Love in the Time of Serial Killers
53 pages • 1-hour read
Alicia ThompsonLove in the Time of Serial Killers
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Book Club Questions
General Impressions
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
1. What were your overall impressions Phoebe and Sam’s romance? How did their past experiences and relationships impact the beginning stages of their relationship?
2. Which of the characters did you find the most or least likeable, and why?
3. How did this novel’s discussion of cultural fascination with high-profile serial killers and true crime add depth to the story and central romance? Can you think of other romance novels or romantic comedies that engaged with serious topics for comparison?
Personal Reflection and Connection
Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.
1. How did you feel about the book’s depiction of Phoebe and Conner’s parents? What kind of marriage did they have, and how did it impact their children?
2. Do you have experience with toxic relationships or know anyone who has an unhealthy romantic relationship or marriage? How do such relationships impact people?
3. Did you find the author’s portrayal of Phoebe’s emotional connectivity issues believable? What aspects of her aloofness or difficulty connection struck a chord with you and why?
4. What broader argument does this novel make about society and sensationalistic media coverage? What do you think the author is trying to say about cultural fascination with crime?
5. Are you interested in true crime? How did the book’s depiction of true crime resonate with you?
Societal and Cultural Context
Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.
1. The author focuses on true crime books. How might her arguments apply to the recent boom in true crime podcasts and docuseries?
2. Could this novel have been set in an earlier decade? Why or why not?
3. Are you particularly familiar with any true crime books, television series, or podcasts? How do your impressions of them dovetail with Phoebe’s analysis of true crime as a genre?
Literary Analysis
Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.
1. Discuss Phoebe’s characterization. Is she relatable? How does her character evolve as the narrative progresses?
2. Discuss Conner and Shani’s relationship. What characterizes them as a couple, and why do they have such a healthy bond?
3. Discuss the author’s use of humor and witty dialogue. How does language help her develop each character and make the novel relatable?
4. Discuss the author’s claim that true crime reflects the societal attitudes and fears of the era in which it’s produced. Can you find an example of a high-profile case other than those discussed in the book and use it as evidence to either support or challenge the author’s claims?
5. Discuss the cat, Lenore. How does she help the author characterize Phoebe, and how might Lenore be considered one of the novel’s key symbols?
Creative Engagement
Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.
1. If this book were adapted into a film, who would play the lead roles? Would you keep Florida as the setting or move it somewhere else? Explain your rationale.
2. Imagine a sequel to the story. Would Phoebe encounter an actual serial killer in this installment? How would she respond in that scenario?
3. What songs would you include on a playlist for this title? How might the songs differ depending on whether they evoke Phoebe’s, Sam’s, Shani’s, or Conner’s character?
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