Society of Lies

How far would you go to belong?

Maya has returned to Princeton for her college reunion-it's been a decade since she graduated, and she is looking forward to seeing old faces and reminiscing about her time there. This visit is special because Maya will also be attending the graduation of her little sister, Naomi.

But what should have been a dream weekend becomes Maya's worst nightmare when she receives the news that Naomi is dead. The police are calling it an accident, but Maya suspects that there is more to the story than they are letting on.

As Maya pieces together what happened in the months leading up to her sister's death, she begins to realize how much Naomi hid from her. Despite Maya's warnings, Naomi had joined Sterling Club, the most exclusive social club on campus-the same one Maya belonged to. And if she had to guess, Naomi was likely tapped for the secret society within it.

The more Maya uncovers, the more terrified she becomes that Naomi's decision to follow in her footsteps might have been what got her killed. Because Maya's time at Princeton wasn't as wonderful as she'd always made it seem-after all, her sister wasn't the first young woman to turn up dead. Now every clue is leading Maya back to the past ... and to the secret she's kept all these years.

1. Which of these characters do you relate to most and why?

2. What do you think of Maya and Naomi's relationship? Do you have a sibling, and if so how is your relationship similar or different?

3. Before reading Society of Lies, did you know anything about clubs at Ivy League schools? And if you had the opportunity to join Sterling Club, would you? How about Greystone Society?

4. Should Maya have told Naomi the truth about the Society? Do we have a duty to tell the truth at all costs, or is it better to protect our loved-ones from situations that may harm them?

5. Maya believes that she must decide whether to join Greystone Society in order to support her sister or turn against the Society after learning about its true nature. What would you do in that situation?

6. How do the sisters' backgrounds affect their view of the world and the choices they make?

7. At Winter Formal, Nate and Maya get into an argument, and he tells her that Princeton means two different things to each of them. Do you think this is true?

8. What systems (of race, class etc.) do you see at work in the book, and how do the characters combat or contribute to them?

9. During Initiations, Maya says that everyone has experienced some form of bias. She believes that if we are aware of our own biases, we can correct them. Do you agree or disagree?

10. Different forms of female friendship are explored in the book. Do you think Maya and/or Naomi have true friendships in their lives? Found family? What does this concept mean to you?

11. Do you think Society of Lies has a message or theme? If so, what is it?

12. If they were to turn this novel into a movie or tv show, who would you cast as Maya and Naomi?

A dark and haunting debut that explores secret societies, the bonds of sisterhood, and the intricacies of privilege at an elite college ... When Maya searches for answers about the death of her younger sister at their shared school, she must delve into secrets in her own past that are best left forgotten. I couldn't put this twisty tale down."-Julia Bartz, New York Times bestselling author of The Writing Retreat

"Readers of dark academia, prepare to meet your summer obsession. Society of Lies has everything I want in a book: a twisty plot, powerful social commentary, beautiful writing, and emotional resonance. While it digs deep into the corrupt underbelly of prestigious secret societies, it is at its core a moving tribute to the bonds of sisterhood and friendship. With this powerhouse debut, Lauren Ling Brown has established herself as a remarkable talent to watch."-Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, author of The Girls Are All So Nice Here

"Society of Lies is so much more than a murder mystery. Lauren Ling Brown explores race, family, and the dark side of privilege within Princeton's elite. Her writing is powerful and takes you on a wild ride. It's a must-read and a truly impressive debut!"-Courteney Cox

"Filled with secrets and collegiate scandals, Lauren Ling Brown's Society of Lies takes a deep dive into the darkest side of power: the compromises we make to acquire it, the way it warps us, and what it can take from us. I loved this twisty thriller!"-Halley Sutton, USA Today bestselling author of The Hurricane Blonde

"Dark academia, secret societies, and murder-what's not to love? Lauren Ling Brown's Society of Lies is an atmospheric tale that will have you on the edge of your seat, sure that something sinister is waiting just around the corner-and you can't help but turn the page to see what it is. Smartly written and taut with suspense, it's no doubt one of the year's best thrillers!"-Jessica Payne, author of Make Me Disappear About Lauren Ling Brown

Lauren Ling Brown received a BA in English literature from Princeton University and an MFA in film production with a focus in screenwriting from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California, where she works...More about Lauren Ling Brown Related Links Book Club Kit