Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of graphic violence and death.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book. 

1. What were your initial thoughts on how Patrick Radden Keefe balances the personal tragedy of Jean McConville’s family with the broader history of the Troubles? Did you find this approach effective in shaping your understanding of the conflict?

2. How did you feel about the way the book blends investigative journalism with the narrative style of a murder mystery? Did this enhance or detract from your reading experience?

3. What aspects of the book—whether the depiction of key figures, the portrayal of the political landscape, or the emotional impact of the McConville family’s story—stood out to you the most, and why?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences. 

1. The book details how individuals like Jean McConville and her family were caught in the crossfire of political violence. Have you ever experienced or witnessed a situation where personal lives were deeply affected by larger societal or political conflicts? How did it shape your views on justice and accountability?