Reply To: The Searcher: What happened to Brendan?
Yes, like others I was surprised by what specifically happened to Brendan although as the book went along I grew more and more certain he was dead. I do accept it was an accident but more of the manslaughter variety vs completely accidental because the men had the intent to harm Brendan and shut him down. But having read Nancy’s post, I have a newer appreciation about Donie’s role in Brendan’s death. Donie isn’t the “baby thug” that Cal makes him out to be, but a rather nasty, manipulative thug who happily causes harm to others.
I think one of the biggest plot twists for me was Trey’s reveal. Another was when Cal realizes Mart is behind everything. After he is beaten up and is in Mart’s home and sees the bloody rag on the floor and says “Well, Don’t I feel like the idiot” was a dramatic moment for me when I read it. To me it’s the climactic point in the novel and superbly done. Not a loud or violent showdown, just a quiet moment of two men sitting at a table.
