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Dramatic,
Confusing,
Insightful

4 reviews

13 1/2
by Nevada Barr

Published: 2009-09-29
Hardcover : 320 pages
20 members reading this now
6 clubs reading this now
1 member has read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 3 of 4 members
In 1971, the state of Minnesota was rocked by the ?Butcher Boy? incident, as coverage of a family brutally murdered by one of their own swept across newspapers and television screens nationwide.

Now, in present-day New Orleans, Polly Deschamps finds herself at yet another lonely crossroads ...

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Introduction

In 1971, the state of Minnesota was rocked by the ?Butcher Boy? incident, as coverage of a family brutally murdered by one of their own swept across newspapers and television screens nationwide.

Now, in present-day New Orleans, Polly Deschamps finds herself at yet another lonely crossroads in her life. No stranger to tragedy, Polly was a runaway at the age of fifteen, escaping a nightmarish Mississippi childhood.

Lonely, that is, until she encounters architect Marshall Marchand. Polly is immediately smitten. She finds him attractive, charming, and intelligent. Marshall, a lifelong bachelor, spends most of his time with his brother Danny. When Polly's two young daughters from her previous marriage are likewise taken with Marshall, she marries him. However, as Polly begins to settle into her new life, she becomes uneasy about her husband's increasing dark moods, fearing that Danny may be influencing Marshall in ways she cannot understand.

But what of the ominous prediction by a New Orleans tarot card reader, who proclaims that Polly will murder her husband? What, if any, is the Marchands? connection to the infamous ?Butcher Boy? multiple homicide? And could Marshall and his eccentric brother be keeping a dark secret from Polly, one that will shatter the happiness she has forever prayed for?

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

1. If you discovered everything about your life was false, who would you be? What would you do with your life?

2. If evidence poured in that the person you loved deeply and believed you knew intimately was, in fact, a monster, a killer, a would you believe it? Would you believe your feelings?

3. If evidence poured in that you had committed crimes you did not remember how would you react?

4. What, in your life, is certain, set in concrete, unassailable?

5. Is there anyone you love enough to stand by them NO MATTER WHAT?

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

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Book Club Recommendations

Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
  "13 1/2 by Nevada Barr"by Lora Glass N. (see profile) 03/04/10

Those in the club that were Anna Pigeon fans found it somewhat darker and harder to get into. However there were some including myself that throughly enjoyed it. Loved the psychological intrigue as well... (read more)

 
  "13 1/2"by Kellie B. (see profile) 07/30/11

Our group reached the conclusion that this was very fictional. The writing was somewhat choppy and disjointed. However, it was entertaining and had a happy ending :)

 
  "To Predictable"by Regenia D. (see profile) 06/10/10

Last year I read a book by Ann Granger with this type of storyline that was better written and had me guessing until the end. I figured this ending out what was going to happen before the trial.

 
  "13 1/2"by Marsha M. (see profile) 04/14/10


I found this much darker than her previous novels--almost "Stephen King" dark and graphic. However, it was an interesting read and a psychological thriller. I do prefer her previous works better.

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