I Shot the Devil

Erin Sloane was sixteen when high school senior Andre Villiers was murdered by his friends.

They were her friends, too, led by the intense, charismatic Ricky Hell. Five people went into West Cypress Woods the night Andre was murdered. Only three came out.

Ativan, alcohol, and distance had dimmed Erin’s memories of that time. But nearly twenty years later, an aging father will bring her home. Now a journalist, she is asked to write a story about the Southport Three and the thrill-kill murder that electrified the country. Erin’s investigation propels her closer and closer to a terrifying truth. And closer and closer to danger.

An unforgettable story of murder, trauma, and childhoods lost, I Shot the Devil is a taut, prize-winning debut novel from an electrifying new talent.

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Blackstone Publishing.

Book club questions for I Shot the Devil by Ruth McIver

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

Erin Sloane has her own secrets. How do her personal struggles affect her investigation into the past?

The story alternates between past and present. How does this structure enhance the suspense and reveal crucial information?

Did you find the pacing effective? Why or why not?

The novel explores themes of corruption, racism, and buried secrets. How do these themes impact the characters and the community?

What kept you engaged throughout the novel? Were there any unexpected twists?

Were there unanswered questions or unresolved plot points that intrigued you?

The woods around Southport play a significant role. How does the setting contribute to the overall atmosphere?

What motifs or symbols appear throughout the story, and what do they represent?

I Shot the Devil Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the I Shot the Devil discussion questions

“One of the freshest debuts to come along in a long time. A tense, irresistible thriller shot through with moments of unnerving darkness. A clever, compelling read.” -Dervla McTiernan, #1 bestselling author

“An incredible thriller that kept me up reading. Intense. Wickedly smart. A stunning debut from a gifted author.” -Adrian McKinty, bestselling author

“This book reminds me of the first time I read Mystic River by Dennis Lehane. It’s THAT good.” -Steve Cavanagh

“I loved this book…I can see David Lynch reading this up in Mulholland Drive.” -Brendan Cowell

“A slick, atmospheric thriller.” -Sunday Times