Book Rec: Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon

Nothing brings a family together like a murder next door.

I loved the multi-generational aspect of this story. I loved even more learning that this book was a love project by Nina for her own sick mother. Mother-Daughter Murder Night pulls you into the Rubicon women’s lives and the chaos that quickly follows. Discussion guide below for your next book club!

Book Jacket

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High-powered businesswoman Lana Rubicon has a lot to be proud of: her keen intelligence, impeccable taste, and the L.A. real estate empire she’s built. But when she finds herself trapped 300 miles north of the city, convalescing in a sleepy coastal town with her adult daughter Beth and teenage granddaughter Jack, Lana is stuck counting otters instead of square footage—and hoping that boredom won’t kill her before the cancer does.

Then Jack—tiny in stature but fiercely independent—happens upon a dead body while kayaking. She quickly becomes a suspect in the homicide investigation, and the Rubicon women are thrown into chaos. Beth thinks Lana should focus on recovery, but Lana has a better idea. She’ll pull on her wig, find the true murderer, protect her family, and prove she still has power.

With Jack and Beth’s help, Lana uncovers a web of lies, family vendettas, and land disputes lurking beneath the surface of a community populated by folksy conservationists and wealthy ranchers. But as their amateur snooping advances into ever-more dangerous territory, the headstrong Rubicon women must learn to do the one thing they’ve always resisted: depend on each other.

Discussion Guide

1. While the Rubicon women are different in so many ways, they all scream “strong, independent woman.” What characteristics overlap between the women for this title? In what different ways do Lana, Beth and Jack exhibit strong female vibes?

2. Lana jumps right into amateur detective, despite having no background in sleuthing. How does her previous career help hone her detective skills?

3. The Rhoads family harbors secrets that lead to pain, emotional distance, and ultimately, murder.  Do you think these secrets were necessary? Are secrets harmful or compassionate?

4. All the characters had different ideas for the ranch. If you were in charge, what would you have done with the ranch in the end?

If you liked this book, you should read A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder next!

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