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Did you have a favorite scene in the novel, and if so, why do you suppose it resonated?
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6
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33
|
December 31, 2025
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Annelise Ryan is a penname for Beth Amos. She’s also published under Allyson K. Abbott. Have you read any other books by this author, and if so, which ones? How did they compare to The Beast of the North Woods?
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16
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37
|
December 28, 2025
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In what ways do you feel Monife and Eniiyi sabotaged their relationships with men?
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5
|
21
|
December 27, 2025
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Did you find the beginning of the book particularly dark or difficult? How did your perspective on the tone change as the story continued?
|
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21
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67
|
December 26, 2025
|
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How does the book explore the role of a person's past in their present and future? Did it make you think about anything in your own past?
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12
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38
|
December 26, 2025
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It’s clear from the prologue that Andy isn’t the murderer and that he definitely saw something or someone leaving the scene of the crime. What was your working theory about who killed Brandon? Did it change over the course of the novel?
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6
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16
|
December 22, 2025
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Some of the book’s characters struggle with depression. What did you think of this storyline? Do you feel it was realistic?
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12
|
58
|
December 22, 2025
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Overall, what did you think of The Beast of the North Woods? (no spoilers, please!)
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|
21
|
128
|
December 21, 2025
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At the end of the book, did you feel justice was ultimately served? Would you have resolved any of the plotlines differently?
|
|
6
|
32
|
December 21, 2025
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Do you live in or near an area that celebrates a cryptid, or have you traveled to a festival that revolves around one? If so, which one, and how do they venerate it?
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5
|
39
|
December 21, 2025
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Morgan goes to the Rhinelander visitor’s center to gather information where she encounters Cordelia. What did you think of this interaction? Does Morgan seem to deliberately antagonize the woman, and if so, why do you suppose that is?
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4
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25
|
December 21, 2025
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Which plot twist surprised you the most? What red herrings did you see?
|
|
10
|
75
|
December 21, 2025
|
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If Morgan hadn’t uncovered the truth, do you believe Andy would have been found guilty of Brandon’s murder?
|
|
15
|
80
|
December 21, 2025
|
|
The mystery is set in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, which did, in fact, give birth to the hodad legend. Did it surprise you that this was a real place, and that its connection to the hodag is depicted accurately?
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8
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45
|
December 21, 2025
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Jon tells Morgan he doesn’t think he “can be in a relationship with someone who has such a blatant disregard for their own safety.” Do you think he judges her fairly? What evidence suggests he’s correct and what makes you think he might be mistaken?
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|
16
|
87
|
December 21, 2025
|
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Morgan often decides whom to trust or how to act based on instinct and gut feeling. What did you think of this investigative technique? Do you think it made her more or less effective than more traditional investigators?
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5
|
32
|
December 21, 2025
|
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Morgan makes it clear to Rita and Roger that she’s skeptical of Andy’s story, yet she agrees to investigate. Why do you suppose this is? Later, when she reminds them they become angry about her doubt. Was a fair response on their part?
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|
5
|
28
|
December 21, 2025
|
|
Were you surprised at the town’s reaction to Morgan’s investigation?
|
|
11
|
61
|
December 21, 2025
|
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Were you aware of the missing masterpiece discovered over the course of the novel, or others like it? What did you know about this bit of history beforehand?
|
|
6
|
38
|
December 21, 2025
|
|
Had you heard of eDNA before, and if so, what did you know about it before reading the book?
|
|
8
|
63
|
December 21, 2025
|
|
Jon and Morgan argue about David’s intent. Morgan thinks he did truly care about her, while Jon reminds her David was a con man and was likely faking affection. What are your thoughts about this?
|
|
9
|
55
|
December 21, 2025
|
|
Had you heard of a hodag or a cryptozoologist before reading the book?
|
|
17
|
100
|
December 21, 2025
|
|
What clues led to the book’s resolution? Why do you think Morgan was able to solve the crime while the police weren’t?
|
|
5
|
34
|
December 21, 2025
|
|
To what audience would you recommend The Beast of the North Woods? Is there another book or author you feel addresses related themes or who writes in a similar style?
|
|
11
|
64
|
December 21, 2025
|
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To what audience would you recommend Haven’t Killed in Years? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
|
11
|
47
|
December 19, 2025
|
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Gwen wonders if her infatuation with Elyse is due to “the idea that our lives were both shaped so significantly by [Abel], yet so different. What do you think of her perspective here? In what ways do you think Abel “created” each of the girls?
|
|
3
|
28
|
December 19, 2025
|
|
The book begins: “On the day my mother was released from prison I stubbed my toe four times. Same toe. Four times. It was a statistical anomaly and, in hindsight, a warning that bad things were coming my way.” What did you think of this opening?
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|
14
|
58
|
December 19, 2025
|
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Annie tells Grace she thinks people are a little like Russian dolls, with each new experience adding another shell. What did you think of this imagery? Did it ring true to you?
|
|
17
|
105
|
December 17, 2025
|
|
What would your Desert Island Reads be, and why? (In the context of the novel, this is a book that has meant something special to you at a particular time in your life.)
|
|
22
|
95
|
December 17, 2025
|
|
What did you think about the format of the silent book club? Does the idea appeal to you? What do you think a silent book club needs to be successful?
|
|
14
|
68
|
December 17, 2025
|