You'll Be the Death of Me

How does McManus use or subvert the conventions of the mystery genre? How does her use of these conventions affect reader expectations about Brian’s murder?

Explore the novel’s representation of sibling and sibling-like relationships. How does the relationship between Ivy and Daniel differ from the relationship between Mateo and Autumn? Are these relationships sources of support or anxiety? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

How do Ivy’s insecurity and impostor syndrome influence her thinking and actions in the novel? What role do the flaws McManus builds into her character play in her overall arc? How do they contribute to the novel’s exploration of The Rewards and Risks of Trusting Instincts?

Analyze the novel’s depiction of student-teacher relationships. How does Cal’s view of his relationship with Lara change throughout the novel? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

How does McManus engage or subvert traditional romance tropes in Mateo and Ivy’s romantic arc? How does she use these conventions to support the central mystery of the novel?

Explain the depiction of art and artists within the novel. How does Cal’s interest in art inform his character? What is the impact of McManus’s choice to stage the murder in an art studio?

Analyze the novel’s depiction of Tensions Inherent in Parent-Teen Relationships. What does the novel suggest makes these relationships healthy? Where can tensions or disagreements arise? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

How does the insertion of other types of text—such as YouTube transcripts and text messaging—enhance the novel’s structure? In what way do they underscore the novel’s thematic interest in Ethical Problems With True Crime Media?