Book Club Questions

General:

1. What drew you into the story first—Michelle’s sleuthing skills, the university setting, or the nostalgia of the 1970s?
2. Did the 1970s backdrop feel authentic? What details stood out to you?
3. Which character felt the most relatable—or suspicious—to you?

Deep Dive Questions:

1. How does Michelle’s role as a student and commuter influence her investigations?
2. What clues did you pick on up early in the story that made you question certain characters?

Wrap-Up Reflection:

1. What was your biggest “aha!” moment in the book?
2. Were you satisfied with the ending? Why or why not?
3. What setting would you love to see Michelle investigate in the future?

The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor

LAWRENCE AND TASHA DEBATE U.S. INVOLVEMENT IN THE VIET NAM WAR

1. When was the Vietnam War?
2. Why did the USA get involved in the Vietnam War?
3. Why did the USA use chemical weapons?
4. How did the media impact the Vietnam War?

MICHELLE UPSETS HER PARENTS BY ATTENDING COLLEGE AND NOT WANTING A LIFE ON THE FARM

1. How do you handle family and/or friends who oppose your life choices?
2. How do you handle toxic situations where “cutting them out of your life” is not an option?

MICHELLE DISCOVERS CORRUPTION AND COVER-UPS INVOLVING PEOPLE IN POWER.

1. Do you think that some people are above the law, or will justice come for everyone eventually?

Fashionably Fit, Fatally Flawed

Michelle’s father refused to listen to any argument against the US involvement in the Vietnam War.

1. How do you handle talking about political issues with people who have a different viewpoint than yours?
2. Do you find it more difficult than in years past for people to be able to say, “We may disagree on this issue, but we can still be friends”?
3. Why are politics so divisive?

Michelle invents a cover story so she can go with Craig to Langford’s gym and get information that will hopefully clear Caroline’s name.

1. Would you consider Michelle’s cover story simply part of her job? Or would you consider her story “telling a lie”?
2. Is there such a thing as a “little white lie” or are all lies equal?

Michelle clearly has feelings for T.J. and battles the urge to enlighten T.J. about Meg’s faults.

1. How do you handle it when you see someone you care about forming a friendship with someone you have questions about? Do you keep quiet? Or do you share your opinion?

1. Secrets and lies are central themes in this book. How do they affect character relationships?
2. Why is it so hard for Michelle to decide if she has feelings for T.J.?