Printable Book Club Questions for Long Bright River by Liz Moore

The story starts off with Mickey and her partner Eddie Lafferty finding a female body. Mickey immediately is worried that the body is her sister Kacey but it’s not. Let’s discuss this opening and how it set the stage for what was to come.
Why do you think the author decided not to use quotation marks for dialog in this story?
The story goes from the present back to the past of Mickey and Kacey’s childhood and beyond. Why was it important for us to learn more about their past?
We learn that both parents are addicts and their mother died of an overdose. The story seems to imply that addiction is somewhat heredity—what are your thoughts on that?
Let’s talk about their dynamic—Mickey is a cop patrolling the same streets that Kacey is getting high on and also soliciting for work. How can two sisters go in such polar opposite directions in life?
What did you think about Mickey’s relationship with Truman? Do you think they both did have affection for each other? After the events in the novel, do you think they will ever talk again?
In Mickey’s teenage years, she appears to try to find parental figures in other people—and Simon Cleare comes along and gives her lots of inappropriate attention. Let’s talk about how Simon manipulated and targeted Mickey.
It’s interesting from the start that Kacey saw Simon for who he truly was—let’s talk about this.
When Kacey becomes pregnant, she reveals that the father is Simon who took advantage of her. But yet, Mickey chooses not to believe it for the longest time until it becomes apparent that Kacey is telling the truth. Why do you think it took Mickey so long to see the real Simon?
And it turns out that Thomas is actually the son of Kacey and Simon. Let’s talk about why Mickey became his parent. When do you think he’ll learn the truth about his biological mom?
Mickey dreams of becoming a teacher and wants to go to college. But Gee discourages it—pretty much saying people like them don’t go to college. And Simon really pushes the idea she should go into law enforcement. Let’s discuss why Mickey became a cop. Was part of the reason so she could keep an eye on Kacey?
Let’s discuss Gee’s relationship with Mickey and Kacey—why was she so hard on them? How did the tragedy of losing her own daughter impact her relationships with her grandchildren?
Throughout the story is the mysteries of what happened to Kacey and also who is committing the murders. First let’s talk about Kacey. Were you surprised that Kacey was alive, along with their dad? Now that Kacey has given birth, again, do you think she can get sober? What do you think Kacey and Mickey’s relationship will be like going forward?
We find out that Mickey’s partner Lafferty is behind the murders—and many higher ups seemed to have protected him. Let’s talk about the bigger issue that is portrayed of police corruption. What did you think about the fact that the murderer was Lafferty?
Let’s talk about why Mickey quit the police force. What do you think is next for her?