READERS GUIDE
Discussion Guide for THE INFIDEL STAIN by M. J. Carter1. Both victims of the murders Blake and Avery are hired to investigate were printers—what role does the printing industry play in the mystery? What was the importance of printing, bookselling, and journalism during this period, both politically and socially?
2. Movements for social and political justice play a large part in the novel, but the myriad characters have vastly different opinions about how such justice should be achieved. Which different perspectives are presented in the novel, and what are the tensions between them? Can each perspective be justified?
3. What did you think of the character Viscount Allington? What about his sister, Lady Agnes? How would you characterize their relationship?
4. Consider the intersection of religion and politics during this time period, as portrayed in the novel. What is the tie between religious belief (or lack thereof) and revolutionary sentiment? How is that tie illustrated by characters like Blake, or Daniel and his fellow Chartists? How does Viscount Allington, a man both unusually religious and unusually progressive for an aristocrat, fit into this picture?
5. How are charities and charitable works portrayed in the story? Is charity a necessary social function to improve the lives of those most in need? Is it a means of oppression and control? Both?
6. What role does the character Matty Horner play in the novel? How do she and her brother Pen illustrate the hardships faced by the poorest segments of society during this time period?
7. Think about the various female characters—Matty Horner, Lady Agnes, Connie Wedderburn. How is each illustrative of her gender and class? How are their concerns and ambitions alike or different?
8. The novel is set during Britain’s Industrial Revolution, as the economy shifted from farming to manufacturing. How does this shift impact the characters and story of The Infidel Stain? Do you see any parallels between the Industrial Revolution and the Digital Revolution of today?
9. The novel is set shortly after the formation of the new London metropolitan police force. What is the role of the police in the novel? How are they viewed by the various characters? Do you see any echoes of policing today?
10. How does Blake and Avery’s relationship continue to deepen and grow over the course of the novel? How does each man’s perspective and place in life strengthen the investigative power of the duo?
