1. Kathryn grew up in difficult circumstances, not just financially, but emotionally. What scars does she carry from her dysfunctional childhood? How does her past influence her actions in the present?

2. The novel opens with Madison describing her admiration for Judge Conroy. How do you think this admiration affected her relationship with the judge? How did it change throughout the novel?

3. What did you think of Ray as a character? Did he have a moral compass, or was he motivated solely by power and greed? What was the source of his appeal to Kathryn? To her mother? Did you like him? Did your view of him change over the course of the novel?

4. The theme of trust is explored throughout the novel. Why do you think Madison ultimately trusted Kathryn? What do you think was the pivotal moment that secured her trust? How do you decide who you can trust? What does it take for you to trust someone?

5. The theme of family, both found and blood-related, is discussed throughout the novel. What makes someone family? Is it simply blood relation or more than that? What do you think someone’s responsibility to their family is?

6. Discuss Madison’s role in her family as the older daughter and as a first-generation college student. How do you think this impacted her decisions?

7. Madison’s responsibility to her family at times conflicts with her law school responsibilities. Similarly, Kathryn’s responsibilities to Ray and Charlie affect her ability to fulfill her duties as a federal judge. Think about a time your personal and professional life conflicted. How did you handle it?

8. Discuss Kathryn and Sylvia’s relationship. Do you think Sylvia was a good mother? How do you think it will affect Kathryn’s relationship with her own daughter?

9. The novel explores the tension between law and justice. For example, Danny was arrested over drugs that weren’t his, even though he was found with them. Do you believe there are cases where the law gets it wrong?

10. Did you see the ending coming? If yes, when did you start to figure it out? If not, what did you think was going to happen?