1. The novel takes place in several locations in New York City, from the girls’ apartment in Brooklyn, to the comic bookstore and a mental asylum, as well as the Empire State Building, among others. Did these settings enhance or detract from the story? In what ways?
  2. Madison’s New York City lifestyle is not depicted as glamorous or idealistic. How does the NYC of the book compare to your ideas or impressions of NYC?
  3. How does the décor in the girls’ rooms reflect their personalities? How does that décor compare to that of other living spaces in the novel?
  4. A large portion of the novel takes place at an eccentric estate home outside New York City. How does its location and appearance impact the characters? How does Madison’s visit to the house change her?
  5. We find out early on that Madison is an amnesiac. Another character was treated for depression, and yet another is in treatment for paranoid schizophrenia. How do the themes of madness and mental health play out in the novel?
  6. As an amnesiac, Madison might literally be searching for her identity. Does Madison’s attitude about finding her identity change over the course of the book? If so, what causes this change of heart?
  7. What, if anything, made you uncomfortable about Madison’s relationship with Derek? Why?
  8. The concepts of Nature vs. Nurture come up when Madison is referred to as a tabula rasa, a clean, (or blank) slate due to her lack of memory. To what extent do you believe in “nature”? Do you think you would still be the person you are today without memories of your life? How have the events of your life shaped you?
  9. There are many spooky moments involving ghosts in the novel. Which was the most eerie for you and why? Do you believe in ghosts? What did you think of the parapsychology team at the house?
  10. Did you have any suspicions of how or why Madison lost her memories? Do you have any ideas about who or what she might have been?
  11. The flyer Madison finds at the end of the novel contains information that shocks her. Were you shocked also, or did you suspect something along those lines, and if so, what detail(s) stood out to you or hinted at that conclusion?
  12. Regarding the book’s title, the word “shade” has several definitions, including “ghost” as well as “shadow.” How does this title tie into the book’s themes?
  13. Looking at the cover design, what aspects of the story are depicted there? How do mirrors play a part in the novel? How might a mirror be symbolic to Madison’s story?


  1. Madison seems to have grown closer to her roommate Julie and has more friends at work. How would you describe these friendships?
  2. Zoe Brooks—who can see the dead—returns in this book, requesting Madison’s help with a bizarre case. How is the budding friendship between them like or unlike those she has with others?
  3. Love relationships sad, sappy, sweet, and sour are all depicted in various ways within the novel. How are the relationships realistic and in which ways are they not? Which one is the most realistic?
  4. Gatekeeping comes up in the novel—Madison’s manager explains how nerds are “always checking [her] nerd card.” It presents the idea of fandom as exclusive: where the “gatekeeper” interrogates a fan about the subject to determine their eligibility into the “club.” Are you a gatekeeper or has anyone ever questioned your fandom and knowledge thereof? Why does this happen?
  5. Both Madison and Hank lack memories of their pasts and identities. How does this shared condition affect Madison’s response to Hank?
  6. Madison, who prefers to dress in jeans and t-shirts, is surprised when some styling assistance inspires others to compliment her appearance. Everyone loves a makeover, but it makes Madison wonder what she looks like the rest of the time. Why do we love makeovers? Is there anything wrong with the way Madison presents herself?
  7. The theme of lies vs. truth comes up a few times in the novel, especially with regards to Kipling Jack Donovan. What do you think about Madison’s aversion to lying? Why does she dislike it? Is Kip himself a trustworthy character? What in his behavior sways you one way or another?
  8. As the book progresses, Madison’s relationship with Kip changes. What causes these changes? What do you think of the way Madison handles the situation with Kip, from their first meeting until their final scene at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and everything in between? What about the way she handles Michael Adderly?
  9. From Hoboken to Brooklyn and Manhattan as well as Staten Island, Coney Island, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Central Park, the book namedrops a number of NYC landmarks. What effect did noting those places have on you as a reader? Do they interest you in visiting New York? What places in New York would you visit?
  10. The author mentions in her acknowledgements several inspirations in creating the Dark (or Goblin) Market, from Russian fairy tales and Greek Myth to favorite poems and modern fiction and artwork as well as films both live and animated. Were there any aspects of the market that were familiar or that you previously encountered? What did you think of the market? Would you visit such a place if it existed? Why or why not?
  11. Masks and costumes, even glamours, figure in the book’s imagery. Do you like dressing in costume for Halloween or other occasions? Why or why not? What might be significant about Madison’s Red Riding Hood costume?
  12. Who or what was your favorite creature in the Dark Market? Your favorite character in the novel overall? Why that one?
  13. In the final scene, Madison finds herself face to face with an old man with a kind face. Who is he? What role do you think he’ll play in the sequel?