By Book Club Team 
A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham is an excellent choice for a book club, particularly for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and mysteries. Here’s why it works well:
- Engaging Plot with Twists: The suspenseful storyline, full of red herrings and an unreliable narrator, keeps readers guessing, making it perfect for group discussions about plot twists and foreshadowing.
- Complex Themes: The book explores heavy topics like trauma, memory, family loyalty, and betrayal, offering plenty of material for meaningful conversations.
- Relatable Yet Flawed Protagonist: Chloe Davis’s character provides insight into how past trauma shapes present actions, sparking discussions about mental health, resilience, and morality.
- Unanswered Questions: While the book resolves its main mysteries, it leaves some lingering ambiguities about Chloe’s future and the emotional aftermath, which are ideal for group speculation.
- Accessible Read: The writing style is immersive and straightforward, making it appealing to a wide range of readers, including those new to thrillers.
20 A Flicker in the Dark Book Club Questions
These questions are designed to spark in-depth discussions and differing opinions, making them ideal for a lively book club meeting!
General Plot and Storyline
- What were your initial impressions of Chloe as a protagonist? How did your perception of her change throughout the story?
- Did you find the pacing effective in building suspense? Were there any points where the tension felt too slow or too fast?
- How did the Louisiana setting contribute to the atmosphere of the book?
- Did you anticipate the ending, or were you surprised by the reveal of Cooper as the killer? What clues, if any, tipped you off?
- How did the flashbacks to Chloe’s childhood enhance or distract from the main storyline?
Themes and Symbolism
- The book explores the long-term effects of trauma. How well do you think it portrayed Chloe’s struggles with her past?
- What do you think the title, A Flicker in the Dark, symbolizes in relation to Chloe’s journey?
- The marshland is described vividly throughout the book. What might it represent in the context of Chloe’s life and the story’s events?
- Discuss the theme of trust. How do Chloe’s struggles with trusting others drive the narrative?
- Do you think the book effectively explores the concept of nature vs. nurture, especially regarding Burt and Cooper’s actions?
Characters
- Did you suspect Cooper as the killer? How did the author manipulate your suspicions with red herrings?
- How did Daniel’s secretive behavior contribute to the tension? Did you ever suspect him of being involved in the murders?
- Chloe struggles with addiction throughout the novel. How did this aspect of her character affect your view of her as a narrator?
- What role did Aaron Jansen play in Chloe’s journey? Do you think he helped or hindered her search for the truth?
- Burt Davis is absent for most of the story, but his actions still loom large. How does his legacy shape the lives of his family?
Discussion and Personal Interpretation
- If you were in Chloe’s position, do you think you would have been able to uncover the truth? Why or why not?
- Were there any decisions Chloe made that you strongly agreed or disagreed with?
- What emotions did the ending leave you with—satisfaction, sadness, unease? Why?
- Would you classify this book as purely a thriller, or does it cross into other genres? If so, which ones?
- How does this book compare to other thrillers you’ve read? Would you recommend it to others in your book club?
A Flicker in the Dark Book Club Discussion Ideas
- Was Chloe a reliable narrator, or did her flaws hinder her ability to uncover the truth?
- Did the red herrings enhance or detract from the story’s impact?
- How does the Louisiana setting contribute to the novel’s tone and tension?
- What are your thoughts on the themes of nature vs. nurture in Cooper and Burt’s actions?
- How might Chloe’s life unfold after the events of the book?
Potential Cautions
- The dark subject matter (e.g., serial murders and familial betrayal) might not suit all readers. Providing a content warning beforehand is advisable.