Discussion Questions:
1.Do you think that there is such a thing as a perfect murder?
2. Have you read any of the following books that was listed on Mal’s blog post Eight Perfect Murders?
- The Red House Mystery by A. A Milne (1922)
- Malice of Forethought by Anthony Burkley Cox (1931)
- The A. B. C. Murders by Agatha Christie (1936)
- Double Indemnity by James M. Cain (1943)
- Strangers On A Train by Patricia Highsmith (1950)
- The Drowner by John D. McDonald (1963)
- Deathtrap by Ira Levin (1978)
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992)
3.What crime fiction books would you include in your list of a perfect murder?
4. Do you enjoy murder/mystery novels that give you spoilers right at the beginning of the book?
5. What did you think of the main character Malcolm Kershaw? Did you like him or not? Did your opinion of him change by the time you reached the end?
6. Were you surprised by who Agent Gwen Mulvey turned out to be?
7. Who did you think killed Mal’s wife while you were reading the book? Were you surprised to find out who killed her?
8. Mal liked to write lists for books such as Best James Bond novels, or Ten favorite books or Eight Perfect Murders. Why does he like to write lists? Do you think he’s an obsessed reader? Does writing lists provide him with an identity?
9. Old Devils Bookstore in the novel was famous for its specialty in crime fiction. Mystery readers make it a point to go to specialty books stores when they travel to different places. Do you visit specialty book store when you travel? Do you buy books or souvenirs from bookstores?
10. Did you like the plots twists or did you find it too contrived?
11. The internet and technology has changed the landscape for getting information and how quickly information can be assessed. Technology has also helped catch murderers much quicker, such as DNA forensic. Do you think that it much harder to commit a perfect murder now than before? Discuss internet and technology and its impact on homicide.
12. Did you like the ending? Do you prefer open endings or close endings?
13. Having read Eight Perfect Murders, who would you recommend it to?
Enhance Your Book Club:
Bring your favorite crime fiction book and discuss why it should be included in the perfect murder list.
Check out Eight Perfect Murders book review!