Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did the mid-book reveal that Connie is actually a con artist named Rachel Evans change your perception of her and the events of the first half of the novel? Did you find yourself still rooting for her against Paul, or did your allegiance shift?

2. The novel makes a direct reference to Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley. How did this allusion shape your understanding of the psychological game being played between Connie and Paul? Did you see echoes of Tom Ripley in either character, and if so, how?

3. What was your reaction to the novel’s final twist, with Meredith orchestrating the entire outcome from the shadows? Did you find it to be a satisfying conclusion, or were you hoping for a different resolution for Connie?

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

1. Connie’s neighbors are quick to believe Paul’s lies and turn against her. Thinking about your own community or social circles, how has the power of gossip or a convincing story shaped perceptions of an individual?

2. How did Connie’s struggle to get others to believe her suspicions about Paul resonate with you? Have you ever had a strong gut feeling about a person or situation that others didn’t seem to see? 

3. The story portrays the immense challenges and isolation of caregiving, even before Paul’s arrival. Have you or someone you know been in a caregiving role? What are the challenges and rewards of such a relationship?

4. Deception is a central theme, and Connie’s lies trap her in a dangerous situation where she can’t go to the authorities. Can you think of a time when a lie or a secret created more problems than it solved for you or someone you know?

5. Meredith’s elaborate revenge is fueled by a betrayal that happened 60 years earlier. On your view, were Meredith’s actions ultimately justified? Where do you draw the line between seeking justice and enacting revenge?

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

1. The plot is built around the real-life issue of “predatory marriage” and the legal loopholes in the UK that enable it. How does the novel contribute to the conversation around legal and social protections for vulnerable populations? Where do you see similar institutional blind spots in the real world?

2. How are characters like Gwen, Meredith, and Walter underestimated or dismissed in the novel? What message does the book send about how society views and treats elderly people?

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

1. The novel switches perspectives between Connie and several of her neighbors. How did this narrative choice affect your experience as a reader? Did hearing from characters like Walter or Mary make you question Connie’s version of events before the big reveal?

2. Why do you think the author chose to give the final chapter, and the last word, to Meredith? How did this structural decision impact the novel’s message about justice, survival, and deception?

3. Both Connie and Paul are predators shaped by childhood trauma, yet they operate very differently. How does the novel use them as foils to explore different facets of manipulation and survival? What, if anything, separates Connie’s motives from Paul’s?

4. John Marrs uses unreliable narration to manipulate the reader’s sympathies. Did you feel more sympathy for Connie before or after you learned her true identity as Rachel Evans? How does the author play with the idea of a “deserving” victim?

5. This book consistently challenges reader allegiance by revealing new information about the characters. In what ways does Marrs use plot twists and hidden backstories to make you question who the true villain of the story is?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were to give one character a “do-over” moment that could change the entire story, who would it be and what would they do differently?

2. Imagine you are adapting this story for a film and need to create a soundtrack. What song would you choose for the final scene where Meredith is on the cruise with Derek, and why?

3. The novel ends with Connie broken and penniless. What do you imagine happens to her in the years that follow? Does she continue her life as a con artist, or does her experience with Paul and Gwen lead her down a different path?