M E Roche
THE NURSE - DETECTIVE MYSTERIES
Book Club Questions for Bigamy
1. This story was based on an actual case from the 1930s. Did you learn anything new or interesting about the time and place of the story? Do you think it could happen today?
2. There are three main characters in the story: Aine, Will, and Sophie. While Sophie appears to orchestrate the lives of everyone, why do you think that is? Why might Aine or Will not have taken a stronger stance?
3. Do you think either Aine or Will set out to attract the other?
4. What did you think of Rose and Charley? Were they as supportive of Aine as they could have been? If so, how did they show their support? If not, why not?
5. What are some of the moral or social implications of the book? How do they challenge or support your values or beliefs?
6. How much did you know about the subject of the book before reading it? Did you learn anything new or surprising? Did it change any opinions you might have held?
7. Did you have a favorite character? Or one you related to or sympathized with? Why?
8. Which character did you dislike or disagree with the most? Why?
9. What was the most memorable or shocking scene or twist in the story for you?
10. How did you feel about the ending? How do you think Sophie could go on? Do you think her family guessed what happened? Do you think they did anything about it?
MRS. FOWLER'S SCONES
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When I first arrived in Ireland some years ago, I went by train from the very south to the very north where friends of mine were staying in the town of Hollywood, just north of Belfast. My one friend had met an Irishman (who she later married) on her travels and she and my second
friend were staying with his parents—the Fowlers. Mrs. Fowler was a wonderful cook—and baker—and this was one of her recipes. She had another for apple squares, but I loved the scones best. She always served these with tea and jam (no clotted cream here). They were delicious!
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RECIPE:
Makes about 18, depending on size Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2 cups self-rising flour
Pinch of salt
1 Tbsp sugar
¼ cup butter (1/2 stick)
1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp malt vinegar)
Dried fruit: raisins or cranberries, if desired (optional)
Mix dry ingredients. Add buttermilk. Gently knead on lightly floured surface. Use a biscuit cutter of choice. (Crosshatch is optional) Bake approximately 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Enjoy!
