The Perfect Couple

What did you think of the ending? While you learned what really happened to Merritt, how did you feel that the police never uncovered what truly happened?

What did you think of Celeste's decision to go ahead with her marriage to Billy despite her feelings for Shooter, and later to elope with Shooter? Were you sympathetic to her motivations? Which couple (if any) were you rooting for?

How does the Nantucket setting contribute to the atmosphere and plot of the story? Did reading the book make you want to visit Nantucket? What aspects of the island life seemed most appealing or unappealing?

The novel alternates between the present-day investigation and events leading up to the wedding. What did you think of this back and forth structure?

The book's title, "The Perfect Couple," is somewhat ironic as none of the couple leave the novel unscathed. Discuss the various couples in the book. Who initially seemed most "perfect" together, and ultimately who, if anyone, did you think actually had the strongest relationship?

What role do class and wealth play in the story? How do they influence characters' actions and relationships?

Many characters in this book make morally ambiguous decisions. Which character did you find most sympathetic? Least?

The book is both a relationship-driven beach read and a murder mystery. How well did you think Hilderbrand balanced those two genres? Which aspect of the book did you prefer?

What do you think will happen to various characters (and couples) after the end of the novel?

Did you think that Greer should have told Abby about the consequences of her actions? What amount of blame does Abby hold for Merritt's death?

This book is being adapted by Netflix. If you've also watched the adaptation, what did you think of the casting? Of the changes made to the plot and characters to bring the novel to the screen? Were there any changes that you liked, or any subplots that were left out that you missed? Ultimately, which did you prefer, the novel or the tv show, and why?