1. On page one, we are told, “Kate McAllister is blind.” What do you think that means for the character or anyone in a long-term marriage/relationship?

2. There are running themes in the book, the most obvious being transparency in relationships. How much transparency is healthy and when is it okay to keep a secret?

3. Violet and Kate’s friendship almost seems to be destined from the moment they met at the newspaper office. Tell us about a destined friend.

4. How do you envision beginning a “Chapter Two” in your own life once the kids leave the nest?

5. LIE BESIDE ME also has an underlying motif of deception. Is Kate’s behavior as she investigates Michael’s relationship with Marilyn any less savory than his?

6. There is an unwritten truth in our society that successful women, and those that are beautiful as well, are a little too easy for other women to dislike and are more open to personal criticism. Do you agree that this is the case, and if so, why do think that it is?

7. Violet accuses Kate of making some “noise” in her life. Drama will do that. Do you think that is part of Kate’s impetus not to confront Michael directly?

8. Although Kate and Michael are obviously financially comfortable, twenty million dollars is an unimaginable windfall. How do you suspect it will change them or their relationship? How would it change yours?

9. Was Violet’s fate necessary in order for Kate to accept Michael’s deception and the truth of her relationship—flaws and all? If so, why?

10. Kate’s column at the end of the book is a credo for how she wants to live her life moving forward. Living in the “now” is a lofty ideal, how challenging do you find it in your day-to-day life?