Holly

Early in the book, readers learn who the perpetrators are and why they are committing their crimes. Why does King take this approach? What does it add to the narrative?

The first time we meet Holly, she’s logging off from the Zoom funeral for her mother. We later learn more about the difficult relationship Holly had with Charlotte. How does the loss of her mother color Holly’s interactions with Penny, whose own daughter is missing?

Holly prides herself on being a detective, and she is a good one. However, in this novel she learns that her mother kept some stunning secrets from her. Does her mother’s deceit, and her own years-long, unknowing acceptance of it, shake Holly’s confidence?

The story takes place a year after the breakout of Covid-19. Masks, gloves, and vaccines are brought up throughout the novel and many of the characters are heavily affected by the virus. Why do you think King set the novel during the pandemic?

One of the reasons the Harrises get away with their crimes for so long is that they are married octogenarians and semi-retired academics, seemingly the last people on earth who would be capable of a string of kidnappings. What part does profiling play in this book?

Emily and Rodney show time and time again that their actions come from a place of love for each other. King includes moments between the two that are tender and caring, mostly in response to their respective ailments. They love each other, but other than that, do they have any humanity?