Pre Group Discussion

Have you read any books by Brad Meltzer previously? What are you expecting, or hoping for, from the book?

I've previously read The Book of Lies, which I read in September 2013 and gave 3.5 stars. I seem to remember enjoying it and it being linked to Cain and Abel and the creation of a Superman(?). If I remember correctly it involved the creator of 'the Superman' being murdered.

I'm hoping to find a book that holds pace and tension, a sequence of clues that are linked in historical events and that not too out there!

>2 Andrew-theQM:
I have not read Brad Meltzer before. I'm looking forward to reading this one. I like the historical aspects of the Masons and Thomas Jefferson. I've visited Thomas Jefferson's house at Montecello near Charlottesville in VA. Jefferson was quite remarkable with his wonderful inventions. I liked his way of copying documents. While he was writing, he had another pen and paper attached to his and it would duplicate what he wrote. Besides composing the Declaration of Independence, he also founded the University of Virginia. Jefferson (a Democratic Republican who favored the states' rights) and John Adams (a Federalist who favored a strong centralized government) died on the same day on July 4th, 1826 (50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence). They were arch enemies but became friends during the latter part of their life. Jefferson also didn't like Alexander Hamilton who favored a central banking system.

>3 EadieB: I hope to find out more about Thomas Jefferson in this book. Very interesting that John Adams and Jefferson died on the same day, wasn't aware of this. I enjoyed the John Adams mini-series that was aired a few years ago.

When Adams died he said "Thomas Jefferson survives" not knowing that Jefferson had died a few hours before.

Oh dear!

I haven't read any of his books but I did enjoy the television show he hosted on the Learning channel or The History Channel...can't recall which it was...called "History Decoded". My mother has read all of books and loves them but then we often disagree on reading material. I'm very interested in history so have high expectations for this one.

I'm almost certain I've read Meltzer before, but it would be some time back and can't remember which book, (pre-Shelfari, before I started keeping tabs on what I read).

I simply want an enjoyable read...

>8 Sergeirocks:
I have a feeling that Andrew is traveling back from his holiday or maybe he had to go to work today but I'm sure we will hear from him soon.

>9 EadieB: I'm here! Out of Wifi range where we are staying at the moment but will pop in each day to post questions when I get to somewhere with a signal. Also hunkering down as had 24-36 hours of strong gale force winds, but made for great wave action!

>10 Andrew-theQM:
Glad you're safe! Gotta watch out for those Scottish winds if they are anything like Peter May and Ann Cleeves writes about!

Based on the last 24 hours they are. The Motorhome was rocking all night during the worst of it but as I said fabulous sea views!

Sounds scary but beautiful sea views make up for the scary part. Glad to hear you didn't blow away!

Hi everyone. I just checked into the rental in Palm Springs and have internet for the first time in a week. Hope to start reading tomorrow and catch up with you! It's really, really hot here. It has a nice pool though. We always come in August to catch the reasonable prices.

>14 Olivermagnus: Sounds like you'll be making a lot of use of that pool to keep cool, Lynda.

I planned to join you but my vacation is getting in the way. I'll catch you in the next discussion.

>16 Olivermagnus: Have a great time. See you soon.

Just got back from a couple days away. Thought I'd have some reading time, but I was wrong. I am hoping to catch up today though, so far, from what I've read, it seems like a great book.

>18 Jen_Bartels: We'll be here waiting Jen.

>16 Olivermagnus: Enjoy your vacation Lynda.

>16 Olivermagnus: I think we can let you off Lynda - we'd probably do the same if we were holidaying in Palm Springs. Enjoy!

>18 Jen_Bartels: we're not too far ahead, Jen. You're right about the book - it's another good one.

I'm a little behind. I just finished the 3rd section. I babysat today until 1:30 then left for the beach house because my husband's brother and his wife are staying with us until Saturday. Hopefully, I can keep up but if I'm late with the answers to the questions, you'll know why. Looks like vacation time is a hard time for group reads.

I've been running behind as well...busy at work. Just finished section 3 and am going to answer the questions over lunch at work so I can read Section 4 when I get home tonight...lol

>22 bhabeck: It is definitely an all encompassing book!

Very much engrossed in the story.

Please note, once again we have a missing question if you order them by topic, it is question 6L. Order the questions by last message to see this hidden question.

Posted this in the Bug Collectors group

In our book discussion groups, the Mystery and Suspense group discusses various questions throughout a specific reading section. In the last 2 discussions, we've noticed that one of the topics is missing when the list is ordered by topic. However the topic shows up when it is ordered by most recent response (I'm sure there's another one that then goes missing but it doesn't matter at that point). The topic that goes missing is the one that SHOULD be at the top of the next page (instead of 6L, 6M, 6N it goes 6L, 6N). Thoughts?

I notified Loranne directly last time and didn't get a response so thought I'd do it this way this time

Thanks for doing this, will be interesting to watch for a response.