ICE Breakers
INTERMEZZO
BOOK OF THE MOMENT
Have you read 'Normal People' and 'Conversations with Friends' and how did this story compare? Do you think this book has a different maturity to it, or do you prefer her earlier work?
This is a story of relationships, not just between couples, but between brothers, family and soul mates against a background of dealing with grief. How much did the brother's grief add to the complexity of these relationships?
Did you find yourself wanting Peter to choose either Sylvia or Naomi or were you rooting for both?
Similarly did your sympathies lie with one brother over the other and if so why?
All the women in the story are independently minded and strong. What message do you think Rooney is giving about women’s role in keeping families together?
Do you think the brother’s relationship with their mother is developed enough?
Can you see this book also being adapted for TV?
THE CHRISTMAS GUEST
MISSED OPPORTUNITY
A Den reader described this novella as 'The Holiday' meets 'Agatha Christie'? How would you describe it?
Did you believe in the diary voice? Did it stir up any nostalgic memories of a younger self?
Were you surprised by the twists? Is it what you expected?
Did you read it in one sitting?
Have you read any Christmas murder mysteries before? How does this compare?
Is this novella for sharing and would it encourage you to read other Peter Swanson thrillers?
THE SIEGE
Do you recall the Iranian Embassy siege of 1980 and what lasting memories do you have of the event? How do you remember it and was the outcome as you imagined?
Did you find MacIntyre’s account gripping? What story stood out for you and which if any terrorists did you empathise with?
What surprised you about the affects of captivity on the hostages and the aftermath of the siege and did it give you greater empathy for current hostage situations around the world and its survivors?
Have you read any other MacIntyre books and how does this compare?
Does 'The Siege' make a good read for book club? And a gift for history lovers?
THE WILD CARD