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That Night

by Gillian McAllister
 That Night by Gillian McAllister book cover – psychological thriller novel about friendship, secrets, guilt, and a life-changing night

Book Summary


From the author of Reese's Book Club Pick and New York Times bestseller Wrong Place Wrong Time comes an electrifying thriller about three siblings torn apart by the cover-up of a death while on a family vacation in Italy.

On vacation in Europe, Frannie makes two urgent phone calls. One to her sister, and one to her brother. The siblings come running, and they find their sister covered in blood, kneeling over an unmoving body.

There's been an accident: Frannie has hit a man with her car, and she needs their help. They bury the body, and they make a promise. They'll never tell anyone.

But when the police come calling, the siblings' lies start to spiral. They begin to doubt their trust in each other. Because what really happened that night?

And who will be the first to crack?

With the incredible twists and turns and a unique look at family relationships that McAllister has become known for, That Night is the ultimate summer thriller that asks: what would you do to protect your family?

From the publisher Harper Collins / William Morrow | August 18, 2026 | 400 pages | ISBN-13 9780063497122 | Women's Fiction

Discussion Questions

1. The story explores the tension between family loyalty and moral responsibility. How do Joe, Cathy, and Frannie navigate this conflict differently, and what does it reveal about their values?

2. Did you find a certain character more relatable out of Joe, Cathy, and Frannie? Whose actions would have aligned most with your own, if you were in their shoes?

3. How did gender roles and expectations influence the siblings' interactions and decisions?

4. What did you think about the sibling relationships presented by the novel? Did they remind you of your own family relationships? Were there aspects of the relationships here that you found more relatable than others?

5. What does the story suggest about the burden of shared secrets? How does it bring people together-and tear them apart?

6. What role does the setting of their Italian vacation-as compared to when they're back in the UK-play in shaping the story's atmosphere and themes?

7. What do you think happens after the novel concludes? How do you think the events of the story will continue to affect the characters' relationships?

8. How does the story challenge traditional notions of justice? In what ways is justice served (and in what ways is it not)?

9. Which twist surprised you the most?

10. Was there a moment where a character's actions became unforgivable to you?

Discussion Questions from the Publisher's Book Club Kit

Book Club Talking Points:
That Night raises thought-provoking questions about friendship, loyalty and the ripple effects of a single decision. With its surprising twists, morally complex characters, and themes of justice, forgiveness, and second chances, it's the kind of psychological thriller that will keep your book club talking all evening long.



5 Star Reads


Praise


"An absolutely delicious, compulsively readable, stylish novel about a young aristocratic woman, who has to choose between duty and her heart-think The Crown meets Taylor Jenkins Reid. I loved it. I devoured every page of this glorious novel."-Holly Ringland, author of The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding

"Lexi must face the sorts of questions that fans of The Crown will find familiar: What is a monarch's duty to her people? What matters more: change or tradition? And where does love play into it all? ...Armitage's debut novel is a juicy one."-Elle

"Fans of the royal family will love The Heir Apparent."-Town & Country

"Tiaras, titles, and titillating royals abound in this engrossing debut from Armitage...The Heir Apparent is filled with secrets, scandals, and a few unexpected twists, including a forbidden and beautiful love story...Armitage's writing is spectacular, with rich dialogue and descriptions, a vibrant depiction of the burden of duty versus personal freedom, and unique insights into royal life."-Booklist (starred review)

"Feels and reads like an adult version of The Princess Diaries...With Armitage's expertise, she has crafted a novel about an exiled royal that is so believable that it could have actually happened...A sharply written novel rich with insight into the lives of royal families, as well as a beautifully crafted story that will have you waiting for Armitage's next release."-BookTrib

"In Armitage's perceptive debut, the British monarchy navigates a crisis following the death of two heirs...A standout portrayal of the royals and the tabloid culture surrounding them."-Publishers Weekly

"The author's deep knowledge of all things royal adds realism and texture to this entertaining debut."-Kirkus Reviews

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