1. Jane Gray Wharton is depicted as an amateur chemist and former nurse with a history of delusion and institutionalization. How does her past shape her actions and decisions throughout the novel? Do you find her to be a reliable narrator, or do her experiences make you question her perspective?

2. Why do you think General Ketchum, despite knowing about Jane’s suspicions, continued to maintain a relationship with Ellen? Do you agree with the idea that men in the 19th century underestimated women’s capacity for poisoning and murder, or do you think there could be another explanation?

3. The novel presents a blurred line between reality and delusion, especially from Jane’s viewpoint. How does Sharon Virts use this ambiguity to build suspense? At what points did you find yourself questioning what was real versus what was imagined?

4. Set in the Reconstruction era, the book portrays societal constraints on women, particularly through Jane’s experiences. How does Jane’s struggle for autonomy and credibility reflect the broader challenges faced by women during this period?

5. As the novel unfolds, numerous motives for murder come to light, involving love, betrayal and financial troubles. Which motive did you find most compelling, and why? Did you sympathize with any of the potential suspects?

6. Do you think Ellen Wharton’s beauty, charm, political influence and family name played a role in her treatment by the police? How much do you think these factors influenced the outcome of the trial, and how might things have been different without them?

7. Unlike traditional detective stories, Jane herself is a suspect in her own mind, constantly doubting her sanity. How does this affect your engagement with the story and your empathy for Jane?

8. The Wharton family, like many others in the book, is filled with secrets and hidden motives. How do these dynamics drive the plot forward? Were there any family members whose intentions you questioned more than others?

9. The novel is set in Baltimore during the Reconstruction era, a time of great social upheaval and change. How does the setting influence the events of the story? Could this story have taken place in another time or place, or is it uniquely tied to its setting?

10. The novel is described as a story of one woman’s quest for answers in her fight for redemption. Do you think Jane achieves redemption by the end of the book? What does redemption mean for her character?

11. Even though THE GRAYS OF TRUTH is set in a historical context, are there themes or issues within the book that resonate with contemporary readers? How does the novel speak to today’s social or psychological issues?