In A Dark Dark Wood

Why is the character Melanie included in the story? What function does she serve?

Why was Tom accepted as part of the hen do, which is traditionally a gathering of female friends? Is it just because he is gay, or are there other reasons?

How does Nora’s career as a crime novelist influence how she deals with the events of this story?

How does the shift between past and present help develop the story? Why do you think the author set up her storytelling in this way?

What are some examples of foreshadowing in this novel? How does the foreshadowing heighten the suspense of the narrative?

A defining feature of the whodunit narrative is the so-called double narrative. One narrative is hidden and gradually revealed, while the other is the open narrative, which often transpires in the present time of the story. Discuss how Cliff develops both the hidden narrative and the open narrative.

At the very end of the story, Nora is deciding whether to read Matt’s email. The last sentence reads: “And then I click.” Do you think that Nora clicks to delete the email or to read it? Why do you think so? What does that action say about Nora at this point in her life?

The author cites Agatha Christie as one of her major influences in writing this book. In what ways do you see the influence of Christie’s novels in this story?