I love joining book clubs via Zoom or similar! If your book club is interested in reading one of the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels or Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, please get in touch at matty<at>mattydalrymple<dot>com! Below are some questions to spur discussion. (SPOILERS ALERT!)
The Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels
The Sense of Death
1. Ann Kinnear has a unique ability to sense spirits. How does this supernatural element influence the overall tone and direction of the story? Do you think it enhances or detracts from the suspense?
2. The setting plays a significant role in the atmosphere of the novel. How does the author use the setting of Philadelphia and the surrounding areas to build tension and create a sense of unease?
3. Ann's relationship with her brother Mike is a central part of the story. How do you think their dynamic shapes Ann’s decisions and actions throughout the novel?
4. The novel explores themes of grief and loss through various characters. How do these themes affect the characters’ motivations and the plot's progression?
5. The Sense of Death combines elements of a traditional mystery with paranormal suspense. How did this blend of genres impact your reading experience? Did one genre stand out more than the other?
6. What did you think of the novel’s resolution? Were you satisfied with how the mystery was solved and how Ann’s story arc concluded? Would you be interested in continuing with the series to see how Ann’s character evolves?
2. The setting plays a significant role in the atmosphere of the novel. How does the author use the setting of Philadelphia and the surrounding areas to build tension and create a sense of unease?
3. Ann's relationship with her brother Mike is a central part of the story. How do you think their dynamic shapes Ann’s decisions and actions throughout the novel?
4. The novel explores themes of grief and loss through various characters. How do these themes affect the characters’ motivations and the plot's progression?
5. The Sense of Death combines elements of a traditional mystery with paranormal suspense. How did this blend of genres impact your reading experience? Did one genre stand out more than the other?
6. What did you think of the novel’s resolution? Were you satisfied with how the mystery was solved and how Ann’s story arc concluded? Would you be interested in continuing with the series to see how Ann’s character evolves?
The Sense of Reckoning
1. In *The Sense of Reckoning,* Ann Kinnear travels to Maine to investigate a haunting linked to a tragic fire. How does the change in setting from Philadelphia to Maine influence the story's atmosphere and tension?
2. The novel delves into the past, exploring the history behind the haunting. How does the author use flashbacks and historical elements to deepen the mystery and develop the plot?
3. Ann faces personal challenges as she confronts both the supernatural and her own fears. How does her character evolve throughout the novel? What strengths and vulnerabilities does she reveal?
4. The relationships Ann forms in Maine, particularly with those involved in the haunting, play a significant role in the story. How do these interactions impact Ann’s investigation and her emotional journey?
5. Themes of guilt, redemption, and reckoning are central to the novel. How do these themes manifest in the characters and their actions? Which character’s journey resonated with you the most?
6. The resolution of the mystery ties together both the supernatural and real-world elements. Were you satisfied with how the story concluded? How did the blend of the paranormal with the mystery genre affect your overall reading experience?
2. The novel delves into the past, exploring the history behind the haunting. How does the author use flashbacks and historical elements to deepen the mystery and develop the plot?
3. Ann faces personal challenges as she confronts both the supernatural and her own fears. How does her character evolve throughout the novel? What strengths and vulnerabilities does she reveal?
4. The relationships Ann forms in Maine, particularly with those involved in the haunting, play a significant role in the story. How do these interactions impact Ann’s investigation and her emotional journey?
5. Themes of guilt, redemption, and reckoning are central to the novel. How do these themes manifest in the characters and their actions? Which character’s journey resonated with you the most?
6. The resolution of the mystery ties together both the supernatural and real-world elements. Were you satisfied with how the story concluded? How did the blend of the paranormal with the mystery genre affect your overall reading experience?
The Falcon and the Owl
1. In *The Falcon and the Owl*, Ann Kinnear is drawn into the world of aviation. How does the aviation setting and the involvement of aircraft add to the suspense and uniqueness of this story?
2. Ann’s psychic abilities continue to play a significant role in her investigations. How does the author balance the supernatural elements with the real-world mystery in this novel? Do you think this balance is effective?
3. The novel explores themes of trust and betrayal, particularly in the context of relationships and professional ethics. How do these themes drive the narrative and influence the characters’ decisions?
4. The title, *The Falcon and the Owl*, suggests symbolism or thematic relevance. What do you think the falcon and the owl represent within the story? How do these symbols enhance the novel’s deeper meaning?
5. Throughout the series, Ann has faced various moral and ethical dilemmas. In this installment, how does Ann navigate these challenges, and what does it reveal about her character development?
6. The climax and resolution of *The Falcon and the Owl* tie together the threads of the mystery and the supernatural. Were you surprised by the ending? How did the final revelations affect your understanding of the characters and the plot?
2. Ann’s psychic abilities continue to play a significant role in her investigations. How does the author balance the supernatural elements with the real-world mystery in this novel? Do you think this balance is effective?
3. The novel explores themes of trust and betrayal, particularly in the context of relationships and professional ethics. How do these themes drive the narrative and influence the characters’ decisions?
4. The title, *The Falcon and the Owl*, suggests symbolism or thematic relevance. What do you think the falcon and the owl represent within the story? How do these symbols enhance the novel’s deeper meaning?
5. Throughout the series, Ann has faced various moral and ethical dilemmas. In this installment, how does Ann navigate these challenges, and what does it reveal about her character development?
6. The climax and resolution of *The Falcon and the Owl* tie together the threads of the mystery and the supernatural. Were you surprised by the ending? How did the final revelations affect your understanding of the characters and the plot?
A Furnace for Your Foe
1. In *A Furnace for Your Foe*, Ann Kinnear faces one of her most personal and challenging cases. How does the personal nature of this investigation affect Ann’s decision-making and emotional state throughout the novel?
2. The title *A Furnace for Your Foe* suggests intense conflict or retribution. How do you interpret the meaning of the title in relation to the story’s themes and the characters’ struggles?
3. Ann’s psychic abilities are central to the plot, as always, but how do they specifically influence the events and outcomes in this novel? Do you think Ann’s powers are a blessing, a curse, or both in this particular story?
4. The novel explores complex themes such as justice, revenge, and forgiveness. How do these themes manifest in the actions of the characters, and what message do you think the author is conveying through their resolution?
5. Throughout the series, Ann’s relationships with those around her have evolved. How do her interactions with supporting characters in *A Furnace for Your Foe*—whether new or returning—impact her journey and the progression of the plot?
6. The climax of the novel brings together various elements of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural. Were you satisfied with how the story concluded? How did the resolution of this novel compare to previous books in the series in terms of emotional impact and narrative closure?
2. The title *A Furnace for Your Foe* suggests intense conflict or retribution. How do you interpret the meaning of the title in relation to the story’s themes and the characters’ struggles?
3. Ann’s psychic abilities are central to the plot, as always, but how do they specifically influence the events and outcomes in this novel? Do you think Ann’s powers are a blessing, a curse, or both in this particular story?
4. The novel explores complex themes such as justice, revenge, and forgiveness. How do these themes manifest in the actions of the characters, and what message do you think the author is conveying through their resolution?
5. Throughout the series, Ann’s relationships with those around her have evolved. How do her interactions with supporting characters in *A Furnace for Your Foe*—whether new or returning—impact her journey and the progression of the plot?
6. The climax of the novel brings together various elements of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural. Were you satisfied with how the story concluded? How did the resolution of this novel compare to previous books in the series in terms of emotional impact and narrative closure?
A Serpent's Tooth
1. The title *A Serpent's Tooth* suggests betrayal or hidden danger. How do you think this theme is reflected in the relationships and events of the novel? Which character’s actions surprised you the most?
2. Ann Kinnear’s ability to communicate with the dead has always been a central aspect of the series. How does this supernatural element play a role in the unfolding mystery of *A Serpent's Tooth*? Do you think it adds a unique layer to the suspense?
3. The setting and atmosphere in this novel contribute significantly to the tension. How does the author use the environment to enhance the sense of danger and unease? How does the setting in *A Serpent's Tooth* compare to previous books in the series?
4. The novel delves into complex family dynamics and secrets. How do these elements drive the plot and character motivations? What do you think the author is trying to say about the nature of family loyalty and betrayal?
5. Ann’s character continues to evolve with each book. In *A Serpent's Tooth*, what new challenges does she face, and how does she grow as a person and as an investigator? How do these developments affect your perception of her as a protagonist?
6. The resolution of *A Serpent's Tooth* ties together various plot threads and character arcs. Were you satisfied with how the mystery was resolved? How did the ending impact your overall view of the story and its themes?
2. Ann Kinnear’s ability to communicate with the dead has always been a central aspect of the series. How does this supernatural element play a role in the unfolding mystery of *A Serpent's Tooth*? Do you think it adds a unique layer to the suspense?
3. The setting and atmosphere in this novel contribute significantly to the tension. How does the author use the environment to enhance the sense of danger and unease? How does the setting in *A Serpent's Tooth* compare to previous books in the series?
4. The novel delves into complex family dynamics and secrets. How do these elements drive the plot and character motivations? What do you think the author is trying to say about the nature of family loyalty and betrayal?
5. Ann’s character continues to evolve with each book. In *A Serpent's Tooth*, what new challenges does she face, and how does she grow as a person and as an investigator? How do these developments affect your perception of her as a protagonist?
6. The resolution of *A Serpent's Tooth* ties together various plot threads and character arcs. Were you satisfied with how the mystery was resolved? How did the ending impact your overall view of the story and its themes?
Be with the Dead
1. The title *Be with the Dead* is evocative and intriguing. How do you interpret its meaning in the context of the story? How does it reflect the novel's exploration of life, death, and the supernatural?
2. Ann Kinnear’s ability to connect with the dead plays a crucial role in this novel. How does her gift affect the investigation in *Be with the Dead*? Do you think her abilities are portrayed as a burden or a blessing in this story?
3. The novel introduces new characters and revisits familiar ones. How do these relationships impact Ann’s journey, both personally and professionally? Were there any character dynamics that particularly stood out to you?
4. Themes of loss, grief, and closure are central to the plot. How do these themes influence the characters’ actions and decisions? What message do you think the author is conveying about the human experience of dealing with death?
5. The suspense in *Be with the Dead* is built through both supernatural and real-world elements. How did the author balance these aspects to maintain tension throughout the novel? Were there any particular scenes that heightened the suspense for you?
6. The novel's ending brings closure to the central mystery, but it may also leave some questions lingering. How did you feel about the resolution of the plot? Did the ending satisfy your expectations, and how do you think it sets the stage for future developments in the series?
2. Ann Kinnear’s ability to connect with the dead plays a crucial role in this novel. How does her gift affect the investigation in *Be with the Dead*? Do you think her abilities are portrayed as a burden or a blessing in this story?
3. The novel introduces new characters and revisits familiar ones. How do these relationships impact Ann’s journey, both personally and professionally? Were there any character dynamics that particularly stood out to you?
4. Themes of loss, grief, and closure are central to the plot. How do these themes influence the characters’ actions and decisions? What message do you think the author is conveying about the human experience of dealing with death?
5. The suspense in *Be with the Dead* is built through both supernatural and real-world elements. How did the author balance these aspects to maintain tension throughout the novel? Were there any particular scenes that heightened the suspense for you?
6. The novel's ending brings closure to the central mystery, but it may also leave some questions lingering. How did you feel about the resolution of the plot? Did the ending satisfy your expectations, and how do you think it sets the stage for future developments in the series?
The Lizzy Ballard Thrillers
Rock Paper Scissors
1. Lizzy Ballard’s ability, known as "the squeeze," is central to the plot of *Rock Paper Scissors*. How does this unique power shape her character and the choices she makes throughout the novel? Do you see it as a gift or a curse?
2. The novel explores themes of power and control, both in terms of Lizzy’s abilities and the intentions of those who want to exploit her. How do these themes drive the conflict in the story, and what do they say about human nature?
3. The title *Rock Paper Scissors* suggests a game of strategy and chance. How do you think this metaphor applies to the relationships and power dynamics between the characters? How do Lizzy, her allies, and her enemies "play the game"?
4. Family loyalty and betrayal are recurring motifs in the novel. How do Lizzy’s relationships with her family members influence her journey? How do these relationships compare to the ones she forms with other characters?
5. The pacing of the thriller is intense and fast-moving. How did the author’s use of action and suspense affect your reading experience? Were there any particular moments that stood out to you as especially gripping or surprising?
6. The ending of *Rock Paper Scissors* sets the stage for the next installment in Lizzy’s story. Were you satisfied with how the novel concluded? What are your predictions or hopes for Lizzy’s future in the series?
2. The novel explores themes of power and control, both in terms of Lizzy’s abilities and the intentions of those who want to exploit her. How do these themes drive the conflict in the story, and what do they say about human nature?
3. The title *Rock Paper Scissors* suggests a game of strategy and chance. How do you think this metaphor applies to the relationships and power dynamics between the characters? How do Lizzy, her allies, and her enemies "play the game"?
4. Family loyalty and betrayal are recurring motifs in the novel. How do Lizzy’s relationships with her family members influence her journey? How do these relationships compare to the ones she forms with other characters?
5. The pacing of the thriller is intense and fast-moving. How did the author’s use of action and suspense affect your reading experience? Were there any particular moments that stood out to you as especially gripping or surprising?
6. The ending of *Rock Paper Scissors* sets the stage for the next installment in Lizzy’s story. Were you satisfied with how the novel concluded? What are your predictions or hopes for Lizzy’s future in the series?
Snakes and Ladders
1. The title *Snakes and Ladders* suggests a game of ups and downs, risks, and sudden reversals. How do you think this metaphor applies to the challenges Lizzy faces in the novel? In what ways do her choices lead to successes or setbacks?
2. Lizzy’s abilities continue to evolve in *Snakes and Ladders*. How does her control (or lack of control) over "the squeeze" affect her relationships and the trajectory of the plot? How does she cope with the moral implications of her power?
3. The novel introduces new adversaries and allies for Lizzy. How do these new characters impact the story and Lizzy’s development? Were there any characters that you found particularly intriguing or surprising?
4. Themes of trust and deception are central to the novel. How do these themes play out in the interactions between Lizzy and the people around her? How does Lizzy decide who to trust, and what are the consequences of those decisions?
5. The pacing of *Snakes and Ladders* is fast and tense, with many twists and turns. How did the author maintain suspense throughout the novel? Were there any particular scenes that you found especially intense or unexpected?
6. As the second book in the Lizzy Ballard series, *Snakes and Ladders* builds on the foundation laid in *Rock Paper Scissors*. How do you think Lizzy has grown as a character from the first book to this one? What do you hope to see in her future as the series continues?
2. Lizzy’s abilities continue to evolve in *Snakes and Ladders*. How does her control (or lack of control) over "the squeeze" affect her relationships and the trajectory of the plot? How does she cope with the moral implications of her power?
3. The novel introduces new adversaries and allies for Lizzy. How do these new characters impact the story and Lizzy’s development? Were there any characters that you found particularly intriguing or surprising?
4. Themes of trust and deception are central to the novel. How do these themes play out in the interactions between Lizzy and the people around her? How does Lizzy decide who to trust, and what are the consequences of those decisions?
5. The pacing of *Snakes and Ladders* is fast and tense, with many twists and turns. How did the author maintain suspense throughout the novel? Were there any particular scenes that you found especially intense or unexpected?
6. As the second book in the Lizzy Ballard series, *Snakes and Ladders* builds on the foundation laid in *Rock Paper Scissors*. How do you think Lizzy has grown as a character from the first book to this one? What do you hope to see in her future as the series continues?
The Iron Ring
1. In *The Iron Ring*, Lizzy Ballard faces new challenges that test her strength and resilience. How does Lizzy’s character evolve in this installment? What new aspects of her personality or abilities are revealed?
2. The title *The Iron Ring* suggests a sense of confinement or control. How do you think this metaphor applies to Lizzy’s situation in the novel? What are the forces or circumstances that seem to trap or limit her?
3. Throughout the novel, Lizzy must navigate complex relationships with both allies and enemies. How do these relationships impact her decisions and actions? Were there any interactions that stood out to you as particularly pivotal?
4. Themes of power, control, and freedom are central to the story. How does Lizzy struggle with these concepts, both in terms of her own abilities and in the broader conflicts she faces? What message do you think the author is conveying through these themes?
5. The novel is filled with suspense and tension, particularly as Lizzy confronts increasingly dangerous situations. How did the author build and maintain suspense throughout the story? Were there any moments that you found especially gripping or surprising?
6. As the latest book in the Lizzy Ballard series, *The Iron Ring* continues to build on the overarching narrative. How does this book contribute to the larger story arc of the series? What do you think is next for Lizzy, and what are your hopes or predictions for her future?
2. The title *The Iron Ring* suggests a sense of confinement or control. How do you think this metaphor applies to Lizzy’s situation in the novel? What are the forces or circumstances that seem to trap or limit her?
3. Throughout the novel, Lizzy must navigate complex relationships with both allies and enemies. How do these relationships impact her decisions and actions? Were there any interactions that stood out to you as particularly pivotal?
4. Themes of power, control, and freedom are central to the story. How does Lizzy struggle with these concepts, both in terms of her own abilities and in the broader conflicts she faces? What message do you think the author is conveying through these themes?
5. The novel is filled with suspense and tension, particularly as Lizzy confronts increasingly dangerous situations. How did the author build and maintain suspense throughout the story? Were there any moments that you found especially gripping or surprising?
6. As the latest book in the Lizzy Ballard series, *The Iron Ring* continues to build on the overarching narrative. How does this book contribute to the larger story arc of the series? What do you think is next for Lizzy, and what are your hopes or predictions for her future?
Kill Box Checkmate: From the World of Lizzy Ballard - A Louise Mortensen Thriller Novella
1. The title *Kill Box Checkmate* suggests a strategic, high-stakes confrontation. How does the concept of a "kill box" and the idea of "checkmate" play into the story's plot and the decisions Louise Mortensen must make?
2. Louise Mortensen is a new protagonist in the world of Lizzy Ballard. How does her character compare to Lizzy, and what unique qualities does she bring to the story? How do her strengths and weaknesses influence the outcome of the plot?
3. The novella explores themes of strategy and survival. How does Louise navigate the challenges she faces, and what strategies does she employ to outmaneuver her adversaries? Were there any moments where her choices surprised you?
4. The novella is set within the world of Lizzy Ballard, but with a focus on a different character. How does the setting and connection to the Lizzy Ballard series enrich the story? Did you notice any parallels or contrasts between Louise’s story and Lizzy’s?
5. The pacing of *Kill Box Checkmate* is likely more condensed due to its novella length. How did the shorter format impact the intensity and suspense of the story? Did you feel the novella format worked well for this particular narrative?
6. The ending of *Kill Box Checkmate* brings resolution to Louise’s immediate conflict but leaves room for future stories. Were you satisfied with the conclusion? What do you think could be next for Louise Mortensen in this expanded world?
2. Louise Mortensen is a new protagonist in the world of Lizzy Ballard. How does her character compare to Lizzy, and what unique qualities does she bring to the story? How do her strengths and weaknesses influence the outcome of the plot?
3. The novella explores themes of strategy and survival. How does Louise navigate the challenges she faces, and what strategies does she employ to outmaneuver her adversaries? Were there any moments where her choices surprised you?
4. The novella is set within the world of Lizzy Ballard, but with a focus on a different character. How does the setting and connection to the Lizzy Ballard series enrich the story? Did you notice any parallels or contrasts between Louise’s story and Lizzy’s?
5. The pacing of *Kill Box Checkmate* is likely more condensed due to its novella length. How did the shorter format impact the intensity and suspense of the story? Did you feel the novella format worked well for this particular narrative?
6. The ending of *Kill Box Checkmate* brings resolution to Louise’s immediate conflict but leaves room for future stories. Were you satisfied with the conclusion? What do you think could be next for Louise Mortensen in this expanded world?
Scare Card
1. The title *Scare Card* suggests an element of risk or danger. How do you think this concept is reflected in the story’s plot and Lizzy’s decisions throughout the novel? What are the "scare cards" Lizzy faces, and how does she deal with them?
2. Lizzy’s abilities continue to be a central focus in the series. In *Scare Card*, how does her power evolve, and what new challenges does she face because of it? How does Lizzy’s understanding of her abilities influence her actions and relationships?
3. The novel introduces new threats and adversaries for Lizzy. How do these new elements impact the overall tension and suspense of the story? Were there any characters or situations that you found particularly compelling or surprising?
4. Themes of loyalty and betrayal are explored in *Scare Card*. How do these themes manifest in Lizzy’s interactions with other characters? What do these interactions reveal about her growth as a person and her approach to trust?
5. The pacing of *Scare Card* is intense and fast-moving. How did the author’s use of action and suspense affect your reading experience? Were there any moments that stood out to you as particularly gripping or unexpected?
6. As the series progresses, Lizzy’s character development continues to be a key focus. In *Scare Card*, how does Lizzy grow, both personally and in terms of her abilities? What do you think the future holds for her, and what are your hopes or predictions for the next installment?
2. Lizzy’s abilities continue to be a central focus in the series. In *Scare Card*, how does her power evolve, and what new challenges does she face because of it? How does Lizzy’s understanding of her abilities influence her actions and relationships?
3. The novel introduces new threats and adversaries for Lizzy. How do these new elements impact the overall tension and suspense of the story? Were there any characters or situations that you found particularly compelling or surprising?
4. Themes of loyalty and betrayal are explored in *Scare Card*. How do these themes manifest in Lizzy’s interactions with other characters? What do these interactions reveal about her growth as a person and her approach to trust?
5. The pacing of *Scare Card* is intense and fast-moving. How did the author’s use of action and suspense affect your reading experience? Were there any moments that stood out to you as particularly gripping or unexpected?
6. As the series progresses, Lizzy’s character development continues to be a key focus. In *Scare Card*, how does Lizzy grow, both personally and in terms of her abilities? What do you think the future holds for her, and what are your hopes or predictions for the next installment?