The Long Arm

First of all, what a great story.  I love the style of narrative where the first part of the story is an account after the fact, then the last is segmented into days like a journal (even though I doubt anybody could remember conversations in such accurate detail).  As soon as it made that switch to the journal entries I became very concerned that Miss Sarah Fairbanks would not come out of this story alive.  The red herrings were well placed and fequent enought to keep my attention. 

I must say though, did anybody else figure it was Phoebe Dole immediately after she bossed Maria around?  That expression of power struck me as such a telling clue, and got my mind racing about how her being the murder would be the most interesting outcome by far. 

One question on the sheet that was handed out today that I felt that needed answering was about the heterosexual vs. lesbian relationships in the story.  The heterosexual ones are viewed as just fine and dandy.  Even though there are some forbidden and secret relationships going on in the Fairbanks household, both parties are consensual in their love.  While the lesbian relationship on the other hand seems to be controlled completely by Phoebe.  Maria did not seem to have mutual feelings for her, but Maria's timid nature and fear of Phoebe pushes this aside.  So the only homosexual person in the story, is also capable of murder.  I chalk this up to Wilkins staunch religious upbringing, giving her the perspective that she does on homosexuality in general.  Does anyone else share this viewpoint that I have or am I just a little crazy myself?  Either way, the story was well written and a fun read.