1. Big Sur, California, sets the stage for this enticing mystery and provides a stunning landscape for our cast of characters to lose themselves in. In what ways was this setting an asset to the storytelling by providing more than a backdrop for the story to unfold?

2. A recurring theme that is explored throughout the narrative is that of grand loneliness. What is the story saying about these emotions, and how are they explored through the various characters?

3. Ellery is going through a tremendous life change with the divorce from Luke, the man she thought she would spend the rest of her life with. In what ways does the story handle the topic of beginning again and starting a new chapter later in life? How does that impact the story and Ellery’s growth as a character?

4. Ravi and Nina at first appear to be polar opposites to Ellery, as glamorous and carefree individuals who often indulge in the finer things life has to offer. How does their relationship evolve throughout the course of the novel? In what ways have they saved Ellery, both literally and figuratively?

5. Motherhood is a central topic of the novel and plays a big part in many of the characters’ lives. Which iteration of motherhood felt most significant to your reading, and how did it impact the overall narrative?

6. There are many different forms of relationships that play out in the narrative, including platonic, familial and romantic. Which characters' relationship felt the most consequential to the story?

7. THE UNWEDDING is a nightmare scenario for a day that is meant to be joyous and filled with love. Describe a time that you went to a wedding that was less than ideal.

8. There is a clear class disparity between many of the characters throughout the story. For some luxury is easily accessible, for others this is the opportunity of a lifetime. In what ways does the novel address this issue of economic divide between the characters, and how does it propel the story?

9. Ellery’s past traumas resurface in the face of this new horror, but she is keen on discovering the truth behind Ben and Matt’s deaths. In what way has this new experience allowed Ellery to face her fears and set her on the road towards healing?

10. The cards presented to the guests at Broken Point provide important details on the conditions of the day, and not just in terms of the weather. The quotations on the cards work as markers throughout the story. How did this help guide the narrative, and did these quotes set expectations for the story's progression?