they were as physically helpless as he is?

I haven't finished the book, but I'm at the point where the FBI people come in and take over the case. Just when it seemed to be giving Rhyme the impetus he needed to keep going! He even took a bath, shaved, and changed his pajamas, for Pete's sake! And I could have hit Amelia for ratting on him, I'll bet she regrets it later. I have trouble putting the book down, it's so absorbing, did you find it so, Nellie?

It’s obvious that the villain in this piece is extremely clever. But then so is Rhyme. I do admire the way the author puts us right in the minds of the victims. We feel their terror, their anguish, and their desperate attempts to stay alive. This is no mean feat for a writer, and Jeffrey Deaver does it well. The suspense is really building. Isn’t it amazing what significant clues this criminalist seems to gather from innocuous bits of evidence? We’re all aware of what strides forensic evidence has made in criminal cases, like the O. J. Simpson trial, and other cases where tiny bits of carpeting, for instance, can lead to proof of a killer. ( The Atlanta Child Killer)

Rhyme has a very good relationship with his aide, Thom, hasn’t he? How do they picture this young man in the movie, Samantha? I like him a lot, he’s one of the few people who won’t let this bed-riddden paraplegic intimidate him.

Lorrie....First noticeable difference, in the movie the aide was a female, played by Queen Lahtiff msp. but it seemed liked they hand picked all of the actors to play the parts. Densel Washington,was wonderful as Rhyme. I don't know the actress name that played Amelia, but she was beautiful, smart, and just had the right ammount of spunk to play along with Rhyme, he could see himself in her as a natural forensic specialist. Even though the aide in the movie was a woman, Queen is a big woman and she and Rhyme had the same kind of rapport that this Tom did in the book. Amelia was born to be in the forensic field, even though she did not realize it until she and Rhyme started working together, Tension is building great, I think you're in for a real treat.

~Samantha~

Hi, Samantha! Thank you for your output. So in the movie Thom is a woman? That surprises me a little, but why not? Yes, Latifah is large, but I would think that it would take a big woman to handle Rhyme's frame. Also, I really like Denzel Washingon. I hope the movie stays true to the book. So many times they change it around so much you hardly recognize it.

I'm off to bed now to read a few more chapters before I fall asleep. I'm enjoying this book, and thank you, Samantha dear, for not giving away the ending to me or anyone who might be lurking! See you tomorrow.

Lorrie

I have a feeling that many of our readers are out doing their Christmas shopping, making out cards, baking cookies, wrapping gifts---a whole myriad of chores connected to these holidays. But remember that ghosts still appear, murders will happen, and there's even something sort of scary about Santa sneaking down the chimney in the middle of the night! Anyway, join us in talking about this suspenseful book whenever you have time! We'll be here.

Lorrie

My book finally arrived and I'm starting it tonight... I'll hurry Lorrie

Hi, Pat!! Not to fear, you don't have to rush. One of the "nice" things about this discussion is that we're not under any time limit, and can be as leisurely as we wish. So take your time, we'll be delighted to hear from you when we do.

Lorrie

I finished the book last night, and without going into the ending too much, I must say I was taken completely by surprise! However, the chapter dealing with what Sachs found in that basement tunnel was a little too graphic, don’t you think? I found myself mentally urging this intrepid woman along in her desperate search to save the child, and those scenes with the wild dogs were horrific. What a brave woman this Sachs is!

Does anyone else sense a sort of romance between Rhyme and his new assistant? I can see that they’ve formed a strong attachment to each other, but how can it ever be anything but platonic?

Is anybody out there reading this book? My neighbors are beginning to tap their heads significantly when they see me, this madwoman who keeps talking to herself! Lorrie

Lorrie, I'm lurking. Still two days before I will get the book. There's romance in this story? Could be interesting.

LORRIE...I don't remember anything about wild dogs in the movie.it was rats!!!!!..I will admit that Amelia was a very proficient rookie forencic dectective. In the book back when she started investigating the first murder, did she stop a train right on the tracks, with her standing on the tracks in front of the train?? So as not for the train to mess up the crime scene?? In the movie there was from the beginning a strong interest from Rhyme,and it started to pick up from both of them with a little incouragement from Queen, nothing she said particular, but with eye movements and body language.....

~Samantha~

Yes, Samantha, that was a very dramatic scene. I could just picture that slim little policewoman standing dead on in front of that huge engine, signalling the engineer to stop. My brother, who used to be an enineer on the railroad, told me once that if a train is going over 40 miles an hour, it takes forever to bring it to a halt, so that one must have been crawling The stray pack of dogs came after that horrendous scene about the rats when they rescued the German girl; they might have left it out in the movie. The dogs were hanging aound The Bone Collector's safe house, so they weren't mentioned too much until near the end.

Shirley, it's good to see you in here, I'm so glad you'll be reading the book. You may not want to return after my greeting in your discussion. Forgive me? Lorrie

There are many exciting scenes in this book and creepy ones. There is the scene with Colfax staring at the open steampipe and Rhyme and the others trying to piece together the clues to where she is...you wonder if they will find her in time. I found the processing of Colfax's body by Amelia under the guidance of Rhyme a good creepy piece - just the kind of thing one enjoys in a horror story. I liked the whole thing of Rhyme teaching Amelia to walk the crime scene and to look at it through his eyes.

Nellie: Yes, that steam thing was a dilly! How far along are you in the book? Have you reached the part where the young mother and her daughter are taken yet? One thing I must admit, even though some of the later chapters were pretty graphic, I found it hard to put the book down. The way that man can make clues out of tiny bits of evidence is amazing, and he seems to be right in sync with the killer's intentions! Lorrie

There's something I'd like to ask everyone: What do you think of Lincoln Rhyme's persistence in wanting to commit suicide? Or should I say having someone help him to do it. I'm at a loss for words on this---I can easily understand his reasons, but there's more to it than that. What do you think? Lorrie

I'm not reading the book [I'm squeamish!] but enjoying the comments. From what I've heard about this book, this main character is a quadriplegic? I can certainly understand where he might be coming from if he wants to end his own life. Have you ever seen the movie "Whose Life Is It, Anyway?"--had Richard Dreyfuss playing the part of a quadriplegic. I do believe a person bent on suicide for such good reason should be medically assisted. In fact, I feel very strongly about it... I'll be most interested to see how or if the question is resolved in this story.

Forgive you Lorrie? I might just read the book and not post. I could even unsubscribe. Instead, I'll suggest that your people go to Books and Lit, scroll down to General Books discussion, and click down to Book Groups Gathering: After the Ball. Right at the beginning, you will see a picture of your fearless leader trying to steal money from me.

Oh, Shirley, how could you? Here I was trying to make such a good impression on all these lovely people who are reading this book. Well, I guess I'll have to take into consideration the fact that you're not in your right mind. You can't be, if you still like the Packers! heh heh heh Lorrie

Well now that little conversation just blew my little tiny mind.... But getting to the question at hand... I think that for a brilliant stong body, able mind such as Lincoln..if I were put in his perdiciment, with not being able to move but one tiny finger. I would see how anybody could or would entertain this line of thought.. But in the movie as soon after Queen Latiff, met Amelia and could see the instant flicker of instant conection between the two, she told Amelia about Lincolns prior arrangements to have his friend assist him in helping to end his life...I could understand how someone who felt that helpless and hopeless would go ahead and make arrangements to carry out his will,But the minute that he heard about Amelia, and meet her..then saw that hee coulld still be able with her passion, and uniqueness and natural ability , with a little encouragement from him be able to wake all the talents in him that he thought were dead, and tto see it actually unfold in front of both of them...

Well Lorrie, I hope you can get what I'm trying to say. I'm nott as eloquent with my words as some of you, but you asked what I thought well....here it is

~Samantha~

Jeryn: I don’t think I saw the Richard Dreyfus movie, but I wanted to say that I feel very strongly, as you do, about assisted suicide. I won’t go into a lot of that now, but as I read how much agony the character Rhyme has to go through on occasion, and how utterly physically helpless he is, I can well understand why he would seek out a character like Dr. Berger, in the book. This Berger isn’t a very likeable character, but then neither is Dr. Kevorkian

Samantha, I was going to ask you if that was shown in the movie--you've answered that nicely. I think you put things very nicely in these postings, and I'm enjoying your comments. I,ve noticed in a lot of cases, when a movie is made from a book, the Hollywood version is often disppointing. I don't think that's true here? Lorrie

One of the things I’ve noticed about this book is the way the author has delved into the intricacies of the hero’s profession, in addition to his accumulated knowledge of the state-of-the-art equipment that Rhyme must have had in order to survive. Deaver has obviously done much research on the ins and outs of forensic investigation—his portrayal of crime scene techniques is superb. Some of the terms he uses are so over my head that I’m grateful for the glossary in the back of the book.

An unsung hero in this novel is Thom, Rhyme’s faithful aide. (Who Samantha says is portrayed by a woman in the movie) Just think of what a mind-numbing job that must be—handling the daily chores of “ordinary” care alone must be daunting. As one who had to learn to do this while taking care of my ill husband, I can appreciate the difficulties that Thom has to face. I did it for as long as I was physically able, until I finally had to ente my husband into a nursing home.

Rhyme is extremely lucky to have such a compassionate caregiver, and the bandinage between the two is amusing. We can sense the mutual affection and regard here.

Lorrie

Lorrie, I'd had to give it my vote for being as much like the movie as it sounds like you read, and felt the same way that I did by watching the movie, and not having read the book first. Even by having a woman play the part of Thom in the movie, and end up with both the persons reading or watching, to come to the same exact feelings about their roles, and the way that they projected themselves. This is the first time I've ever taken place in a book discussion and I'm really enjoying it. Thanks, ~Samantha~

Lorrie, I'm sorry to report that I couldn't get the book at two libraries yesterday. They are all out. Will check again next week to see if one is availale then but it might be too late to catch up with you. Cross your fingers.

Not to worry, Shirley: We go at a very leisurely pace here. I don't like to jump ahead too far, anyway, in case of latecomers joining in. I'm sure all of us have been and will be fairly busy these next few days. Not so much for me because I'm alone here, but I'm sure you all have families with whom you'd like to spend some time.

Shirley, I don't know what your weather is like, but it's been sub-zero here. Of course, this is the frozen North, as some people keep reminding me, and I suppose I'm fairly used to it. Two days ago it we had a wind-chill of 35 below zero, and that's when I refuse to go out anywhere unless it's absolutely necessary. I dug out my big flannel nightgowns, put on some knitted booties, made some hot soup, and settled down to reread some more of Bone Collector. All of my friends and acquaintances think I'm nuts to like books like this, but that's their opinion. I love them.

What's everybody else's weather like this pre-Christmas? Lorrie

Well, Lorrie, since its just you and me, our weather is about like yours. We had the same wind chill factr you did because of the wind but I headed out to get the last gift. It is pretty nice now and suppose to warm up to above freezing for the next two or three days. Did you know that there is a discussion here someplace that is just for talking about the weather? I have it in my subscriptions. Its in the Lifestyles folder. Husband and I will go to Mass tomorrow morning and the kids come Sunday afternoon for Christmas. Didn't expect them here this year but plans changed at the last minute. Enjoy.

Lorrie: I have been through the book once already, and am doing a skimming reread to refresh my memory about things.

I thought that Rhyme wanted to commit suicide because he feels himself to be a useless burden on society; which is why it surprised me that he kept insisting on the suicide even after it was shown to him through the job he was doing to help catch the Bone Collector.

Those tricky little clues the Bone Collector leaves behind as clues to where the next victim can be found are interesting. Do you think he knows that Rhyme is the one who is working on the case to eventually capture him?

 
A very Merry Christmas to Everyone!!     

LORRIE

Nellie, isn’t it amazing what that crippled criminalist, able to move only one finger, can deduce from mere fragments of evidence? I’m in awe of the amount of background research Deaver must have done on this subject alone. Does anyone else get the feeling, as I do, that maybe some of the chapters in this book were a little too gross? I’m generally not squeamish, and I realiz that this isa horror book, but as I read about how this horrible murderer cut his victim in several places to entice the rats, etc. and then stood back to watch them creep up, My stomach sort of turned over. It might be my own personal horror of rats, but I feel that this segment is a little too graphic. What do you all think? I wonder how they handled that in the movie. Samantha? Lorrie

Lorrie: yes the scene you describe is rather gross but I think it establishes more of the character of the Bone Collector; we learn with each murder or attempted murder how evil this person is...the graphic scenes bring this fact home to us like nothing else.

How true, Nellie! And after all, this is what draws readers to delve into horror stories, right? The main thing about this book, IMHO, is the unrelenting suspense that keeps you wondering what's going to happen next, and the complete surprise at the end. Or did you guess who the real villain was? I didn't.

Lorrie

I had to go back quite a way in the book to refresh my memory about why the murderer was doing these grisly crimes. When I reread the part in chapter 26, where Rhyme confides to Amelia about his past “mistake,” it all makes sense. What happened to Colin Stanton that day afffected everything later. It was an experience horrific enough to snap one man’s mind.

This is not jumping the gun, by any means, but I’ve been reading reviews of the best-seller “Pop Goes the Weasel,” by James Patterson, and I’m intrigued. It’s a story of a serial killer (what else?) and I believe it would fit this genre. Have any of you ever read other Patterson books, whose hero, Alex North, figures in most of them? It would be fun to discuss this book, or any other like it, in our next selection, don’t you think? Or does anyone else have a favorite horror author they’d like to talk about? We need your suggestions!

Lorrie

The response to suggestions for discussing another book of horror has been less than deafening. I'm always so surprised that so few people care to read these stories--they're generally very well-written, suspenseful, and must be extremely popular in some circles, because they are often on the best-seller list. Ah, well!

Lorrie

Lorrie: How about doing a Stephen King book? He is after all the modern master of horror. Trouble is I would have a hard time deciding which of his books to pick for discussion since they are all good. The only criteria I would have is that the book be available in paperback.

One of my favorite King books is The Tommyknockers.

Have we finished discussing the Bone Collector already? I have a few more observations to make...in the morning when I have a bit more time and more of a working brain *laugh*

Well, Nellie! What a relief to hear from someone. I thougt maybe the Y2K bogeyman had swallowed everybocy up! No, we're going to leave The Bone Collector up for about a week or so, then move on to another book. I'm thinking Stephen King is a good suggestion, perhaps we can talk about several of his books. Like you, I'd find it hard to choose. I'm anxious to hear what you thought about the climax of The Bone Collector!

Lorrie

C'mon Nelli... I'm waiting for your observations... I liked this one better than Hannibal... but must confess that I have gone on to read more of Harris' books.

Lorrie, I just wanted to say hi, and let you know that I haven't forgotten you. The only thing about seeing the movie in a theater is not really remembering all the little important parts that meant so much to the meaning of the movie, so I'll wait until I can see some of you write something that rings a bell.......I have a favorite horror author...Dean Koontz...

TTYL, ~Samantha~

Okay, Nellie likes Stephen King's Tommyknockers, Samantha is partial to Dean Koontz, and I sort of like Jonathan Kellerman's Billy Straight. Koontz's Seize the Night is part of a trilogy, and his other most recent,False Memory is available only in hardcover. I have an idea. Why don't we give Stephen King's The Green Mile a twirl? Not only is it available in paperback but it's also being shown in a movie version. The reviews are very good, and I'm sure it might attract people who've never heard of Jeffrey Deaver. Let me know what you think!

Lorrie

But don't run off from this discussion! I still want to know what you think about the surprise at the ending of this book, and whether you thought there was going to be a different relationship with Amelia and Rhyme.

Lorrie

Hi, everybody! I just wanted to let you know that we're starting a new discussion of one of Stephen King's books, "The Green Mile" on January 15. (Hear that, Nellie!) I'm letting you all know now so you have time to pick up a copy if you don't have one. It's available in paperback. I'll post a link to that new folder later. In the meantime, we'll keep this one open for any further comments about this book. I'm still wondering what everybody else thought about the ending! Lorrie

The ending of Bone Collector...there are actually a number of endings: one is where the identity of the Bone Collector is finally revealed, and Rhyme's shocking way of preventing the Collector from killing him...strange how desperate Rhyme was to live even though he planned an assisted suicide. Another ending is when Rhyme is given the opportunity to commit suicide just like he has wanted and he does not go through with it. Finally, since he takes on a new task, in some ways the story hasn't ended.

Personally I was bothered by who the Bone Collector turned out to be. Everything was nicely explained as to whys and wherefores but all that just does not sit right with me. For one thing the Bone Collector is portrayed throughout the book as someone who is caught up in the past and who appears to be copying crimes committed then. What I can't get is that T seems to have been doing all he did purposefully which doesn't fit in with the madness that is indicated elsewhere. Things would have fit more if they had found out it was T but that T himself was totally unaware that he was doing those things. I thought the author was going that way since multiple personality cases were mention a couple of times. But then there would not have been that grisly scene of Rhyme taking care of the killer...not that that scene was needed at all imo. What do you think?

Lorrie: I have the Green Mile so I'm all set for the next discussion.

Nellie, I couldn't agree more with what you said about the superfluous(?) ending or endings, I should say. However,as to the identity of the killer, although a surprise, I can understand his motive. He was hell bent on revenge--apparently his mind snapped when he stood frozen as a released prisoner murdered his whole family. For which he blamed Rhyme. Yes, it was ironic about our hero fighting so hard to live at the end; do you get the feeling that we haven't heard the end of this intrepid criminalist? Bet there'll be another book!

Lorrie

I'm so glad you're going to join us in reading The Green Mile. I think a lot of people are gaoing to be surprised that this King book isn't actually a "horror" story. More about that later!

I have it. . . came in the mail from Amazon.com and so far it doesn't read like a horror book. It is so far a very good read. Originally it was published as a serial of six small books. I'm up to book two I have habit of jumping in too fast so will wait until you guys catch up. I think This is a very good choice though. Seeya all later.

Claire

PS Now I might have to read the BONE COLLECT ER. I was careful not to read your comments on the ending to carefully. no one said who it was but everyone was disappointed, so maybe I WON'T read it. so much to do around here and such interesting people. I love this place.

I just saw the film "The Green Mile" and found its portrayal of the prison guards most unusual, as well as their relationship to the prisoners waiting on "death row". I couldn't understand, however, the particular talent of the new inmate and how it could be believable in what appeared to be a true to life story. Then when I read the credits and saw "Based on a Book by Stephen King", it all became clear. Anything he writes is believable. I still think his best book, although I haven't read them all, is "The Stand", although I didn't enjoy the TV version as much. This promises to be an interesting discussion.

Gail: Even though you've already seen the movie, come and join us over at The Green Mile on the 15th when we discuss the book. You can tell us how it differs. Good to hear from you!

Claire: I was delighted to see your name again! Yes, the ending in Bone Collector was a surprise, but I wasn't disappointed. I think I was the only one to whom it made a weird sort of sense. I truly liked the book. I'll be looking for you over at The Green Mile!

Lorrie

I ain't got any. I just finished THE GREEN MILE.(coudn't put it down) Couldn't wait for you guys. It's wonderful. At least I think so and will now shut up and let you all decide for yourselves.

Claire

I can't believe this woman! Claire, have you taken a course in speed-reading, or what? If I try to finish a book fast I invariaby fall sound asleep, and then I get mad at myself. Keep commenting, though, dear Claire. I like to read your accolades and criticizms (sp?)

Lorrie

Lorrie, there is something to be said for living alone. No one tries to make me go off to bed at their bedtime and I haven't anything that I must do...everything waits while I do what I WANT to do....so I can just keep reading and reading for hours. Usually two days worth though and now my eyes hurt. I don't think Iread fast, just persistently and no one interrupts me except Lady when she needs to be in or out or fed. Aren't I lucky?.

Claire

deshavu just now. I feel like I've had this discussion with you about WANTING TO DO before. do you feel anything?

Claire

LORRIE... I had to go out and buy the book The Bone Collector....because of different things you guys were talking about. It's way different in a couple of places...I'm trying to hurry . I got the Green Mile. and the other one that they started on the 7'th The TimeLine....There's no way I can read that fast because it does me like you said, and the next thing I know I'm asleep. I have to take alot of meds, right now I want to finish TBC. So I can move on and get started on the Greenmile. Will be in touch soon.

~Samantha~

Gail G, I too, liked The Stand. It was the first book of his that I read and once I got past the gore and stuff, it was good. Thought about it many times and liked the way they set up their own govt. and policing. Work for what you get. Read many others but gave up after awhile as they were sooo long and so gross. Told Lorrie I would lurk thru this one.

Well, I finished the book just tonight,,WOW the movie was good, but it couldn;t hold a candle to the book.....I couldn't read fast enough....Of course I felt the same way when I was watching the movie...but there is so many things different in the book. It started off going along with the movie and the book being pretty much the same, but when it changed it took off and I was hanging on to every word in the book,because it was a totally different story from the movie.. Just wanted to let you know. Samantha

I've heard that the movie is three hours long. if i't good that's fine but if I'm goi g to sit there comparing it to the book, I won't bother.

Claire

See, Claire, that's where you and I are so different! I love 3-hour movies! They give me an excuse for devouring about twice the amount of popcorn I should!

Lorrie

LORRIE & CLAIRE..IMHO the movie was great and it did'nt seem like it was that long...I have MS and can't sit for long periods of time, however when my leg starts jerking and jumping, I just popped a very strong muscle relaxer, there was no way I was getting up out of my seat and missing any of the movie.. I might add that I don't get a chance to go to a movie very often as I have to have someone with me...try to do lots of investigating before I go this was only the 3'rd movie I've gone to in over 12 yrs.{G} ~Samantha~

Well, Samantha, that's a log time between movies! I can see why, though, from what you write. I rarely go to movies, myself, preferring to rent a tape and watch it on IV. I did make an exception, though, with Titanic. I know for sure I would never have watched it in all those special effects on a home screen! Anyway, I'm glad you liked the movie! Now come and join us on Saturday over at The Green Mile Discussion--you'll see a lot of old friends there, I'm sure.

Lorrie

I love movies, but there have been times when this hip has hated the seating or when I've needed to use the facilities. I accepted them because that was all there was. I like it better being able to click something, leave and come back, or get up and stretch, but do miss those gigantic blown up images. The little screen is too small for some movies...i.e. the opening scenes of sand dunes from a low flying plane with the heroine's corpse in the back seat in the "English patient". Of course we didn't know she was dead until later. Anyhow it was breathtaking and would have suffered on a home screen.

Claire