READERS GUIDE

Reading Group Discussion Questions for Dead First
1.     Shyla is an investigator who doesn’t get to stay detached. How does her emotional investment strengthen her work, and when does it put her in danger?
2.     Dead First plays with what is hidden underground: hospitals, tunnels, secrets, histories. What did you find creepiest about what was buried?
3.     Despite the darkness, there are moments of dry humor and near absurdity. Which line or moment made you laugh despite yourself?
4.     Secrets, lies, and supernatural mysteries are central to this story—was there a scene or a reveal you thought was particularly shocking or terrifying?
5.     What does the book suggest about what happens when power is allowed to outlive accountability?
6.     Shyla spends a lot of time piecing together clues from scattered sources. If you were mapping this story on a corkboard, which clue would you pin first—and which one would drive you crazy?
7.     Remy is both ally and wildcard. At what point did you decide whether you trusted her? Did your judgement change throughout the novel?
8.     Shyla trusts pattern, research, and logic; Jinh trusts intuition, visions, and emotional resonance. How do their different ways of knowing complement each other—and where do they clash?
9.     Were you surprised by the novel’s ending?
10.  If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?