The Inmate

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How does this novel compare to other Freida McFadden novels you’ve read, such as The Housemaid or The Locked Door? Was this mystery more or less surprising? If you’ve never encountered McFadden before, what other thrillers would you compare this one to?
• Were you surprised by the revelation that Josh was responsible for his father’s death? What clues were there that Josh inherited his father’s violence? Were you surprised by the revelation that Shane’s mother was complicit in his murders? What evidence was there that Shane was not acting alone? In general, how important is surprise to you when reading a thriller or mystery?
• Did you find Brooke sympathetic? Why or why not?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

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

• The novel contains graphic depictions of violence, including intimate partner violence. Did you find these scenes difficult to read? If so, are you glad you pushed through them, and do you think there is value in such depictions?
• Why do you think Brooke chose to take a job at the federal prison where Shane was incarcerated? Have you ever taken a job you knew would put you in a bad position? Why did you do it?
• Despite the fact that Brooke and Josh are a close-knit family unit, they lie to each other about important things, such as Brooke’s relationship with Tim and Josh’s murder of his father. Did this relationship ring true to you? Do you think it’s ever okay to lie to a loved one?
• McFadden’s novels often contain antiheroes like Josh who act violently to defend themselves or those they love. Did you find Josh a compelling character? Why or why not?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• How does the novel reflect contemporary conversations about criminal justice? How does the novel depict federal prisons and the lives of incarcerated and previously incarcerated people? Do you think this reflects reality?
• The novel suggests that Brooke is repeatedly drawn to men who are dangerous. Do you think McFadden is engaging in victim blaming or merely depicting the cycles of abuse that often play out in domestic violence? What interventions could help break such patterns?  

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• How does the novel depict cycles of violence and abuse in families? Do you think Josh is dangerous?
• How does Brooke’s narrative voice contribute to the novel’s exploration of (dis)trust in oneself?
• How do Brooke’s hometown and Shane’s childhood home act as symbols of trauma? 
• What is the significance of the icicles as Josh’s murder weapon? How would the novel be different if Josh killed his father in another way? 

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• If you were adapting this novel, whom would you cast in the roles of Brooke, Shane, and Tim? Would you keep Josh as a 10-year-old or move his age up or down? How would the ending be different if Josh were 7 or 13?
• If you were compiling a reading list for someone who enjoyed this novel, what other books would you include? Try to come up with at least five.

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