We Chase Shadows

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Osman is well known for his The Thursday Murder Club series. How did We Chase Shadows compare to his other “cozy crime thrillers”? 

2. What did you think of the novel’s ending? Did the twists provide a satisfying resolution, or did you see them coming?

3. Which of the three main detectives did you connect with the most? What was it about their personality, skills, or personal struggles that drew you in?

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

1. Amy often feels more comfortable in dangerous situations than she does in her regular life. Have you ever felt more at ease in a high-pressure environment than in quiet moments? 

2. Steve maintains a constant, comforting inner dialogue with his late wife, Debbie. Is there a ritual or practice that has brought you comfort during an experience of grief?

3. Felicity’s desire for revenge transforms her from a capable office manager into someone capable of vigilante justice. Is there a time in your own life when something motivated you to take action outside of your comfort zone?

4. Across the series, Steve, Amy, and Rosie form a found family, where each character brings different strengths and helps fill a void in the others’ lives. Have you experienced or witnessed friendships that function like a family? What makes these bonds so meaningful?

5. Rosie’s fear of becoming irrelevant as an author triggers a major personal crisis, one she finds almost more frightening than being shot. Have you experienced a moment when your professional life impacted your self-worth?

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

1. Vern’s criminal empire is built on selling fake wellness products, preying on people’s hopes and insecurities. What commentary do you think the novel is making about contemporary wellness culture and consumer gullibility?

2. Vern invents a phantom rival to give the illusion that his business is legitimate. What do you think the novel is suggesting about modern corporate crime and the blurred lines between legal and illegal enterprises?

3. How does the novel use its globe-trotting settings, from a Tuscan villa to Palm Springs, to comment on the international nature of crime and wealth?

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

1. How does Osman balance the lighthearted, witty banter of a cozy mystery with the genuine violence and high stakes of a thriller? Which specific scenes or character interactions best exemplify this blend of tones for you?

2. What is the significance of the airport security photos as a recurring motif?

3. The narrative often shifts perspectives, giving the reader insight into the thoughts of antagonists like Vern and Mark. How did these shifts in point of view affect your reading experience and your understanding of the mystery as it unfolded?

4. In what ways does the symbol of the kitchen island effectively capture Georgie’s specific motivations and her sense of grievance? What does this seemingly mundane object reveal about her character?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine you’re a casting director for a film adaptation of We Chase Shadows. Who would you cast in the lead roles of Steve, Amy, and Rosie, and why do those actors capture the essence of the characters for you?

2. If you were to write the next book in the We Solve Murders series, what kind of case would you want to see the team tackle? Would you prefer a smaller-scale, domestic mystery or another international conspiracy?