book club discussion points for
BLOOD TIES

1) A strong theme of possession runs throughout
the novel. To which characters does this apply?
Who does it effect in an adverse way?
Does anyone benefit?

2) Discuss how the death of Robert's previous
wife, Jenna, governs his actions in his new
marriage to Erin. Is he correct to behave
the way he does?

3) Discuss how the case that Robert is working
on touches his personal life. Does he blur the
boundaries between work and home?

4) Cheryl's illness went unnoticed and
untreated. Despite having committed a
despicable crime, does the reader feel any
sympathy towards her? Does the guilt she
suffers over the years exonerate her?

5) At what point do Ruth and Erin become linked
in the reader's mind? How has the young Ruth
changed? Are there any similarities between
the two 'characters'?

6) Is Cheryl's chosen 'career' significant to
her grief and guilt? Does it help her
heal after the loss/death of her baby?

7) Does the tense relationship between Robert and
Louisa help or hinder their investigation?

8) Erin/Ruth did whatever she could to survive
once she'd run away - for example, working
at the brothel. Was she any better than
Cheryl, her parents, or Becco, when she
took the forgotten Albanian baby?

9) How will finding her adopted baby change
Erin's life in the future? Will it affect her
relationship with Ruby? And how will the new
baby change the dynamics of the
Knight family?

10) Would you recommend this book to
friends and family?