The Perfect Marriage

1. General Impressions 

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Were you surprised by the revelation in the final chapters that Sarah killed Kelly/Jenna and framed Adam for the murder? What clues were there that Sarah knew about the affair before the murder?
• How does the novel compare to other Jeneva Rose novels you have read, such as One of Us Is Dead? Was this mystery more or less surprising? If this was your first time reading Rose, what other books or writers would you compare this novel to?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

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

• Did you find Sarah or Adam to be a more compelling and sympathetic narrator? Why? 
• How did you feel about Bob and Sarah getting married and having a child? What do you think caused them to form a romantic relationship?
• Do you believe that Kelly/Jenna was abused by both her husbands? Why or why not? How does the book change if she is lying? Assuming she is lying, how do you feel about the way the book handles the subject of domestic violence?
• Both Sarah and Bob are willing to kill for vengeance. Can you relate to their feelings of anger? Is seeking vengeance ever justified? Why or why not?
• Would you defend your partner if they were accused of committing a terrible crime? To what extent does loyalty matter in such situations? 

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• How does the novel reflect contemporary conversations about the death penalty and the criminal justice system? Does the novel celebrate or condemn Sarah’s abuse of the system?
• How do Sheriff Brown and Officer Stevens’s relationship with Kelly/Jenna reflect contemporary debates about police misconduct? 

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• How does the novel’s structure—which interweaves the narrative voices of a deeply divided husband and wife—affect the reading experience? Where were the transitions between voices most impactful, and why?
• How does the novel combine elements of legal dramas, psychological thrillers, and murder mysteries? What purpose does this genre-blending serve?
• How does Sarah and Adam’s lake house act as a symbol of the cracks in their relationship?
• How does Sarah’s character change throughout the novel? What explains these changes? Does the novel attempt to justify her actions? 

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• If you were adapting this novel, whom would you cast in the roles of Sarah and Adam? Would you use the same actors for the 10-year time jump or recast with older actors?
• In the novel’s final chapters, it is revealed that Sarah killed her mother. Imagine a sequel to the novel: Do you think that Sarah’s daughter Summer will continue this cycle of violence?

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