Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The plot of The Murder on the Links is complex, involving a faked death, a real murder, mistaken identities, and a crime that took place decades before the main storyline. Did you find this intricate web of deception satisfying to unravel, or did it feel overly complicated at times?

2. This was only the second novel to feature Hercule Poirot, following his debut in The Mysterious Affair at Styles. For those who have read other Poirot stories, how does this early version of the detective compare to the character he becomes later in the series? Do you see his core methods and personality traits already emerging?

3. Did the solution to the mystery feel fair to you as a reader? Were all the clues present in the narrative, even if they were hidden, or were you completely surprised by the final reveal of Marthe as the killer?

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

1. Hastings’ feelings for “Cinderella” clash with his desire to defend Jack’s innocence. Has there ever been a time when your own loyalties were divided? How did you handle this situation, and what did you learn about yourself?

2. Poirot emphasizes the importance of reason while Hastings takes a romantic view of events. Which perspective do you relate to more and why?

3. The novel is driven by Renauld’s desperate attempt to escape his past. Within your own life, have you had an opportunity to make a fresh start or take on a new role? What was challenging about this experience, and what was rewarding?

4. Christie uses Renauld’s foiled plans to explore The Inescapable Consequences of Past Deceptions. Do you believe that the positive or negative consequences of people’s actions always catch up with them in real life? Why or why not? Consider sharing a personal story to explain your perspective.

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

1. The novel was published in 1923, a time of shifting social norms. How do the female characters like the ambitious Marthe, the fiercely loyal Eloise, and the independent Duveen sisters reflect or challenge the expectations for women during this period?

2. This book is a classic example of a “cozy mystery,” focusing on an intellectual puzzle rather than graphic violence or modern forensics. Do you think this style of storytelling still holds the same appeal today in a world saturated with true crime podcasts and gritty police procedurals? Why or why not?

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

1. The theme of The Unreliability of Appearances and Testimony is woven throughout the narrative. Which instance of this was most effective for you?

2. Poirot’s rival, Giraud, relies entirely on physical clues like cigarette stubs and footprints, all of which turn out to be red herrings. What statement do you think Christie is making about the limitations of early forensic science?

3. Let’s discuss the dynamic between Poirot and Hastings. How does their partnership compare to other famous detective pairings you may have read about, such as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson?

4. The final confrontation with Marthe ends in a chaotic struggle and an accidental death, which Poirot himself laments for its lack of “order or method.” Why do you think Christie chose to resolve the conflict in this way, straying from the typical parlor room reveal?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Renauld’s plan to fake his own death was both clever and fatally flawed. If you were tasked with designing a new, less dangerous escape plan for him to get away from Madame Daubreuil, what would you advise him to do?

2. Create a collage to capture Hastings’ emotional journey over the course of the novel. Share your creation and explain the significance behind the images you chose.