A Pair of Aces Book Club Questions

Discussion questions

1. What were your initial impressions of Eunice Carter, and how did they change throughout the book?
2. Do you think Polly Adler’s decision to collaborate with Eunice was driven more by self-preservation or a desire for justice?
3. How does the author use historical context to enhance the tension in the story?
4. What was the most surprising aspect of the alliance between Eunice and Polly?
5. In what ways does the book explore the theme of power dynamics, both in the criminal underworld and in society at large?
6. Discuss a scene where Eunice’s position as the first Black female prosecutor impacted her investigation and strategy.
7. Was Polly justified in risking her business and safety to take down Lucky Luciano?
8. How did the narrative structure affect your understanding of the characters’ motivations and the unfolding of the trial?
9. Have you ever faced a situation where an unlikely partnership led to a successful outcome, similar to Eunice and Polly's collaboration?
10. What are your thoughts on the resolution of the trial, and how did it reflect the broader societal changes of the time?