1. Why does the author begin the novel with the scene of Jenny's palm reading at a party?

2. What about Harriet's personality makes Jenny trust her so quickly when she is usually cautious about strangers?

3. The ending of the novel is indecisive because Jenny is indecisive about her future. Apart from wanting to stay in the house that she inherited from her father, she has no plans. What do you think she should do? Should she become the writer she has always pretended to be? Should she marry Larry MacRae? Should she live with her stepmother since they have become such good friends?

4. Do you find the explanation of the motive for the murder convincing?

5. How does the feud between the wealthy dowager, Marguerite Firbelle, and the Scottish grandmother, Ellspeth Gillesie, contribute to the narrative?

6. How does the character of Jason Cirak add up by...