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Were you familiar with any of the myths the author includes in the narrative? Which ones? How did the author’s versions compare to those you recall?
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10
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71
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July 2, 2026
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When Aphrodite complains about Alexandros’s housekeeping, he responds, “I haven’t the time to maintain it.” She replies, “We make time for the things we truly want, don’t we?” (p. 65) Do you agree with her?
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12
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71
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July 2, 2026
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The only god that truly befriends Aphrodite is Apollo. Why do you believe so few of the gods show sympathy for her?
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22
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170
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July 2, 2026
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Hera betrays Aphrodite several times throughout the novel, even after Aphrodite helps her seduce Zeus. Why do you suppose this is?
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13
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73
|
July 2, 2026
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To what audience would you recommend Aphrodite in Pieces? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
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21
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137
|
July 2, 2026
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Aphrodite accuses the Graces of trying to “force happiness,” but Aglaia responds, “We don’t force happiness…we find it.” (p.100). What do you think she means?
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17
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95
|
July 2, 2026
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Other than the main characters Aphrodite and Ares, which emerged as your favorites? Were there any that you despised?
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16
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99
|
July 2, 2026
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Ares leaves Aphrodite after the couple is discovered. Do you think he should have stood by her, defying Zeus, or did he do the right thing by ending the relationship?
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15
|
99
|
July 2, 2026
|
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Overall, what did you think of Aphrodite in Pieces? (No spoilers in this topic, please.)
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28
|
206
|
July 2, 2026
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What was your opinion of the relationship between Ares and Aphrodite? Why were they so attracted to each other, and what kept drawing them back together even after each had caused the other so much pain?
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15
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144
|
July 2, 2026
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What did you think of the novel’s post-Troy ending? Did you enjoy the way the various threads wrapped up? Would you have liked to have seen a different ending for any of the characters?
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16
|
101
|
July 2, 2026
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What did you know about Aphrodite and what was your opinion of her before reading Aphrodite in Pieces? Did your feelings about her change over the course of the novel?
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12
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77
|
July 2, 2026
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Have you read either of Lauren J.A. Bear’s previous novels, Medusa’s Sisters or Mother of Rome? If so, how do they compare to Aphrodite in Pieces?
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12
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89
|
July 2, 2026
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As the story unfolds, Thirza uncovers more about her family's past. How do the revelations about her family's history impact her relationships with other characters in the novel?
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5
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47
|
July 2, 2026
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What do you think of the author’s choice to use first-person narration, setting the plot entirely from Olivia’s perspective? What might have been different if it had included other perspectives, or if the novel had been written in the third person?
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14
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70
|
July 21, 2026
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Merritt and Olivia have a disagreement about sexism in the workplace. (pp 162-163). Merritt feels the problem with Olivia’s generation is that they “expect things to be easy.” Olivia replies, “No, not easy. Fair.” What did you think of this debate?
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13
|
70
|
July 21, 2026
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One of the “Purple Hat Ladies” believes that Vicki would hide the fact that she was depressed because she’d be ashamed.(p. 141) Do you feel that she’s correct, that there’s a stigma associated with depression? Do you think this has changed over time?
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19
|
107
|
July 21, 2026
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This story is based on a real abortion clinic in downtown Chicago in the 1930s & early 1940s. Does this surprise you? How did the story align with your understanding of abortion and abortion access in this era? How have attitudes to abortion changed?
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16
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135
|
August 7, 2026
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Emily, Dr. Millstone, and Ada's daughter Jennie all died on account of the trial. Do you view their deaths as unnecessary tragedies of an unjust system or the unfortunate consequences of criminal activity?
|
|
18
|
107
|
August 7, 2026
|
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Regret is a recurring theme in the novel. Do you think it's possible to live a life without regret? How does regret or fear of regret drive people's choices?
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|
19
|
146
|
August 7, 2026
|
|
How does Mimi change and grow over the course of the novel? What lessons does she learn?
|
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12
|
82
|
August 7, 2026
|
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After his accident, Stan struggles to move on. What did you think of his predicament? Have you ever experienced a life-changing setback? How did you move past it?
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|
18
|
131
|
August 7, 2026
|
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Mimi refuses Papanek's deal (Chapter 48). Do you think she made the right choice? What choice would you have made?
|
|
15
|
102
|
August 7, 2026
|
|
Overall, what did you think of When No One Else Will? To what audience would you recommend the novel? (No spoilers, please!)
|
|
33
|
260
|
August 7, 2026
|
|
Did you have a favorite scene or quote you’d like to share? Why did you choose that section?
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1
|
27
|
June 25, 2026
|
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Merritt tells Olivia that “Truly good people…tend to assume other people are just like them…It’s a dangerous state of affairs for them.” (p.22). Olivia replies that that’s a dark way of looking at things. Which of these characters do you agree with?
|
|
19
|
82
|
July 21, 2026
|
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What was your first impression of the two main characters, Aubrey Merritt and Olivia Blunt?
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|
17
|
97
|
July 21, 2026
|
|
To what audience would you recommend The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
|
14
|
96
|
July 21, 2026
|
|
What did you think of the research Olivia did on Merritt before interviewing for the position of assistant?
|
|
16
|
96
|
July 21, 2026
|
|
Liza Tully is the pseudonym for Elisabeth Brink, who also writes dark thrillers under the name Elisabeth Elo, as well as literary fiction under Elisabeth Panttaja Brink. Have you read any of her other novels?
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12
|
64
|
July 21, 2026
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