Canuk

This is where I tie myself in knots: yep, a bad ending can ruin the "journey". and, possibly knowing that a story has a really idiotic ending would made the journey less interesting. for me a succesful ending doesn't mean I need to feel good about it - provided the ending makes some internal sense. In your example of "saving the world then dying", it can work if its true to the story. Charles Dickens Tale of Two Cities for e.g anyone who predicted that ending either cheated or was Dicken's beta reader! so I'll modify my initial statement: knowing the ending should not affect the story IF the story (including teh ending, is well written.

people who worry that they can't have headings because they'd "know the ending" worry me. Reading is NOT about the ending, its the journey.Perhaps this is a sign of age. Gen whatever (under 30), learn, experience the journey; it adds to the pleasure, the excitment and the result. Chapter names (aka C James) are great. but then "Mark Arbour" doesn't use them and his stories are great!, so either way, it's the writing that counts....

I read the reviews here and then had to read the last couple of chapters again - some reviewers seem to have read a different version to me.... perhaps because of the time difference between Darwin, Australia and just about anywhere else in the world.... to date we have only seen what Davina could do and we understaood that Freddy was involved if not the driving force. It is only the last couple of chapters where we have seen that Davina driven by frustration (sexual, social and political) feels she had to do. We also saw that Freddie, far from being a evil, is a very repressed, self hating miserable bastard who has not been able to satisfy his wife. As for the people wishing you back on Paternity..... nope - George is my man and I am oh! so happy if you keep serving him up to me!

no court case, no charges, no legal ramifications at all. This is all about family and family will fix it. with luch Davina will be exciled to the south shetlands with a broomstick for company and Freddy will find a good woman that can massage his "self esteem" back to what it should be. That, dear Clydee, is 19th century justice and it has a nice ring to it, eh?

well Davina is a good hater, I'll say that for her. Ok, so she was frustrated, but still you need to have a twist deep inside to think what she planned was in any way rational. As for Freddie - the very definition of a fop. It's unfortunate that he he's about 50 years late in terms of being at the height of fashion. I know I am projecting here but imagine being Freddy and surviving your teenage years, your twenty's and thirty's without an erection; that's an awful lot of missed pleasure!

ditto - 640,000 acres, 38 windmills and 16 trees 10 hours drive west of Sydney - plenty of hiding places if you need one!

I, too, am now a little more terrified of upsetting those texas lad. Mark, I can see that you have a seriously long list of just how to make people uncomfortable. Please give me one warning shoudl I piss you off - I promise I'll apologise..... In fact if I start apologising now, can I build up credit for a possible future indiscretion???? great twist to the story - mind you from the moment he got the letter, i was suspicious......

Mark, something has happened with this story and with George in particular. I have always loved the story and admired your writing, and somehow over the last 4 or so chapters you have taken it to a new high. I am in awe of your control over the characters, the plot and the tone of the stories - simply wonderful and a joy to read.

I was beginning to wonder how long you could keep this level of output up..... but then you seem a stayer ;-)

Mark you are one awesome author: the twists in this story are simply fantastic. I can almost feel the life drained out of George as his flames all seem to flicker - only Chrtley seems to be able to spur him on. I have afeeling his reading of his brother and Davina off to Bermuda is far closer to the mark than his fathers opinion.... Caroline confuses me; I know he's a Prince, but is he really worth giving George up for? It seems her useful political nouse has left her completely...... Keep on - I am REALLY enjoying this!

that woman should be running a large legit corporation: the contacts, the organisational ability, the sheer cunning, and more luck than any lottery winner! Great read!

nothing worse than adding a comment and then realising one is an entire chapter out! <sigh> so we'll prentend that the comment I have just scrubbed was never made!

deep sigh Mr james, in Australian terms you are a right bastard! you leave us for two weeks, then wind us up like clocks and...... I sincerely hope there is a special circle of hell for writers of your talent!

elegant depiction of the battle. at least our boy got a prize!! having read the "interview" I have a new understanding of our author........

pet peeve: people who don't understand that conversation is more about listening than talking.

"I'll save you the trouble my backup weapon is on my right calf ..." cunning. Fancy leaving the diamond behind.... Just hope its a fake! re the delay, you are forgiven...almost! Happy NewYear, looking forward to more!

The GREAT thing about living in AUstralia is not only the Christmas come first IT ALSO COMES BACK FASTER!!!! :-) Now back to the question at hand..... Bugger Basingstoke (It only works in Australian - it's rather rude in North American), The issue raise above re people who raise issues are "allegators... Only works in Miami, in Australia we have crocodiles, so it sort of misses...... (and as we know the world starts and probably revolves around Australia) And the Cliffhanger Crown... as my sons would say Nah Der (not sure what it means, but it's said often), CJ the crown is yours, & yours alone...... so just suck it up! (and keep on writing!!!! Love to all

HAPPY new Year Mr Arbour.... what a splendid beginning...... :-)

I would have like my Dad for Christmas, however he died Christmas eve. And nothing much else made up for that.... sorry to be such a downer

Just read Paternity 4. I really cannot cope with how these kids treat each other, their parents and any one else around them. They are all just so plain nasty. Perhaps this is how things are but even allowing for dramatisation, it just is not any reality I have ever encountered.

Fully understood, doesn't stop us pyning (pining?) for more of grainger's arse (ass in American - happy to have it either way!!)

that spy in the sky worries me.... just hope he gets "taken out" before he causes trouble..... Loving the story.

Interesting question whether becoming parents early is a good thing or not. Frankly I am SO glad I had both my sons before I was 25. at that age I was yound enough that they didn't cramp my style too much, but now so many of my friends that waited to have children are now in their late 40's/50's trying to do things with toddlers/pre-teens attached. And I sincerely pity those children going through puberty as their mothers go through menopause......

Please, Sir, could I have some more?

Hmmm the flaw in Ms Bridget's plan would seem to be the next workday morning whne a member of the police force, a senior member of a high level squad at that, goes missing AND that the known "best friend" seems to be somewhat emotionless at the disaapearance...... I think this one act has strated the unravelling of Ms Bridget's life and empire. Just hope it all happens before Basingstoke does his thing...... glad the children made it to Australia without difficulty...... Hope none of them dies......