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Discussion Questions for "Murder with a Terrace View"
Discussion Questions for Murder with a Terrace View - A Harrington House Mystery
Character and Motivation:
1. Aubrey Rhodes had complicated relationships with nearly everyone around him. Which connection felt the most suspicious to you and why?
2. How did your perception of Tracy Barnes or George Roark shift as more of their motives were revealed?
3. Detective Tony Shannon is navigating both a high-profile case and a town full of secrets. What qualities make him effective - or vulnerable - in this investigation? What do you think his story is?
4. Which secondary character(s) intrigued you the most, and what do you think they're still hiding?
Mystery, Clues, and Twists
1. The broken champagne glass and open bottle of champagne on the terrace hint at a romantic encounter. How did these clues, including the open book, shape your early theories about the murder?
2. Did the "mysterious guest" feel like a red herring, a key piece of the puzzle, or something in between?
3. How did the shifting web of relationships - professional, personal, and romantic - complicate your sense of who could be trusted or suspected?
Setting, Atmosphere, and History
1. Harrington House could be considered a character in itself. How does its history and grandeur influence the tone of the story?
2. River Crest's and Harrington House's Prohibition-era bootlegging past resurfaces in unexpected ways. How did these echoes of history deepen the mystery?
3. How did you view the presence of Elnora Harrington as a haunting influence, a symbolic reminder, or a narrative device? Did you like her character? How do you think Molly's resemblance to Elnora impacts the story, if at all?
4. The small town setting is a common trope in cozy mysteries. How does the setting amplify gossip, suspicion, and long-buried secrets?
Themes and Emotional Undercurrents
1. Forbidden passions and strained loyalties drive much of the tension. Which relationship do you think was the most emotionally charged or dangerous?
2. How does the story explore the idea of legacy - personal, familial, or even the town's own legacy?
3. What do you believe were the main themes of the story?
4. How does Molly's tragic backstory impact how she responds to a possible romance with the detective?
Craft, Structure, and Reader Experience
1. How did the pacing of the investigation affect your engagement with the story?
2. Which twist or reveal landed with the biggest emotional impact?
3. How does the author balance suspense with character-driven storytelling?
4. If you could ask the author one question about crafting this mystery, what would it be?