Book Club Questions for Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica

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Book club questions for Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica delve into the intricate plot of this psychologically thrilling murder mystery. Set in a small town, the story follows the relationships of three individuals: Lily, Christian, and Nina, each with their own unique motives and desires.

The book is told from the alternating perspectives of Nina and Christian, allowing the reader to delve into the complex thoughts and emotions of each character. The plot revolves around the mysterious death of Jake, a man connected to both Lily and Nina, and the lengths that each character will go to protect themselves and those they love.

As the investigation progresses, shocking truths are revealed about the relationships between Lily, Christian, and Jake, and the motivations behind Jake’s death. The author’s writing style has been described as “intense” and “gripping”, with twists and turns that will keep readers on edge until the very end.

Before joining the book club discussion for Just the Nicest Couple, make sure to thoroughly read this captivating and complex murder mystery because my questions may contain spoilers. Be prepared to delve into the characters’ thought processes and share your own interpretations and opinions in this intense book club session.

The Synopsis

A husband’s disappearance links two couples in this twisty thriller from master of suspense Mary Kubica

Jake Hayes is missing. This much is certain. At first, his wife, Nina, thinks he is blowing off steam at a friend’s house after their heated fight the night before. But then a day goes by. Two days. Five. And Jake is still nowhere to be found.

Lily Scott, Nina’s friend and coworker, thinks she may have been the last to see Jake before he went missing. After Lily confesses everything to her husband, Christian, the two decide that nobody can find out what happened leading up to Jake’s disappearance, especially not Nina. But Nina is out there looking for her husband, and she won’t stop until the truth is discovered.

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Selected Reviews for Just the Nicest Couple

“Just the Nicest Couple is Mary Kubica at her twisty, mysterious best. Every character brims with secrets. Every page holds a surprise. It’s entirely unputdownable and everything a reader is looking for in their next read.” —Sally Hepworth, New York Times bestselling author of The Younger Wife

“In Just the Nicest Couple, Mary Kubica is writing at the top of her game. She wastes no time dropping her characters into an impossible situation and then ratchets up the tension, one twist after another, until the last, shocking conclusion. Just the Nicest Couple is propulsive, addictive, and impossible to put down. But be warned: nothing — and no one — is as they seem.” —Julie Clark, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Flight

“Mary Kubica’s Just the Nicest Couple is a masterfully written thriller about deception where we least expect it and the danger of a lie tumbling out of control. Taut and incredibly suspenseful, every moment is perfectly crafted to keep us wanting more. An engrossing, spine-tingling read! —Ashley Audrain, New York Times bestselling author of The Push

“You won’t know who to trust in Just the Nicest Couple, a domestic thrill-ride which grabs you on the first page and doesn’t let go until you reach the end. A riveting tale about marriage, trust, and secrets, this is Mary Kubica at her best.” —Laura Dave, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me

Book Club Questions for Just the Nicest Couple

How does Mary Kubica use point of view to heighten tension in “Just the Nicest Couple”? In what ways does the alternating between Nina and Christian’s perspectives contribute to the reader’s understanding of the characters and the events of the story?
In the novel, how does Kubica use the relationship between Nina and Jake to explore themes of success and prestige in the community, and how does their relationship change as the story progresses? How does the author use their relationship to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals in committed partnerships?
The relationship between Lily and Christian is depicted as strong and loving, yet they go to great lengths to keep a secret from Nina. How does Kubica use their relationship to explore the themes of loyalty and family, and what are some of the challenges faced by the couple as they try to protect each other?
Throughout the novel, Nina faces numerous challenges, including the disappearance of her husband and the care of her ailing mother. How does Kubica use these challenges to add depth to Nina’s character and to explore themes of family and responsibility?
Although the stalker/secret admirer subplot is a significant aspect of the novel, some readers feel that it falls short compared to the rest of the story. How does Kubica use this subplot to add tension and to further explore the themes of the novel? Do you feel that it was necessary to the overall story, or could it have been left out?
How does Kubica use the setting of the suburban community to reflect the events and themes of the story? In what ways does the setting contribute to the reader’s understanding of the characters and the events they experience?
Many of the characters in the novel make questionable decisions that put them in dangerous situations. How does Kubica use these decisions to add tension and to explore the themes of loyalty, family, and the lengths people will go to protect those they love?
The twist at the end of the novel is significant and has a significant impact on the reader’s understanding of the events of the story. How does Kubica use this twist to explore the themes of the novel and to bring closure to the story? Did you see the twist coming, or was it a surprise to you?
While some readers feel that the characters in “Just the Nicest Couple” could have benefited from more in-depth development, others feel that the characters are well-rounded and complex. How do you feel about the characterization in the novel? Do you feel that the characters are fully realized, or do you wish there was more information about their backgrounds and motivations?
In what ways does “Just the Nicest Couple” fit into the thriller genre, and how does Kubica use suspense, tension, and mystery to engage the reader and keep them on the edge of their seat? What sets this novel apart from other thrillers, and why is it considered a standout in the genre?
In the book, there are two central romantic relationships being depicted – Lily and Christian and Nina and Jake. Can you determine which of these couples the book’s title is primarily referencing, and why do you believe that to be the case?
The narrative of the story is delivered to the reader through the perspectives of Nina and Christian. Can you speculate on the reasoning behind the author’s decision to utilize these particular perspectives to convey the events of the story?
As you read the story, did you initially find yourself convinced by Lily’s account of the events involving Jake? Or did you have doubts about the veracity of her claims, and if so, what specific aspects of her story raised suspicions for you?
In the story, there is a notable absence of any actions taken by Lily and Christian to report the events surrounding Jake to the police. Can you speculate on the motivations or reasons behind this decision?
Jake is portrayed as a negative character throughout the book, with his actions and behavior causing harm to those around him. Do you believe that Nina was fully aware of Jake’s true nature, or do you think she may have turned a blind eye to it, perhaps due to her own feelings towards him?
As a reader, what are your overall thoughts and opinions on the character of Nina, and how do these opinions shape your engagement with the story?
Christian is depicted in the story as being willing to do almost anything to protect Lily, even entertaining thoughts of violence towards Nina. Can you discuss the implications of this characterization and the possible reasons why the author chose to include this aspect of Christian’s personality?
One of the major plot twists in the story is the revelation that Lily was actually involved in a romantic relationship with Jake, and that this relationship turned sour, ultimately leading to Jake’s death. What were your initial thoughts and reactions upon learning this information?
Despite initial suspicions, it is revealed that the actual culprit behind Jake’s murder was Nina’s mother. Can you discuss your reactions to this twist, and what motives you believe her mother may have had for taking such drastic actions?
Another central relationship in the book is the one between Nina and her mother. Can you delve into this relationship and examine its dynamics and the impact it has on the events of the story?
Despite being absolved of any wrongdoing in Jake’s murder, Lily and Christian’s relationship is depicted as being strained and ultimately leads to a separation, with the two co-parenting their daughter. Do you think there is the potential for a reconciliation between the two, or do you believe their relationship is permanently damaged?
The story ends with Nina returning to work. How do you imagine her future will play out, and what developments do you anticipate for her character?

Additional Recommendations

Hope you enjoyed book club question for Just the Nicest Couple! Here are some more book recommendations along with their synopses.

Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

In this smart and chilling thriller, master of suspense Mary Kubica, author of the upcoming Just the Nicest Couple, takes domestic secrets to a whole new level, showing that some people will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried.

People don’t just disappear without a trace…

Shelby Tebow is the first to go missing. Not long after, Meredith Dickey and her six-year-old daughter, Delilah, vanish just blocks away from where Shelby was last seen, striking fear into their once-peaceful community. Are these incidents connected? After an elusive search that yields more questions than answers, the case eventually goes cold.

Now, eleven years later, Delilah shockingly returns. Everyone wants to know what happened to her, but no one is prepared for what they’ll find…

The House In The Pines by Ana Reyes

Armed with only hazy memories, a woman who long ago witnessed her friend’s sudden, mysterious death, and has since spent her life trying to forget, sets out to track down answers. What she uncovers, deep in the woods, is hardly to be believed….

Maya was a high school senior when her best friend, Aubrey, mysteriously dropped dead in front of the enigmatic man named Frank whom they’d been spending time with all summe

Seven years later, Maya lives in Boston with a loving boyfriend and is kicking the secret addiction that has allowed her to cope with what happened years ago, the gaps in her memories, and the lost time that she can’t account for. But her past comes rushing back when she comes across a recent YouTube video in which a young woman suddenly keels over and dies in a diner while sitting across from none other than Frank. Plunged into the trauma that has defined her life, Maya heads to her Berkshires hometown to relive that fateful summer—the influence Frank once had on her and the obsessive jealousy that nearly destroyed her friendship with Aubrey.

At her mother’s house, she excavates fragments of her past and notices hidden messages in her deceased Guatemalan father’s book that didn’t stand out to her earlier. To save herself, she must understand a story written before she was born, but time keeps running out, and soon, all roads are leading back to Frank’s cabin….

Utterly unique and captivating, The House in the Pines keeps you guessing about whether we can ever fully confront the past and return home.

The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica

A woman is drawn into a mysterious web of secrets in this twisty whodunnit from New York Times bestselling author Mary Kubica

Sadie and Will Foust have only just moved their family from bustling Chicago to a coastal island in Maine when their neighbor Morgan Baines is found dead in her home. The murder rocks their tiny coastal island, but no one is more shaken than Sadie.

But it’s not just Morgan’s death that has Sadie on edge. And as the eyes of suspicion turn toward the new family in town, Sadie is drawn deeper into the mystery of what really happened that dark and deadly night. But Sadie must be careful, for the more she discovers about Mrs. Baines, the more she begins to realize just how much she has to lose if the truth ever comes to light.

Thank you for reading my book club discussion questions & happy reading! ❤️