Underground Knowledge — A discussion group discussion

Illegal Skills is the kind of novel that book clubs crave: morally complex, deeply psychological, and impossible to put down. Alan Lampe crafts a chilling but emotionally gripping exploration of ambition, revenge, trauma, and the way a single moment can fracture two lives forever. Ethel Pepperton’s obsessive quest to be the best no matter the cost forces readers to confront uncomfortable but fascinating questions: How far would someone go to reclaim control after tragedy? What happens when ambition overrides humanity? And can a person justify their darkness if they feel wronged by the world?

This story provides endless discussion opportunities trauma, morality, villain origin stories, and the dark side of human nature. Meanwhile, Nurse Dorothy’s storyline forces us to analyze empathy, forgiveness, and the impact of being unjustly accused. Book clubs that enjoy psychological tension, flawed characters, and ethical dilemmas will find this novel rich, unforgettable, and perfect for a lively, hours-long discussion.