Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did the book’s title and the opening scene where Grammy says, “[W]e don’t talk about Carol” (5), shape your expectations for the family secrets that would unfold? Did the truth of what happened surprise you?

2. This novel fits into the domestic-thriller genre, which has seen a resurgence with books like Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl. How did you find this story’s blend of family secrets and criminal investigation similar to or different from other thrillers you’ve read?

3. The story weaves together a historical cold case, a tale of family trauma, and Sydney’s personal journey with IVF. How well do you think the author balanced these different parts of the narrative?

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

1. How did you react to the Singleton family’s unspoken rule, “What happens in this house stays in this house” (46)? In what ways do you see this impulse to maintain a certain public image play out in families or communities you know?

2. Sydney feels a loss of control during her IVF treatments and finds a sense of purpose by taking charge of the investigation. Can you think of a time when focusing on a project or puzzle helped you navigate a challenging or uncertain period in your own life?

3. The relationship between Sydney and Sasha is central to the story, evolving from strained and resentful to deeply supportive. Did you identify with this subplot, and if so, which perspective resonated more with you—Sasha’s or Sydney’s?

4. Characters like Grace and Carol have made difficult choices to survive, which had long-lasting consequences for others. Have you ever been in a situation where the “right” choice wasn’t clear? How did you navigate it?

5. A major element of Sydney’s arc is accepting that she isn’t destined to repeat her father’s cycle of abuse in her own parenting. Are there any choices you make in navigating adulthood or parenting that you feel remedy experiences in your own childhood? If so, did you connect with Sasha and Sydney’s storyline?

6. Grace is a very complex character who has enforced the family’s code of silence, yet Sasha remembers her as a protector. Do you find yourself remembering family members differently than other relatives do? How has this impacted your relationships?

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

1. The novel directly addresses the concept of “missing white woman syndrome.” In what ways does the story of the “Raleigh Six” serve as a critique of how media and law enforcement value victims differently based on their race?

2. How did the setting of Raleigh during the civil rights movement influence the story? Do you think the disappearances would have been handled differently if they had occurred in a different time or place?

3. Sydney uses modern tools like true-crime forums and podcasts to force a reckoning with a historical crime. What does the novel suggest about the power of new media to challenge old injustices and give a voice to communities that have been ignored?

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

1. One of the book’s major messages is that silence perpetuates harm within a family or community. How does the author show the ripple effects of this silence through the characters of Larry, Grace, Sydney, and Sasha?

2. What role does the contrast between Michael’s “golden boy” persona and Raymond’s “Scarecrow” reputation play in the narrative?

3. What is the significance of the hydrangea bush in Raymond’s yard? Does its meaning vary between the community and individual characters, such as Carol, Sydney, and the relatives of the other victims?

4. Carol is the heart of the mystery, yet for most of the book, she’s only known through her diary and the memories of others. How did this process of character development align with the broader narrative exploration of truth and secrets?

5. The novel joins a tradition of thrillers by Black authors like Alyssa Cole and Kellye Garrett that use genre conventions to explore issues of racial injustice. In what ways does We Don’t Talk About Carol contribute to this literary conversation?

6. What is Malik’s role in developing the novel’s themes? How do his confrontations with Sydney over her past mental-health crisis, their plans for parenthood, and her relationship with her job impact the narrative?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Sydney and Sasha start a successful podcast called Every Missing Black Girl. If you were to design the cover art for their podcast, what images or symbols from the book would you use to capture its mission and tone?

2. If you were to write a scene from the perspective of another character, such as Grace, Malik, or Wesley, which moment would you choose to explore? What new insights might that character’s viewpoint offer?

3. The book concludes with the dedication of the “Angels’ Clearing” memorial. Imagine you were asked to contribute a short inscription for a plaque at the site. What message would you want to convey to future visitors about the Raleigh Six and their story?