Brooklyn on Fire (32 page)

1)
The book opens with Alice B. Sanger becoming the first woman to work on the president’s staff at the White House. How does this give context to Mary’s achievements and struggles as a consulting detective in an all-male profession?

2)
Arabella Huntington and Mary Handley appear to be direct opposites as characters. However, they’re both able to exert power over others in order to accomplish their goals. Considering the era, discuss the ways in which they both have carved a desirable space for themselves in New York City.

3)
“Could it be that weeks with George, regularly experiencing the life of the privileged, had somehow seeped into her bones and made her dissatisfied with her situation?…Maybe the comforts of riches really were addictive, and she was getting hooked.” This is a pivotal moment for Mary. How would you describe her philosophies toward money—of having it and of not having it—up until this point? What do you think is at the root of her inner conflict in this moment? How do you think this struggle manifests in her relationship with George, before their breakup?

4)
In learning of Shorty’s background at the beginning of the book, it’s clear that he’s had a difficult life. Does his background evoke sympathy in you as a reader? If so, does your sympathy toward him change throughout the course of the book? Do you feel sympathetic toward any of the other criminals in
Brooklyn on Fire
? Why or why not?

5)
False accusations (whether made intentionally or not) happen throughout the book. Which seems the most unfair in this novel? This was an era where evidence available was limited; how do you think these accusations would have unfolded in the present day? How would Mary’s methodology and research be different today?

6)
Compare Elizabeth Handley with Cornelius Vanderbilt and their respective relationships with Mary and George. They are both very protective and critical, and they do not seem to trust the decisions that Mary and George make. How are their aims similar and different? Despite their actions, do you think they both want the best for their loved ones?

7)
How do Mary and Sean compete, professionally and at home? What characteristics do they share? What do you think is next for Sean at the police department?

8)
Brooklyn on Fire
takes us out of New York and into rural areas of the South. In what ways does this change the way Mary pursues her investigation?

9)
What makes Lazlo a good sidekick for Mary?

10)
How does danger play a role in
Brooklyn on Fire
? How does Mary handle danger? Do you think she’s brave? She puts her loved ones in danger, too; what are your thoughts on this?

11)
Hugh McLaughlin and Collis Huntington are master manipulators in their own right. Who do you think was more powerful? Ultimately, who was more dangerous? Do you believe either of them had good intentions, in any capacity? If so, what were they, and could these motives have led them to handle things differently and possibly more fairly?

12)
How has Mary changed since solving the Goodrich murder in
Second Street Station
? In what ways has she developed as a young woman and as a detective?

Discover your next
great read!

Get personalized book picks and up-to-date news about this author.

Sign up now.