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Subterfuge in this novel often relies on the manipulation of appearances. Discuss Coben’s exploration of the intersection between identity and appearance.

Readers who are familiar with the previous Myron Bolitar novels will have a different reading experience than readers who are encountering Coben for the first time. How does previous knowledge of the series and characters impact the reading experience of this novel?

Myron and Win both acknowledge that the memory of the past can be difficult to carry. What is the role of memory within this text? To what extent does a long memory enable or prevent the reconciling of trauma?

What does Coben suggest about the nature of justice? Can there ever truly be justice for inflicted trauma upon the innocent, and if so, what does this justice look like?

What are the roles of male friendship and homosocial bonds in overcoming trauma? How is this reflected in the paired friendships of Myron–Win and Patrick–Rhys?

Discuss the depictions of women in the novel. How are Myron and Win defined by their perspectives on and treatment of women?

In what ways does Coben provide a sense of hope and possibility for recovery at the end of the novel? How does this contrast with the darker themes of trauma and loss presented throughout the text?

At the beginning of the novel, Win is in a state of exile; by the end of the novel, he has regained a sense of community. What is the role of community in enabling healing?