1. In what ways do Maggie’s pursuit of her daughter and Emma’s pursuit of her story run parallel, and in what ways do they differ? Did you find their motivations and methods relatable?
2. Maggie’s parental intuition is portrayed in stark relief to the more left-brained methods of the police. Have you ever acted on a hunch or intuition? What drove you to this choice…and were you right?
3. Colleges are frequently under fire for their tepid responses to crimes committed on campus. What might have happened differently in the novel had different policies or attitudes been in place?
4. The themes of women helping women and women hurting women are woven throughout the book. Did the betrayals surprise you? Have you ever been on the receiving end of “mean girl” behavior?
5. Emma is accused of being judgmental toward sex work. Do you believe she was, and why? In your observation, even in this enlightened era, do you think most women are?
6. How did Maggie’s experiences as a policeman’s wife and widow color her responses? Was she fair, or did she overreact?
7. The “good old boys” network among fraternity brothers and alumni form a spine of suspicion in the novel. Do you find evidence of this in your own work, life, community?