Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief

1. The book begins with the detective, Ernest, trapped inside a safe. He realizes he still does not know who the killer is. How does this affect your expectations compared to a typical mystery story?

2. At the end, Ernest chooses Juliette over solving the mystery. Did that feel like growth for his character, or did you prefer the Ernest who can't walk away from an unsolved case?

3. The title says everyone in the bank is a thief. Beyond stealing money, how does the author expand the idea of theft to include thinks like time, secrets, or a life?

4. Many characters excuse their illegal actions because of personal loss or grief. Which character's crime was the hardest to judge morally?

5. Did Bryce appear brave or selfish when he robbed the bank for Emma?

6. Did Eric earn your sympathy after what he did, or did his apology come too late?

7. Examine how Ernest and Juliette respond during the crisis. What does their conflict show about how Ernest's obsession with solving puzzles affects him personally?

8. How well do you think the logic of classic Golden Age detective stories, like clear clues and limited suspects, works with today's technology and motivations? Do high-tech and digital crimes make it harder or easier for Ernest-and for us as readers-to solve the mystery like an "armchair detective"?

9. How did the author use misdirection and your assumptions about the characters to keep you guessing? Was there anyone you trusted-or suspected-for the wrong reasons?

10. Were you satisfied with the final reveal? Looking back, did the clues feel fairly planted, or did the solution depend too much on information you couldn't have known?