A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall

 She finally wrote a book I liked!

For those of you that have been with me for a while, you may know that I have read KAM before but was not much of a fan.  Well, I decided to try one more time and A Killing Cold definitely did not fit the same mold as the others!

I liked this one and the way she weaved the suspense in every chapter.  I was guessing through the end!  I didn't see a clear-cut psychological component but many of the characters definitely need some therapy!

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Discussion Questions:

1. What was strange about Conner and Theo's "meet-cute"?
2. Do you think their engagement was quick?  Did you think either of them had ulterior motives?
3. What happened to Theo's mother?  
4. Who was Theo's father?
5. Who was the actual antagonist in the entire story?
6. Which character did you feel suffered the most?
7. What are your thoughts on the ending?
8. Who are your cast of characters?

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

 I love it when books connect the past to the present.

This is an interesting tale about women being diabolical in the 1800s and just getting through life in the 2000s.  

3 main characters all going through their own "stuff" but each story as compelling as the other.  

But where's the "thriller" part?  Well, you tell me ...

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Discussion Questions

Borrowed from the back of the book (Park Row Books, 2021)

1. The Lost Apothecary opens with Nella in her shop, preparing to dispense a poison meant to kill a man.  Her work is sinister, and much about her character is dark and disturbing.  When you first learned that Nella was a murderer, how did you view her?  How did your feelings change over the course of the book as more of her past was revealed?  Did you believe she would eventually find redemption?  In the end, did you see her as a hero, a villain or somewhere in between?  Why?
2. At the beginning of Caroline's story, she finds the apothecary vial while on a mudlarking tour.  Had you heard of mudlarking prior to reading this book?  Do you believe that fate or coincidence led to her discovery?  Have you ever stumbled on something that you consider to be fate?
3. Both Nella and Caroline have been betrayed by men in their lives.  In what ways did the two women respond similarly to these betrayals?  In what ways did they respond differently?  Do you feel that one woman was more emotionally resilient than the other?
4. Nella and Eliza form an unlikely friendship early in the story, despite Nella's resistance to having the young girl in her shop a second time.  Why do you think Nella eventually softened her heart toward Eliza?  What drew the two characters - one at the cusp of womanhood, the other near the end of her life - toward one another?  What kind of impact did Eliza have on Nella's character?
5. The Lost Apothecary is sprinkled with mentions of magic and several events occur that could be considered either the work of magic or merely good luck.  When you learned that Eliza survived after ingesting the Tincture to Reverse Bad Fortune, did you believe it the result of magic, or do you think she was a lucky survivor after jumping into the freezing river?
6. When James feels a cold coming on, Caroline points him to the eucalyptus oil in the hotel bathroom but she doesn't tell him it's for topical use only.  Later, we learn that he ingested the toxic oil.  While reading, did you consider the possibility that Caroline purposely didn't tell him the oil was for topical use only?  Do you think that, even subconsciously, this might have been a form of revenge?
7. James is a nuanced character.  At different junctures in the story, he shows remorse and heartbreak, only to later lie again to his wife.  What did you think of their relationship?  Did you believe he was truly sorry for his infidelity, or were his apologies to Caroline yet another form of manipulation?
8. At the end of the story, when Eliza is an adult with children of her own, she says that Nella still counsels her to "this very day."  Do you interpret this as Nella having lived many more year, or is Eliza referring to Nella's spirit?  Why do you think the author might have left this purposefully vague?
9. Which of the characters - Nella, Eliza, or Caroline - did you find the most compelling or enjoyable to read about?  Why?
10. THRILLER BOOK CLUB FINAL QUESTION:  Who would you cast?

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

 Finally, a book with a male lead.  Many of our recent thrillers centered on a female protagonist that gets in to all sorts of mischief, trouble, and mayhem.  Now we have a male author deserted on a small island with zero contact with the outside world.  What could go wrong?

Did you notice anything strange about the island?  Lots of things are.  

I like that each chapter focuses on an oxymoron, indicating that this is not exactly black or white, it is a gray world, and all the characters are not exactly what they seem.

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Discussion Questions - Borrowed from: Book club questions for Beautiful Ugly | Bookclubs

1. How does Feeney build a growing sense of unease?
2. Have you ever been to Scotland? Could you picture the Isle of Amberly? Do you imagine it as similar to anywhere you've ever traveled?
3. Did you enjoy all the twists and turns of the plot, or did it feel convoluted to you?
4. Which twist was most jaw-dropping for you?
5. Oh boy that ending! Did you expect it? Did it make sense to you? Did you feel it did a good job of tying up loose ends from earlier in the novel?
6. Beautiful Ugly is told from both Grady's and Abby's perspective. What does the reader gain by experiencing both points of view? From the way that the novel also jumps back and forth in time.
7. Spoiler alert: Beautiful Ugly features a very unreliable narrator. How do you feel about this authorial choice in novels, especially thrillers?
8. Did you grow to care about Grady or Abby as characters? What about any of the many eccentric side characters on the island? Why or why not?
9. Thriller Book Club Favorite Question:  Who would you cast in each role?

The Father She Went to Find by Carter Wilson

 This was amazing!

The main character becomes a savant by trauma - never heard of that.  That's an interested condition, though.  You remember EVERYTHING from the day of your accident until this very second.  How mind numbing.  It can definitely be useful but difficult.  I mean, there are definitely some things we need to forget to protect ourselves, don't you think?

Besides this psychological phenomenon we have all kinds of fun in this book.  From missing fathers, random road trips, meet-cutes, strange coincidences, drug cartels meet mob bosses, rogue cops, clandestine agencies, I mean the list goes on and on and on.  

There's just no knowing where this genius will find herself next.  All I can say is she took me for a ride, and I didn't stop gasping until it ended!  And even then ... 

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Discussion questions (taken from the back of the book; Poisoned Pen Press, 2024 (c))

1. Our main character is a savant and can remember everything.  How does this ability affect her?  If you had the ability to remember everything, how do you think you'd feel and why?
2. Penny's father left her after her accident.  What does he send her once a year on her birthday, and what made her 21st birthday different?  How did you feel when Penny received this card?  Would you have reacted the same way?
3. Penny sets out on a road trip to find her father, as well as the clues they buried all those years ago in their final moments together.  Why is this a risk for her?  Would you have done the same thing?
4. Penny and her father "talk" in her head.  What are these conversations like, and how do they change throughout the narrative?  Why do you think Penny feels the need to have these conversations?
5. Sebastian tells Penny, "You recall everything but know nothing."  What does he mean by this?  How does the idea of recalling versus knowing play a role in Penny's character transformation?
6. Travis and Penny begin to travel with a woman named Fia.  Why are the Snakeskin Boys after her, and what is the reason they decide to all travel west?
7. In an emotional ending, Penny is finally able to "find" her father.  What does she learn about him?  How did you feel when this was revealed?
8. List your cast of characters!

The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden

 Is he the man of your dreams or your worst nightmare?

OK - this one was an interesting and deviating tale!

I absolutely disliked Kevin and everything he was about.  However, I am more weirded out by the "boyfriend" from the very beginning.  I mean, who watches a girl bleed profusely from her face and does not offer to get help!  That thought stuck with me throughout the whole book.  

What about you?

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Discussion Questions

(taken from the back of the book - Poisoned Pen Press 2024 Book of the Month version - October 2024)

1. Compare Sydney and Bonnie's approach to dating.  What are the pros and cons of using dating apps?  Have you ever used one?
2. Is Slug a good person?  Why do you think he and Tom stick together?
3. After Bonnie's murder, it becomes apparent to Jake that a serial killer is on the loose.  What is the killer's MO? Who do they seem to target, and why?
4. Why does Alison hate Tom so much? Are her feelings justified?
5. Count the ways Tom seems like a perfect boyfriend.  In what ways does he seem ... not so perfect? 
6. Sydney can't help but feel unsettled around Randy.  Why is that?
7. Consider Tom's mother's choice to protect her son, though she suspects he's guilty of something terrible.  Do you think she made the right decision?  What would you have done in her position?
8. This story is told between two perspectives and timelines.  Did this make the read more suspenseful?  Were you able to predict any of the twists?
9. What do you think happened to Kevin?  Do you think he deserved it?
10. Discuss Sydney's future.  Then, discuss Tom's future.  Do you think each are happy?

Sleep Tight by J.H. Markert

 What a psychologist's dream, this book!  This book has all kinds of psychoses, I don't even know where to begin!  

Dissociative identity disorder (multiple personalities) is a good place to begin.  The author put a twist on this already difficult to believe and understand mental health condition and had one of the characters envelop other characters' personalities.  Is that actually a thing or what this character just a "good actor"?  The argument in the book (and real life) is that the child lived through such trauma, his brain created these personalities to cope with the stress.  Do you think it helped?

Other issues that arise are cultism and how it breeds and cultivates, psychosis that leads one to kill and entice others to follow your lead and kill for you (Charles Manson ring a bell?).  The story also shows us what childhood neglect can lead to (i.e., kidnapping and psychotic violent breaks).  We even have a touch of substance abuse in the mix.

The story has many plot lines and stories weaved into the mix and it can get too confusing.  Often, I found myself wanting it to "get to the point."  But that it did.  I truly enjoyed reading this and personally am thrilled with the outcome.  Can't wait to discuss.

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Discussion Questions

1. The book begins with the public execution of "Father Silence."  What went wrong during the execution and how that play into the entire story?
2. Tess Claiborne's parents are brutally murdered, but the story is more heavily centered on the kidnapping of her daughter at the same time.  Do you think it was important to murder Tess's parents, given the plot, or could they have just created the mystery around Julia's kidnapping?  What added plot quality was there to include the double murder?
3. There are several relationships highlighted among the story's heroes.  Discuss the dynamics between the relationships of Justin, Tess, Danny, and Eliza.
4. There were several events leading up to the arrest of Father Silence.  What role did Tess play in the entire night?  Why do you think she repressed many of the memories of that night?
5. Julia, despite her parent's weaknesses, is a strong character throughout the story.  Do you think she will be able to keep her resiliency after experiencing this trauma?
6. There were many religious elements included within the story.  What role do you think Catholicism played and why do you believe the author included such as strong influence?
7. Do you believe that Benjamin would ever hurt "his" children?  Did you find his ending tragic?
8. Who do you believe was the main antagonist? How did you feel about the end for them?
9. Do you believe Noah actually suffered from dissociative identity disorder, or was he just a good actor?
10. What do you think is in the future for any and all of the characters?

I, Robot by Issac Asimov

 Adding a sci-fi thriller to the list!

I enjoyed this, even though some of the concepts were a bit over my head :(.  Logically, everything presented made sense and I kind of liked the utopian ending.  What did you think?

I also liked how it was happening in our current time - in fact, I am the exact same age as the robopsychologist, Dr. Susan Calvin.  She's a psychologist, too, so fun!  I liked how she was a female leader in the ever-growing world of men and basically everyone went to her for answer on why the robots have gone wrong.

The level of suspense in this book definitely would classify it as a thriller.  I was always wondering when the robots would take over, like you would see in all the robot movies out there, even the one with the same title!  Not going to spoil the ending for you, but you will see that the anxiety was not worth it.

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Discussion Questions:

Borrowed from Reading Group Guides

1. Do Asimov’s now-famous Three Laws of Robotics mirror humanity’s ethics code in any way? Whose orders are human beings required to obey? Do our definitions of "harm" ever lead to the same confounding dilemmas experienced in I, Robot?

2. Why was Gloria’s mother unable to accept Robbie as an excellent nursemaid? Was Robbie premonitory on Asimov’s part—a prediction that children in the twenty-first century might form intense emotional attachments to electronics?

3. Cutie (QT) questions his origins and finds it impossible to believe that a human created him. In what ways did Powell and Donovan reinforce this belief?

4. Does the case of Stephen Byerley indicate that robots might make better politicians? Would this only hold true if, as the novel envisions, nations dissolve into massive world regions?

5. What is the ultimate commodity produced by U.S. Robot & Mechanical Men, Inc.? Does our global workforce follow this model in any way? Were humor and compassion inevitable traits in the robots? Do these traits interfere with productivity in the world of I, Robot?

6. In the book’s closing lines, Dr. Susan Calvin tells the narrator, "You will see what comes next," as robots stand between mankind and destruction. How did her career lead up to such a precarious conclusion?

7. I, Robot has been turned into a major motion picture starring Will Smith. How does the movie compare with your book-reading experience? What do you think of the adjustments made and liberties taken when converting this collection of stories to one seamless film adaptation?

House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen

  How do you decide the future of a young girl that can't speak?  She has 3 likely guardians that all want the best for her (or do they) and will do anything to protect her from the scary world outside of the "House of Glass."  Actually, it is more like a "plastic" house.  The obscenely rich family decided to remove all glass from the house after the recent tragic death of their nanny - who fell to her death from the third floor after crashing through the window!

Did the young girl (Rose) witness this accident, or was she more involved and was this an accident at all?  Why isn't she speaking?  Stella Hudson thinks she knows - traumatic mutism (is that a thing?).  She suffered from the same thing after her mother's death.  She has also been assigned to investigate the best possible custody option for Rose, now that her parents are divorcing.  However, the nanny's death (Tina) is still under investigation and the cops suspect foul play.  If Stella doesn't know who the killer is, does she risk granting custody of Rose to a murderer?

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Discussion Questions

1. The story opens up with Stella observing Rose (her future client) heading to her weekly therapy appointment.  She watches as she picks up a shard of glass and hides it in her pocket.  What do you think the significance of this scene is and why do you think the author chooses to open the book with it?
2. Later, Stella meets her soon to be ex-husband, Marco, at a bar to sign their divorce papers.  What did you find most intriguing about this scene and its importance to the book's overall plot/themes?
3. Marcos' mother is later introduced in the story for a short time.  Why do you think the author chose to highlight this relationship?  Was it important to the book's overall plot/themes?
4. Stella finally enters the Barclay's residence and there is much commotion with construction and family members busying themselves about the house.  What was your first impression of the Barclay family?  What was your first impression about the house, as Stella described it?
5. Rose and Stella have a disorder the author names "traumatic mutism," which is a form of "selective mutism."  Do you think this exists?  What do you think causes it?  How do you believe it can be cured?  What are the parallels between Rose and Stella's mutism?
6. Stella has a confidante in Charles.  Is this a good or bad relationship?
7. Tina - the nanny - was important to the plot because her death seemingly sparked the family's fracture.  Do you think that the family was intact before the death or were there other signs?  If Tina did not join the family, would this have happened?  
8. The introduction of another character to the family, Harriet, also made an impact on the dynamic.  Do you believe the family would have been able to survive without Harriet but with Tina?  Or without both of them?  Could Ian, Beth, and Rose be a close family with just each other?
9. Did you find the ending shocking?  Believable? Tragic?
10. What do you think will happen next?

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

 Is this actually a thriller?  No, more like fantasy, but I guess I let one slip :)

The book is endearing and lovely, though, so it is fun to take a break from the murder and mayhem everyone once and a while.

The love interest is a bit weird for me, maybe it is the extreme age difference and that feelings began when the girl was just a young girl (13 years old).  However, that may not be true for the male counterpart.  You decide.

There are a lot of different psychological elements in this book either way.  Attachment, depression, loneliness, isolation, trust issues, etc.  So, we will definitely have a lot to talk about during our BOOK CLUB!

My favorite character is definitely Christopher.  He represents innocence, hope, love and excitement all in one.  He also has the element of tragedy and loss in his character, which makes him appealing and endearing.  He could be the glue that keeps this story going.  What do you think?

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Discussion Questions

Taken from: 

Book club questions for The Wishing Game | Bookclubs

1. The Wishing Game revolves around the Clock Island books that so many children loved when they were growing up. Did reading this book remind you of when you fell in love with reading? What was your favorite book (or book series!) as a child?
2. The themes of “family” and “parenthood” are woven throughout the novel. Discuss each character’s experiences with family and how this impacts their decisions and motivations.
3. Lucy, Hugo, Christopher, and Jack all struggle with deeply rooted fears. How does each character face and overcome these?
4. Why do you think Jack Masterson recreated Clock Island in the real world? Why do you think it wasn’t finished before the game?
5. The author sometimes pairs scenes from the Clock Island books with chapters of The Wishing Game. Discuss how these two stories connect and why the author made this stylistic choice to help tell her story.
6. So much of the novel deals with family, especially the idea of “found family.” What do you think of the idea of “found families”? What do you think defines what “family” really is? Who is in your family of choice?
7. Were you surprised by the outcome of the contest?
8. What do you make of Hugo’s comment to Jack that he “can’t save the world”? How does Jack try to save everyone around him?
9. If you could travel to any fictional world, what would it be?
10. Who would you cast as each character in a movie adaption of The Wishing Game?

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

 Ellie Black is back, but she's not better than ever!  After going missing for over 2 years, Ellie is found in the wilderness over 1 hour away from where she used to live.  She shows visible signs of malnutrition and poor hygiene, but otherwise unscathed.  She's also not talking.  She is keeping something, something almost sinister, from her parents and the police.  Detective Chelsey Calhoun, who has been working her case since the disappearance, is determined to get the answers, even if that means arresting the victim.

Find out what is behind all of Ellie's secrets and join us for our book club.

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Discussion Questions

Who is Ellie Black?  How and why did she disappear?

How is Chelsey Calhoun involved in the story of Ellie Black?

Why did Chelsey become a police officer?  Do you believe she would have chosen this profession if her father was not a police officer?

What happened to Chelsey's sister?

Why did Chelsey's mother leave?  Where do you think she is now?  Why do you think she didn't come back when Chelsey's father died?

What did you think about Ellie's kidnapping?  Why do you think she was kept in the underground bus?

The kidnappers chose to rename the girls using virtuous nouns (i.e., Hope, Charity, etc.).  Why do you think he did that?

It appeared that Serendipity was there by choice.  Do you believe that?

Ellie chose to follow her kidnapper's directions; however, she did not complete the mission.  Do you believe she was willing to do it?

What do you think happens next for all of the characters?

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

 This author truly knows how to pull on your heart strings!  She highlights important issues in society and brings to light how it can lead to tragedy and psychological repercussions.  In this novel, she chooses to discuss foster systems and how awful every child's situation is when they are left without a home or parent to care for them.  In this book, the awfully tragic life of three girls is compounded by an abusive foster parent situation.  How often does this happen?  How do these children survive?  Or do they?

There are 3 heroines in Darling Girls.  Each of them enters into the foster care of Miss Fairchild living in an idyllic farmhouse known as Wild Meadows.  They can't wait to escape the clutches of their overbearing foster mother.  They devise a plan, and it appears to work, until no one believes them about their other sister.  Were they making it up?  Or was someone lying.  All the answers surface when Wild Meadows makes the news about 20 years later.

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Discussion Questions

1. Jessica
1. Why was she in the foster system?
2. What was her relationship with Miss Fairchild?
3. Why do you think she had the most difficult time letting go of her?
4. What did her experience translate to in her adult life?
2. Norah
1. What led to her stat at Wild Meadows?
2. What changed in the household after she came?
3. What did her experience translate to in her adult life?
3. Alicia 
1. What brought her to Wild Meadows?
2. How was her experience different from the others?
3. What did it translate to in her adult life?
4. Wild Meadows 
1. What happened that was so shocking at Wild Meadows?
2. What was found that was being investigated?
3. What was the explanation?
4. Do you believe it?
5. Miss Fairchild 
1. What is her story?
2. Why do you think she did all of this?

Kill For Me Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh

 Strangers on the Train gone wrong, in my opinion.  However, a very clever twist.  The back and forth was misleading but I also think that was on purpose.  I enjoyed that twist toward the end.  The characters were believable, and I found no issues connecting with them.  One of my favorites was Scott, who was willing to do anything for his wife.  Another was the detective, Farrow, who had a passion for solving cases but didn't lose his compassion for others.  

One character I am on the fence about is Billy, though.  Wonder what you think about him.

Join the discussion in the comments below or at the Book Club on December 20, 2024.

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Discussion Questions

1. Of the three main characters (Amanda, Ruth, and Farrow), which story line were you most interested in?
2. The story opens with Amanda's failed attempt to murder her daughter's killer.  What was the most frustrating thing about this scene?
3. In Chapter 2 we are then abruptly introduced to Ruth's attack.  What did you think of the timing of each introduction (Amanda & Ruth)?  Did you think, at this time, they were connected?
4. Farrow, the detective in both cases, is our third introduction.  What is the importance of his connection to both Amanda and Ruth?
5. Amanda's story (her planned murder of Wallace Crone) is interrupted when she meets Wendy.  Amanda talks about having difficulty connecting with others since her daughter and husband's death.  Why do you think it was so easy for her to connect with Wendy?
6. Naomi tells Amanda she has killed Crone and Amanda is quick to believe it.  Would you have been?  Then she pressures her to quickly follow through with her end of their plan.  What was it and would you have done it?
7. Billy saves Amanda from being arrested and provides a story that is similar to hers.  Knowing what you know now about Billy's character, do you see where the holes are in his story?  Did you originally (or do you still) believe him?
8. What are your current thoughts on Ruth's character and her psychosis?  What do you think led her to this mental state?  How was she able to maintain this?  Do you think she will keep at it or stop?
9. What next for Amanda?  Farrow?
10. Do you think they will ever catch Mr. Blue Eyes?

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

 Another classic.  Must admit, I have never read this before.  It was always one that I was interested in picking up, but never got around to it until now.

There are several components to this book that I find intriguing.  Firstly, the magic of the painting is only timidly explained.  Certainly, it leaves much to the reader's imagination in that aspect.  Nonetheless, the character of Dorian Gray and how he relates to all other characters are vividly described and most compelling for the reader.  It starts and, basically, ends with the relationship between Dorian and Basil (the infamous painter); however, the unraveling of Dorian Gray I will strongly attribute to the other main-ish character, Lord Henry.  Do you disagree?

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Discussion Questions

1. In the preface, Wilde writes that "there is no such thing as a moral or immoral book."  What do you think he means by this?
2. What is the relationship between Basil and Dorian ... from beginning to end?
3. What are Lord Henry's code of beliefs?  How does he view conventional morality and in what ways does he challenge it?  How does his ways of thinking influence Dorian?
4. In the story, Lord Henry gives Dorian a "yellow book."  Apparently, this book has a great influence on Dorian because in the end he blames the book for his actions.  What do you think the book was?
5. Sybil Vane was Dorian's first love.  Do you think Dorian was actually in love with Sybil?  What do you think would have happened if Sybil did not commit suicide?
6. The portrait seems to change in ways that Dorian does not.  What does the portrait represent?  What does it suggest is happening to Dorian's soul?  Why does Dorian choose to lock it away?
7. Dorian's scandalous behavior, although not fully explained, shocks his peers, yet he remains welcome in social circles.  Why?  What is Wilde suggesting about "polite" London society?
8. James Vane, brother of Sybil, is killed by accident.  Dorian believes he is lucky and chooses to reform his life.  Was he successful?  What are some actions that he feels are moral behaviors?  
9. In the end Dorian dies, as well.  How?
10. What do you believe the moral of the story is?

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

 Classic horror and thriller novel!

This is one of those ghost stories that will chill you to the bone, well, not totally.  There are several indications of suspenseful moments, but the overall novel is benign when it comes to actual horrific events.  The whole of the goriness that is Hill House lies in the mind of the inhabitants.  

Do you believe in ghosts?  I do and know that others have psychic experiences that cannot be explained without invoking a medium - that's what I think was happening at Hill House.  A medium did show up, but she was less than helpful.

There were no "dead bodies" until the end ...

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Discussion Questions

1. Dr. Montague is looking to analyze a haunting.  Knowing more about his character and his relationship with his wife, a medium, why do you think he is so interested in getting scientific evidence of a haunting?
2. Dr. Montague has sent several inquiries to various people with various past experiences in hauntings and poltergeists, only 2 respond, two females Eleanor and Theodora.  Why do you think it is significant that only 2 people (females) responded?
3. Eleanor and Theodora are very different, yet Theo insists they are very similar and are practically cousins.  Who do you think needs this connection more, Eleanor or Theodora?
4. Why do you think Theodora never reveals her last name?
5. Luke Sanderson stands to inherit Hill House and is sent to stay with Dr. Montague and the ladies by his family, for insurance reasons.  Do you think he is happy to be a guest at the Hill House?
6. What are your general impressions of Hill House?  It was built by Hugh Crain as a gift to his wife, who died on the property before she could set foot into it.  Does that add to the eerie impressions?  The architecture of the home is unique.  Could these unique elements be attributing to the overall negative aesthetic of the property?
7. The line "Journeys end in lovers meeting" is from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and is constantly repeated throughout (especially by Eleanor).  What does it mean in context to the story of Hill House?
8. It becomes increasingly clearer that Eleanor is being targeted by the house.  Why do you think the team chooses to ignore the signs and not protect her right away?
9. Dr. Montague's wife joins the crew at the end of a long week.  She brings along a protégé, Arthur.  What do these characters add, if anything, to the story?
10. In the end, Eleanor takes her own life as she was forced to leave the property by everyone else.  Why do you think she did this?

Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer

 This one took a turn.  I was completely into the teenage angst and romance and rooting for the main characters, then, well ... what just happened?

The story dives into the possibility of empathic powers and mind control.  Where empathy and apathy are real constructs and part of some human experiences, can an individual truly use the ability to feel someone else's feelings to truly control them?  No.  There are no recorded cases, but hey, this is fiction, right?

Well, I to have to say that there is mastery in this author's writing.  She has a literary way of placing a person in the character's feelings - did she just give us empathic powers?  There were two points of view in this book, and I felt like I related to each of them.  

I hope you enjoy it, too.

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Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think the title of the book is Thicker than Water?  How does it relate to the story?
2. The story is written in two points of view, Thomas and Charlotte, in a linear way.  Why were only these two perspectives chosen for the narrative?
3. How are Thomas and Charlotte different?  How are they the same?
4. Thomas is accused of killing his mother.  What are the clues that lead to that conclusion?  Why is he not arrested for the crime?  Are there other suspects?  Who?
5. We find out Thomas is a great artist.  What is the significance of his talent?
6. Charlotte's best friends Nicole does not seem to fit in with most of the town's personalities.  What does her character bring to the story?
7. There was another murder, Charlotte's friend/acquaintance, in town a few years before.  Who did it? 
8. Why do you believe Thomas' mother left his father and brother?  Do you think his father is still alive/around?
9. Who is Thomas' brother and what is his "gift"?
10. What did you think of the ending/outcome?  Would you change it?

Middletide by Sarah Crouch

 This was an intriguing story/plot line.  I have read several books from different points of view, different timelines, timelines that bounce around from past to present or future, and even characters that have multiple personalities and their perspectives.  However, the way Sarah Crouch wrote this book was remarkable.  

Essentially a young female doctor is found hanged to death.  Initially suicide is suspected, but then murder is implicated.  What's even more sinister the manner of death was nearly identical to the method of death implied by a local author's failed novel.  Not to mention she was found dead on his property!

In the end the true killer is identified; however, there were some plot holes that didn't fit to me (i.e., how were her bare feet so clean?)

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Discussion Questions:

1. Elijah Leath seemingly leaves to become an author.  Do you believe he had other reasons for leaving?  Did you believe he was going to return?
2. Elijah returns and has ultimately become a man of the land.  What do you think the significance of his seclusion is to the story?
3. Elijah returns and reconnects with his former lover.  What did you think about Elijah and Nakita's relationship?
4. Elijah did not connect with his biological father; however, two father figures emerged within the story, Chitto and Reverand Samuel Mills (Nakita's father).  Why do you think it was important for the author to include them in the story?  What did you think of the timing of their appearance and dismissal (Chitto dies shortly before Elijah reconnects with Nakita)?
5. Suicide or Murder?  What were some of the clues offered that led the detectives to believe Dr. Erin Landry was murdered.
6. Elijah believes Erin framed him for her murder because she blamed him for her daughter's death.  What do you think?'
7. What are your thoughts on the outcome?

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

 Amnesia after a traumatic event is quite common, as many victims of trauma repress these memories as a coping mechanism.  Is that what is happening to Lucy?  How can that be if everyone thinks she's the killer?  Do they repress memories, too?

Lucy became the best suspect of her best friend's murder when she was found covered in her blood and disoriented.  Further scrutiny came when she claimed that she had no memory of the tragic night.  When no evidence was found to either exonerate or implicate her, the case went cold.  

That is until a true crime podcaster started to dig into this intriguing case and Lucy's past is brought into clear view.  

Will she remember that night?  Did she actually kill her best friend, Savvy?  If she didn't, who did?

Join the Book Club Meeting online on October 4, 2024 @ 7 PM - RSVP HERE - Use code SAVVY to join for **FREE**

Discussion Questions:

• The story begins with Lucy losing her job because her past has been advertised in a popular podcast.  Do you think the employer was justified?
• What are your thoughts on Lucy's relationship with Nathan?  We get many clues throughout the story about her disinterest in him and their life together.  Why do you think she "kept" him?
• Ben, the podcaster, has traveled to Plumpton, TX to interview various witnesses and family members of Lucy and Savannah (Savvy); however, the police are not involved.  How does not including them make this case all the more interesting?
• Lucy's grandmother appears to have orchestrated Lucy's involvement in the podcast research; she seems to be the only true believer that Lucy did not do it.  Other than her love for Lucy, what do you think her conviction of her innocence could be from?
• Everyone in town describes Savvy as a beautiful and sweet girl; however, Lucy has different flashbacks and memories of a rebellious and murderous adult.  She never shared her experiences with Savvy with anyone during the initial investigation, or even later.  Why do you think that is?
• What are your thoughts on the murderous streak in Savvy?
• In the end we find out who the true killer was.  Did you see that coming?
• Lucy turns in her ex-husband and parents to the police after turning in the murderer.  Why?  Do you agree with her decision?
• What do you think will happen between Ben and Lucy?
  
  
  

Random In Death by J.D. Robb

 The latest "in Death" installment is out and it fits right into the series macabre.  I used to read these back in the early 2000s as soon as they came out and eventually my fandom fizzled, so I lost track of what was going on.  If you are picking up this book for the first time, there are several key elements that you may not understand (as I did as well).  The author does not explain them very well either, as I imagine she thinks that we are reading all of her books in order (there over 50 books in the entire series, if you have the time).  So, some elements that could be confusing, as they were to me until I jogged my memory, include: 

• Eve Dallas' super rich tech savvy husband and their amazingly electric relationship.
• Who in the world is Mavis and why are they so excited that she is gardening?
• What year is it?
• And much more ...

I'll do my best to bring a summary of the series at the meetup, but for now here are the questions for discussion:

The first murder victim died in her hero's arms, what do you think the significance of this?

The second murder victim thought she was stung by a wasp, one of her biggest fears, this also holds significance.  What do you think that could be?

The third victim got lucky because she was injected in a previous injury.  Did you believe this scene when it occurred?

The descriptions of the killer were pretty basic.  Did you think that Dallas and the group were going to find him?

What are your thoughts on Detective Eve Dallas?  Roarke?  Their relationship?  Does it remind you of anything/anyone?

Which other characters did you find intriguing?

This story takes place much in the future; however, elements of today still exist (i.e., Coney Island).  Did you find this interesting?  Why or why not?

What are your thoughts about the murderer's father's involvement?

What are your thoughts on the final confession?  Do you think this is over?

What do you think the murderer will be sentenced?  What would you give him if you were the judge/jury?

Join the Discussion on 9/20/2024:  RSVP HERE

FREE CODE = RANDOM

(if) I Did It: Confessions of The Killer by O.J. Simpson (Ron Goldman, LLC)

 On June 12, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were found brutally murdered on her doorstep with her children sound asleep inside.  They were stabbed to death so viciously that the police thought Nicole was decapitated.  There was only one arrest made in connection to this murder, Nicole's husband, O.J. Simpson.  He was an acclaimed football star and actor at the top of his prime.  No one wanted to believe it was true.  Not even the jury.  After an excruciatingly long trial, O.J. was acquitted.  He was set free to continue his fame in notoriety. 

But the question remained - who killed Nicole and Ron?

No other arrests were made, and the families remain convinced that O.J. did it!  

Later, in 2006, O.J. had the audacity of actually writing and publishing a book that many believed was his confession.  The Goldman family were appalled that he would profit from the gruesome murder of their son and, naturally, sued him for the rights of that book.  They won the request for rights; however, the judge made a shocking condition - the family had to publish the book in order to claim any capital that could come with it.

So, this version of the book, revised by the Goldman family is the only legally available copy of the "confession" by O.J. Simpson.  It was both wanted and rejected by the public, but eventually became one of the New York Times bestsellers.  What do you think?

Join the Discussion on August 17, 2024.

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Discussion Questions:

1. The Goldman Family published a book about their only son's murder.  They were disgusted by the topic and did not want that to be their son's legacy.  Why do you think they eventually did?
2. O.J. wrote about the love/hate relationship he had with Nicole prior to the murders.  How accurate do you believe his view of their life was?
3. During the year together, O.J. mentioned that Nicole asked to move into the larger home with O.J. and the children.  O.J. indicated that he did not want that, even though Nicole was losing her lease.  He later writes that he has several smaller and vacant homes (except one was occupied by Kato) on the property.  Do you think there was every discussion about allowing the family to live on those properties?  Or was this all a lie?
4. On the night of the murder, O.J. mentioned that there was a man named Charlie present.  Who is Charlie?
5. O.J. appears to have blacked out during the actual murder and then discusses how he hypothetically covered up a crime he never committed.  What do you get out of the depiction of this night?
6. How do you feel about Ron Goldman's involvement?
7. Do you think O.J. did it?

The Resort by Sara Ochs

 I'm going to do this a bit differently from now on!  I will be writing the blog FIRST and including the discussion questions.  When I post on Meetup this will be available for anyone interested.  Also, since I have started implementing a "troll prevention fee" to my Meetups - which has been somewhat working - I will use this blog as a vehicle to include the FREE CODE for attendees.  This does not apply to this Meetup, as no fee was assigned.

So, about The Resort

As thrillers go, this was definitely one for me!  There were so many secrets and twists and turns it was unbelievable.  The ending was stellar, and you were left wanting a sequel to see what happens now!  Everyone was on that island to hide but look what happened when someone threatened to give away their secrets!  The "bad guy" changed hands as freely as a relay racer and the "good guy" stayed true, but we all know what happens to those characters, don't we?

Discussion Questions (feel free to add comments below but these will be asked at the Meetup so everyone can discuss in voce!)

• "The Permanents" are those that have basically emigrated to this resort island of Koh Sang.  Do you envision ever living permanently on a remote island?
• Cass receives a note at the very beginning of the story that said, "I know who you are."  Who did you think it was from?  What do you think it could have meant?  Why do you think this made her so anxious?
• Cass and Brooke may not have been the only ones with secrets on the islands; however, they did go through great lengths to change their identities.  What did you think of their "transformations"?
• Brooke is portrayed as a travel influencer.  What are your thoughts about influencer culture today?
• What does Cass find next to Lucy's body?  Were you surprised to learn how it got there?
• Cass and Brooke investigate Lucy's death because they are convinced that she was murdered.  What were their individual motives for investigating and do you think that influenced their approach?
• The book is written back and forth between Cass and Brooke's point of views.  How did that effect your understanding of the story or influence your thought process?
• Three people died within a few weeks.  If you were on this island as a guest at this resort, what would you do?
• This island is a paradise.  Do you think the deaths would affect how people viewed the island and the resort?
• How do you feel about Brooke and Cass after learning about their truths?
• The final twist introduces the real mastermind and villain of the story.  How well do you think the author created this suspenseful and inconclusive "ending."