Printable Book Club Questions for The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

Do you typically read ghost stories or do you tend to avoid anything scary?
The story starts off with Viv in 1982. She’s scared but she knows she has to go into the hotel. What were your thoughts as you read the first chapter?
What did you think about the dual timeline between Viv and Carly? In what ways are Viv and Carly very similar? How are they different?
Why do you think Viv became so drawn to Fell and never went to New York City?
Let’s talk about what all compelled Carly to investigate Viv’s disappearance in Fell. Why did she decide to work at the Sun Down Motel as well?
So we know going in this was a ghost story and it sure did deliver! Especially on page 40, when Viv is trying to get away from the hotel and a woman ghost slams the hood of her car and tells her to leave. What were you thinking as you read this? Why did Viv keep coming back to the hotel after that experience?
Both Viv and Carly works to solve the mysteries. Viv is focused on who murdered several women, while Carly is also tracking that but mainly wondering what happened to Viv. What did you think about the tactics of these amateur detectives?
Did you think that Viv had been murdered or did you suspect she was still alive? What did you think when she showed up in the present?
Let’s discuss the scene where she murders the serial killer Simon. Why do you think Viv stayed around the town after that?
Let’s talk about the ghosts. Why did they only come out at certain times?
What did you think about the dynamic between Carly and Nick?
Did you have suspicions that something was off about the Callum guy? Was Betty the one who killed him? Why did his death cause the ghosts to leave and for the reveal of the true poor condition of the hotel?
Why did Viv finally turn herself in? Carly seems to have mixed feelings about Viv—especially about the fact that her mother never go to find out that her sister was still alive. Let’s discuss all of this.
What did you think about the ending? Why did Carly stay in Fell?
Who would you cast in the main roles if they make a movie or TV version of this?