THE CRASH Discussion Questions

• ​If you were Tegan, would you have taken the money Simon offered in exchange for your silence?

• How does the isolation of the blizzard and rural setting heighten the suspense in the story? Could the same story work in a different environment?
• What were the first signs that something was off about Hank and Polly? Do you think Tegan ignored any early instincts?
• How does Tegan’s pregnancy add to both the tension and her sense of urgency? In what ways does it make her more vulnerable—or stronger?
• Do you believe Polly ever had good intentions? What clues did the author give about her true nature?
• How does the theme of survival play out in the book—both physically and emotionally? What internal obstacles does Tegan have to overcome?
• How does the storm function as more than just a backdrop—what symbolic role might it play in Tegan’s journey or transformation?
• What role does trust play in this story? How do Tegan’s instincts about people evolve from the beginning of the book to the end?
• If you were in Tegan’s situation, what would you have done differently—if anything? Are there moments where she made decisions that surprised you?
• The title The Crash refers to more than just a car accident. What else in Tegan’s life "crashes" during the story, and how does she rebuild—or doesn’t?