Discussion Questions for Readers
Invite Me to Your Book Club!
“Our book club loved reading and discussing A Dangerous Duet. It was a fascinating evening and such a treat to get to ask questions of the author!” – Debbie, Book Club leader, Phoenix
“Our first love here at Anticus is art — and our second is books! So A Trace of Deceit was a perfect choice for our Book Club read. A mystery that blends art, history, and Victorian culture, with a hint of romance. And I really enjoyed seeing how easily our book club members engaged in the discussion with Karen — on everything rom how she fine-tuned her characters to her plot development process. We’re very much looking forward to her next book! – K.T., Book Buyer, Anticus Art Gallery and Bookstore, Scottsdale
Make the most of your book club!
Part of the charm of historical fiction and historical mysteries is that the represented world is different from our present day–and yet many of the challenges and strife that the Victorians faced have their counterparts in the 21st century.
Historical research often feels like magic to me, and with every one of my books, it seems that the core idea for the book found me. In the course of my research, I read something or discover something that sparks a degree of astonishment or perplexity that I cannot ignore. Once I begin a book, I write and research in a way that reminds me of making cake frosting … add a little milk … add a little confectioner’s sugar … then a little more milk … I’d love to share my insights and experiences as an author with you and your friends!
Contact me to arrange a date to Skype or Zoom with your book club! For each of my novels, I will enhance and enliven your book club discussion with a full package of images and information about 1870s London, additional discussion questions not found in the back of the books, personal anecdotes from my writing journey for each of my novels, and a full question and answer session.
About Karen
Karen Odden received her Ph.D. in English from New York University in 2001, writing her dissertation on Victorian literature. Subsequently, she taught at UW-Milwaukee and edited for the academic journal Victorian Literature and Culture. When she finally turned to writing fiction, she set all her novels in her beloved 1870s London. Her first mystery, A Lady in the Smoke, was a USA Today bestseller. Her fourth, Down a Dark River, was an Oprah Daily pick; and the sequel, Under a Veiled Moon was nominated for the Lefty, Agatha, and Anthony Awards for Best Historical Mystery. Her sixth novel, An Artful Dodge, about an all-women thieving gang in 1879 London, is forthcoming from Soho Crime in June 2026.
Since 2019, Karen has offered over 40 writing workshops for libraries, professional groups, and conferences, and she has received awards and grants for her work to promote literacy and support the writing community. Karen serves on the national board of Sisters in Crime, reviews books for Publishers Weekly, and divides her time between Arizona and Utah, where she loves to hike while plotting crimes. Read More