Of Mice and Murder is the second installment in the Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries series by Steffanie Holmes.
At the time of publishing this guide, this story was available on Kindle Unlimited.
Here’s more about the book, along with our free Dirty Dozen downloadable discussion question guide for your spicy book club.
Book description
When the local Banned Book Club lose their meeting room, Mina volunteers to host the group at Nevermore Bookshop (against Heathcliff’s muttered protests, of course). Little does she know this old biddies book club is about to turn murderous.
First, someone poisons Mrs Scarlett, then members of the book club start dropping like flies. Who in the village will turn to murder just to stop people reading a few dusty old books? Mina’s got to figure it out quick, or her beloved teacher Mrs Ellis is next to die.
Luckily, she’s got Moriarty, Heathcliff, and Quoth to help. That is, if she can figure out her feelings for her three fictional men before the magical bookshop is torn apart by sexual tension.
They want her. She can’t choose.
But maybe… she doesn’t have to.
Of Mice and Murder book club discussion guide
**PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS DISCUSSION QUESTION GUIDE MIGHT INCLUDE SPOILERS**
We’ve provided the Dirty Dozen below; twelve spicy and intriguing questions to spark discussion and help you uncover the spine-tingling depths of the story.
The Dirty Dozen
Foreplay – Warm Up Questions
1. What’s the overall spice level? 1 (Not Spicy) – 10 (Spiciest Thing I’ve Ever Read)?
2. How does the spice level compare to the other books we’ve read together?
3. The Banned Book Club insists on discussing banned books over tea. Have you ever read a banned book, and did the controversy make it feel more deliciously forbidden or just ordinary once you cracked it open?
The Spicy Bits – Gettin’ Down and Dirty with the Plot
4. Mina keeps wondering if something that feels “insane” could actually be an option. Have you ever gone through with something wild just because it was too tempting not to?
5. Mina reflects on her mother’s sacrifices and loyalty. Do you think love rooted in obligation feels heavier or stronger than the romantic kind?
6. Quoth risks being seen shifting in public, and Mina worries about it. If you had a secret identity or supernatural ability, would you flaunt it a little or guard it with everything you’ve got?
7. Mina fears the boys will discover her poverty and her failing sight, stripping away the mystery they’re drawn to. In romance, what do you think is scarier: being physically exposed (naked, vulnerable) or emotionally exposed (letting someone see the messy bits)?
8. Morrie winks at Mina, his charm and audacity wrapped up in criminal enterprise. Do you think his criminal actions makes him a bad boy love interest that’s irresistible, or is it a deal-breaker?
9. Mina watches someone gleefully use the shop to browse before buying online. Be honest: have you ever showroomed (looked in-store, bought online), or do you feel the sting and stick to supporting small shops? (Remember, this is a no-judgement zone)
10. Mina approaches the mysterious locked room, drawn to secrets in Nevermore no one wants to face or reveal. Do you think every relationship has a “locked room” topic and, if so, would you be the one to open the door or pretend it isn’t there?
11. Mina’s failing eyesight feels like losing everything. If you had to live without one sense – sight, sound, taste, touch, or smell – which would you choose, and how do you think it would change how you love?
Aftercare – Final Thoughts
12. We’re left on a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of book two – both with entering the mystery room for the night… and for all four of them spending the night together. What do you think the mysterious room will reveal?
Bonus: What questions do you have for the author? If you could dog-ear a page with a question for the author, what would it be?
Please feel free to use this post as a starting point for your spicy book club discussion questions and use the comments below to share your thoughts and insights about the book. You can also get a free downloadable copy of the discussion guide using the button below.
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