Stone Cold Fox

The 22 chapters of the novel are punctuated by 6 Interludes, which flashback to Bea’s childhood and adolescence. Why might Koller Croft have chosen this method of breaking up the narrative? How do the interludes inform the main chapters as they unfold? Use evidence from both the chapters and interludes to support your answer.

Bea notes how Collin’s socialization is limited to other children of “old money” families. How might this stifle the development of social skills? Do any of the characters from “old money” appear to struggle with socialization? What examples from the novel set apart the “old money” society from “regular” society?

Gale is an immediate threat in the novel, but Bea spends a great deal of time insulting Gale’s appearance. How do appearances impact the novel and Bea’s goals? Why is it important that Bea is very attractive, and Gale is not? What other characters are or are not attractive to support your conclusion?

When Bea breaks into Gale’s apartment, it is the first time readers see her commit a direct crime. Later, Bea almost kills Gale, and she remembers almost killing her mother. What distinguishes her crimes from those her mother commits? What can readers tell about Bea’s character from the fact that she refrains from killing Gale in the end, and how does this compare to her mother?

The novel includes a lot of discussion of gender roles and norms, with Bea expressing disparaging perspectives on both masculine and feminine characters and society. Does the novel appear to disparage femininity and masculinity equally? Are there characters that subvert Bea’s expectations of gender norms?

Dave Bradford is a unique character in the “old money” sect of the novel, as he seems to disregard the disapproval of his peers. How is Dave Bradford both acting within the norm for a man in his position and subverting the expectations of his friend group? Why is it significant that Bea resists the urge to sleep with Dave, and how was visiting Dave’s apartment a risk for Bea’s plan?

Haven and Hayes have a tight-lipped demeanor for most of the novel, but Haven eventually becomes a fan of Bea when Bea becomes pregnant. How do marriage and pregnancy act as milestones in Bea’s attempt to join the Case family? How might Bea rejecting Haven’s offer of $5 million contribute to Haven’s perception of Bea?

Syl and Bea are siblings, and a critical element of their characterization comes from their different upbringings, in which Syl grew up in the foster system, and Bea grew up with their mother. What might Koller Croft intend for readers to take from the differences and similarities between the sisters? How might their genetics and upbringings, together, form a more in-depth understanding of both?