The Survivors

A hallmark of Jane Harper’s novels is her skill in keeping the reader guessing as to who committed the crime. In this novel, how did she deflect attention away from the murderer and create suspicion in other characters? Which characters were most suspect and why?

Analyze the portrayal of law enforcement in the novel. How is Pendleton’s approach to the investigation different from Renn’s? Why did Mallott insist on dismissing the evidence of Gabby’s backpack found on the boat?

The geography of Evelyn Bay is significant to the community and the story. How does Harper make use of key geographical markers such as the whale watch on the cliffs, the Surf and Turf, the beach, and the caves to shape the story?

What is the function of George Barlin as a character? Is Ash’s contempt towards him solely about the garden, or is there more?

Discuss the parallels in the way Liam is treated after it is discovered that he was with Bronte the night she died and the way the community views Kieran considering his role in the historic accident. Why is Lyn so negative about Liam?

Compare and contrast Verity and Trish. How has each grieving mother dealt with her trauma differently? What challenges do each face that make one experience more difficult than the other?

Discuss the ways photography is a motif in the novel. Bronte’s art and photography represented a specific way she viewed Evelyn Bay. What is the symbolism of her photographs taken of ordinary items around town? What is the significance of the three versions of the photo of Finn and Toby?

The two dead girls, Gabby and Bronte, do not get a voice in the present timeline. How does the author bring the victims to light in the flashback scenes? What details about each girl humanize them and bring them back to life in the story?