Kill for Me, Kill for You

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• What did you think of the novel’s twist? At what point did you realize Naomi and Ruth were the same person?
• How does this novel differ from the Eddie Flynn novels? How effective is Cavanagh in writing women characters?
• How does this novel compare to other mysteries you’ve read recently? 

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• The novel is driven by strong emotions, such as hate and fear. Reflect on a time when you felt extremely angry at someone. Do you think the intensity of your anger was justified, in retrospect? Why do you think it’s so easy to allow emotions to drive our actions?
• Which of the narrative voices—Ruth, Amanda, or Scott—did you find most compelling? Which was the least compelling?
• The novel centers on a mother hoping to avenge her daughter and a husband trying to protect his wife. Did you feel the lengths they went to were justified? Why or why not?
• Have you experienced loss in your life? How did the novel’s depiction of loss and grief reflect your own experience?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• How does this novel intervene in the debate surrounding punishment versus rehabilitation in the criminal justice system? Do you think this portrayal is intentional, and to what extent does that matter?
• Irish author Steve Cavanagh uses two American presidents, Donald Trump and George Bush, to reveal the two-timeline twist. How does he depict American politics?

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• What did you think of the structure of the book? What is the effect of switching between timelines with each chapter?
• Nearly all of the characters in this novel have murderous impulses. Would you classify any of the characters as antiheroes? If not, how would you describe them?
• Trauma is a major theme in the novel. How does trauma influence the behavior of major characters like Ruth and Scott? What “point” do you think the novel is making about trauma?
• What do you make of Ruth’s comparison of the home invasion she experienced to the September 11 attacks? What parallels does the novel establish between these two events, and what is the effect of this? 

5. Creative Engagement

 Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Who would you cast in the role of Ruth/Naomi? Would you use the same actress for both timelines?
• If you were to write a sequel to the novel, would you be more interested in following Mr. Blue Eyes or looking back to Ruth’s early murders?
• The movie and novel Strangers on a Train are essential to the plot of this novel. If you were to update an old mystery movie or film, which would you choose?

Need more inspiration for your next meeting? Browse all of our Book Club Resources.