Comment from robyn corum

Excellent

Tony,

Hey, friend! First things first-did I see that you just had a birthday??? If so, I'm sorry I missed it, but I sincerely hope it was marvelous and shared with all the best people in your life.

Happy Birthday!!

Now I know I've missed some parts, and that may explain the next section, but I didn't get this at all:
--> "Lacroix? What a coincidence. Wasn't that the name of Monsieur le Curé? Father Pierre Lacroix," I said.
--> perhaps:
-->"Lacroix? What a coincidence. Wasn't that the name of Monsieur le Curé--Father Pierre Lacroix?" I said.

Otherwise, I'm still enjoying this series and I'm cheering you on. Thank you!

 Comment Written 29-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 29-Sep-2018

First of all, thank you very much, Robyn, for your birthday wishes! Two and a half months early, but much appreciated all the same!

Thanks for dropping by to review. I like your suggested punctuation change and will incorporate it.

The priest at the church in Versailles was called Pierre Lacroix. He didn't take to Charles at all, and the feeling was mutual. Helen, of course, had him wrapped around her little finger. He explained the church's views on prostitutes in a way that led to the follow-up comments here! While there, they discovered a clue in the unconsecrated section of the graveyard. That is now leading them towards Giverny to interview a man who, by all accounts, is a perverted gardener with a white streak in his hair.

Comment from rspoet

Exceptional

Hello Tony,
Ah, all the world's a dream, but some dreams are much more intriguing than others.
From the romantic table overlooking the Seine, to the magic carpet of Scheherazade.
Exotic and teasing, Helen knows exactly when to start and when to stop, "why spoil a beautiful evening."
Exceptionally well written chapter, most enjoyable.
Robert

 Comment Written 29-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 29-Sep-2018

Thanks, Robert. Fairy tales have their place, even in times of tragedy. Perhaps especially in times of tragedy! However, I have a feeling that this fairy tale is about to end rather abruptly, at least insofar as Helen is concerned. I'm glad you enjoyed this unscheduled stop - a device that allows Helen's story to unfold a little further.

Comment from Pam (respa)

Exceptional

-Nice image, Tony, and a good chapter.
-I like the receptionist's reply
about Helen being Charles's niece;
a nice touch of humor.
-Of course, Helen has one of
her usual retorts.
-The imagery in the paragraph,
"The gourmet meal..." is excellent:
"The setting sun bathed the river in gold."
-You have a way of describing restaurants,
food, and scenery that paints vivid word pictures.
-It sounds like Helen's story is
going to change from 'magic carpets'
to more harrowing details from her past,
but she is not ready to face that yet.
-A good chapter to give the lighter side of things.

 Comment Written 29-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 29-Sep-2018

Many thanks for the extra star, Pam, and the kind comments. You are right - I think we are about to see some darker twists in the tale of Helen's flight from Pakistan.

reply by Pam (respa) on 29-Sep-2018

You are very welcome and deserving of the stars and review, Tony. You gave a good clue at the end.

Comment from GinnieD

Excellent

In the End of Chapter 3, "Michael" comes across as very helpful. Perhaps this is a bit of foreshadowing as the Domaine de la Corniche was rumored to have been built by exploitation, to the point of genocide, of Congolese people. Seems the relationship between Caroline Lacroix and King Leopold was a forbidden one only a powerful ruler could abscond with. "Charles" and "Helen" share a fabulous meal. Then, it seems Fantasy takes over and their adventure is full of make believe with magic carpets and fairies. Granted, I have not read any other parts of this book so I will chalk that up to perhaps this was explained elsewhere in the tale. Anyway, readers will want them to enjoy their night flight together. Structurally found no errors.

 Comment Written 29-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 29-Sep-2018

Thanks, Ginnie. This one was probably a bit hard to follow without having read Chapter 12. Thanks anyway for dropping by to review. I appreciate your comments. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from krys123

Excellent

Cheers Tony;
> Sounds like Charles is a dirty old man or a very horny one and I think Helen is just as bad. They definitely are joining each other to some extent.
> The way you nonchalantly and romantically induce the atmosphere between them is mostly like to be young 16-year-olds. He gives that auraOn feel to your writing. Almost youngish!
>He was a dirty old man having 16 mistresses and a woman(Caroline Lacroix) who is 16 and him being 66. That's not a dirty old man that's a very old corpse! of course I'm 66 and 67 in October. How time flies sometimes I forget what genreration I grew up in.
>I like the dry humor which is quite effective in this type of story.
> Thanks a lot Tony for sharing and posting and take care and have a good one my friend. Looking for your next installment.
Alx

 Comment Written 29-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 29-Sep-2018

Thanks, Alex. I appreciate the comments. Thanks for your continued interest! All the best, Tony

reply by krys123 on 01-Oct-2018

You're very welcome, Tony.
Alx

reply by krys123 on 01-Oct-2018

You're very welcome, Tony.
Alx

Comment from ciliverde

Exceptional

Just gorgeous, Tony, I really do enjoy your chapters so much. Thanks for reminding us that Charles is 15 years older than Helen, which I had forgotten - although I knew he was older. Helen's story is as mysterious and exotic as she seems to be. Is Charles in over his depth, or is this the beginning of a beautiful love story?
Carol

 Comment Written 28-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 29-Sep-2018

Thanks, Carol. I appreciate your positive comments and six-star award. Most generous! This certainly does seem to be turning into something of a love story at the moment, despite the age difference. All the best, Tony

Comment from Gloria ....

Excellent

Haaa, I got quite a chuckle out of Charles dismissal of the supposition. But I suppose it's out there now, and what a delightful idea it is.

And another one with the receptionist. It just keeps coming.

Oh and so romantic to have dinner served on the balcony overlooking the River Seine.

A wonderful chapter, Tony. :)

Gloria

 Comment Written 28-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 29-Sep-2018

Thanks, Gloria. I appreciate your positive comments and continued interest! All the best, Tony

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Another great chapter, Tony. I like that you make everything fall into place even this "accident" that leads to an amazing dinner and more fairytale like childhood stories from Helen.

Questions:
"All fixed. If you are happy to wait " (what was fixed? Michael was going to fix the car in the morning.)
Why 'Michael' and not 'Michel?'

 Comment Written 28-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 29-Sep-2018

Thanks, Helen. I appreciate your positive comments. Thanks for your continued interest! You are right - Michel is the French equivalent of Michael and I should probably change it. I had already changed 'fixed' to 'arranged' at the suggestion of another reviewer, but accidentally cut-and-pasted the old version into the Chapter 13 lead-in. Now corrected. I appreciate your keen eye! All the best, Tony

Comment from royowen

Excellent

Nicely written again Tony, your saucy encounters between Helen and Charles are causing a buzz with, at Least between charlescand the reptionist. Kayla and Helen had parted company in India, where I'd Kayla now? Well done my friend, Blessngs, Roy

 Comment Written 28-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 29-Sep-2018

Thanks, Roy. I appreciate the comments. Thanks for your continued interest! Kayla and Helen are still together in Pakistan, but become separated later in the story. All the best, Tony

reply by royowen on 29-Sep-2018

Well done

Comment from Debbie Pope

Excellent

I love the history and legends of this chapter. The chapter does not move the plot along, but it is delightful nevertheless. The mention of Father Pierre Lacroix raises possibilities for future plot development. Otherwise, this is a wonderful aside in the mystery.
I enjoyed it totally.

 Comment Written 28-Sep-2018

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reply by the author on 28-Sep-2018

Thanks for your review and comments, Debbie. Most helpful, and much appreciated. Best wishes, Tony