Discuss the presence of strong women in this story. Which women can be counted as strong and why? How does this add to the plot or to the readers' enjoyment of the book?

In what ways is opium important to the story? Who and what does it affect, both directly and indirectly? What message, if any, do you think the author is trying to give?

How does the author unravel his mystery, and how does he keep the readers' interested in it? How does he build a sense of intrigue and suspense?

Who is the main antagonist of the novel and why? In your answer you should consider Mrs. Holland, Van Eeden, opium, and the Ruby of Agrapur.

In what ways are Mrs. Holland and Sally similar? In what ways are they different? Do they make good adversaries for each other and why?

Discuss...