1. Frankie Elkin is a heroic figure, but she is often faced with moral and ethical dilemmas that challenge her choices throughout the novel. How does her character conquer these issues, and in what ways does it change her?

2. “Do you know how many native Hawaiian girls disappear each year?” (pg. 23) Ethnicity and identity play a large role at the core of this story. In what ways do we see this affecting the relationships between the characters?

3. Violence against women takes many forms throughout the narrative. How does the narrative address this sensitive topic?

4. Untrained as Frankie is as an investigator, what skills allow her to uncover the truth? And how does her background inform her actions and help her to keep her focus and her resolve? How does she balance relying on her personal strength and determination and identifying those she can trust and enlist in her efforts?

5. The mystery unfolds on the beautiful Hawaiian island that is more of a wild rainforest than a serene paradise. In what ways does this isolated setting elevate the story and raise the tensions?

6. Being new to the island, Frankie makes a point to immerse herself in the remote location, and in doing so, she gains an appreciation for the tropical landscape, indulges in the delicious food, and makes friends with her new cohorts. Why was this important for the storytelling, and what stood out most to you throughout?

7. Relationships between women, both friend and foe, work as the guiding force of this novel. Which relationship did you find to be the most impactful, and why was it important to the arc of the novel?

8. This novel is deeply concerned with the idea of what drives people to cause harm to others. Discuss how this is explored through the characters of McManus, Leilani and Keahi.

9. The social issue of class and privilege is addressed through the power dynamics of the characters. What role does that play in the characters’ lives, and how does it affect Frankie’s investigation?