Killers of a Certain Age

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of graphic violence, racism, gender discrimination, and death.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Killers of a Certain Age combines elements of thriller, spy fiction, and feminist storytelling. How did this blend of genres affect your reading experience? Did one aspect resonate with you more than others?

2. Raybourn alternates between present-day events and flashbacks to the women’s earlier missions. How did this narrative structure impact your understanding of the characters and their motivations? How might the story have differed if told chronologically?

3. How does Raybourn’s approach to aging female protagonists compare to other works featuring older women, such as Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple mysteries? What distinguishes Billie and her friends from other portrayals of older women in literature?

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

1. The four protagonists must confront ageism  and sexism while also leveraging stereotypes about older women to their advantage. Have you ever been underestimated because of your age, gender, or another aspect of your identity? How did you respond?

2. Billie chose her career over a relationship with Taverner, while Mary Alice maintained a marriage by concealing her true profession. Which character’s approach to balancing personal relationships with professional obligations resonates more with your own experiences?

3. The women’s friendship spans decades and includes shared trauma, professional rivalry, and unwavering loyalty. How does their bond compare to your own long-term friendships? What maintains these connections over time?

4. Constance uses classical mythology to inspire her recruits, comparing them to sphinxes—feminine creatures who are also deadly predators. What mythological or fictional figure would you use to represent yourself in challenging situations?

5. The protagonists transform everyday feminine objects (like hair barrettes and necklaces) into weapons. What ordinary item in your daily life might serve as a metaphorical or literal tool of empowerment?

6. Throughout the novel, the four women must adapt to new technologies and circumstances to survive. How have you navigated significant transitions or adapted to new challenges in your own life?

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

1. Raybourn’s novel begins with the Museum’s mission to bring Nazi war criminals to justice and later expands to target other human rights abusers. How does this evolution reflect changing definitions of justice and moral responsibility in the decades after World War II?

2. The protagonists frequently encounter sexism and ageism throughout their careers. How does the novel engage with these forms of discrimination, and what commentary does it offer on how society values women as they age?

3. Killers of a Certain Age presents a world where extrajudicial assassinations are justified for the greater good. How does this perspective challenge or reinforce contemporary debates about justice, accountability, and who deserves punishment?

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

1. The novel is rich with symbolism, particularly around feminine objects that become weapons. How do these symbols contribute to the themes of hidden power and the underestimation of women?

2. Raybourn uses humor throughout the novel, even in serious or violent scenes. How does this tonal choice affect the reader’s relationship with the protagonists and their actions?

3. The painting The Queen of Sheba Arising serves as both plot device and symbol throughout the narrative. What does this artwork represent to Billie, and how does it function within the larger themes of the novel?

4. Each of the four protagonists has a distinct personality and specialized skill set. How do these differences create tension within the group, and how do they ultimately strengthen the women’s collective efforts?

5. How does Raybourn’s approach to female protagonists in Killers of a Certain Age compare to her characterization in the Veronica Speedwell mysteries? What evolution do you see in her portrayal of women navigating dangerous and male-dominated spaces?

6. Settings play a crucial role in the novel, from the cruise ship to Benscombe to the Parisian catacombs. How do these locations reflect the characters’ internal states and the themes of the novel?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were to create a fifth member for Project Sphinx, what would be her background, specialty, and personality traits? How would she complement or challenge the existing team?

2. Imagine Billie and her friends a decade after the events of the novel. Where would each woman be, and what new challenges might they face individually or as a group?

3. The Museum uses art and museum terminology as code for its operations. If you were to design a similar organization with a different theme (such as music, literature, or sports), what code names and structure would you create?

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