- Given the constraints of their culture, were the women of Fergus right to insist on shooting against the men at the box social? In what other ways do the women show their independence in this story?
- Was it unwise to allow the single young women to put their lunches in an auction attended by all sorts of men, some of whom were known ruffians? Should the organizers have taken steps to make the picnic safer and more pleasant for the women? Would the women have let them?
- Hiram Dooley is a quiet man who believes it’s better to be silent than to put your foot in your mouth. Are there times when Hiram should have spoken up, but didn’t?
- Gossip plays an important and harmful role in this story. How are Trudy and Isabel hurt by the gossip? How can the Ladies’ Shooting Club enjoy their fellowship without letting their tongues harm others?
- Ethan bides his time in courting Trudy, to the point of exasperating Hiram, who is also a slow mover. How does his delay hurt Trudy? Is there a right time to act? What can you do if you feel you’ve missed the ideal moment to strike in a sensitive situation?
- Rose feels that Hiram and Trudy have grieved too long. They are uncomfortable when she decides to appropriate Violet’s clothing. How have you handled disposing of a dead loved one’s belongings? Would you keep quiet, as the Dooleys did, and let Violet’s sister have her things?
- How does Libby’s secret grief over her childlessness color her memories of Mary Fennel? Should she have told Isabel what her mother said to her in the past?
- The five friends, Hiram, Libby, Trudy, Ethan, and Griffin, agree never to reveal Isabel’s past to her. Are they right in doing this? If not, at what point should they tell her?
- Though Hiram and Libby have been acquainted about twelve years, there is much they still don’t know about each other. What issues should they discuss before they enter marriage?
- Ethan berates himself for handling the siege at the Martin Ranch badly. What could he have done differently? If you were sheriff, how would you have approached the situation?
- Even though Bitsy and Augie stop serving liquor, some of the church members still hesitate to enter the former saloon. How do various shooting club members show their support to the Moores, Vashti, and Goldie?
- The people of Fergus often base their evaluation of one another on appearances and clothing. How did appearance affect Cyrus’s first impression of Rose? Rose’s impression of Bitsy? How do you avoid passing judgment based on outward appearance?
More about Susan Page Davis
Susan is a native of central Maine and grew up on a small farm. She and her husband, Jim, live in western Kentucky. Susan has over 80 books published. Click HERE to learn more about Susan.
Customer Reviews
Rosie the Riveter had Nothing on These Women
It’s a great story, well-told. I can’t wait for the next volume.
Auntie Em
Robin Bunting
My attention and interest were captured from the first paragraph.
Robin Bunting
Who Done It?
A flea market find has a mystery of its own. This is a great Book!
Zeta Books
10 Stars
Adventure, excitement, courage, encouragement all live inside these pages.
Connie R.
Engrossing and Sweet
This story, set just prior to America’s entry into WW1, got me hooked right off the bat.
Dana Carrier
Deciding If God’s Real
This is a really intense story with some romance. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
Ginny
One of the Best Novella Collections from Barbour
Well paced, well written, and not a dud in the bunch – a new favorite among the Barbour collections.
Yvette - Bookworlder
Wonderful Reading
Good story plot and character development with just enough twists and turns to make it interesting without making it stressful.
Donna
Mrs. Davis’s Writing Is Outstanding
The writing in this book made me feel as though I was a ride along during police work being done.
Robin Bunting
An engaging read
The book’s pace and storyline kept me interested and guessing until the end.
Jonelle Nielson
I Loved the Twists and Turns
I love the history that gets woven into the story.
Sharon Chadbourne
Unique Writing Style!
Very imaginative! I liked how clean the books were and enjoyed the characters.
R Wyatt
Riveting Historical Romance
… an excellent read for those who enjoy learning about this challenging time for settlers in American history.
Kindle Customer
The Characters Are Incredible
From book 1 through book four the characters in this series are incredible.
Cathi Rogerson
Wonderful Story
As I read the final page and closed the cover, I shut my eyes and sighed. What a wonderful story.
Sally
Standing on Faith in God
The historical details of life in the late 1600s are accurate and interesting.
Sharon Kiesel
Excitement at Every Turn
Many things must come together for a happily ever after. Good book.
Sherry Welch
The Priority Unit Wins Again!
The attention to detail is amazing and her knowledge of Maine geography is incredible.
Nancy Bean
Wholesome Romance
I highly recommend this book to all. It was such a sweet romance. It could become the next Hallmark movie!
Jennifer
Loved this one!
I enjoyed the setting, I loved the characters, and the plot and suspense were first class.
Connie R.
Uplifting in Difficult Circumstances
Susan Page Davis is a long-time favorite author, and The Suspect Bride didn’t disappoint. Five stars.
Iola
Riveting
I was so thoroughly hooked I had to read the book in one sitting. (Well, not literally.)
Elizabeth H. Bantz
Recommended!
Refreshing, suspense, a little of everything a good book needs.
WJ Shimer
When things go wrong . . .
Amy and Tom Barkley are wonderful main characters, and it was fun to see how they learned to get along with each other!
Marniana
Super!
Oh my goodness, another terrific book in the Maine Justice series.
Robin Bunting
Enjoyable Mystery
BREAKING NEWS is a wonderful small town mystery with hints of a budding romance and characters the reader will love.
Cynthia Hickey
My Favorite So Far By Susan
Would definitely recommend this as a good read to any of my friends!
Keva
Wonderful Glimpse into History
Susan takes real historical happenings and weaves a credible story around them.
Paula S.
Six Stars?
The characters all grabbed me from the beginning and I loved following them through each of the books.
Gwen
Great Book!
The storyline pulls you in from the start and keeps you there until the end.
Plib
Romantic Suspense that Is Truly Romantic
The romantic element and suspense were intricately woven together.
Michelle Sutton
Suspenseful Read
I’ve stayed up late reading until I fall asleep at least twice because the story was so good.
Janek
Review of The Labor Day Challenge
All the characters are very believable, the solving of the murder, challenging.
Sharon Kiesel