Reader, I Murdered Him Podcast Book Club discussion

Welcome to our discussion of A History of Fear by Luke Dumas! Below are some questions to get the discussion started, but feel free to bring up any topics you’d like to discuss.

1. Grayson Hale is a complex character who struggles with satanophobia and fears that the Devil is after him. How does his fear impact his actions and decisions throughout the story? Do you sympathize with his character?

2. The novel raises the question of whether Grayson Hale was truly influenced by the Devil or if he was mentally ill. What are your thoughts on this central question, and how does the book explore the blurred lines between mental illness and supernatural influence?

3. One of the novel's themes is the power of belief and fear. How does the author use the concept of fear, both rational and irrational, to drive the plot and character development?

4. The setting of Edinburgh plays a significant role in the story. How does the city's atmosphere and history contribute to the overall sense of unease and suspense in the novel?

5. The Devil is a central figure in the story. How does the author portray the Devil, and what do you think the Devil represents in the context of the narrative?

6. The book touches on themes of legacy and family. How does Grayson Hale's relationship with his deceased father influence his choices and actions in the story?

7. The manuscript discovered in Grayson Hale's prison cell is a key element of the plot. What do you think the manuscript symbolizes, and how does it affect the narrative's progression?

8. The novel blends elements of psychological suspense and supernatural horror. How do these genres intersect in the story, and how do they contribute to the overall tension?

9. Grayson Hale takes on the job of ghostwriting a book for a mysterious stranger. How does this task shape his character and the events that follow? What does the act of writing symbolize in the novel?

10. The ending of the book leaves certain questions open to interpretation. What do you think happened to Grayson Hale, and what are your thoughts on the final revelations of the story?