The Madness of Crowds

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The novel directly references the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftereffects. Have you read other novels set during or after the pandemic? What was it like to read about a recent historical event?

2. Have you read other novels from the Inspector Gamache/Three Pines series? How did The Madness of Crowds compare to other books in the series?

3. Do you generally enjoy reading mysteries? Why or why not? Would you recommend The Madness of Crowds to someone who regularly reads mysteries?

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

1. Throughout the novel, Jean-Guy repeatedly struggles to separate his professional responsibilities from his personal experience as the father of a child with a disability. Have your professional and personal identities ever come into conflict? How did you cope with this experience?

2. Early in the novel, many members of the Three Pines community are disappointed when they meet Haniya Daoud. Why do you think they held specific expectations about what she would be like? Were these expectations realistic? Have you ever been disappointed by someone upon meeting them or getting to know them better?

3. Abigail Robinson espouses controversial and potentially dangerous viewpoints about vulnerable members of society. This leads various characters to debate whether killing Abigail could be justified if it meant keeping many others safe. Do you think that some actions which are typically viewed as unethical can be justified in extreme cases? Why or why not?

4. Reine-Marie decides not to tell Enid Horton’s children about what their mother endured, believing that not all truths need to be told. Do you agree with this statement? Have you ever withheld information because you believed that was the right thing to do?

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

1. Abigail Robinson’s controversial message is particularly persuasive after the tragic events of the COVID-19 pandemic. How do you think the events of the pandemic changed society? Did it strengthen or weaken social and communal bonds?

2. Various characters accuse Abigail of using statistics and data in misleading ways. What do you think is the role of data and evidence in social and political movements? Do you think it is becoming easier or more difficult to manipulate others through misleading evidence?

3. Who do you see as being the most vulnerable members of society? What measures can be put in place in order to safeguard them?

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

1. Abigail Robinson’s central thesis (that the elderly and those with disabilities should be subject to “mercy killing”) is only gradually revealed over the course of multiple chapters. Why do you think Penny did not present Abigail’s argument more directly? What was the impact of delaying the revelation of Abigail’s claims?

2. Vincent Gilbert and Haniya Daoud are both portrayed as versions of the “Asshole Saint” figure. Compare and contrast the two characters. Which did you find to be more trustworthy?

3. The murder of Debbie Schneider doesn’t occur until almost halfway through the novel. What is the effect of delaying this key plot event? How does Penny establish foreshadowing and a sinister tone prior to the actual murder?

4. What is the significance of the winter setting? How does the season reflect the themes and mood of the plot? Consider the party where Debbie is murder and Vincent’s cabin, where the final confrontation occurs.

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine a sequel to the novel, told from Haniya’s perspective after she returns to Sudan. How do you think her perspective and demeanor might have changed after her time in Three Pines?

2. Research different traditions used to celebrate New Year’s Eve and discuss why this time of year is often considered to be significant in different cultures. How does the New Year’s Eve setting enhance the reading experience when paired with your findings?

Need more conversation starters? Inspire your group with our Discussion Questions tool.