Book Club Questions for The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

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Book club discussion questions for The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena explore the intricate web of relationships and secrets that unfold after the kidnapping of a six-month-old baby. In this gripping novel, Lapena masterfully weaves together a taut and suspenseful plot with complex and flawed characters, leaving readers questioning the true motives of everyone involved.

At the heart of the story is Anne and Marco Conti, new parents grappling with the challenges of parenthood, marriage, and financial pressures. When their daughter Cora is taken from their home during a dinner party next door, the Contis’ carefully crafted façade begins to unravel, revealing the dark truths they have been hiding from each other and themselves.

The book club questions for The Couple Next Door delve into the various themes and issues raised in the novel, inviting readers to analyze and interpret the characters’ actions and motivations. From the portrayal of motherhood to the impact of the media on high-profile cases, the questions offer a thought-provoking and engaging discussion on the book’s many layers.

Whether discussing the moral implications of the characters’ decisions or debating the merits of the author’s writing style, the following reading guide and discussion questions for The Couple Next Door are designed to stimulate critical thinking and encourage readers to delve deeper into the story’s intricacies.

So, grab a copy of the book, gather your fellow book club members, and get ready for a lively and thought-provoking discussion on this suspenseful thriller.

The Synopsis

It all started at a dinner party. . .

A domestic suspense debut about a young couple and their apparently friendly neighbors—a twisty, rollercoaster ride of lies, betrayal, and the secrets between husbands and wives. . .

Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all—a loving relationship, a wonderful home, and their beautiful baby, Cora. But one night, when they are at a dinner party next door, a terrible crime is committed. Suspicion immediately lands on the parents. But the truth is a much more complicated story.

Inside the curtained house, an unsettling account of what actually happened unfolds. Detective Rasbach knows that the panicked couple is hiding something. Both Anne and Marco soon discover that the other is keeping secrets, secrets they’ve kept for years.

What follows is the nerve-racking unraveling of a family—a chilling tale of deception, duplicity, and unfaithfulness that will keep you breathless until the final shocking twist.

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Book Club Questions for The Couple Next Door

I hope you and your book club will enjoy my discussion reading guide for The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena. ✨

What do you think of the novel’s opening lines, “Anne can feel the acid churning in her stomach and creeping up her throat; her head is swimming. Marco is next to her, but she cannot turn her head to look at him”? How do they set the tone for the rest of the book?
Shari Lapena chose to use present tense in this book to build tension and suspense. How did the use of present tense impact your reading experience? Did it make the events feel more immediate and intense? Did it help or hinder your ability to connect with the characters?
Anne’s decision to leave her infant at home while going next door for dinner raises questions about motherhood and responsibility. How do you define a “good mother”? Did Anne make the right decision, or was she being negligent? What would you have done in her situation?
The pressure to be a “good mom” is a common theme in modern society. Do you think this pressure can cause some mothers to overlook their own needs and mental health? How did Anne’s struggle with postpartum depression affect her decision-making throughout the book?
The decision to leave a child alone is a highly debated topic in society. How did the author make Anne and Marco sympathetic characters despite their mistake? Did you find yourself empathizing with them or judging them?
The media frenzy that follows the kidnapping raises questions about the role of the media in our society. Do you think the media has a responsibility to report on stories like this? How do you think excessive media coverage can affect the victims of a crime?
The book raises the question of whether the ends justify the means. Is it acceptable for Anne and Marco to break into their neighbor’s house to look for their missing daughter, even though it goes against the law? Discuss the moral implications of their actions.
When faced with a ransom demand, the Contis decide not to involve the police. What would you do in that situation? Why do you think they made that decision?
The novel depicts Anne staying with Marco despite the shocking revelation of his involvement in the kidnapping of their child. What factors do you think may have contributed to her decision? Is it possible for someone to rebuild trust after such a profound betrayal? How might this affect their relationship in the long term?
The animosity between Marco and Richard is palpable throughout the novel. If you had to describe each character, how would you do so? Do you think their opinions of one another are accurate or fair? How does the ending of the story alter or reinforce your perception of these characters?
In the novel, Rasbach suggests that having scruples can make it harder to become wealthy, while a lack of concern for others can be advantageous in making money. What is your personal opinion on this statement? Can you think of any examples that support or contradict this idea? Is it possible to find success without compromising your values?
The media frenzy surrounding the kidnapping of baby Cora is a central theme in the book. The press camp outside Anne and Marco’s home, incessantly bombarding them with questions. Do you think this type of media attention is ethical or justified in the pursuit of news? What are the potential consequences of such a media circus on the victims of a crime, the public, and the media itself? How might this differ in real-life scenarios?
The Couple Next Door features a number of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end. Did you predict the ending? If so, at what point in the story did you realize what was going on? If not, which twist was the most surprising to you?
Throughout the novel, the author explores themes of motherhood and marriage. How do the characters’ experiences with these topics differ from one another, and what does the novel suggest about these topics?
Anne’s fear that she may have killed her own child is a devastating moment in the book. Do you think Anne is capable of such a thing? How would you cope if you found yourself in her position?
There are several characters involved in the kidnapping plot. Who do you think was the most guilty and why? Who was the least guilty?
Anne’s decision to stay with Marco after learning about his betrayal is a controversial topic. Do you think she made the right decision? Is it possible to rebuild trust after such a significant betrayal?
The ending of the book is unexpected and leaves several unanswered questions. How did you feel about the way the book ended? Did it satisfy you or leave you wanting more?
What do you think will ultimately happen to Anne, Cora, and Marco? Do you think they will be able to move on from the events of the book?
The book presents both Anne and Marco’s perspectives, making it challenging to know who to trust. Did you find yourself flip-flopping between the two characters? Who did you side with the most, and why?
Shari Lapena has written four other novels. After reading The Couple Next Door, do you plan on reading any of her other books? If so, which one(s) and why?
Anne and Marco’s relationship is complex and full of tension. What do you think is the root of their problems, and is their relationship salvageable?
The Couple Next Door is set in an affluent suburban community, and the characters’ wealth plays a significant role in the story. How does the book explore the connection between money and power, and how does it impact the events of the novel?
In the opening chapter, Anne thinks to herself, “This is what postpartum depression must feel like.” How does the author portray Anne’s struggles with postpartum depression throughout the novel, and how does it affect her relationships with other characters?
The book raises questions about the trustworthiness of various characters. For example, when Anne tells Marco about her affair with Richard, Marco wonders if she is telling the truth. How does the theme of trust play out in the novel, and which characters do you find the most trustworthy?
Throughout the book, Marco is tormented by guilt over the events of the night of the party. How does his guilt affect his behavior, and how does it contribute to the novel’s suspense?
The Couple Next Door features a number of twists and turns, such as the revelation that Cynthia is actually Anne’s mother. How do these plot twists affect the reader’s understanding of the story, and do you think they are effective?
The book is set in an affluent suburban community, and the characters’ wealth plays a significant role in the plot. For example, Anne and Marco’s wealth allows them to hire a private investigator. How does the theme of money and power play out in the novel, and what does it suggest about the nature of relationships?
The book explores the theme of motherhood in a number of ways, such as through Anne’s struggles with postpartum depression and the kidnapping of the baby. How does the author depict the challenges of motherhood, and what commentary does she offer on the topic?
The novel is told from multiple perspectives, including Anne’s, Marco’s, and Detective Rasbach’s. How does the use of multiple perspectives affect the story’s pacing and suspense, and what do these different viewpoints contribute to the overall narrative?
Throughout the book, Anne and Marco’s relationship is strained by secrets and mistrust. For example, Anne is furious when she learns that Marco has kept the fact that he was once engaged a secret from her. How does their relationship evolve over the course of the novel, and do you think they are ultimately able to overcome their issues?
The ending of the book is controversial and divisive, with some readers feeling that justice was not served. How do you feel about the ending, and what do you think it suggests about the nature of justice and morality?
The Couple Next Door is ultimately a story about the consequences of our actions. For example, Anne’s decision to leave her baby home alone has disastrous consequences. How does the book explore the idea that our actions have consequences, and what lessons can we learn from the characters’ experiences?
The book’s title, The Couple Next Door, suggests that appearances can be deceiving. How do the characters in the book present themselves to the world, and how do their true selves differ from these public personas?
The ending of the book raises several questions about justice and morality. Did the characters get what they deserved, or was justice not served? Discuss your thoughts on the ending of the book.
In the end, what do you think the main message of the book is? What does it suggest about human nature, relationships, and the consequences of our actions?

Selected Reviews for The Couple Next Door

“I read this novel at one sitting, absolutely riveted by the storyline. The suspense was beautifully rendered and unrelenting!”
—Sue Grafton

“Provocative and shocking. One crime, an entire neighborhood of suspects, secrets and lies. How well do we ever know those around us? The Couple Next Door will keep you glued the pages in search of the answer. Even then, you’ll never guess the truth…until it’s too late.”
–Lisa Gardner

“Gripped me from the very beginning to the very end!”
–-Becky Masterman

“Brilliant! This utterly riveting psychological thriller hurtles along at breakneck speed, never giving you the opportunity to catch your breath. Twisty, turny, and unputdownable.”
—C. L. Taylor

Additional Recommendations

Hope you enjoyed my book club discussion questions and reading guide for The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena!

Here are some more of my book club recommendations:

Yellow Bird Sings by Jennifer Rosner

In Poland, as World War II rages, a mother hides with her young daughter, a musical prodigy whose slightest sound may cost them their lives.

As Nazi soldiers round up the Jews in their town, Róza and her 5-year-old daughter, Shira, flee, seeking shelter in a neighbor’s barn. Hidden in the hayloft day and night, Shira struggles to stay still and quiet, as music pulses through her and the farmyard outside beckons. To soothe her daughter and pass the time, Róza tells her a story about a girl in an enchanted garden:

The girl is forbidden from making a sound, so the yellow bird sings. He sings whatever the girl composes in her head: high-pitched trills of piccolo; low-throated growls of contrabassoon. Music helps the flowers bloom.

In this make-believe world, Róza can shield Shira from the horrors that surround them. But the day comes when their haven is no longer safe, and Róza must make an impossible choice: whether to keep Shira by her side or give her the chance to survive apart.

Inspired by the true stories of Jewish children hidden during World War II, Jennifer Rosner’s debut is a breathtaking novel about the unbreakable bond between a mother and a daughter. Beautiful and riveting, The Yellow Bird Sings is a testament to the triumph of hope―a whispered story, a bird’s song―in even the darkest of times.

The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict

Bestselling author Marie Benedict reveals the story of a brilliant woman scientist only remembered for her beauty.

Her beauty almost certainly saved her from the rising Nazi party and led to marriage with an Austrian arms dealer. Underestimated in everything else, she overheard the Third Reich’s plans while at her husband’s side and understood more than anyone would guess. She devised a plan to flee in disguise from their castle, and the whirlwind escape landed her in Hollywood. She became Hedy Lamarr, screen star.

But she kept a secret more shocking than her heritage or her marriage: she was a scientist. And she had an idea that might help the country fight the Nazis and revolutionize modern communication…if anyone would listen to her.

A powerful book based on the incredible true story of the glamour icon and scientist, The Only Woman in the Room is a masterpiece that celebrates the many women in science that history has overlooked.

Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall

2017: When Angela Creighton discovers a mysterious letter containing a life-shattering confession, she is determined to find the intended recipient. Her search takes her back to the 1970s when a group of daring women operated an illegal underground abortion network in Toronto known only by its whispered code name: Jane.

1971: As a teenager, Dr. Evelyn Taylor was sent to a home for “fallen” women where she was forced to give up her baby for adoption—a trauma she has never recovered from. Despite harrowing police raids and the constant threat of arrest, she joins the Jane Network as an abortion provider, determined to give other women the choice she never had.

1980: After discovering a shocking secret about her family, twenty-year-old Nancy Mitchell begins to question everything she has ever known. When she unexpectedly becomes pregnant, she feels like she has no one to turn to for help. Grappling with her decision, she locates “Jane” and finds a place of her own alongside Dr. Taylor within the network’s ranks, but she can never escape the lies that haunt her.

Looking for Jane is “a searing, important, beautifully written novel about the choices we all make and where they lead us—as well as a wise and timely reminder of the difficult road women had to walk not so long ago” (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author).

Thank you for reading my book club discussion questions and as always, happy reading! ❤️