The Sun Down Motel

Viv’s timeline uses a third-person perspective while Carly’s timeline uses a first-person perspective. How does this choice build the mystery and suspense of the novel?

Viv finds out from Carly at the end of the novel that her sister, Debby, has passed away from cancer. In what ways do you think this unfortunate news affects Viv’s decision to confess at the police station?

Heather retreats to her room after telling Carly she needs to take a break from reading about true crime. Before Heather leaves the apartment to visit her parents, she leaves a note and the phone records she found for Carly. What do you think pushed Heather to help Carly despite the case affecting her mental health?

Simon Hess becomes the fourth ghost to haunt the motel in the novel. In what ways does Simon’s ghost checking into the Sun Down affect the dynamic of the other three ghosts?

In what ways do the women in Viv’s timeline deal with issues surrounding women’s safety?

When Carly drives to Alma’s house and tells her Callum is bothering her, Alma says she will talk to him. Would a conversation with Callum have changed the outcome of the novel? Why or why not?

Viv remains in Fell under the identity of Christine Fawcette. What aspects of the town allow her to live undercover? Why do you think she stayed there?

Why do you think Marnie and Alma assist Viv in covering up Simon Hess’s death?