Please be aware that this guide contains spoilers.

1. When did you first sense that something was off about Nell’s life and the people around her? Were there early signs that danger might be closer than she realizes?

2. Did you ever question Nell as a narrator? Did you suspect she might be misremembering or misunderstanding events, or did you trust her perspective completely? At what point in the story did your view of her shift, if at all?

3. The identity and intentions of the person watching Nell are gradually revealed. Did you find the pacing of this revelation effective? Did it heighten or reduce the suspense for you?

4. Our understanding of the characters, especially those closest to Nell, changes over the course of the book. Were you surprised by anyone’s true nature? Did you initially mistrust someone who later proved trustworthy?

5. How did the history between Nell and Brett Parker influence your feelings about the events unfolding? Did knowing her backstory make the suspense feel more intense or more personal?

6. Did Nell’s reactions and decisions feel realistic to you? Would you have acted differently in her position?

7. Many of the characters around Nell either dismiss or fail to notice the danger she senses. Why do you think this is? Do we tend to downplay threats in real life, or is it easier to believe a rational explanation rather than confront something sinister?

8. What did you think of the roles played by secondary characters? Were any particularly helpful or harmful to Nell, and did they add to the suspense effectively?