The Return of Ellie Black

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• What was your experience reading The Return of Ellie Black? Did you find the twists unexpected? Why or why not? How much do anticipation and surprise matter to you when reading a thriller or mystery? 
• The Return of Ellie Black is one of several contemporary thrillers that center on female protagonists and/or spotlight women’s issues. How does it compare to other novels in this subgenre (e.g., Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train, etc.)?
• Based on this novel, would you be interested in reading more by Emiko Jean? Why or why not?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection (

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

• Lydia and Ellie cooperate to varying degrees with their captors. In your opinion, how much responsibility does each character bear for her role in the novel’s events? Is one more culpable than the other? Why? 
• How did you feel about the novel’s portrayal of men and masculinity? Do you think it’s important to offer positive depictions of masculinity alongside more negative ones? Why or why not?
• Names play a significant role in The Return of Ellie Black as markers of identity.