The Inmate

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How does this novel compare to other Freida McFadden novels you’ve read, such as The Housemaid or The Locked Door? Was this mystery more or less surprising? If you’ve never encountered McFadden before, what other thrillers would you compare this one to?
• Were you surprised by the revelation that Josh was responsible for his father’s death? What clues were there that Josh inherited his father’s violence? Were you surprised by the revelation that Shane’s mother was complicit in his murders? What evidence was there that Shane was not acting alone? In general, how important is surprise to you when reading a thriller or mystery?
• Did you find Brooke sympathetic? Why or why not?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• The novel contains graphic depictions of violence, including intimate partner violence. Did you find these scenes difficult to read? If so, are you glad you pushed through them, and do you think there is value in such depictions?
• Why do you think Brooke chose to take a job at the federal prison where Shane was incarcerated? Have you ever taken a job you knew would put you in a bad position? Why did you do it?
• Despite the fact that Brooke and Josh are a close-knit family unit, they lie to each other about important things, such as Brooke’s relationship with Tim and Josh’s murder of his father.