Comment from Jessica Wheeler

Excellent

This was so good! Great use of language and so many details to build the story on. That closing line made me laugh, too. It was perfect!
Awesome addition to the story!
Xo
Jess

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2025

Comment from Neonewman

Excellent

This is an excellent addition to this already incredible story. I particularly enjoyed the bartender, owner Joe, and how he got the nickname Corky. I hope to see more of corky in the following few chapters.
God bless,
Steve

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2025

Comment from LJbutterfly

Excellent

I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the original story. You cleverly incorporated elements from all 3 of the previous chapters, and featured additional characters and dynamic building blocks to carry the story forward. Chapter 4 creatively continues the mystery.

(What is a double sawbuck)?

 Comment Written 24-Feb-2025

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reply by the author on 24-Feb-2025

Thank you very much. The chapter you wrote and the 2 others were fantastic and I was proud to be able to contribute.
A "double sawbuck" is $20. A sawbuck is old slang for a $10 bill, named so due to the resemblance of the Roman numeral X (ten) to the crossbars of a sawbuck (or sawhorse).
I still remember when a "sawbuck" was a lot of money! It's like $100 now.

Comment from Jim Wile

Excellent

Loved your addition to the story, Neil. You've certainly mastered the noir genre of dialogue and narrative.

Great story of how Joe McGonigal got his nickname. I just submitted a chapter that tries to pull things together with a past history of how we are at this point in the story. I see "Corky" as possibly becoming a main character if people pick up where I left it.

The story is back on track now after a couple of chapters that didn't follow the rest were removed. If you think of contributing more, you may want to write them in past tense rather than present tense to match the rest.

 Comment Written 24-Feb-2025

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reply by the author on 24-Feb-2025

Thanks Jim. I love what you added too!!!

Comment from Begin Again

Excellent

Marvelous continuation! You told a story within the story and kept the reader entertained throughout. I'd for got about those Florsheim shoes...I believe my ex (years ago) wore a pair of shiny blue ones. LOL You kept the style of the 40's and held the door wide open for the next person to put their take on the story. Well done and I thank you for joining in.
Smiles, Carol

 Comment Written 23-Feb-2025

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reply by the author on 23-Feb-2025

Thank you Carol
I'm so glad you think it fits in. That was so much fun. Can't wait to see where this goes! Neil

Comment from Rachelle Allen

Excellent

YESSSSSS!!! You nailed it!! And I LOVE how you brought the strawberry shortcake back to the forefront of our readers' minds!! SUCH good work!!

You kept it fun and fast-paced and also quite edgy in that noir-perfect way! Thank you for taking my chapter forward with such panache and aplomb! This could not have been better!! xoxox

 Comment Written 23-Feb-2025

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reply by the author on 23-Feb-2025

I'm so glad you liked it. Thanks again for asking me. It'll be fun to see where this goes! Neil

reply by Rachelle Allen on 23-Feb-2025

I know, won't it!! Encourage anyone who reviews you to join in the fun! I so love to see this as a huge success for Carol! xoxoxo

Comment from Michael Ludwinder

Excellent

I really enjoyed reading this chapter! I enjoyed Ethan's laid back attitude. The way you introduced Mama George and the redhead kept me hooked. I also loved that funny story with Joe Corky! Your descriptions are excellent. This book with all the authors is enjoyable. Can't wait to see what happens next in this wild ride.

 Comment Written 23-Feb-2025

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reply by the author on 23-Feb-2025

Thank you Michael. It's a lot of fun! Why don't you join in?