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About the How to Kill a Crime Writer Discussion category
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0
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20
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May 13, 2026
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What did you think about Niamh’s belief that her mother only moved to a small, rural cottage so that Niamh couldn’t move in with her?
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9
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83
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August 8, 2026
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To what audience would you recommend How to Kill a Crime Writer?
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19
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128
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August 8, 2026
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Sarah Lotz has published 20 novels. In addition to those written under her own name, she's also published as S.L. Grey, Lily Herne, and Helene S. Paige. Have you read any of her other works, and if so, which ones?
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13
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75
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August 2, 2026
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What did you think of Leah? Do you feel she was Annie’s image of the perfect daughter? Do you think Niamh was justified in envying her, even though Leah’s a fictional character?
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6
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43
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August 2, 2026
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How did you explain Leah’s presence, particularly when she first appeared to Niamh? Did you have any theories? Did you consider her Annie’s “muse”?
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12
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80
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August 2, 2026
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Niamh compares her biography to Leah’s (p.22). Why do you feel Niamh was so dismissive of her own abilities?
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7
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63
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August 2, 2026
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What was your initial take on Annie’s death? Did you think it was truly an accident at any point, or were you convinced from the start that it was a murder?
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15
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105
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August 2, 2026
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Were you surprised by the murderer’s identity?
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18
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116
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August 2, 2026
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What did you think about the author's note at the end of the book? Did it impact the way you felt about the novel in any way?
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12
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103
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August 2, 2026
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Why do you suppose Niamh was so surprised – and even disbelieving – when others mentioned her parents’ belief in her talent?
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9
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66
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August 2, 2026
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Overall, what did you think of How to Kill a Crime Writer? (No spoilers in this topic, please.)
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29
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191
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August 2, 2026
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In thinking about Niamh’s investigation into her mother’s death, is there anything you would have done differently? If so, what, and why?
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6
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45
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July 30, 2026
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Niamh calls her mom an “obsessive fixer,” and ascribes her desire to write to enjoying “having full control over an outcome for once.” (p.20). Do you think this desire for control is often an inspiration for novelists?
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10
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59
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July 26, 2026
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Niamh often compares people to desserts, and she herself thinks she'd be a box of cake mix that no one's bothered to make yet. Any thoughts about what kind of dessert you'd be?
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8
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79
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July 26, 2026
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What scenes did you particularly enjoy? Were there any you highlighted?
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2
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30
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July 21, 2026
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Niamh coins several terms throughout the novel. Did you have any favorites?
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8
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55
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July 21, 2026
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Niamh and her mother have had a difficult relationship for years. Why do you suppose that was? Was there anything either one could have done to ease the tension between them? What would you have done in Niamh’s shoes?
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5
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34
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July 21, 2026
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What was your opinion of Leah’s and Niamh’s relationship? Do you think they were sisters, of a sort? Why or why not?
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6
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56
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July 21, 2026
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What other murder mysteries do you recommend that have a similar theme or flavor? Is there another author you can think of whose work is comparable?
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2
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28
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July 20, 2026
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Leah remembers past trauma but doesn’t dwell on these events because “the present and future are more important” (pp.133-134). What do you think about this attitude? Do you agree with her?
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9
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71
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July 18, 2026
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