Discuss this novel’s depiction of gender. What kinds of female characters does the author create? How do those characters conform to or work against common stereotypes, including tropes associated with the thriller genre?

Research common tropes within the psychological thriller and crime fiction genres. How does the author use them, and what impact do they have on the novel’s plot, suspense structure, and characterization?

Discuss the politics of socio-economic status and class in Broken Bayou. How does class-based discrimination play a role in the trajectory of the Arceneaux family, and how does class prejudice impact relationships between Broken Bayou’s townspeople?