The Inmate

Consider the relationships between parents and children in the novel. How does Brooke’s estrangement from her parents compare to Shane’s bond with his mother? How does Brooke’s childhood impact how she raises Josh?

Discuss bullying in the novel. How does Josh’s bullying impact him? Why does Tim refer to Shane as a bully? Does the way Marcus and the prison inmates treat Shane constitute bullying? Why or why not?

Examine the role of media and social media in the novel. What harm do these sources of information pose? Are they helpful? What other sources of information does Raker have, and how are they used?

Why do you think the novel prioritizes suspense and pacing over solid plotting and authenticity? What effect does this have on readers?

What elements of the psychological thriller genre does McFadden use? Does she subvert any of these tropes? Why or why not?

How does the novel treat sexuality? Compare Brooke’s sexual attraction to Shane to her relationship with Tim. What similarities and differences does the novel explore?

Why does Brooke doubt her memories of the night of the murder? Is memory reliable? Should someone be convicted of murder based solely on someone’s testimony? Why or why not?

Pamela Nelson confesses to helping Shane commit the murders in the farmhouse that night. Why does Brooke believe her so readily? Is Pamela’s motive convincing?