Everyone Here Is Lying: A Novel

Describe Nora and William’s relationship. Why do you think they begin their affair together? Why do Nora and William not end up together? Do you agree with Nora’s reasoning for staying away from William even after his marriage falls apart? Why or why not?

In what ways do gossip and rumors fuel the narrative? How does this influence or detract from the police’s investigation? Why does Alice decide to accuse Adam? How does Lapena navigate the difficult concept of speaking up to protect people versus gossiping about neighbors?

What is the role of the media in the novel? How does the media’s portrayal of the case affect the Woolers? Why does Avery gravitate toward the media? Provide specific examples.

Describe the difference between how Erin and William react to Avery’s disappearance. Why are these reactions different? How does the character’s inner monologue differ from how they speak to other people?

How does Lapena deal with morality in the novel? Describe the ways that different characters perceive morality. Which characters leave room for nuance in moral issues and which characters believe in binaries of morality?

Describe Gully and Bledsoe’s relationship. How do the detectives surprise each other? How does Gully’s experience with crime in Chicago dictate how she investigates Avery’s case?

How does Lapena explore the thin line between obsession and crime? What pushes Marion to commit crime? What stops Al from killing Nora? Why do you think their two experiences are different? Provide textual examples.

In what ways does guilt affect the different characters? Why do Nora and Erin decide to make changes based on their guilt, while William does not? How does Michael deal with his guilt?