#skep secret shanghai reread

[skepticalcatfrog]

So not only is Marshall a fantastic cook, he is ALSO good at fixing the pipes in their apartment. Is Benedikt's job just to sit there and look pretty

[skepticalcatfrog]

Also, how often Benedikt and Marshall are the ones sent to look at bodies and examine crime scenes is really funny when you think about it. Like, it does make me wonder when Chloe came up with the idea for their part of Last Violent Call.

[skepticalcatfrog]

Roma and Juliette are perfect for each other because, despite appearances, they're both losers whose only friends are related to them

[skepticalcatfrog]

Well, yes. Correct. But ALSO. Benedikt 1000% would shoot no hesitation if it came down to either that or Marshall being hurt/killed.

[skepticalcatfrog]

This is soooooo oh my god. Benedikt Montagov the man you are. I'd also like to reference this bit from Last Violent Call (how unexpected) so you all know Marshall Seo ghostwrote this post:

[skepticalcatfrog]

I genuinely have no idea how Benedikt was in denial for so long because why would you describe ANYONE using the phrase "pants slung low over his hips" unless you want them carnally. And not only that, but then proceed to describe the way their SHIRT RIDES UP WHEN THEY CROSS THEIR ARMS. Benedikt. My dear. I want you to ponder that for a second.

[skepticalcatfrog]

I was very proud of myself during my first read for figuring out that the dancer in chapter 12 was Rosalind

[skepticalcatfrog]

ONE DAY. One day I will draw little Roma, Benedikt, and Marshall with their dog. One day.

[skepticalcatfrog]

Man Chloe Gong can WRITE a CITY

[skepticalcatfrog]

Also?? Roma in a blond wig?? Why don't we talk about this more

[skepticalcatfrog]

I love how, while Juliette is at the masquerade, before any real information is revealed, the things we do hear are that:

- there are three loner men standing off to the side

- one of them looks Korean

- two of them are having an incredibly petty conversation (which, as an audiobook exclusive, is being delivered in two very familiar voices)

And we just KNOWWW who these guys are. It's so great

[skepticalcatfrog]

See this is what I mean when I say Marshall canonically has bangs. The proof is right here

[skepticalcatfrog]

Marshall I love your random bouts of poetry. I could listen to you talk forever.

[skepticalcatfrog]

Something I really like about Roma and Juliette as a ship is that it's not the sort of thing where there's all this violence, and he protects her from it. They protect EACH OTHER. They're a team, and they both know what they're capable of, and recognize what the other is capable of as well. I love that they actually treat each other as equals, and the text treats them as equals too.

[skepticalcatfrog]

"I see eyes, but I see no brain" Alisa you are the only person brave enough to say these hilarious things

[skepticalcatfrog]

Also the fact that pretty much the first major action we ever see Benedikt make is pushing Marshall AND Roma AND himself into the river??