Laura, there's also this: By having a couple of academics along researching a potential dissertation, by asking questions, that's an organic way to set up exposition about the cult.

Indeed, the fact there are outsiders coming in does the same thing throughout. But the two academics allow for an even deeper dive into the inner workings of the cult.

Which weaves into my big takeaway: the value of setting a story in a unique subculture. The subculture provides not only a helpful context within which a writer can tell a story, but also depending upon how unique the subculture is, can contribute considerably to the entertainment value of the story.

The twisted rituals of this particular outfit certainly did the latter... in spades!