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When I saw my first palm tree, I almost died of disappointment. It wasn't on a tiny island. It didn't have coconuts under its fronds or monkeys clinging to its trunk. That palm tree failed me.

The tree lived in Beaufort, South Carolina, in my grandparents' backyard, and the letdown I felt over its lack of picture-book clichés is my earliest memory of that place. I must have been three or four. It was the same trip I met the ocean at Hunting Island State Park. I waded into the salt water. Tasted it on my fingers. Scanned the surface for sharks. Thought every dolphin and hunk of driftwood was a shark, which sent me screaming and splashing back to the beach.

I spent languid afternoons with my sisters catching chameleons. We put the lizards in a box and named them. Took the box inside to show the adults. And under strict and often shrieked orders, carried the box back outside to let the creatures go. The chameleons turned brown on the palm tree's trunk or green if set on a leaf. ...

Please be aware that this discussion guide may contain spoilers!

1. At the center of Carolina Moonset are multiple murder mysteries. Who did you originally think the perpetrators were, and what did you think their motives were?
2. What makes Joey and Leela so compatible? What enables them to bring out the best in each other? What distinctions did you notice in their personalities and family histories?
3. What is the effect of seeing the storyline through Joey's eyes? How might the perceptions have been different if Leela or Ruby had narrated this tale?
4. How did your perceptions of Thomas and Gail Hammond shift when more of their past was revealed? Is money the root of their power, or is power the root of their wealth? How does Trip Patterson's fate illustrate the class divisions within their community? ...

Please be aware that this discussion guide may contain spoilers!

Here are some of the comments posted about Carolina Moonset.
You can see the full discussion here.


At the center of the story are multiple murder mysteries. Who did you originally think the perpetrators were and why?
The multiple murder mysteries were what first attracted my interest in this book. However, I found the characters to be as interesting as the plot! As to whodunnit, I can’t believe that I didn’t think about one of The South&... - NCjeanne

Did your perceptions of Thomas and Gail shift? Is money the root of their power, or is power the root of their wealth? How does Trip Patterson's fate illustrate the class divisions within their community?
From the beginning their wealth was a turnoff as you could just feel the power they felt entitled to. No concern for doing the right thing, and trying to use money to wipe out guilt! - lindac

Do you feel Joey's reactions to divorce are common?
I agree with the above observances, but I would add that I was surprised by his lack of anger or irritation towards their exes. Usually when there is a divorced couple in a novel or movie there are so many issues to disagree about - custody, ... - ruthiea

Do you think it's true that we care less about others' opinions as we age?
For sure. As a teenager we are usually so worried about the opinions of our peers. As we age we become more self confident and able to more easily ignore what others think. - LindaMonaco

Do you think Marshall's legacy as a healer extended beyond his work as a physician?
It seems like some readers have trouble thinking of Marshall as a healer...long before he was a physician he was a thoughtful, compassionate person as examplified by his youthful friendships and loyalty. - somanybooks...