The Matthew Hope series provides an opportunity for discussion as both individual titles and as a group. Since McBain always writes about topical issues, there is plenty to talk about in his books. Especially relevant are various environmental issues as well as the personal concerns faced by his protagonist.

1. In what ways are the Matthew Hope books the same and different from McBain's other works? Compare and contrast such issues as environment, characters, and style.

2. How does this novel transcend the conventions of the mystery genre? In what ways is There Was a Little Girl more like a conventional contemporary novel?

3. Notice how cleverly McBain works the title into the story as more than merely suggestive of the nursery rhyme from which it was taken. Is there a connection of fairy tale and myth to the narrative of the novel?

4. What social issues are raised by...