Reading Group Guide 1. Twenty years later, Marti is still haunted by her sister’s disappearance, both hopeful and afraid of uncovering the truth. Why do you think she is unable to move forward? Do you have any thoughts on what might have happened to Maggie?
2. Marti and Andrea’s podcast plays a pivotal role in The Lost Girls. Are you a fan of true crime podcasts? Do you think their popularity and the media surrounding them have any real impact on the actual investigations, especially cold cases like Maggie’s?
3. Discuss the reasons why Marti agrees to help Ava with her brother’s case. Was it the Sutcliffe Heights connection? Or was there something about Ava herself that drew Marti in?
4. Marti begins to spiral after the Jane Doe case, with her behavior becoming more and more reckless. Do you think this was the reason for her divorce from Eric and the distancing from her family? Or do you think there was always going to be a breaking point for her?
5. Did you believe in Colin’s innocence? Why or why not?
6. Talk about Marti and Olsen’s relationship. Do you think there’s a genuine attraction there? Or is each using the other? If so, in what ways?
7. While Marti was exposed to a lot of police work growing up, all of her own investigative work is done as a civilian. Discuss some of the tactics she used to look into both Maggie’s and Sarah’s cases. Were any methods particularly interesting or surprising to you?
8. As Marti begins to put the pieces together, she blames herself for Dylan’s death. Do you agree with that? What do you think might have happened if Marti hadn’t gotten involved?
9. After reading the novel, how do you feel about Ava’s decisions? Were you surprised by where her loyalties ultimately lay? What would you have done if you were in her position?
10. What do you think of Marti’s decision to hold on to the truth about Colin at the end of the novel? What do you think is next for her?
Vodka Martini Recipe INGREDIENTS Ice 2 1/2 oz. vodka 1/2 oz. dry vermouth Green olive or strip of lemon peel, removed with a peeler, for garnish
DIRECTIONS Optional: Freeze martini glass 15 minutes before making the drink. For a shaken martini: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka and vermouth and shake until well chilled. Strain into a martini glass, garnish with olive or lemon peel, and serve. For a stirred martini: Pour the vodka and vermouth into a mixing glass or cocktail shaker filled with ice. Stir vigorously, about 20 seconds, until well chilled. Strain into a martini glass, garnish with olive or lemon peel and serve.
Recipe from Delish.com delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a29252178/classic-vodka-martini-recipe/