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  Book Discussion - Huntress Moon by Alexandra Sokoloff

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  ***SPOILER ALERT*** This is an open discussion about the book. Please close this topic is you haven't read Huntress Moon.
  
  Description
  FBI Special Agent Matthew Roarke is closing in on a bust of a major criminal organization in San Francisco when he witnesses an undercover member of his team killed right in front of him on a busy street, an accident Roarke can’t believe is coincidental. His suspicions put him on the trail of a mysterious young woman who appears to have been present at each scene of a years-long string of “accidents” and murders, and who may well be that most rare of killers: a female serial. Roarke’s hunt for her takes him across three states...while in a small coastal town, a young father and his five-year old son, both wounded from a recent divorce, encounter a lost and compelling young woman on the beach and strike up an unlikely friendship without realizing how deadly she may be. As Roarke uncovers the shocking truth of her background, he realizes she is on a mission of her own, and must race to capture her before more blood is shed.
  
  Characters
  Matthew (Matt) Roarke: FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge. He's 6' tall with dark, thick hair and dark eyes.
  
  Huntress: Name Roarke gives to the subject, blonde who wears sleeveless turtlenecks
  
  Damien Epps: FBI agent and one of Roarke's team member and right hand man. He's 6'3" and looks like a GQ model.
  
  Ryan Jones: Roarke's team member
  
  Antara Singh: Roarke's team member
  
  Coleman: Detective, Salt Lake City Homicide
  
  Mark Sebastion: Man at the beach
  
  Jason Sebastian: Mark's son
  
  Wayne Alder: detective, Portland Police Department
  
  Elias Marias: Homeless witness
  
  Chuck Snyder: Retired FBI BAU Supervisory Special Agent
  
  Sister Frances: Supervisor of soup kitchen and director of counseling services for Our Lady of Mercy church in Portland.
  
  Lam: FBI crime scene tech
  
  Stotlemeyer: FBI crime scene tech
  
  Brian Wilson: Police Chief in San Luis Obispo
  
  Sgt. Danner: Blythe PD criminal investigator
  
  Sgt. Saenz: Blythe PD criminal investigator
  
  Steven Torres: Drug user/dealer
  
  Jeffries: Former Blythe Police Chief
  
  Wu: FBI agent
  
  Jay Harrison: Witness
  
  Reynolds: Special Agent in Charge and head of the San Francisco division (FBI)
  
  Edwin Wann: Salt Lake City murder victim
  
  Jet: Stripper in Salt Lake City
  
  John Joseph Milvia: Portland murder victim, nicknamed Preacherman
  
  Kevin Greer: FBI Special Agent, Roarke's team member undercover in a criminal organization

  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) started this discussion 9 months ago. ( reply | permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  The story begins with Agent Greer's death and Roarke witnessing the mysterious blonde woman in a turtleneck. What were your early conjectures about her?  Were you believing her to be a paid assassin?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD (edited)

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    I figured she'd be a main character in the book, but I never did believe that she was a paid assassin. The incident with Greer seemed like an accident. She distracted him and he stepped in front of the truck.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I didn't think that Greer's death was an accident, but neither did I think she was a paid assassin. I felt he was targeted for some reason, I just didn't know what.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I must admit I was sort of buying into the assassin direction because she seemed so cold and methodical and I thought it might be related to his undercover assignment (turns out it was but not how I envisioned it).

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    I thought she killed him, but I wasn't sure why. I didn't think she was a paid assassin, though. I thought it was more personal than that.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  Roarke seemed to have had an unusual connection to the mystery woman from the onset. What do you think of his phenomenon? Is it limited just to the Huntress in your opinion?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    I think with Roarke's background that he would have a deep connection with many people of interest. I think he may have had a stronger connection to her because he followed her story so closely as a kid.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I think the connection began because he saw her kill Greer. Most of the time, law enforcement does not see a killer until he/she is caught. Roarke saw her at the beginning of the investigation and felt that she was involved somehow. Once the connection to the murder of her family became apparent, his connection just became stronger because of his past with the case.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I actually believe he's one of those who have a sixth sense about what they do, very honed in skills that were developed through training and some that are just innate.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    I think it's a combination of Erika and Jonetta. I think his past experiences influenced him to find his natural gift. This gift was honed in the FBI. Then this gift brought a connection back to the event that started it all. It kinda came full circle.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    Very well stated, Jaret.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    Thank you.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  When did you begin to see a connection between the victims?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    When we found out about each of their backgrounds. Knew they weren't good guys to begin with, but didn't know why. I didn't see Greer's connection until we found what the shipment was. I guessed that he had done something bad then.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    There was so much about how undercovers were different people and how they sometimes had to break the law that I assumed almost right away that he had done something, but I thought it would have to do with why he wanted to meet with Roarke (which we never did find out).

    The connection between the other two men became apparent, like Melissa said, when their backgrounds were discussed.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I didn't believe the description of the Huntress being connected was a coincidence so I started trying to figure one out right away. I just had a tough time putting it together with Greer and Preacherman initially. It was pretty far down the road before I was able to make a solid connection in my brain, about the time she killed the truck driver.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  Connecting the victims to the Huntress required some intricate procedural work. What was your opinion of the work overall? Where they ahead of you or were you ahead of their game?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I think for the most part, I was right with them. The victims' connection to the Huntress became apparent to Roarke and the reader when the backgrounds were discussed. The connection was known first, and then the proof had to be found. I don't feel that I was either ahead or behind Roarke.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I was definitely not ahead of them but I was hanging in there pretty well. I thought that Roarke's instincts were enhanced because of his past background as a profiler. I'm not certain another agent without those skills would have taken some of the same paths he took so quickly.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    I was right along for the ride, too. I wasn't behind, but I wasn't ahead either.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    It's not my normal place to be but I enjoyed it in this story.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  The only murder by the Huntress we witnessed as readers from her perspective was that of the trucker at the rest stop. What are your thoughts about this? 

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    Kind of violent compared to her earlier victims. I was a little surprised, but not too much. She had a lot of anger in her that needed to come out sometime. The trucker really had her spooked.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I think it was rather well done. It put you right in her head at a time when she was caught off guard. (As a woman, how many of us have NOT been creeped out by a rest stop bathroom. I know I have!!) I think the suspense was built well, and while grusome, there was not too much time spent on the actual murder. It was more about the build-up and how she felt immediately after the attack.

    Since she was normally so cold about murder, I think "seeing" one of the other murders may have been a little boring. It sounds as if they were very mechanically done.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    The other murders were done proactively and this one, the only one we were privvy to through her eyes real-time, was a reactive situation. I'm still left wondering about her mental process as she decides to target and then executes (pardon the double entendre here) her killing plan. Maybe I'm making things up but this just sits differently with me.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    I agree that this one was probably described because it was so different from the others. The others were planned out ahead of time and she was prepared fully for the situation. This murder caught her by surprise. It was strictly based on survival instinct. This was probably the only murder she was emotionally connected to.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  Were you ever concerned that Mark Sebastian was a potential target of the Huntress? His son Jason?  Why or why not?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    No, I wasn't concerned at all. She really seemed to like Mark and Jason. Especially Jason. Their connection was special. Plus, if she had wanted to hurt them, she would have the first night. There was never any hints that Mark was a bad person like her victims.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I agree with Melissa. I never thought Mark and/or Jason were targets. I did think she had murdered the mother, though.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    So did I, Erika.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I never thought Jason was a target but I sure thought Mark might have been put away a couple of times, especially when she was evaluating how he was responding to her...was he going to make a move on her or be the gentleman. There were a couple of occasions where I thought he was at risk as I didn't see her connecting with him as much as he was connecting with her. For Cara, it seemed it was all about the boy and she was always pretty authentic and honest with him but played a role with Mark.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    I didn't think that Mark or Jason was ever in trouble. She was emotionally connected to Jason because she knew he saw monsters, too. I think she was too attached to him to take away his only protector (his father). I also thought she had killed the mother. Not only for what she had done to him, but also to make sure the father kept full custody. She thought he was good for Jason.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  The Huntress appeared to have a strong, affectionate relationship to Jason. Do you think she has feelings for Mark?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    I think she does. He treated her like no one ever had before. She felt at peace with them both and that was rare for her. I think they would have made a good couple if they had been able to.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I think she did have some feelings for Mark, but I don't think she was capable of the feelings necessary for a lasting relationship. I think the trauma of her early life messed up her ability to correctly connect to other adults.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I think she ended up liking Mark more because of his parenting skills. She got awfully prickly with him when she thought he should have done more to keep Jason away from his mother. Again, I think she was simply role playing with him and I didn't sense an emotional connection.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Donna White Glaser 

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    I don't think she was capable of having feelings for adult males, not with her history. But I think she may have felt ambivalent toward him because of his importance to Jason. To hurt Mark would be to hurt Jason. I think Mark got a pass because of Jason.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    I'm agreeing with Donna on this one. Mark was strictly a tool to protect her from standing out to the police. She wouldn't have stuck around if it wasn't for Jason. I'm not sure she would have killed him, because she didn't perceive him as a "monster", but she would have left him behind without thinking twice about it.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  Why do you think the Huntress spared Mark Sebastian's ex-wife and killed her dealer/pedophile boyfriend instead?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    Yep. I think she did that for Jason. I don't think she wanted him to lose his mom like she did. His mom got was coming to her and that was what the Huntress wanted.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I agree with Melissa that she did it for Jason. At first, I thought she had killed the mother. I think that by killing the boyfriend/dealer, the Huntress exposed a lot of what the mother had done to Jason. This way, Jason still had his mother, but he was now better protected from her.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I was surprised when she turned up alive. I agree with both of you in that she spared the woman for Jason. The Huntress was only trying to protect Jason and killing the boyfriend exposed the mother, which severed her visitation rights.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    Agreed.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  Preacherman was the only victim (that we know of) that does not appear to have had a sexual predator connection. How do you think he got on the Huntress' radar?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    I think it was a chance encounter when he was making his speech. Like they said in the book, some of the things he said lead her to realize what he had planned. Or at least an idea of what he had planned.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I think it was summed up at the end of the book by Jason when he said, "She sees monsters".

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I still think there's more about Preacherman as he was the only one who wasn't a sexual predator. However, with that said, he targeted her pretty aggressively during his blatherings at the public square and that might have put him in her sights. I don't know, I still felt like I was missing something. You make a good point, Erika, about her being able to see monsters and that might be all there is.

    I'm hoping that the next book(s) help us learn more about how her victims crossed her path.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Donna White Glaser 

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    Maybe they recognized the predatory natures in each other. Monster to monster, so to speak.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    I think, like Melissa, that he said something in his speech that got her attention. The homeless man that Roarke interviewed said that most people ignored Preacherman's ramblings, but she was "rapt". She heard something in his words that no one else did.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  When did you begin to suspect that the Huntress had a specific method or mission to her killings?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    From the beginning. It was obvious that she was after bad people. Not just killing randomly.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    Also from the beginning, but at first I thought she was only going after sexual predators. Later I realized that she was going after those who preyed on the weak.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    It wasn't until I learned of her past that I understood her specific mission. Up until that point, I just accepted that she had some sort of driver but I didn't know what it was. Again, I want to learn more about how her victims connected with her initially.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    When we found out about the Salt Lake City victim. Greer was an undercover agent, and she probably thought he had done something. But when I found out that Winn had molested his daughter, I figured she was a vigilante.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  Do you believe the Huntress and Roarke have a unique bond?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    Yes. One reason is because of Roarke's past with her family's case. Second, because, as the Huntress mentioned, Roarke was the only person who had ever seen her (even before they met at her house). Last, and most importantly, they are both hunters and to some extent, they hunt the same prey.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    You've summed it up well, Erika, and I agree with your point of view. I'm also thinking that they have some (pardon my mysticism here) share the ability to sense auras, or least each others.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    yup. I agree with both of you.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  We learn that Cara/Leila is an avenger and her victims to date were predators of a sort. What are your feelings about what she's done? What do you feel should be done with her if she's captured?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD (edited)

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    Killing another person is wrong, but "You go girl!". It's so hard to catch these people that sometimes you wish there was a super hero helping out. If she gets captured she should be punished, but hopefully they will go light on her. She has made their jobs a little easier.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I do agree that she did society a favor, but you can not have vigilanties running around in a lawful society. If she is caught, I think she and society would be best served if she went to a mental hospital to help her deal with what happened and how she has reacted to it.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) (edited)

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    I just have a tough time with vigilanteism, no matter what the circumstances. Even though these were some really bad people, I can't square up with murder, accept for the numnut that was going to assault her in the bathroom at the rest stop. That one seems like self-defense, even as overkill as it was.

    Cara's pretty damaged and there was an insinuation that her therapist might have been inappropriate. I'm hoping that she gets the help she never got.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    I agree that vigilantism is not okay. What if she had made a mistake? What if one of those men were actually innocent? She just killed an innocent person based on her ability to see "monsters." I also agree that a mental hospital is the best place for her. She has the old "the monsters made me do it" excuse. Though in this case, for her it was true.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  Roarke appears to have somewhat complex feelings about Cara.  Has he lost his perspective, dealing with an unusual/paranormal connection or something else? Explain your rationale. 

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    I think he got a bit to involved emotionally. He had studied the case so closely as a child that he felt like he knew Cara. That made it hard for him so see her as a criminal. But, it also may have helped him. She did phone him for help with that last batch of bad guys.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I don't know that he has necessarily lost his perspective. It has definitely changed as the case goes along. I don't know how law enforcement going after this type of criminal can't get emotionally involved. They have to study the way these people act and think. To some extent, they become those people. If they didn't get involved, they would not be effective at their jobs.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I'm not ready to say he's lost his perspective but he was right up on the edge of propriety a couple of times. I believe he has a level of fascination about her because she is unique and because of his obsession as a child with her family's murder. Again, I still believe they have an odd connection because of something extraordinary in both of them.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    I would say he lost his perspective, a little. He's not seeing Cara as a cold-blooded murderer. He's seeing her as a five-year-old little girl. He cannot be unbiased because of his own past with her case.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  Do you believe you know all there was to know about Agent Greer's role in the human trafficking business? Do you believe he had crossed the line in his undercover work?  Why or why not? 

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    All we know it what Cara said. We never did find out the truth behind any of it.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    No. I think there was more to the story than we ever found out.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I agree, that there's a lot more to learn here. Why was Greer SOSing Roarke in the first place, calling for an emergency meeting?

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    I agree. We don't know the whole story here. I also want to know why Greer contacted Roarke.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  Speaking of Greer's death, why do you think the Huntress set it up to look like an accident when the others' deaths were done more brutally and covertly? Do you think she knew he was an undercover agent?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I thought she was following him and she took advantage of the situation. Had the truck not been there, I think she would have found another time and place to kill him in her usual manner. I don't know if she knew he was undercover or not. I don't think it really mattered to her.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    This woman is so methodical in her planning, leaving nothing to chance so I'm still wondering how she pulled this off.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    I also think she took advantage of the situation. She does plan her killings out, but she's also intelligent enough to make use of a good situation, too. I agree with Erika when she said that it wouldn't have mattered to Cara if he was a cop or not. I don't think that question ever crossed her mind.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  What is your opinion of Matthew Roarke? Do you believe he will be drawn back to BAU? 

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    I don't think so. He was a good FBI agent, but the job got to him. He was still having nightmares from it.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I don't know. He hated how involved he became, but as his mentor said, he was a natural and could be one of the best. Hopefully we will find out in sequels! ;)

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I like what he brings to the table in his current role and think it offers him the best of both. I think he will continue to interact with his mentor but I don't think he's going back to Quantico.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    I don't know. I could totally see his mentor using this case to help him resolve his issues and bring him back to BAU. I think he was already beginning to try.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) (edited)

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  What is your opinion of Roarke and Epps as a team?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    I think they made a good team. They worked well together and kept each other focused.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I agree with Melissa. They complimented each other well. I think Roarke was the brains and Eppes was the muscle.

    I do have to say that every time I read the name Eppes, I couldn't help but think of the show Numbers because there was an FBI agent Eppes who ran a team. (That was a gooood show!)

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    Same here, Erika. I kept picturing Epps from the show and had to remind myself that this Epps was not the same guy.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) (edited)

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    I loved that show, too.

    I thought they made a great team because Epps was able to trust Roarke's instincts when they were speculating off path of protocol but at the same time, he made sure the protocols were respected. This allowed Roarke the latitude to pursue the odd directions and boy did Epps sort of save his butt in the end.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Alexandra Sokoloff 

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    I've never seen NUMBERS and wasn't aware there was an Epps on the show. Oh well! You can't possibly know all the names out there.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    NUMB3RS was a show about a mathematical genius named Charlie Eppes whose brother was an FBI agent. He worked with the team to apply mathematical equations to help solve crimes. Here's a link to the show.

    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0433309/

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Alexandra Sokoloff 

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    Oh, I know the show - I know the writer/creators. I've just never seen it! I don't have time to watch TV, so I only get to a couple of shows per year.

    Not that I would have remembered the character names even if I had seen it. As a writer you deal with so very many names you don't even remember your own characters' names. I have a terrible habit of giving characters the same names I used in previous books and not realizing they're dupes.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    It was a really good show and it was really well written. I was upset when it didn't come back. You can tell the writers/creators that they did well with that one!!

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    It was one of my favorites until its death....

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    Me too! It was one of those shows that got everything right; the writing, the casting, ...

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    I agree that they made a good team. They could communicate without words sometimes. This helped them out. Eppes could have complained when Roarke left him behind while he went to Cara's house to find her. He instinctively knew he was being left behind for a good reason (like finding the dead boyfriend and the abuse evidence).

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  The story ends with Cara still at large and Roarke determined to find her. How do you feel about this cliffhanger approach?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    Love when I book this good sets itself up for book 2. Especially when you have such likable characters. I look forward to Cara running Roarke around the county again.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I don't know that you could call this a cliffhanger, per se. I think of cliffhangers as leaving the reader not knowing what is going on. We know that Cara was the Huntress. I just think, as Melissa said, that it is a good setup for future mention of Cara, whether it is the next book or later on in the series.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) (edited)

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    I considered it sort of a cliffhanger because the killer is still at large and there are a myriad of details (as we outlined above) that are still open ended. I want to know where this woman is because she's not ready to stop killing.

    I kind of like having a pull to the next book, as long as it's not contrived just to buy the next book. If the story leads you in that direction, then I'm okay with this as a device.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    That was one of the reasons I liked the book so much. It ended, without really ending.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  Do you see a potential romantic connection between Roarke and Cara?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    No. While I think there were romantic feelings mixed in with other things Roarke was feeling, I think he is too professional to have that kind of relationship with her. Also, as I mentioned above, I don't think Cara is capable of an adult romantic relationship.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I don't know. She's damaged and I don't know if she's salvageable. I think it unlikely that they will have a romantic relationship but I think they will have something, even if it's professional.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Donna White Glaser 

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    Lord, I hope not. I've already seen that in Chelsea Cain's series, and it's depressing to see professionals fostering the sick attractions to the "dark side."

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    No. I think their connection is tied to their past. I think there is an emotional bond (of sorts), but it's not romantic. I think in the end, Roarke will take her down.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  How would you rate the book as a mystery?  Did you have sufficient clues to help you in your ongoing deductions? Were there surprises you didn't anticipate?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    It had some mystery, like with Cara's past and the victims backgrounds. No real big surprises. the suspense part was good.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I thought of this book more of a suspense/thriller than a mystery. We find out almost immediately who the killer is, it becomes a question of why and when will she strike next.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    The mystery for me was in trying to figure out who the Huntress was, the victimology connections and what were her motivations. The suspense, for me, came in not knowing if she was going to harm Mark and, to a smaller degree, Jason (she kept saying he was "the one" and I didn't know if that was symbolic).

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  Where there any standout moments in this story?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I sort of enjoyed the scene at the pier during the Halloween festivities. I also appreciate that Ms. Sokolove actually thought about the fact that Roarke would look suspicious as a lone man watching kids.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I agree that the pier scene was interesting. The scene in the forest where Preacherman had his hidden cabin was a bit riveting. I was surprised at Roarke's instincts there, too.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    I agree with Jonetta on the cabin scene. Not what I was expecting and Roarke's instincts are like no other. Not sure many seasoned officers would have been that observant.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    The ending where Jason is talking about Cara and drawing a picture of the monarch butterflies she took him to see.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  What's your overall opinion of the book?  Do you plan to continue the series when the next book is published?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    I really enjoyed the book. The story was well written and I look forward to book 2.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I thought that the book was very well written and I will be reading #2.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) (edited)

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    I really liked this story and am looking forward to the next one, too. Erika, was this your recommendation? Good one!

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    It was. Thankfully it turned out to be good! ;D

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    jguidry 

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    I loved it! I'm definitely in for book two.

    posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  Any other comments/observations?

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I thought the characters were well developed and had depth. They were not stereotypes and remained true to their characters throughout the story.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    Whole-heartedly agree.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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  Alexandra Sokoloff will be joining our discussion in a few days to answer any questions we may direct to her attention. Please post your questions below.

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

  show 9 replies

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    You write that a second full moon in a month, referred to as a blue moon, is also called a Hunter's moon, which is directly connected to the subject of this story. Is this true?

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    Will this series be solely related to this case/subject?

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    This story is grounded in law enforcement procedurals. How did you develop your material?

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I am sure that now that you have an agent and publisher, it is easier to do research. How did you do your research before you were picked up by a publisher?

    Thank you for taking the time to come answer our questions and discuss your book with us. I think it is wonderful!! I will be purchasing more of your books in the future.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Alexandra Sokoloff 

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    Hi Jonetta – Actually what Snyder says is that the October full moon is a Hunter’s Moon and the second moon is a blue moon, and then he puts those two things together and speculates sort of mystically that the second blue moon in October is a Huntress Moon this month. And yes, it’s true that the October moon is called a Hunter’s Moon by many native and aboriginal cultures, and it’s true that the second blue moon in a month is called a blue moon (although it’s a little more complicated than that, but it’s pretty standard to call that second moon a blue moon.) I’m calling the second book Blood Moon, which is one of the names for a November full moon.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Alexandra Sokoloff 

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    The first three books in the series are going to feature Roarke and Cara, but there will be other cases woven into the stories that take the focus as well. I’m a big fan of Tess Gerritsen and I love how she keeps Maura Isles and Jane Rizzoli in all her books, but always keeps the stories fresh by bringing in strong new character leads who also play a big part in the cases. That’s how the Huntress series is developing for me – there are very strong other characters and issues coming out. After the first three books, though, all bets are off!

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Alexandra Sokoloff 

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    By the way, it's actually a blue moon today/tonight (August 31/Sept. 1 - the actual full of the moon was at 9:30 am today. There won't be another until 2015.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I informed my husband of that last night and he was stunned (astronomy is a hobby of his)! Thanks for helping me look good:)

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Alexandra Sokoloff 

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    Jonetta scores! Yes!

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Alexandra Sokoloff 

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  I think I can take these last two questions, Erika’s and Jonetta’s, at once, since the answers overlap. I was a screenwriter for eleven years before I was a novelist and I wrote and was hired to write mostly thrillers, so I have been researching police procedure, FBI behavioral science methods, and criminal psychology for a very, very long time. I special ordered the FBI textbook on sexual homicide (serial killing) before it was made available to the general public and am always reading books on law enforcement and forensics in my spare time – I really think that researching your genre is a lifetime process.

  Then when my first book (The Harrowing) was published and I started going to the mystery and thriller conventions, I was blown away to find that the bigger cons have day long tracks of law enforcement seminars, workshops and training, so you can interact with professionals from all branches of law enforcement and learn the most recent techniques and developments. Fantastic training! And whenever I can, I do intensives like the Writers Police Academy that I’m attending in September – four days of police academy training tailored specifically for novelists who write about police procedure and law enforcement.

  And to be more specific on Jonetta’s question about THIS material - I have been fascinated with the question of why we don’t see more women serial killers ever since I started reading about sexual homicide. I’ve always wanted to do a book or movie specifically exploring that topic in the context of a nailbiting thriller, and a few years ago I finally saw the way to do it (I have Lee Child to thank, honestly!).

  And thank YOU, Erika, and everyone, for taking the time to answer Jonetta’s fabulous questions. I can’t begin to tell you how helpful it’s being for the second book – you all are stars!

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I really appreciated your having factored Aileen Wurnos in this story because I, like you, have been fascinated about her being the only known serial killer. You provided distinctions, through Roarke, that clarified some issues I've had since her case made headlines. It made this story more relevant.

    And, to say I'm impressed by your training and research doesn't adequately express my reaction after reading the above. It certainly pays off in this story because your characters and the procedurals were so very authentic.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Alexandra Sokoloff 

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    Jonetta, I was actually able to talk to an ex-FBI profiler who had interviewed Wuornos... this was back in 2007, before I even had the idea for HUNTRESS MOON, but I knew I was going to use the information I got from him somehow, somewhere. The things Snyder says about Wuornos are taken from my interview with the profiler.

    And I'm so glad to hear the procedure feels authentic. Of course, I can never be authentic enough, but the ILLUSION of authenticity is so important in this genre. I'm really struggling with the forensics in BLOOD MOON so you've given me hope!

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Alexandra Sokoloff 

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  Erika, I wanted to add that I don't find that it's any easier or harder to do research because I have an agent and publisher. The truth is people LOVE to talk about their work and I've always found that people are incredibly generous with their knowledge. Most times the only thing you have to do is ask and they will happily go on all day. The real key seems to be commitment to your project; once the Universe believes you are committed, all those doors open for you like magic.

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    There's nothing like hands on research/studying, where it's more than flat facts, figures and processes because you get to have that back and forth with your subject, synthesizing all that input.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Alexandra Sokoloff 

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    I totally agree! And I think one of the most useful habits you can get into as an author is to ALWAYS be interviewing people to find out about their jobs, because I guarantee - some day you are going to need to use that in a book somewhere.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Alexandra Sokoloff 

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  And by the way, I'd love to hear what people expect or want to see in a second book! It's such a gift to be able to interact with so many readers at the same time.

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) (edited)

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    I'm hoping that Roarke and Epps are continuing their pursuit of Cara. I'm also expecting Roarke to have some conflicting feelings about this woman. Beyond that, I want to be completely at your mercy with the story, taking me where the characters lead you. You did such a great job with this book, I trust you to create another compelling story with the next.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I have another question for you...you've read our responses to the discussion topics....are we asking the right questions?

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Alexandra Sokoloff 

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  Thanks, Jonetta! Actually, I am - not completely - but very much at the mercy of the characters and where they're leading ME. There are things I have in mind for them but they are constantly surprising me.

  I LOVE the questions so far, and I really love that not everyone sees the dynamics exactly the same way. For example, I am not always sure myself what Cara thinks and feels about Mark Sebastian. I think there's part of her that would like to be safely part of a couple, and another part of her that could lash out and kill him in a moment, in certain circumstances. It's the ambiguity of this story and these character dynamics that keep me fascinated with it.

  And poor Roarke... conflicted is right! This is only going to get more ambiguous and confusing for him.

  I'm also really interested in the discussion about how she chooses her victims, why and how she kills, and how much she knew about Greer. I'm taking LOTS of notes, because you're bringing up so many important points that I need to make sure I deal with in Book 2.

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I really felt that ambiguity with Mark Sebastian, exactly the way you described. He seemed so likable that I was tense the entire time she was with him, as if one wrong word or reaction from him would have evoked a terrible response from Cara.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Alexandra Sokoloff 

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    Well, I think that's a big open question of the story. Can we trust her only to take out people who "deserve it"? How IS she deciding? Is ANYONE really safe around her? Sometimes I think I know, other times I'm not so sure!

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Erika M 

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  I've enjoyed this discussion immensely!! I think it is great that the police actually offer courses for novelists to learn their proceedures.

  I am glad to hear that while Cara will be in the second and third books, that there will be other cases as well. Cara is one of those wonderful "grey" characters that are so fascinating. It would be interesting to know exactly how dirty Greer was and how that will effect Roarke. Roarke was already questioning his judgement since he was the one that sent Greer undercover, even though he had not known him long.

  I'd actually be curious to know what, if anything, Cara actually remembers seeing the night of her family's murder.

  Finally, I like that you are so concerned with the details, like I mentioned above. It is one of the things that not only makes for a good story, but what keeps it believable. I have found it very educational talking with you! Can't wait to hear when the next book will be out.

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

• 

  Alexandra Sokoloff 

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  Erika, it is great, isn't it? Law enforcement agencies are very generous with their time and knowledge. The Writers Police Academy is run by Lee Lofland, a former police officer who is now a writer.

  I really appreciate the feedback on Greer - that's the kind of thread that's easy to drop from one book to another - now I'm making sure I have that covered! And thanks for the note on what Cara remembers seeing - that's an interesting question.

  I'm hoping I'll have Book Two done for a November release but only if it's really finished. I love the flexibility and speed of e books but it has to be right!

  But if you or anyone in the group would be interested in test reading before I put the book out, I'd be really grateful for your comments.

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

  show 4 replies

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    I'd love to! And, if you need the time to get it right...we can wait (if we must):)

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    MelissaD 

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    I'm with Jonetta on this one!

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Alexandra Sokoloff 

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    Wonderful, Jonetta and Melissa, you just made my day!

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

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    I'd LOVE to test read it!!! I too would rather have an author take their time getting a novel out and it being good as opposed to them rushing and the book only being ok.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Alexandra Sokoloff 

  New Title

  

  I'm thrilled! Please send me your direct e mails so I can be sure to get it to you. I'm determined to have a draft in October. I'm having a good working weekend so I'm optimistic! That will of course go away.... ;)

  AXSokoloff@aol.com

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Erika M 

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  Delayed comment... this actually comes from my mom, who is reading the book now.

  The abbreviation of city names is bothering her. (It did bother me a little, but I forgot about it.) I know it must be tedious rewriting the same city name all the time, but maybe when you are done writing the book (assuming you do it on a computer), maybe you could do a find and replace. That way, you could continue to type city initials, but replace them when you are done with the full name of the city.

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

  show 8 replies

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    Alexandra Sokoloff 

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    Erika, that's really interesting, I've never heard that from anyone before. On the West Coast everyone always abbreviates those names for those cities, it's just the way people talk. It would be STRANGE to use the full city names. And law enforcement people, OMG, they use initials for everything!

    You've posed a huge problem, actually. I want to be authentic, obviously, but I didn't know it was actually annoying people who DON'T realize it's authentic. What to do?

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    Which cities are at issue? The only one I remember is L. A. and that's one I always abbreviate:)

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Alexandra Sokoloff 

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    Jonetta, I'm pretty sure Erika and her mom meant SLO and SLC, for San Luis Obispo, CA, and Salt Lake City, Utah.

    I have not spoken the full city names for those particular two places for as long as I can remember. It really is just SLO and SLC, at least in L.A! (And here's something amusing - SLO and SLC have no periods between letters, but L.A. does. Go figure!)

    But I know a lot of residents of SLO and SLC, and they only use those acronyms, too. It must be a West Coast thing.

    You know what, though, I could put in an internal remark by Roarke to EXPLAIN that abbreviation, so people who don't know won't get thrown off.

    This is the MOST EXCELLENT thing about e publishing, that authors can actually correct their mistakes instead of having to live with them. So if anyone has other notes, even little ones, please send them my way. I'll compile them and send them to my formatter and upload a cleaner draft.

    Erika, please tell your mom thank you from me - it really helps!

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Jonetta (Ejaygirl) 

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    You know, I traveled so much for business and must have gotten used to airport city abbreviations that I don't even notice them anymore! I don't even remember these being abbreviated. How odd.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

  • 

    Donna White Glaser 

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    Alexandra, You mention e-publishing and it sounds like you have control over going in and making revisions. Did you self-publish Huntress Moon?

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Alexandra Sokoloff 

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    Jonetta, I'm sure you're used to hearing it the way I'm hearing it. Some cities seem to lend themselves to abbreviation.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Alexandra Sokoloff 

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    Donna, yes, Huntress Moon is the first thriller I've e published. (I've e published a couple of non-fiction workbooks based on my writing blog and the workshops I teach, Screenwriting Tricks for Authors.(http://screenwritingtricks.com) and a very dark YA thriller , The Space Between.

    E publishing Huntress Moon was the best decision I've EVER made - I've made more money and I'm pretty sure reached more readers than I ever did with any one of my five traditionally published thrillers, and that's just in two months. Incredible, really! But other author friends who started out at the same time I did and have switched to e publishing are seeing the same results. It's a whole different universe.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Donna White Glaser 

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    I'm glad to hear it. I'm happy with self-publishing as well, but I'm always surprised when I hear traditionally published authors taking that plunge. But it shows you have an adventurous spirit, which comes through in your writing. I'm looking forward to more Huntress books.

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Donna White Glaser 

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  I didn't mind the abbreviations but I admit to skipping over them. I'm in northern Wisconsin, so I wouldn't have been able to connect them to their proper cities without really stopping and thinking about it, or detouring to Google them. It didn't stop my reading or enjoyment, though.

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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  Alexandra Sokoloff 

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  This is just golden feedback. I will definitely have Roarke explain (meaning - think about!) the abbreviations, it's a completely easy and natural thing for him to do. It makes sense that on the West Coast where we have so many multiple word Spanish and Mexican city names that we abbreviate. Plus, it's just that casual lifestyle. But Roarke's an observant kind of guy and that makes it easy for him to mentally comment on things and bring the reader along.

  I love it!

  posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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    Erika M 

    New Title

    

    I've never been that far west, so I didn't realize everyone abbreviates. In NJ, Newark Airport was just always Newark Airport, not EWR for its call letters. But down here in FL, the city of Orlando is Orlando, but you often hear people refer to the airport as OIA (Orlando International Airport), which happens to be its designated abbreviation. Always fascinates me how people from different areas speak differently (i.e. soda, pop, coke, cola, etc.).

    posted 9 months ago. ( permalink )

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