Discussion Questions

[Nell]

After trolling all over the internet to find questions for this book, I made some of my own. I'm providing them here for any one who may want to use them.

1. The story is told almost entirely from Caroline Shipley's point of view. How does that help the narrative move along? Would a different point of view have changed your feelings about the book, good or bad?
2. Would this story be as enticing without the reality of Madeleine McCann (2007) or Kamiyah Mobley (1998)? Why or why not?
3. At the beginning of the story, did you have an idea of who did it? Or what happened to Samantha? Over the course of the story, did your idea begin to change?
4. From Michelle's perspective, how did her life change for the better? How did it change for the worse? Why, when she is very clearly against Caroline, does she defend Caroline from the young woman who calls claiming to be Samantha?
5. Does Caroline's relationship with her mother and brother affect her decision to go along with Hunter and leave the girls unattended that night in Mexico? Why or why not?
6. It appears that everyone except Caroline has been able to move on from that night. Is that realistic? Would you be able to "move on" or would you be trapped like Caroline?
7. When the young woman claiming to be Samantha calls, did you believe her? As the contact between Caroline and the woman sputters in and out, did you begin to doubt your initial reaction?
8. The chapters flip between past and present. Did this help or hinder the story telling? Why or why not?
9. Legal justice is one thing. Caroline appears to be indifferent to the legalities at the end of the book. She's focused on a form of justice that is almost like revenge. Is this a believable with her character? How do you feel about the "justice" given?
10. Going back to the 3rd question, did your idea of who did it at the beginning match who was the culprit? If so, what made you think of that person over others? If not, when did you realize you were wrong?
11. From a certain perspective, Samantha's "adoptive" mother was innocent of the crime. Do you agree? Should she have asked more questions of her husband? Why or why not?