- At certain times of the book, we see the response to events on social media in the form of Twitter posts. What do you think this adds to the novel? Do you like it?
- Strangers focuses on three main characters – Alice, Ursula, and Gareth. Who did you feel most connected to, and why?
- Towards the start of the book, Alice has an unpleasant date with Michael. Do you think she handles this interaction in the best way? How did this scene make you feel?
- Whereas many crime books focus on the idea that a crime is always committed by someone you know, this novel focuses on the notion that strangers are the ones to watch out for. Do you agree with this? Which idea is most frightening to you – the idea of being hurt by a stranger, or by somebody close to you?
- What did you think of the way things ended for Joan? Are you glad her story ended where it did?
- How important do you think the shopping centre setting is as a pivotal place in the novel? Why do you think the author chose a shopping centre for this key scene?
- Ed behaves badly in this book – but how far does what happened in the past go towards excusing what he does?
- The central theme of the book is loneliness. How successfully do you think the author explored this theme?
- Do you think Ursula was right to get involved in Nikki’s situation? Why do you think she responded the way she did?