Olive Belgrave is part of the world of high society, but not wealthy in her own right. How is her position as a well-brought up lady both a help and a hindrance to her?

How much did you know about the 1920s before reading the book? Was there anything that surprised you about the time period?

Why do you think Sonia is so determined that Olive should marry?

How are Sonia’s expectations for Olive’s future different from those of Olive’s father? How do our expectations for our children—or our parents’ expectations of us—impact our lives?

If you were in Olive’s position in London and couldn’t find a job, what would you do?

Olive, Gwen, and Violet have different temperaments and personalities. How are they different and how are they the same? 

How is Olive’s independent spirit an asset as she investigates? And how is it a detriment? 

Olive is set on earning money so she doesn’t have to live with her new stepmother, but she’s surrounded by other young people only interested in frivolous pursuits like parties and pleasure. Why do you think Olive is different from them?

Did you figure out “whodunit?” Was the ending satisfying? 

At the end of the book Olive places an advertisement. What do you think the outcome will be? Would you read another book in the series?