An Inside Job

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Is this your first time reading a Gabriel Allon series book? If so, what did you think? If not, how does An Inside Job compare to other books in the series?

2. Did the ending surprise you? If not, when did you solve the mystery?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. The novel’s subplot follows Gabriel’s parenting struggles with Raphael and Irene. Did you find these moments relatable? If so, why?

2. One of the novel’s main themes is religious reform. What is your experience with religion? In your opinion, is religious reform important?

3. At the beginning of the novel, Gabriel has the choice to get involved in a potentially long and complicated business, or not. Have you ever faced that kind of choice? If so, what did you do?

4. Have you ever been to Venice or any of the other locations mentioned in the novel? What was your experience there? Did the novel depict it accurately?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Discuss how Daniel Silva’s background as a journalist specializing in the Middle East informs his work.

2. Are there currently any paintings by Leonardo da Vinci or another great master for sale at auction? Is it realistic for such a painting to sell for $400 million?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Analyze the novel’s use of artistic techniques as parallels for Gabriel’s detective work. What qualities do art and detective work have in common? What did this running comparison add to the story?

2. Discuss the development of Gabriel as a character. Does he learn anything or change significantly by the end of the novel? If so, how? If not, what character traits remain consistent?

3. Explore the significance of the Vatican and its contribution to the book’s tone and themes. How does it serve as a symbolic location?

4. What do you consider the story’s narrative climax? What events did the novel use to build up to it?

5. As a spy thriller, does An Inside Job follow classic genre tropes? Use examples from the novel in your response.

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine what you would do if you found a priceless painting at a thrift shop or yard sale. Would you keep it? Sell it? Something else?

2. How would the story be different if it were told from another character’s point of view? Choose a supporting character like Luigi, Penny, Bertoli, or Irene and tell their version of events.

3. Daniel Silva plans to publish a 26th installment in the Gabriel Allon series. Imagine a sequel or continuation of the story—where do you think Gabriel will go next?