Name: Oregonian (Signed) · Date: 24 Jan 2021 10:42 PM · For: Birthright

Hi, Jill!

This is the first story of yours that I have read, but I see that it is a part of a series of stories in the same general milieu. I liked it, and not only because it is different from what I usually find at this site.

Your writing stye is smooth and polished, and the figurative descriptions of details are original but not strained, so they flow well, just the right touches to set the scene.  I love the way you reveal the personality of Sophie, the barmaid, through her speech. Everything she says contributes to the furtherance of the story, and yet it is expressed in the form of ordinary gosssip by someone who loves to talk.

The air of mystery is apparent from the very beginning of the story (maybe more mysterious for me since I haven't read the other stories in this collection), and at first it was a challenge to sort out who the people were, their status in life, their relationships, but that's part of the fun--figuring everything out.

Sure enough, it proves to be a mystery story, and if it hinges on some major coincidences, that's fine because the best stories are about things that are out of the ordinary, twists that you don't expect.  

It reminded me of cowboy poetry--plainspoken and honest.  Thank you for writing.

Vicki