Metsy's Book Club - BLACK SILK

(March 2006, Mira Books)

What is your impression of Charlotte (Charlie) Le Blanc's character as the story starts off? What do you think makes her tick? How do you feel about Cole Stratton's character? Did you consider him to be the ideal hero? What are some of the most important qualities that an ideal hero should have, in your opinion? All the characters, both primary and secondary, add depth and originality to this novel. Each has strengths and weaknesses. Which character's strengths did you most admire? Why? What did you think of this character's weaknesses (if you noticed any)? Why does Charlie feel guilty about what happened to her sister, Emily? How has this guilt affected her work and her character? Have you experienced the death of a sibling or someone who was as close as a sibling? How did it affect your outlook in life? What impact has Emily's death had upon the relationship between Charlie and her younger sister, Anne? What did you think about the scene where Charlie and Cole meet for the first time? What impressions did you get from the tension between them from this meeting and also from the second time they meet - early the next morning on Cole's doorstep? Did you have a good hunch about who was behind the murders or were you left guessing? Were you surprised to discover who the killer was? Share your opinion on this person's personality. Cole admits the only reason he stays in touch with his father is because of his half siblings. What are his feelings for his brothers and sister? What is Cole's relationship like with his father? Why does he feel the way he does about the older man? How does that in turn make you feel about Cole? Vincent Kossak - describe his character. What did you think of him? What did you think of JP Stratton? Know anyone like him in real life? How has Charlie's character grown by the end of the novel? New Orleans - What sort of picture did the setting for this book paint in your mind? Did the author bring the setting alive for you? Have you been to New Orleans? Before or after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina? What was the best scene in this novel, in your opinion? Please elaborate. If you could use only one word to describe this book, what would it be? (Try to come up with an original response in comparison to the members of your readers group.)

I hope you'll consider BLACK SILK for your group. You can also visit me online at www.metsyhingle.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Hugs,

Metsy