Perfect Life

1. Este moved from California to Florida to start fresh. What made her decide to make this change? Were her reasons for starting over good enough? Can you really escape your past?

2. The story contrasts real married life with the image of "keeping up appearances." What was your first impression of Beau and Etse's relationship? Did it change when Beau was implicated in a murder?

3. The title "Perfect Life" questions whether a perfect lifestyle can really exist. Do you think such a thing exists?

4. How did extreme wealth affect Beau versus Este? Did you feel the money changed her? Were you able to feel sorry for Beau when he was accused of murder? Did you think he could have committed murder?

5. When a mysterious death happens, Este starts to doubt how well she knows her husband, Beau. Did you think she was fair in her opinions? Would you feel the same way if you were in her position? Did your trust in Beau ever start to waver?

6. What does Este's friendship with her lonely 12-year-old neighbor reveal about her true character?

7. When an anonymous text and a figure from the past resurface, the tension escalates. Were you able to guess who this person was? Do you agree with how Este handled it?

8. How do you see the friendship between Este and Nora? Is it truly authentic in a community focused on appearances and gossip?

9. Did you find the combination of humor, lighthearted gossip, and dark murder suspense to be well-balanced?

10. Did you find the endings of the California secret and the Winter Park murder investigation satisfying?

11. Do you think a plot like this only works in an ultra-wealthy, sunny enclave, or could it happen anywhere?These discussion questions were custom-created by Princeton Book Review. If the authors or publisher release an official guide in the future, we will link it here!