Murder in Hand (Conrad)

Discussion Questions
1. How much do you feel Alicia’s Italian background and the "importance of family" influence her attitude in her personal dealings with the people she meets?

2. How did you feel about Alicia’s reaction to Fabio’s plight? Could you relate to it or not? Why?

3. What insight does Murder in Hand give you into legal family arrangements?

4. What makes Alicia a strong female protagonist?

5. How did you feel about the introduction of Alicia’s Uncle Vico and his input? Does knowing more about Alicia’s family background influence how you think about her?

6. How did you feel about the development of Alicia’s relationship with Alex and his involvement in the mystery?

7. What do you think about the way Italian opera is used to advance the plot?

8. How do you feel about the way Italian culture and influence are portrayed in the book?

9. What’s your reaction to how Alicia stands up to dominant male lawyers?

10. What do you think about Alicia Allen’s reaction to Olivia’s situation? What, if anything, does it reveal about Alicia as a person?

11. How do you feel about Alicia’s determination to reach the truth whatever the consequences?

12. For readers of Alicia Allen Investigates Books 1 & 2: Would you recommend that readers read the first two books in order to enjoy/follow Alicia’s investigations in Book 3; or did you feel that Book 3 could be a “stand alone” mystery? If yes, why?

13. For readers of Alicia Allen investigates Books 1 & 2: How did you feel about returning characters? Were there characters you would like to have learned more about?

14. How did you feel about how details of the murders in the book were revealed to you?

15. What’s your reaction to the climatic action near the end in terms of dramatic tension and setting? Were you surprised by anything or did you “see it coming”?

16. What, if anything, struck you about the investigation process? Was it difficult or easy to follow? Did it seem realistic or far-fetched? Did you notice any red herrings?

17. Would you like Alicia to return and, if so, how do you envisage a future of crime solving with Alex? What do you think might happen if Alicia gets pregnant after they are married?
(Questions courtesy of the publisher.)

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