I think writers who don't want to answer questions about their work should perhaps steer clear of library book clubs. The problem with book clubs is that not everyone is a willing reader of the title. The club decides on the book to be read that month and usually it's a majority decision. Over the months things even out when it comes to the choices and someone would have to be very lucky to be stuck month after month with books they hate to read. And some books that look as though they maybe interesting turn out to be duds. Rousing and positive endorsements from other writers and experts on the back cover are often suspect - I've come across several books in which the supposedly disinterested endorser appears in the acknowledgements as contributing the book in question. But back to authors and book clubs. Authors are used to dealing with fans of their work; the sort of people who show up for readings and book signings.  There would appear to be some authors who regard questions about certain plot devices and choices in their books as criticisms, rather than genuine inquiries about puzzling directions taken by the book. Local colour is all well and good but Ian Rankin doesn't have Inspector Rebus visiting Edinburgh Castle every second chapter.  Would you be surprised to learn that one author actually complained to the library about being asked questions about her books? And would you be surprised to hear that the library discouraged book club members from quizzing the next author who was brave enough to come to one of their meetings. Personally, I'd rather authors didn't come along to the meetings. It's very hard to discuss their books honestly and frankly with them sitting there. This is particularly true when they turn out to be so precious that questions are interpreted as criticisms.