BOOK CLUBS

1. Even though Terry had a unique upbringing, what qualities does she have that make her a relatable character?

2. At a point in the novel, Terry makes the comment, “Everyone has their own limp, but some are more obvious than others.” What did she mean by that?

3. Maude and Terry support each other throughout the novel. What strengths/qualities does Maude have that Terry lacks and vice versa?

4. A ficelle is a character who adds extra information for the reader, helping the author avoid information dumps. They have the same motives as the protagonist, but don’t have the same obstacles. In Asp of Ascension, which character do you think is the ficelle?

5. What qualities does Cleopatra embody that Terry finds the most inspirational? Why?

6. Who do you think is the real villain in this story? Why?

7. Bullying is a central theme in the novel. Does Allison show any redeeming qualities by the end of the story?

8. At the beginning of the novel, Terry makes it a point to stay under the radar and not get involved. How does this change by the end?

9. Several characters had their own motives for getting the power of the asp. Which character had the most to gain/lose?

10. Which character changed the most throughout the course of the story? What actions or decisions triggered that change?

1. If you could ask the author any question, what would you ask?

2. Is the ending satisfying? If so, why? If not, why not… and how would you change it?

3. Which character did Terry underestimate the most? Why?

4. In Diadem of Death, several characters had secret agendas. Which character had the most dishonourable intensions?

5. There is a central theme regarding the purpose of archaeology versus the ownership of invaluable antiquities. In your opinion, what is more important: the proliferation of artifacts for display and preservation, or honouring sacred burial sites?

6. How does the loss of Terry’s power affect her judgement and the choices she makes?

7. A Threshold Guardian is a character who likes things the way they are and opposes the protagonist when she wants to change the situation. They can be an ally of either the protagonist or the antagonist, or a completely neutral party. They test the protagonist by pushing them to solve their problem by making discoveries or creating conflict by their actions. In Diadem of Death, which character(s) do you think were the Threshold Guardian(s)?

8. Where would you rather live; ancient Egyptian times or modern day Cairo? Why?

9. Do you agree with Terry’s choice in the last scene or would you have started investigating the new lead?

10. What plot twist surprised/shocked you the most?

1. Agatha Christie wrote in her autobiography about her dislike of mysteries having a romance as a subplot. In Medallion of Murder, do you feel the love aspect between Terry and Zach distracted from the story or enhanced it?

2. It’s widely observed that believable villains actually think they’re the hero. In this novel, who do you think was the villain, and why did they think they were the hero?

3. Which character had the most to lose by finding the medallion?

4. Which character sacrificed the most?

5. Terry struggles with trying to keep her superhero life and her normal life separate. By the end of the story, how has this changed and why?

6. Medallion of Murder is the third book in the Nefertari Hughes Mystery series. Is it important to read these novels in proper sequence?

7. A red herring is a false clue that the mystery writer uses to send readers off in directions that do not lead to the discovery of the villain. It’s meant to heighten suspense and create a more challenging puzzle for the reader. Are there any red herrings in this novel?

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

9. If you could hang out with any of the characters for a day, who would you chose and why? What would you do?

10. Terry’s choices in the novel shaped the plot and led to the incident on the bridge. Are there any choices she made that you would have done differently? Why?