Things We Do in the Dark, Jennifer Hiller

 THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK is a brilliant new thriller from Jennifer Hillier, the award-winning author of the breakout novels LITTLE SECRETS and JAR OF HEARTS. Paris Peralta is suspected of killing her celebrity husband, and her long-hidden past now threatens to destroy her future.

When Paris Peralta is arrested in her own bathroom --- covered in blood, holding a straight razor, her celebrity husband dead in the bathtub behind her --- she knows she'll be charged with murder. But as bad as this looks, it's not what worries her the most. With the unwanted media attention now surrounding her, it's only a matter of time before someone from her long-hidden past recognizes her and destroys the new life she's worked so hard to build, along with any chance of a future.

Twenty-five years earlier, Ruby Reyes, known as the Ice Queen, was convicted of a similar murder in a trial that riveted Canada in the early '90s. Reyes knows who Paris really is, and when she's unexpectedly released from prison, she threatens to expose all of Paris' secrets. Left with no other choice, Paris must finally confront the dark past she escaped, once and for all.

Because the only thing worse than a murder charge are two murder charges.

Discussion Questions

1. There's a 29-year age difference between Paris and her husband, Jimmy. Do you believe she's telling the truth when she insists she didn't marry him for his money? And if it wasn't about the money, what do you the think the attraction was for her?

2. Ruby Reyes was granted parole after serving 25 years of a life sentence for the murder of her lover, Charles Baxter, after it was revealed that Charles himself was a serial sexual predator. Do you think Ruby's parole was justified?

3. On Joey's 12th birthday, Charles gave Joey a ruby necklace that matched her mother's. Given her history with Charles, why do you think Joey continued to wear the necklace after he died?

4. After she graduated from high school, Joey left Maple Sound for Toronto. Why do you think she chose to move back to her hometown, when she could have started fresh anywhere she wanted?

5. After Drew and Simone moved to Vancouver, Joey had a hard time paying the rent by herself. What do you think of her choice to become a dancer at the Golden Cherry? Do you agree with Drew that she should have just found herself a roommate?

6. Do you think Ruby was an abusive mother to Joey as a result of her own relationship with Lola Celia? After all, Lola Celia's other daughter (Tita Flora) wasn't abusive towards her three sons. How much of Ruby's behaviors are nurture, versus nature?

7. After Ruby was arrested, Joey went to live with her aunt and uncle. Later when her social worker asked if she was comfortable being around Tito Micky, Joey lied and said she was fine. Do you think Deborah suspected what Joey's uncle was capable of? And if so, why didn't she transfer Joey immediately to another family?

8. After setting fire to the basement apartment, Joey left Toronto with everyone believing she was dead. Do you think it's forgivable that she never told Drew, the one person who really cared about her, that she was alive?

9. Do you feel any sympathy for Elsie, once she reveals the truth about how Jimmy actually died?

10. Paris never did have children with Jimmy, or anyone else. Do you think she'd be a good mother if she ever decided to have kids?

11. Do you think that Paris and Drew will end up together?