One of Us Is Dead

The novel uses Detective Sanford’s interview with Jenny to break up the narrative. How does this structure frame the novel? What effect does it have on our perspective of events, both generally and in particular?

The novel pays close attention to people’s facial expressions throughout, particularly when they don’t match the individual’s feelings. What does this scrutiny do? Pick one scene and analyze the expressions and body language. How do they create subtext, and how does it support or undercut the surface text?

One of Us Is Dead explicitly discusses how money shapes the perspective of the ultra-rich housewives. How do financial concerns influence other points of view? Focus on characters who either rely on income from a job (Jenny, Keisha, Karen) or once struggled financially (Crystal, Olivia)?

Many—but not all—of the friendships in the book are depicted as unhealthy. How does the novel illustrate strong, healthy female friendships? Use textual evidence to support your claim.

Jenny likens Olivia to a cancer that must be cut out of their society. Is this characterization justified in the text? How is Olivia detrimental to the health of their community or not? Instead of focusing on Olivia’s personal shortcomings, consider her effect on others.

Both Karen and Shannon undergo major identity crises and end the novel with substantially different perspectives than they began it. Choose one of these characters and interrogate the forces that cause them to change. What greater argument can you extrapolate about the nature of identity or self-perception?

Jenny’s salon Glow is at the center of much of the novel’s action. Examine specific language and moments in the text and explore how this setting contributes to one of the novel’s larger themes.

Olivia jokingly justifies Dean and Bryce’s illegal business affairs as part of the “American dream.” Discuss how the American dream features in this novel as a serious or ironic context for Buckhead society.