BOOK CLUBS

1) This gothic mystery book takes place in Canada and draws from a different history other than England’s. What are some historical elements the author used to create a unique gothic side of Canada and Nova Scotia in particular? 

2) Both Reverend Pellerine and Georgina empower Emeline in significant ways. Which do you think has a bigger influence and why? 

3) While stories of women pitted against each other are popular and sometimes truthful, women helping women is at the root of survival in both stories and life. Georgina knows Emeline is the woman who will eventually take her place, and yet they still develop a strong bond. Why do you think these characters grew to become allies instead of enemies? 

4) Does the author do an effective job at keeping you guessing? Which was the most surprising plot twist for you?

5) It’s widely observed that villains believe they’re the hero. In this novel, who do you think is the true villain, and why do they think they’re the hero? 

6) In the beginning of the story, we see Emeline as a wealthy woman, but with very few choices or control over her own life. How do you feel about her by the end of the novel? What experiences lead her to grow in significant ways? 

7) If you could spend a day with one of the characters for a day, who would you chose and why? What would you do? 

8) Greed, secret guilt, and loss of autonomy are all themes in this story. What do you think is the most important message and why? 

9) Agatha Christie wrote in her biography about her dislike of mysteries having a romance subplot. In The Third Wife of Faraday House, do you feel the attraction between Reverend Pellerine and Emeline distracts from the story or enhances it? 

10) Are you satisfied with the reveal of the mystery? Did it make sense and tie up all the loose ends? 

1) How did the setting and atmosphere of Somerset Park affect the mood and tone of the story? 

2) Genevieve lives with a secret guilt that influences all her choices, but by the end of the novel she has changed her point of view. How did she grow as a character? How has her view of herself and the world changed?

3)  Did the author surprise or shock you with twists in the plot? Did you see them coming or were you caught off guard?  

4) Did the historical aspect of the story enhance the mystery? Could this story be told in a modern setting? 

5) Most thriller stories have a villain. Who do you think is the most villainous in this story? Did you understand their motives? Did they have any redeeming qualities?

6) Part of the novel is told from another character in the form of a diary. Did it add to the complexity of the plot? Did it reveal any secrets or clues?

7) All the characters were motivated by a secret. Were there any characters you changed your like or dislike of during the novel? What was the event or piece of information that made you change your mind? 

8) A Dreadful Splendor examines themes of morality, revenge and survival. Which had the greatest impact on the story and why? 

9) What do you think the future has in store for Genevieve? 

10) Were you satisfied with the book’s outcome, or did you have any questions or doubts left unanswered?