1. Elizabeth and Stephen have been together for a very long time. How did you react to the events of this novel? How do you think you would feel in similar circumstances?

2. The book introduces us to the sometimes dramatic world of antiques dealers. What other industries do you think might have surprising links to crime?

3. Where would you hide a box that everyone was desperate to find? Where do you think is the last place anyone might look?

4. Ibrahim continues his therapeutic relationship with a hardened criminal. Do you think the sessions Connie has with him are changing her? In what ways? Do you think Connie herself might have an impact on Ibrahim?

5. Joyce and Ibrahim both ruminate on their lost loves. What do you think they have learned from their previous relationships? Is it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?

6. A few new characters are introduced in the novel. Are there any you would like to see become members of the Thursday Murder Club?

7. Why do so many people fall victim to romance fraud?

8. Joyce wishes for more weddings than murders for the coming year. Who would you like to see get married?

9. Would you rather pay $10,000 for a real Picasso or $100,000 for an identical fake?

10. Joyce remarks, “I think we’re due a period of peace and quiet now, aren’t we? A few months without murders, and corpses, without diamonds and spies, without guns and drugs and people threatening to kill us. Some time for Elizabeth to find her new feet.” Do you think the Thursday Murder Club will stay out of trouble for long?