Explore the mood of The Last to Vanish. How does the town of Cutter’s Pass feel to the outsiders (tourists and adventure seekers) versus the insiders? How do the novel’s scenes that depict darkness and silence contribute to the overall mood of the story?

Substance addiction comes up several times in The Last to Vanish. In what ways does substance addiction cause different characters’ identities to change or disappear? Explore how drugs and alcohol influence their decisions and actions.

Celeste claims she protected the people of Cutter’s Pass by covering up Brian, Toby, Neil, and Jerome’s deaths. Are Celeste’s actions morally justifiable? How does the novel portray her cover-up? Consider how the business owners of Cutter’s Pass, the Passage Inn included, profit from the extra tourism procured from the disappearances.