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Lost Among the Living
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
125 posts | 67 read | 1 reading | 80 to read
England, 1921. Three years after her husband, Alex, disappeared, shot down over Germany, Jo Manders still mourns his loss. Working as a paid companion to Alex's wealthy, condescending aunt, Dottie Forsyth, Jo travels to the familys estate in the Sussex countryside. But there is much she never knew about her husbands originsand the revelation of a mysterious death in the Forsyths past is just the beginning All is not well at Wych Elm House. Dottie's husband is distant, and her son was grievously injured in the war. Footsteps follow Jo down empty halls, and items in her bedroom are eerily rearranged. The locals say the family is cursed, and that a ghost in the woods has never rested. And when Jo discovers her husbands darkest secrets, she wonders if she ever really knew him. Isolated in a place of deception and grief, she must find the truth or lose herself forever. And then a familiar stranger arrives at Wych Elm House
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erzascarletbookgasm
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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Pickpick

This historical novel about family secrets, war, and its trauma, is the fourth Simone St. James‘ book I‘ve read. The author can tell an engrossing gothic tale with paranormal elements, suspense, and romance. I didn‘t expect how the mystery and family issues played out, but overall it was an enjoyable read. This was supposed to be for last month‘s #AuthorAMonth but my timing is bad.

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Born.A.Reader
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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A healthy stack of #Lost books for #AutumnPlease among varying genres.

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

Eggs Fantastic! 5mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Excellent choices! 5mo
23 likes2 comments
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IndoorDame
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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Simone St. James never disappoints! This turned into one of my favorite of her period stories complete with ghosts, madness, family secrets, war drama, and epic house parties. #AuthorAMonth @Soubhiville #scarathlon #skeletoncrew @Emilymdxn

Emilymdxn Sounds fantastic! 5mo
dabbe I'm currently enjoying THE BOOK OF COLD CASES. I've never read anything by her until this! I love #AuthorAMonth! @Soubhiville 🧡🎃🧡 5mo
IndoorDame @dabbe oooh, that‘s a good one!!! She‘s one of my favorites!!! 5mo
dabbe @IndoorDame She's definitely on my radar now! 🤩🤗😘 5mo
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suvata
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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Pickpick

Jo Manders is a young widow who works as a paid companion to her husband‘s aunt, Dottie Forsyth, in post-World War I England. Jo‘s husband, Alex, was a pilot who went MIA over Germany three years prior. She accompanies Dottie to her family estate, Wych Elm House, where she discovers that the Forsyths have a dark and troubled past, involving a mysterious death, a family curse, and a ghost that haunts the woods; checking all the eerie boxes. ✅

Tara I love Simone St James! 7mo
suvata @Tara Yep, she‘s good 👍🏻 7mo
44 likes2 comments
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britt_brooke
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️ No one writes a believable ghost story like Simone St James. I love that my #bookclub chose this lesser known of her books (thanks, Becky!) We followed likable protagonist Jo Manders as she was torn between two main narratives that, honestly, felt kind of thrown together. For most of the story, I struggled with how the ghost story and war story connected. My least fave St James, but still worthwhile.

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IndoorDame
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#TemptingTitles #WithLost Pretty exciting that there are still a few St James titles I haven‘t actually read yet! @Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

CBee I still need to read this one and a couple more of her older ones. She‘s so good! 11mo
TheBookHippie You can look back at our talks 🤣👀 I enjoyed this one!! 11mo
Eggs Her books are such a treat! 11mo
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Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#12BooksOf2022 @Andrew65

May's top book was a close race but this one wins. I'm always in the mood for a little creepy mystery.

Honorable mentions to A Thousand Splendid Sons, which was good, but books about human suffering just haven't been favorites, and The Thief of Time. The story was great but it got a little long winded considering the outcome.

Ruthiella Clearly I need to read this! So many have chosen it for this prompt! 1y
Andrew65 Such a wonderful author. 1y
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julieclair
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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🎶🎵 On the fifth day of #12BooksOf2022 my book log gave to me… my favorite book of May 2022!

@Andrew65

Andrew65 A brilliant author. 1y
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CoffeeNBooks
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#12BooksOf2022 Day 5- May

I love Simone St. James' books, and how she mixes mystery with the paranormal. In this one, Jo is a war widow who becomes the assistant to her husband's aunt. She soon realizes that all is not what it seems.
@Andrew65

Andrew65 A wonderful author. 1y
TheBookHippie That once was fun! 1y
Ruthiella @Librarybelle also picked this book for the same month and your posts were right next to each other in my feed! 😆 1y
CoffeeNBooks @Ruthiella That's awesome! 😄 I think we both read this with #SundayBuddyRead in May. 1y
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Librarybelle
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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The second time St. James appears on my #12BooksOf2022 list! This time it‘s May‘s selection; I gave this one 5 stars, so definitely a favorite of mine by her. This has mystery and supernatural elements and dark secrets all rolled into one. There‘s also a dash of history thrown into the mix, so just perfection for me.

Andrew65 She is a great author. 1y
JuniperWilde Oooh - this sounds great 🤍 1y
TheBookHippie It was a good one!! 1y
Ruthiella @CoffeeNBooks picked this book for the same month and your posts were right next to each other in my feed! 😆 1y
Librarybelle @Ruthiella So funny!! It‘s definitely a great book! 1y
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cinda.marie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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This is my fifth book by Simone St. James and my favorite so far. She blends just the right amounts of romantic suspense, historical fiction and paranormal. Her atmospheric writing makes me feel like I‘m in the forest with the MC. She always has beautiful book covers, too! For me, this was the perfect October read. 🍃🎃🍁10/22 #litsylovereads

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Love her books!! 1y
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Jgacreations
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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Pickpick

I liked it. A bit long/drawn out in parts, but overall a good ghost story.

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kspenmoll
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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LeahBergen You‘ve had a great month! 2y
KristiAhlers We read four of the same books! Great month! 2y
kspenmoll @KristiAhlers Thanks! Which ones did you read? 2y
KristiAhlers @kspenmoll Lost Among the Living, The missing Triangle, The Ways we Say Goodbye and The Dictionary or Lost Wordd. Loved them all except for the True Crime read… 2y
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Kimberlone
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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My bad timing this month meant I didn‘t finish this until after the final #SundayBuddyRead discussion. If you like Simone‘s other supernatural historical mysteries, then this one will also be right up your alley. Elements seemingly inspired by Rebecca and Jamaica Inn and the least problematic romance of any of this author‘s books I‘ve read, make this more of a standout. However, I didn‘t really care for the main character or the ghost story plot.

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AmyG
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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I was able to finish the tagged book and Strangers on a Train for #AuthoraMonth - Patricia Highsmith. Both good books. Still working on Crossroads - Jonathan Franzen…which is a wordy, slow read. A bit of a struggle but hoping to finish this week.

@Andrew65 Thanks for the challenge!
#MarvelousMay

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DebinHawaii
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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Another St. James pick & a favorite (although I say that after most of them—someday I need to put them in an official favorites order).😉Great characters, post WWI Britain setting, great twists, plots & subplots that kept me guessing & an atmospheric supernatural edge are all this author‘s signature & it works for me. Thanks to @TheBookHippie for hosting the always engaging #sundaybudfyread discussions-it will be hard to wait August & her newest!

AmyG Ha, I say the same thing. After each book I say-it‘s my favorite! 2y
TheBookHippie @AmyG 🤣🤣🤣 2y
SilversReviews LOVE this cover!! 2y
65 likes3 comments
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

NEXT WEEK IS OFF! My birthday Saturday my daughters birthday Sunday and it‘s a holiday weekend!

AmyG I hooe you are doing something special! 2y
DebinHawaii Happy Birthday! 🎂🎉🎁🎈 2y
mollyrotondo Happy Birthday!!! 🎉 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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Our next Simone is this AUGUST!! Then we will have read them ALLLLL! She is writing so 🤞🏻 it is out soon!

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

So happy to read this with all of you! I thank you for journeying along with me! What a ride! You all make reading so much more!

kspenmoll Thank you too Christine. Love these discussions & the books. I will be joining in the June pick. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I don't know why I skipped The Broken Girls so I still have one more left! 🤗 2y
TheBookHippie @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick ooo I liked that one so much!!!! 2y
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TheBookHippie @kspenmoll 💙💙💙💙 2y
AmyG Thank you @TheBookHippie as I would mostlikely never have read any of her books if not for you. Maybe she will release one next year for us! 2y
TheBookHippie @AmyG 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 2y
Karisa 👏👏👏👏👏 2y
DebinHawaii @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I missed that one when the #sundaybuddyread group read it but went back & read it on my own. Well worth it! 2y
DebinHawaii I‘m a bit sad we‘re caught up, but happy that she seems like a fairly speedy author so 🤞🏼for no long delays between books. Thank you for another fabulous job hosting & for introducing me to an author who has become a favorite! 🤗 2y
Bklover Are you doing The Book of Cold Cases in August? If so I would love to join 2y
TheBookHippie @Bklover yes! You‘re welcome to join us I‘ll tag ya to remind you! 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Many off stories that were nothing to do with plot..
What did you think of this woven tale ??

kspenmoll I really enjoyed it but I love her & know what to expect. The tangents do not bother me. For me it adds more to guess about, suspect. 2y
Librarybelle I loved this one! Probably my second favorite of hers that we read 2y
vlwelser I'm on board with the tangents. I love this author. Red herrings and subplots and general nonsense included. 2y
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AmyG I really liked this one. I love trying to figure out what‘s going on....Ha, and I am always wrong. But it‘s fun to try to figure out. (edited) 2y
TheBookHippie @vlwelser I like the nonsense! 🤣 2y
Sargar114 I agree with everyone. The tangents don‘t bother me, in fact they add to the overall story even if it‘s not what it‘s ultimately about. For example: who‘d have thought Jo‘s boss where she met Alex was also going to be a spy. Loved the stuff like that! Not terribly important but adds depth to the story. 2y
DebinHawaii I really enjoyed it and all of her books so far. Untangling the tangents & seeing where she goes with them add to the fun. I am excited for The Book of Cold Cases coming up! 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick This one was actually my least favorite, though still a good pick. This one felt more mystery than supernatural to me, so either that or the lack of awkward sex knocked it down a peg or two. Looking forward to The Book of Cold Cases in August and will likely hold off on The Broken Girls until next year just to drag out completing her current catalog. 2y
TheBookHippie @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick it‘s not my favorite. Broken Girls is still my fav but maybe because it was my first one of hers! I‘m so glad she‘s writing! 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Frances is still JUDITH to me still- Judith beheading Holofernes

THE STATUE
SALOME the book says
Prompted by her mother, Herodias, who was infuriated by John's condemnation of her marriage, the girl demanded the head of John the Baptist on a platter, and the unwilling Herod was forced by his oath to have John beheaded.
At any rate ominous ..

Jo going back to the house was she mad?
Would you go back ? Is Frances really gone?

kspenmoll Jo felt protected by Frances,connected to Frances. So In some ways not crazy, but she did run right into Robert- but Frances again protected her & prevailed. I think Frances may have left the house as her murder was solved, her murderer killed, so she could leave in peace. 2y
Librarybelle Jo seemed to have a connection with Frances, and like @kspenmoll said, Frances seemed to protect Jo. 2y
vlwelser 😂 if I was seeing ghosts I would have run away long before we got to this. But I like that she sort of goes to reassure Dottie. Because in a weird way I liked Dottie all along. 2y
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AmyG What @kspenmoll said. Now that Francis saw justice perhaps she could be at peace. Joe was very brave and she had Alex with her. 2y
Sargar114 Jo went back for Dottie. I think it was sweet. Like others said, Frances was never a threat to Jo so I‘m sure ultimately she knew she‘d be okay. 2y
DebinHawaii St. James heroines are always much braver than I would be 😉😱 but I thought this was pretty low risk for Jo with Robert gone & Francis having protected her in the past & having the connection with her. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Hold my beer...I'm going in! 😂 Really, what's left for Jo to find at this point? This is probably the safest spooky place in all Simone's books. Robert's dead and the mystery solved. If Frances was still lingering, though I wouldn't have expected it, I'd maybe try to communicate with her. Tell her her mom & brother will be OK, no one is coming back to the house, it's OK to move on now. 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Dottie…
We should have used you to win the war!
What do you think about her?
And the art?

kspenmoll I thought she was typical of women who were not able to use their smarts due to social mores. I think she would have been a happier person if she was able to contribute her boldness & intelligence to something significant during the war. She was a take charge person, a doer, a director. 2y
kspenmoll The art was maybe a distraction, A way to use her gifts by collecting/selling/ knowing art/artists. 2y
Librarybelle Completely agree, @kspenmoll ! 2y
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vlwelser She sort of changes at the end. It's promising. 2y
AmyG If it was a later time she probably would have been a very successful businesswoman. Not a fan of her but she had so much pain in her life. I can only hope there are happier times ahead for her. 2y
Sargar114 As much as she did weird or unconventional things, I actually liked her. She was more a practical women but also a little secretly sentimental. As bizarre as her attempt to marry Jo and Martin; from her perspective she trusted Jo and Jo also needed some stability having lost Alex. She definitely would have been a force to be reckoned with in the war effort. 2y
TheBookHippie @Sargar114 I agree. She would have been something. 2y
DebinHawaii I really liked how she softened at the end & Hope she gets a grandchild or two. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I appreciate that Dottie wasn't inferior to Robert. That house was hers, she found a way to make money, as questionable a means as it was, and she loved her family. She wasn't exactly loving, but practical. I didn't love her, but I respected her and hope that she can enjoy her son, DIL, and future grandchildren. 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Colonel Mabry ? What do you think of him?

kspenmoll I thought he was distasteful but doing his job as a spy/ M16. He did his part in manipulating Jo though & disrupt her pension Alex thought she was getting, encouraging Jo to question Alex‘s live, etc. For him, country above all else. 2y
Librarybelle He reminds me of the stereotype “spy” - live for the next assignment, have no attachments, be able to move at a moment‘s notice. Personally, I didn‘t care for him. 2y
vlwelser I also do not care for this dude. Simone seems to have pivoted away from this setting so maybe we're done with him. 2y
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AmyG Agreed....not very likea le but doing his job. 2y
Sargar114 As much as we disliked him, I thought he was a good character. I didn‘t trust him (for good reason) and thought him to be a suspect, but clearly a good red herring. I‘m not mad about it. 2y
Karisa Was he connected to the Captain Mabry in Silence for the Dead? Weird that she‘d use the same last name. I just wanted to tell this book‘s Mabry to leave Alex alone. It‘s like he was the personification of military as a jealous ex 2y
TheBookHippie @Karisa he‘s the dad of the patient right? 2y
DebinHawaii @Karisa @TheBookHippie I thought he was Captain Mabry‘s father. 2y
TheBookHippie @DebinHawaii yes! That‘s right. 2y
Karisa @TheBookHippie @DebinHawaii Ah! Okay, I love her little Easter eggs 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I liked him as a connection to Silence for the Dead, and he was a good character to help keep a shroud of mystery around things, but I didn't like him. He was too much for the job and still trying to get Alex. I wonder how involved with his family he is, considering how he's trying to pull Alex away from his wife again. 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Petra Jennings
Mr Wilde
Weird?
I didn‘t catch any if it, did you?

kspenmoll Very weird. So unexpected especially because initially I was suspicious of him. 2y
Librarybelle Yeah…very weird 2y
vlwelser Well she was washing his clothes so yeah this seemed like it was going to be a thing. 2y
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AmyG A minor plot line. Odd and mildly important. 2y
5feet.of.fury I had forgotten all about Petra 😅 2y
TheBookHippie @vlwelser I had her in focus in the first part but the werewolf threw my attention off 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😊 2y
TheBookHippie @5feet.of.fury SAME! I had it in the first part of the book, but then I totally forgot! 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ 2y
Sargar114 I forgot as well. @amyg interesting how it can be that way. 2y
DebinHawaii @TheBookHippie @vlwelser I thought that someone needed to talk to her when it first came up in the beginning & lost sight of her, but did not put her & Mr. Wilde “together.” It was a good little twist. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Funny twist! I was really hoping that Mr Wilde, the man with the physical handicap, would not be the guilty party as there was an air of sinister written around him. I chuckled that these two were involved. 2y
TheBookHippie @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick 🤣 I had similar thoughts!!!! 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

ROBERT the evil one!
Jeepers
Money
It‘s ALWAYS MONEY..
Thoughts on Robert?
What would you do with his ashes
What did Dottie do, do you think ?
He washed up …

AND SO

So werewolf, hellhound, mythical wolf dog?
What was PRINCER?
Those were HIS LEAVES?

Fun find https://www.history.com/news/beast-gevaudan-france-theories

kspenmoll Great article! I love the extra info you post.thanks for all the effort you put into@our buddy reads! 2y
kspenmoll I really had no idea it would be Robert. Actually I had no idea who it would be. Robert was not an attractive character, but his wife was not either-cold fish, tight wad. 2y
kspenmoll The wolf etc seemed to be a part of her supernatural additions- I liked that ferocious beast once he protected Jo. 2y
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kspenmoll Let him rot. 2y
Librarybelle It almost seemed fitting that Robert was the bad one - my creep-o-meter was on full drive with him! 😂 2y
vlwelser He was my 1# suspect so things just fell into place in a logical way imo. I am tempted to reread The Hound of the Baskervilles. 2y
TheBookHippie @vlwelser oh that pairs nicely with this one! 🐺 2y
AmyG Right? What IS Princer? Anyway, Robert got what he deserved. Good. 2y
Sargar114 I was like @kspenmoll and thought him to be a more ancillary character. Way more evil than I expected, maybe the most terrible in her books…. One of my favorite aspects of St James‘ writing is how the supernatural characters are not the bad guys (almost scooby doo like 😂) 2y
Sargar114 Oh and I‘m 100% sure Dottie flushed the ashes 2y
TheBookHippie @Sargar114 Scooby Doo!!! 🎯 2y
Karisa Great article! 100 people over just a few years. It must have been frightening for that area! I loved the idea of Princer in the story—something to protect those that needed help. St. James supernatural touches make anything possible in her books. It‘s fun to read 2y
DebinHawaii I wasn‘t thinking Robert until after they visited Petra & the wife of the mystery man & Alex saying “maybe he was protecting you…” to Jo. It seemed she needed the most protecting from Robert. I like the werewolf or hellhound insinuation. (That article is so interesting!) And not to be indelicate but I hope if Dottie did indeed flush the ashes, she used the toilet before flushing them away! He deserved it. 😉 2y
TheBookHippie @DebinHawaii oh yes that would be the best END 🚽 2y
kspenmoll @DebinHawaii @Sargar114 Flush his ashes? I missed that but love the idea! 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I admit I'm a little bummed it was Robert bc I thought he was too obviously evil. I think flushing the ashes is still too nice for Robert. Maybe drop them in a pig shit pen or something would be a better fit for someone who could murder their own daughter. As for Princer, I'm saying Hellhound coming from beyond to protect the living, though a ferocious beast like that article could be, too. Why don't they tell us these things in school? 2y
TheBookHippie @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick RIGHT?! How fascinating is this!!!! School could be so much more! 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Jo and Alex

“I was horribly irrevocably in love with him. This time the thought didn‘t bring the pain”
-Jo

We get waaaay more sex scenes in this book 🤣🤷🏻‍♀️😱🤫

What do you think of their relationship?

Is Simone getting any better at these ?

kspenmoll I think she is getting better. I think Jo‘s responses to Alex come across as authentic-the pain, the anger, the feelings of betrayal- but grounded in their once love. It could have gone either way- I was waiting to see if she walked out for good especially with her mother now dead. But I feel she did make a choice to stay. 2y
kspenmoll Love the pictures!!! 2y
Librarybelle The sex scenes did not seem as uncomfortable to read. Their relationship happened super fast, and I think they realized the bond was still there. They seem like they need each other, so hopefully that continues beyond the story. 2y
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vlwelser I think she's gotten SO much better. But I think the main character here had more depth possibly than earlier ones. 2y
vlwelser Also that weird pic with the umbrella is my fav. 2y
TheBookHippie @kspenmoll so fun to try to find them. ♥️ 2y
AmyG I agree with @Librarybelle and I am happy things worked out for them. Jo loves Alex very deeply. I just think she needed to come to terms with her anger and all the years apart. She needed to trust him again. 2y
Sargar114 @Librarybelle @vlwelser good points. I agree the scenes are much better in this one. They seem to have less awkward details so I guess less is more 😂. However we did learn the word debauched so there‘s that 🤷🏼‍♀️ 2y
Karisa @Sargar114 agreed! Less details but more scenes was a much better formula. Great pictures of 1920s debauchery, @TheBookHippie 😂 2y
TheBookHippie @Karisa the pictures are the best part ! 🤣 2y
DebinHawaii I agree, she is getting better with the sexy scenes. Debauching without too many awkward details! 🤣🫣🤣 It does make it a bit less fun though! And great pictures! 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Why is my man not showing my bloomers to the world when I hold an umbrella? Does he even love me?! 😂 Less detail, more scenes between the now husband & wife is a good combo here. I think Simone has found a good balance. These aren't romance novels, so we don't need explicit details, though let's be honest...I like the smut. Awkward and all. I think seeing the crime solved and signs that Alex is truthful now helps. 2y
TheBookHippie @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick honestly her sexy scenes that are awkward are my favorite! 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Martin -he does love Cora and she does love him! So how do you like how his story played out…?

kspenmoll I think they do love each other after all they have share & her whisking him away & nursing him, finding the right doctors, etc. It may not be a passionate love, but A more practical live which can always grow over time especially if he heals. 2y
Librarybelle I agree with @kspenmoll . The love may not be passionate, but it appears that that have a bond with each other and one that I hope can evolve over time. 2y
vlwelser I thought this was cute. I was definitely ok with them getting a happy ending. Or beginning. Whatever. 2y
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AmyG I am happy things worked out for them. Not a passionate love, but they seem very committed to each other. 2y
5feet.of.fury I‘m very glad for them! 2y
Sargar114 It seems their love will be the based on a true friendship and that is the best kind. I‘m happy they found each other and will be sharing their lives. 2y
Karisa It seemed the best possible ending for Martin and Cora. I thought he had no hope so seeing that turnaround was refreshing. Dottie‘s reaction was the icing on the cake. 🎂🧁 2y
Deblovestoread I am happy for them. Through Cora Martin found a beginning not an end. 2y
DebinHawaii Very happy it turned out this way for them, a friendship, partnership and love that I think will continue to grow. 🤗 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I think there is a friendship and mutual respect that can turn into a deeper love. I think their conspiracy to leave Dottie behind proves they can be “partners in crime“ and build a good marriage. Martin may not heal 100%, but he has a chance at a good life and I think Cora realizes that men her age are harder to find right now and she found one who treats her well that she gets along with. I'm happy about their union. 2y
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review
BookwormAHN
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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Pickpick
Clwojick Way to go! 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
63 likes3 stack adds2 comments
blurb
TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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Time to discuss the ending and the whole book! 🤫🤐 SHHHHH until we see you SUNDAY 👀

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD 📗💚

vlwelser Does this mean no more werewolf jokes? 😂💚 2y
TheBookHippie @vlwelser well it means google will be sad not hunting down werewolf pictures…. 2y
kspenmoll @vlwelser Loved the werewolf touch! No jokes ir google searches..😢😀 2y
44 likes3 comments
review
vlwelser
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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Pickpick

❤🤐

I mean, obviously it was werewolves. 😂

#SundayBuddyRead @TheBookHippie

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

AmyG Duh 🤣 (edited) 2y
TheBookHippie Seee. Told you. 🤫🤐 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
39 likes3 comments
review
Sargar114
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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Pickpick

Strong female lead, terrible humans, multiple suspects, and some super natural flavor. St James is a master at her craft and this one is no exception. Read for #sundaybuddyread and overlapped as my #doublespin 🤘

kspenmoll Great review! 2y
21 likes1 comment
review
KristiAhlers
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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Pickpick

I LOVE this authors writing. Modern day/historical setting I‘m there for it! This book had such great gothic vibes and I truly felt immersed in the story right along with the characters and that to me the sign of a fantastic read! #BuddyRead #mayreadinglist @TheBookHippie @Librarybelle

AmyG Yes, I finished this today and it was wonderful. 2y
Librarybelle This book was amazing!!! 2y
TheBookHippie 🤍🤍🤍🤍 2y
See All 7 Comments
julieclair Perfect description! Such a great read. 2y
melzen Looks awesome! 2y
melzen Would you recommend it? (edited) 2y
KristiAhlers @melmes absolutely! 2y
33 likes2 stack adds7 comments
review
CoffeeNBooks
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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Pickpick

Jo is a war widow who becomes the assistant to her husband's aunt. She soon realizes that all is not what it seems. Another great St. James book! I love how she mixes mystery with the paranormal.

Thanks @TheBookHippie for picking another great book for the #SundayBuddyRead!

TheBookHippie ♥️♥️♥️♥️it‘s so much fun with us all!!! 2y
69 likes1 comment
review
Librarybelle
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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Pickpick

Did I stay up way late to finish this one? Yes, yes I did. I‘ll pay for it tomorrow, but I had to find out what happens! Without giving away any spoilers, this #SupernaturalThriller is probably my second favorite by St James…she has this incredible way of building suspense with a multitude of clues and a creep factor that makes me keep all of the lights on as I read. Cannot wait to discuss this next Sunday! #SundayBuddyRead #BBRC #YeahBaby

Andrew65 Great 👏👏👏 2y
5feet.of.fury I‘m so excited for the conclusion of this one! 2y
See All 6 Comments
CoffeeNBooks I can't wait to finish reading this one this week! 2y
Librarybelle @5feet.of.fury @CoffeeNBooks It is so good! 2y
LibrarianRyan yeahhh 2y
75 likes6 comments
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kspenmoll
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#sundaybuddyread #SimoneStJames #ghosts #supernatural #historicalfiction
I had to finish this today! The ending was just as surprising to me as I expected it would be. No review because I do not want to say anything to spoil our discussion next Sunday.

TheBookHippie ❤️❤️❤️ 2y
AmyG I can‘t wait to finish. 2y
Bklover What a gorgeous photo! 2y
66 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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kspenmoll
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#porchlife #afternoonsnack #sundaybuddyread #SimoneStJames
I am excited to be finishing this up after today‘s discussion.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful 😍 2y
64 likes1 comment
blurb
TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
This post contains spoilers
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

I‘m sure I missed something.

I also have zero clues 🤣🤷🏻‍♀️what‘s happening …🤯

CANNOT WAIT TO FINISH! So glad I didn‘t stretch this out all five weeks of May!

Anyone have guesses????

Librarybelle No clue, but I am so ready to find out what happens! (I‘m also glad we‘re finishing as soon as we are! 😂) 2y
5feet.of.fury The week 3 chapters really brought up ALOT of questions. Can‘t wait to see how it ties together! 2y
Sargar114 I legitimately have no idea, but am thoroughly enjoying the ride. This one is my favorite of this time period. I loved seeing how much St James writing has evolved. This one is so much more layered than her other ones. 2y
See All 16 Comments
TheBookHippie @Sargar114 I agree. I love this time period! This one is much better! Although I‘ve thoroughly enjoyed every single one. 2y
TheBookHippie @Librarybelle seriously I need to know! 2y
Sargar114 @TheBookHippie I have too. And this is not my preferred genre, but St James is a master at her craft! 2y
CoffeeNBooks I'm looking forward to finishing this one to see how everything connects! 2y
TheBookHippie @Sargar114 this is so not my genre either, but I love her writing it‘s oddly soothing … 2y
vlwelser St James clearly kept improving as she went along. It seems like every one is my new fav. I'm probably just going to go ahead and finish. So 🤐. But.... Thank you for not making this 5. 2y
BookwormAHN I can't wait to finish it 😺 2y
julieclair I am fascinated to see how this all comes together. And I'm very glad this was 4 weeks instead of 5. 👍 2y
kspenmoll I cannot wait to finish either. I love her books. Too many strands, clues to keep track of as usual. 2y
DebinHawaii I am looking forward to finishing. As I was sick last week, I read the last two sections really close together & it was hard to stop. I want to see how it all wraps up. 🤗 2y
AmyG My guesses never come true. But it is so fun to guess. Really enjoying this one. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick This one is leaving me scratching my head. I can come up with valid reasons why every damn person other than Jo could be up to something nefarious but then also a readin why they'd be a red herring. I like this one, but I think it's my least favorite of them all. Maybe because the sex wasn't completely awkward! 🤣 2y
TheBookHippie @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick not completely 🤣🤣🤣 2y
11 likes16 comments
blurb
TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
This post contains spoilers
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Dead leaves what is it???

Also her mom died? WHAT?

Librarybelle So tragic about Jo‘s mom. I cannot help but think of decay with leaves - the decay of the facade that Dottie puts up for her family. Secrets are about to be revealed. 2y
Sargar114 I don‘t know about the leaves either but that‘s a good thought @Librarybelle As sad as it is for Jo to lose her mother, I can only imagine there is quite a bit of relief as well. While now having no blood family, she can now focus on her life and what‘s best for her…on top of all the mysteries she has to solve lol 2y
CoffeeNBooks I definitely hope St. James explains the leaves in the last section- I'm curious about their significance! 2y
See All 16 Comments
TheBookHippie @CoffeeNBooks if she doesn‘t I‘m asking on IG ! 🤣 2y
vlwelser Maybe this gives St James an opportunity to use her as a ghost. Her books do get a little crazy sometimes but that might be a stretch. 2y
Karisa Was her whole mom and scratches thing just a red herring? Better understanding of Frances/mental illness? I thought the mom dying thing came out of nowhere.,. 2y
TheBookHippie @Karisa she had that dream about someone hurting her mom and a name in the beginning of the book, was it just a red herring ? Or will it connect?! 2y
Sargar114 @TheBookHippie if she answers, you need to screenshot that and put it on here!!!! 2y
Karisa @TheBookHippie Oh yeah… I think I ignore dreams too much in books. I need to pay more attention to those details 2y
BookwormAHN According to Google dead leaves typically represent death and sadness. So maybe the leaves represent the family's turmoil and Frances' death. 2y
julieclair I'm wondering if the mom was murdered... 2y
kspenmoll The mom thing threw me- is it related? Dead leaves are sign of endings- & as yes, death. 2y
DebinHawaii Yes, her mom dying so suddenly seems suspicious & I‘m still interested in the scratches. Not sure how it‘s all related, the leaves too. 🤔 2y
AmyG I googled wht dead leaves foreshdowed. One idea was secrets. That family has some serious secrets. Jo married Alex after knowing basically nothing and out come the secrets. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I don't know if mom's sudden death is going to tie into the mystery or if it was just a way of making Jo fre of that burden now that she's got Alex back. 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
This post contains spoilers
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

ALEX?
Just wow
And she was tying CODE?!
Hans is ALEX
…Jo had influenza when Alex left
Did she give it to him!

So are they still a couple?

All the stocking talk is the inspiration for the pic🤣

Why is he staying in bed with her? To protect her? What does he know?!

Librarybelle I kinda had suspicions we would see Alex. I‘m debating whether or not he‘s trying to be chivalrous and “protect” Jo, or if it‘s all an act. We know he‘s lying to everyone else. Is he telling Jo the truth? My hopeless romantic heart is hopeful that he‘s got Jo‘s best interests in mind. We‘ll see, I suppose… 2y
Sargar114 @Librarybelle I generally think Alex is telling Jo the truth and lying to everyone else. I think he is trying to protect her. By having a small wedding so the military and his family wouldn‘t know who she was. I also wasn‘t surprised we‘d see Alex given all the mentions of him missing vs dead but I am surprised it was so early in the book and that he‘s so integral to the story. I‘m kinda loving it! 2y
TheBookHippie @Sargar114 I‘m hoping he is telling the truth along with @Librarybelle I hope they end up happily ever after…which is quite unusual for my jaded black heart 😳🤣🤫I‘m quite liking this read! 2y
See All 22 Comments
CoffeeNBooks I think Alex is trying to protect Jo- I think he knows there's a lot of suspicious stuff going on at Wych Elm as well as with Colonel Mabry, and possibly even with people in town, like Mr. Wilde. I think he's telling her as much as he can. 2y
vlwelser That stocking thing was awesome. I love her weird sex scenes. 2y
TheBookHippie @vlwelser research 1920s stockings it‘s a whole other rabbit hole 🤣🤣🤣 2y
Karisa I was sick all last week. So between this book and bingeing Downton Abbey, I‘m loving all the 1920s fashion, art, and big houses in the country! 🤞Alex is not a jerk! 2y
TheBookHippie @Karisa lots of covid and influenza b around here where we live 😩 hope you‘re feeling better. I‘ve somehow managed to “just” have an RA flare. 😅 2y
Deblovestoread I wasn‘t surprised to see Alex show up and hope he‘s a good guy. 2y
Karisa @TheBookHippie Ouch! Hang in there. I think the Covid cases are way underreported here. I called Kaiser and they were like “🤷🏻‍♀️ get better” Now my daughter has it but seems mild. Ready for an end to the pandemic! 2y
BookwormAHN I was surprised Alex showed up so soon as well and I loved the stocking scene 😸 2y
julieclair I am so hoping Alex turns out to be a good guy, but I have my doubts. I would love Alex and Jo to have a "happily ever after". But the rest of them... I could care less! 2y
kspenmoll I too am hoping everything between them(Jo & Alex)works out in the end as @Librarybelle @TheBookHippie said. 2y
kspenmoll @Karisa I am glad you are better! My husband & son both have Covid. My husband got an antiviral drug( he is older & his immune system is compromised) she he is slowly recovering. I remain neg. 🤞🏻 2y
DebinHawaii Like @Sargar114 I was surprised that Alex came back this early in the book although I fully expected him to be alive. I feel like he & Jo will solve the mystery & murder together & he is telling her what he knows & being truthful. @Karisa I feel you with the COVID thing—I was sick for a week & I am still just so tired. 😷😵 2y
Karisa @DebinHawaii @kspenmoll 😥 It‘s such a bad virus. Wishing you and yours health and 💪 2y
TheBookHippie @DebinHawaii ugh…. Awful! Hope you get your strength back soon! ❤️ 2y
TheBookHippie @kspenmoll 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 2y
AmyG @TheBookHippie Feel better. Glad you are better @Karisa and @kspenmoll I hope your husband and son are better soon. ❤️ 2y
AmyG I knew Alex would come back. Jo wasn‘t over hum and Simone‘s books always have a love story plotline. I agree with @CoffeeNBooks that he is protecting her. I think he is telling her as much as he feels he can but there‘s more to know. And I am wondering if that more….is the Francis plot line. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I didn't expect to see Alex so early but it's interesting having him in the mix. I hope he's being honest with Jo. However, given his sudden emergence, he seems a little pushy. Sure, they've (presumably) been sex-free for 3+ years but give her a few hours, man! 2y
5 likes22 comments
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Colonel Mabry things are going to get more difficult ! Is he on the level?!

Robert ick just slime …

Mr Wilde -“it must be difficult to be such a perceptive woman !!!!!!! “

Perceptive/mad Jo wonders..

The men in this book, yuk. Also are they all suspects?! How do they fit?

5feet.of.fury Colonel Mabry - I‘m wondering how much he is manipulating. 2y
Librarybelle The men are very creepy…ugh! I feel like there is something huge happening, and poor Frances stumbled upon it. These men are hiding something big. 2y
Sargar114 Colonel Mandy seems to be number one suspect in my book. Or at least is manipulating a lot of the piece. While the rest are awful, that‘s as far as it gets I think. 2y
See All 12 Comments
vlwelser I'm starting to lean toward Robert as my 1# suspect. But Mabry is looking really cagey here. 2y
Karisa @vlwelser Exactly! I don‘t like either of them but Robert is worse. Explains his attack of Jo in the woods too. 2y
Sargar114 Gasp maybe they‘re in cahoots! (Really an excuse to use the word cahoots) 2y
julieclair I think Mabry has developed a grudging respect for Jo, and is trying to level with her when he can. Same with Wilde. Robert, meanwhile, is as creepy as they come. I think he may be the one who killed Frances. 2y
BookwormAHN I think Mabry is your typical anything for the military type but I don't trust Robert. 2y
kspenmoll Marbry typical of soys/intrigue/ military at the time. I agree w @julieclair about him developing a “ grudging respect” for Jo. Also I like what @Librarybelle said about how something big will be revealed. So much going on that leaves so many possibilities open. 2y
DebinHawaii Mabry seems a bit too obvious-other than manipulating people for the military. The jury is still out on Wilde for me & I‘m thinking Robert seems to obvious too, but in the end 🤷🏻‍♀️ I just don‘t know. I blame COVID brain! 🤕 2y
AmyG I think Mabry is in the spy business. Is Robert a spy or just a creepy douche? 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I almost feel like Robert is so gross that it's a red herring. I still think he just distanced himself from the house because he sensed evil there or noticed personality changes among its inhabitants. 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

How do you get your husband to tell you everything? You don‘t…thoughts on Cora?

Apparently Cora looks like Anne Boylen in the blue dress ! Fun article https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/anne-boleyn-aw20-muse

Sargar114 She seems like she puts up a brash exterior but ultimately doesn‘t seem so bad. But to be honest with everything going on I haven‘t really given her much thought. 2y
5feet.of.fury I liked how she was with both Jo and Martin. She seems very forward maybe awkward and brash, but also kind and thoughtful. I like that. 2y
Librarybelle I‘ve not given Cora much thought. The comparison to Anne Boleyn was interesting, though! 2y
See All 16 Comments
vlwelser I love this painting you found. My thought on this was to ask if it was foreshadowing. I guess we'll see soon! 2y
Karisa @vlwelser Oh no! Poor Cora… could that make her the treasonous spy then? (My real spy money is on Robert though. He‘s so creepy.) 2y
vlwelser @Karisa I was thinking scapegoated and beheaded by husband but whatever floats your boat. 😂 2y
TheBookHippie @vlwelser I wondered that too or if it was too obvious?! 2y
vlwelser Not sure anything is too obvious for St James (except maybe werewolves - still laughing about this). But this does seem unlikely. 2y
julieclair Wow... the whole Anne Boleyn thing went right over my head. I took it at face value... a way to give us a visual of what Cora's dress looked like. 🤪 Now y'all have really got me thinking! 2y
BookwormAHN The Anne Boleyn comment creeped me out. I also took it as foreshadowing but I rather hope I'm wrong. 2y
kspenmoll @BookwormAHN I caught that reference too & worry that Cora will be killed by the werewolf or Martin will kill in a PSTD episode. I like her! 2y
DebinHawaii I didn‘t think much of the Anne Boleyn reference either but now you all have me wondering! 🤔 2y
AmyG Maybe Francis isn‘t dead? Remember Jo having to visit the grave? Did Francis kill the man and they are all covering for her? (edited) 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I didn't really give the comment much thought. I assumed Cora was thrown in just to settle Martin. Now I'm afraid she might get beheaded. 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Frances

What is in the woods?! Werewolf?
Why is the camera soaked?!
Did Cora do it? Or Frances? Or?

Martin burned Frances letters?!
What does he know?!

🤯

Sargar114 @TheBookHippie I thought werewolf toooooo!!!! I wonder if Martin is actually a werewolf (literally just thought of that) but with his injury…hmmm 🧐 2y
5feet.of.fury The bit about Martin burning the letters is very odd, I‘m sure Jo will confront him about it. 2y
Librarybelle The burning of the letters! So suspicious!! Martin is hiding things, though I think we all kinda figured that out. 😂 2y
See All 17 Comments
vlwelser @TheBookHippie @Sargar114 werewolf? Really? You girls are a trip. 2y
TheBookHippie @vlwelser Well?! Is Robert a werewolf ? 🤣🤷🏻‍♀️🤯 he did come out of the woods at one point disheveled 🤫😅 2y
Karisa I‘d kind of forgotten about the Martin burning the letters scene. That was really strange… @Sargar114 🐺Martin?! I love it! 😂 How much fun would that be?! 2y
julieclair I wonder if the letters could have contained sketches? 2y
julieclair I am mystified about the wet camera. My suspicion is that Cora flooded it, but I have absolutely no idea why. 🤔 2y
Sargar114 @TheBookHippie 🤯. @Karisa so many possibilities; I‘m loving it!!! 2y
BookwormAHN @Sargar114 I rather hope he is, that would be fantastic 😸 2y
kspenmoll I was bummed Martin burned Frances‘s letters. So may different threads- what are red herrings & who knows what? Robert a werewolf? That is something I did not think of… 2y
DebinHawaii Hmm… was not thinking werewolf more hellhound but that‘s interesting. Martin burning the letters is suspicious but is it something or a misdirect? I am hoping it wasn‘t Cora who flooded the camera. 2y
AmyG What I like about this book is everyone is suspicious. Yet not. 🤣Martin burning the letters. He seems like a decent guy but is hiding-something. I think they might all be hiding-something. 2y
vlwelser The Hound of the Baskervilles! 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I'm with those thinking hellhound. I thought Frances closed the camera to protect Jo. I wonder if Martin is burning evidence of the crime or if he wrote with Frances about his health or something less suspicious that he doesn't want getting out. 2y
TheBookHippie @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick calling it hellhound from now on … 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Frances sketch book
How did it get in Jos bed?
What is at the window?!
Is it the man from the forest !?
What did Frances know? Did she know she knew?
Dead man in the woods- killed by same person who killed Frances? Was he a spy?

SO MANY QUESTIONS?

Sargar114 I am thinking the man in the forest may be the one that killed Frances. Stole her sketches and did away with her and then Princer had his revenge. I don‘t think Frances knew what she knew when it came to what she was drawing. And of course Frances left the sketchbook for Jo, it‘s Simone St James, lol 2y
Librarybelle I‘m so looking forward to the last section, where everything comes together! It seems like the man in the woods is connected to what we learned in this section, so I‘m anxious to find out the whole story! And, Frances gave Jo the sketchbook…totally trademark St James move! 2y
CoffeeNBooks I agree that the man in the woods is most likely connected to what we read in this section. I think maybe he got nervous when Alex returned on leave that time, thinking Alex would figure it out, and that's what caused the man to make a move to get rid of Frances, who knew that some of her sketches were missing. And I definitely think Frances gave the sketch book to Jo. 2y
See All 12 Comments
vlwelser @Sargar114 💯 it's St James so just roll with it. I'm a little tiny bit excited to finish. 2y
Karisa @Sargar114 That‘s the way my brain has been putting it together too. Got to have just a touch of the super natural in there! 👻 2y
julieclair I agree that Frances is the one who gave the sketchbook to Jo. As for the rest, I give up. I'm so confused my head is exploding. 😂🤯 2y
BookwormAHN I'm really looking forward to the wrap up at this point. 2y
kspenmoll Frances did leave the notebook to Jo, maybe to help resolve her murder. Is the man in the woods the spy? Maybe so. 2y
DebinHawaii Yep, agree with everything said here—I can‘t wait to see how it all plays out. 2y
AmyG I just want to finish to find out what hopenned. If not for the huddy read, I‘d have read this in a day or two. 2y
julieclair @AmyG Me too! It took so much willpower not to read ahead! 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I think Frances left the book & that Princer is a dog from behind but other than that, I don't know what to think. 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

The Staffrons

Chaperone Jo 🤣🤦🏻‍♀️

What did you think of the engagement of Martin and Cora?

And WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?! What are they hiding? Or is it just a family with a daughter to marry?

Sargar114 It seemed like both families had two “undesirable” candidates. Martin with his war injuries and Cora brash and not terribly attractive. It seemed to work out but I didn‘t get any nefarious vibes. 2y
5feet.of.fury I liked Cora so far! I hope it‘s nothing nefarious! I thought she was very sweet to Marin and Jo 2y
vlwelser Do you always post this "late" or am I being impatient? I was about to check on you. I'll answer the actual discussion question in a bit.... ❤ 2y
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Librarybelle I agree with @Sargar114 …I didn‘t really think anything nefarious about the engagement, just two young people who have some less than desired characteristics, or at least less than desired in the upper class. 2y
CoffeeNBooks I agree with others- I think it was just a convenient match for two families that hadn't yet found matches for them. 2y
CoffeeNBooks @5feet.of.fury I agree- Cora seems like a good person! 2y
TheBookHippie @vlwelser NO I‘m usually hours earlier 🤣🤣 hot date til 330 am with Mr BookHippie. On our patio. 🤣 A bit of “hair of the dog” needed this am … (edited) 2y
vlwelser ❤👆 2y
vlwelser This arrangement seems either convenient or a money thing. I do like Cora so far. 2y
julieclair The engagement made me sad. The way Cora and Martin both seemed totally fine with "settling" for each other, in a marriage of convenience arranged by their parents. Cora seems like a nice person, and I think Martin is too. (Or at least I hope he is... I'm still wondering about him...) 2y
BookwormAHN I agree, I think it's more of a convenient match for her. Not too sure about her parents. I mean who says marry this sick guy and have a kid with him. Are they having money trouble? 2y
kspenmoll Cora & Martin both seem accepting of their situation, and it seems to work. 2y
DebinHawaii I agree, sad for them but it doesn‘t seem like anything more than fulfilling family “obligations.” And I like both Martin & Cora so I hope they are not involved in anything underhanded. 2y
AmyG @BookwormAHN I thought the same thing. Are these people hving money issues and want to make sure their daughter is always taken care of? I think that generation, “upper crust”, matchmaked a bit. Alot of snobbery going on. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I like Cora well enough and I didn't get the feeling any shenanigans will be involved. I think Martin has a shallow prospect pool and I think the Staffords are new money, so perhaps old money is out and new money is harder to come by. Martin & Cora seem to get along and that might be more than many can ask for in that time period. 2y
8 likes15 comments
blurb
TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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🤫🤐🤫🤐🤫🤐🤫 #SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

See you SUNDAY….

🫣🤯

KristiAhlers Yes! I can‘t wait to discuss 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick So I am waiting for my British Book Boyfriend Inspector Merriken to pop up again (unlikely). Also, if you rearrange Alex Manders you get Sex And Realm and clearly I've got nothing! 🤣🤣🤣 2y
TheBookHippie @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 RIGHT?! Where is Merriken ? 2y
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kspenmoll Christine, both my son & husband have Covid. Idid the reading, love the book & hope to join in. 💕 2y
TheBookHippie @kspenmoll oh honey!!!!! I am so sorry. Sending healing vibes and so much love and light. 2y
Karisa @kspenmoll Just getting over it myself. Even being vaccinated, it was one of the worst colds I‘ve ever had! My daughter has it now but seems to be even milder than mine. Hope your guys are ok. ((Hugs)) 2y
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Sargar114
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James

🤐🤐🤐🤯🤯🤯 #sundaybuddyread

TheBookHippie 🤯🤐🤫 2y
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blurb
TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Loving it!!! No clue what‘s going on but loving it.

This one is a bit different and I am enjoying it thoroughly!

See you next week!!!

Sargar114 I‘m really loving seeing her writing evolve over this genre. This one may be her best yet (of this era). 2y
TheBookHippie @Sargar114 I‘m really enjoying it!!! 2y
Kimberlone I forgot you were starting this week. I need to find a copy and catch up! 2y
BookwormAHN This one is becoming a new favorite. 2y
CoffeeNBooks I'm thoroughly enjoying this one so far! 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Art. Selling it or wife shopping? Or?

Jos dreams what do you make of them ?

Jos anger at Alex.

So, a girl for Martin has arrived….

So much going on!!!

Thoughts?

Sargar114 Dottie tried to be practical. I think she sees Martin is not long for this world and trying to secure her family‘s fortune. Not the most loving character but in a weird way I can understand that. So much going on and I‘m loving it (as usual with St James). (edited) 2y
Librarybelle There is so much going on, building upon each other. Loving the ride so far! 2y
vlwelser Just going to roll with it and not think too hard about this. 😂 2y
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TheBookHippie @Librarybelle I just love it! 2y
BookwormAHN @vlwelser My plans too. 2y
kspenmoll Agree w @Sargar114 re art, Dottie, Martin‘s marriage prospects. Still need more to go@in! 2y
julieclair Jo's dreams have me totally perplexed. Although, there's a lot about this book that has me totally perplexed! 😂 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I doubt Dottie is doing anything without the underlying task of finding a grandbaby incubator. Poor Martin! She may not be beautiful, but I hope she is nice. 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

A beautiful Jewish widow named Judith left the besieged city in pretended flight and foretold to Holofernes that he would be victorious. Invited into his tent, she cut off his head as he lay in drunken sleep and brought it in a bag to Bethulia. A Jewish victory over the leaderless Assyrian forces followed.

Why was this in Jo‘s room?!?!?!

Sargar114 What?! I totally missed this!!! 2y
Librarybelle No clue! 2y
vlwelser I totally missed this too. 2y
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vlwelser But I love the Klimt painting. 2y
TheBookHippie @vlwelser me too I love Klimt ! 2y
vlwelser Have you seen them in person? I was lucky enough to be introduced to Klimt as a teenager, part of a class, on a field trip in Vienna. (There's no way to make that seem less spoiled but it was part of study abroad in college.) But there are random ones other places. 2y
TheBookHippie @vlwelser alas no. But it is a dream of mine. 2y
vlwelser It's all gold leaf. It doesn't photograph very well. The actual paintings are beyond stunning. 2y
vlwelser In case you needed an excuse to travel to Vienna or something 😂 2y
TheBookHippie @vlwelser it‘s on my bucket list! I think the same is true of most art. It just doesn‘t photograph true. 2y
AmyG I think Dottie is somehow involved in illegal art fraud….getting possibly stolen art out of Europe. 2y
TheBookHippie @AmyG Somethimg odd that‘s for sure! Art is always mysterious in the selling and collecting. 2y
AmyG @TheBookHippie it‘s before WWII but is she sellimg confiscated art from Jews??? 2y
TheBookHippie @AmyG I think that started in 1923.. so egads…. It was so under the radar then -… kinda like now people should see shit coming but they don‘t think it‘ll effect them so they choose to not see. 2y
BookwormAHN I wondered if it wasn't a test to see if she would steal it. 2y
TheBookHippie @BookwormAHN or a warning 😳😬 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I wonder if it alluded to illicit activity on Dottie's behalf with the art or if it's foreshadowing something that Jo may have to behead somebody to reign victorious over the evil spirits at Wych Elm. 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Robert
Well
He‘s a snake
What‘s his story you think?

Sargar114 Apparently he‘s the actual CREEP! I wonder if he has more to do with Frances‘s death? 2y
Librarybelle He‘s very slimy! Ugh! 2y
vlwelser So gross. And the wife seems to know. 2y
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Sargar114 @vlwelser good point. I initially thought her earlier warning was a stay away from my husband but maybe it was more to protect Jo from him. 2y
AmyG I think he is a creep but not sure he is the bad guy in this story. (edited) 2y
vlwelser @Sargar114 definitely warning Jo about the creepy husband. She doesn't seem to care what he's up to in general. 2y
BookwormAHN I wonder if he's just a jerk or really dangerous. 2y
TheBookHippie @BookwormAHN either a psychotic or a philander ? Or both 😫 or neither, it is Simone. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Richard is straight up predatory. He doesn't hide his disdain for his own family, but I also wonder if he hates the house because he recognizes that people act differently there. 2y
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TheBookHippie
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Morphine addiction and Martin. Not unusual for the situation back then.

Martin-
Thoughts of him now as we know more?

Sargar114 I‘m glad he turned out less creepy; but I still don‘t entirely trust him. It‘s good for Jo to have an ally, but I wonder if he‘s also more involved in either of these mysteries or getting Jo to let go of her search for Alex. 2y
Librarybelle Martin still has secrets, and he definitely seems haunted. Whether or not it‘s from his time in the war, what happens in the house, or both, I guess we‘ll find out. 2y
vlwelser Still not sure about this dude. 2y
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AmyG I am not sure about him either @vlwelser but he just seems like a tortured guy, living with his injuries from the war. He seems decent, but who knows? 2y
BookwormAHN I think it's sad that he seems so reigned to be married, bred and then die. 2y
kspenmoll I think he is a decent man who struggles with addiction- happened back then as people did not understand morphine‘s addictive qualities. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Morphine addiction aside, I'm not getting creepy vibes from him anymore. I can't say we're totally in the clear though. Maybe Fran or the house can possess him while under the influence or the morphine might end up being influential to the plot at some point, like helping Jo cross over temporarily. 2y
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