- The author has set the novel in Branson, Missouri, in the mid-1990s. What part does the city’s expansive growth period play in the different storylines in the novel?
- One of the two major storylines is set in the present, the other in the distant past. How does the mystery of the past reflect the activities of the novel’s present-day Branson? Were the outcomes of those stories as you expected? Was justice served?
- What drives Kate’s pursuit of her conspiracy theory about Larry Allen? Is it her disdain for the arrogant, young Councilman or a reporter’s intuition?
- Kate often seems to push the envelope in her search for a story. What is the most careless impulse she follows in the novel to acquire information? Have you ever gone close to a line to accomplish your goal? Were you successful? Did you learn a lesson?
- Tom and Kate have been struggling to hold onto their high school romance. Who do you think is trying the hardest? What is necessary for them to succeed?
- During the novel Kate’s father begins a new romantic relationship, several years after his wife’s death. Do you think Kate approves? Are he and Margie a good match?
- Of Kate’s three close relationship, who is the one with whom Kate is most the candid and self-revealing—Tom, Shirley, or Roger? Which one seems to measure Kate’s motives more accurately?
- The bond between Etta Stupholds and Jack Brighton seems unbreakable. Do you think it’s a genuinely strong friendship or simply two people suppressing a crime from the past?
- Do you think Jack Brighton has, or ever had, any intention of rebuilding Clay’s store on the St. Limas Street property? Does Etta believe he will?
- What lessons did Kate learn during the novel about herself and her “people skills”? Will she change her behavior going forward? Will her investigative journalism skills improve?
- What do you hope will happen in the future regarding Tom and Kate’s relationship? Will they be able to overcome the conflicting professions?
- Connections is the second book in the Kate Starling Mysteries series. What challenges would you like to see in Kate’s future?
Turn the page for a sneak peek of Book Three in the
Kate Starling Mysteries Series ...
Family Matters
