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Oak Knoll #1
Deeper Than the Dead
California, 1985. Four children, running in the woods behind their school, stumble upon a partially buried female body, eyes and mouth glued shut. Close behind the children is their teacher, Anne Navarre, shocked by this discovery and heartbroken as she witnesses the end of their innocence. What she doesn’t yet realize is that this will mark the end of innocence for an entire community, as the ties that bind families and friends are tested by secrets uncovered in the wake of a serial killer’s escalating activity.
Detective Tony Mendez, fresh from a law enforcement course at FBI headquarters, is charged with interpreting those now revealed secrets. He’s using a new technique—profiling—to develop a theory of the case, a strategy that pushes him ever deeper into the lives of the three children, and closer to the young teacher whose interest in recent events becomes as intense as his own.
As new victims are found and the media scrutiny of the investigation bears down on them, both Mendez and Navarre are unsure if those who suffer most are the victims themselves—or the family and friends of the killer, blissfully unaware that someone very close to them is a brutal, calculating psychopath.
Detective Tony Mendez, fresh from a law enforcement course at FBI headquarters, is charged with interpreting those now revealed secrets. He’s using a new technique—profiling—to develop a theory of the case, a strategy that pushes him ever deeper into the lives of the three children, and closer to the young teacher whose interest in recent events becomes as intense as his own.
As new victims are found and the media scrutiny of the investigation bears down on them, both Mendez and Navarre are unsure if those who suffer most are the victims themselves—or the family and friends of the killer, blissfully unaware that someone very close to them is a brutal, calculating psychopath.
460 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2009
2880 people are currently reading
17167 people want to read
About the author
Tami Hoag
115 books6,075 followersTami Hoag is the #1 internationally bestselling author of more than thirty books published in more than thirty languages worldwide, including her latest thrillers—BITTER SEASON, COLD COLD HEART and THE 9TH GIRL. Renowned for combining thrilling plots with character-driven suspense, Hoag first hit the New York Times Bestseller list with NIGHT SINS, and each of her books since has been a bestseller.
She leads a double life in Palm Beach County, Florida where she is also known as a top competitive equestrian in the Olympic discipline of dressage. Other interests include the study of psychology, and mixed martial arts fighting.
Visit her at www.tamihoag.com, Facebook.com/TamiHoag and on Twitter @TamiHoag
She leads a double life in Palm Beach County, Florida where she is also known as a top competitive equestrian in the Olympic discipline of dressage. Other interests include the study of psychology, and mixed martial arts fighting.
Visit her at www.tamihoag.com, Facebook.com/TamiHoag and on Twitter @TamiHoag
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,299 reviews
September 24, 2015
I am totally addicted to audiobooks now! I absolutely LOVE being able to do other things while I listen to a book! I listen when I'm doing the housework, driving my car, folding the washing... Even have it on speaker when I'm in the shower! Feels like I am accomplishing something when I am doing menial tasks! Love it! And I LOVED this Tami Hoag thriller! This is the first book I have ever "read" of Hoag's, but it absolutely wont be the last!
The year is 1985 and while running through the woods, children find the body of a woman buried in the ground. Her eyes had been glued together, the ear drums destroyed and the mouth glued shut. It is soon apparent that they have a serial killer on their hands in the town of Oak Knoll, as two other bodies have been found this way in the last two years. Investigator Mendez calls out FBI agent Vince Leone t0 help with the case. Vince is an expert at the controversial new skill called "profiling" (controversial back in 1985 that is...), and he uses his talents to find the killer. The story also delves into the lives of the children who found the body, and mainly focuses on their teacher Anne Navarre, who finds herself at risk of becoming the next victim.
Deeper Than The Dead was a great story! Although I was a bit disappointed with the ending and the "twist" that was not really a twist at all, I was still thoroughly entertained by this wonderful book.
The audio version worried me at first, as Kirsten Potters American accent is quite heavy, and I cringed at having to listen to it for 10 hours. However she did a really great job at the narration. I enjoyed her performance and after a little while the accent didn't distract me at all. I especially enjoyed her portrayal of Chicago's Vince.
The characters were all really detailed and enjoyable. The children were written really well , I really enjoyed how all the characters interacted and intertwined within the story. Loved the 1985 setting. I can barely remember when mobile phones weren't the norm, and fingerprinting was done by a fingerprinting expert and not a computer system. Really makes you thankful for the technology that we take for granted today. DNA evidence was unheard of, and even police reports had to be sent or faxed over. No email here folks!
Loved the romance, even though it was EXTREMELY corny. I want to marry you after knowing you for 3 days and going through an extremely traumatic ordeal... Yeah right... But still, I found myself getting swept up in it. I love a bit of romance with my thrillers!
My favourite character was Vince by far! Fabulous! Bullet in the head Vince. I hope he is in the future novels set in Oak Knoll, yes this is the first in a series apparently.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely! Thought it was a great read! Looking forward to future ones, hope the audio versions are done with the same narrator!
For more reviews visit my blog
www.booksbabiesbeing.com
Find me on twitter
www.twitter.com/BBB_Mel
The year is 1985 and while running through the woods, children find the body of a woman buried in the ground. Her eyes had been glued together, the ear drums destroyed and the mouth glued shut. It is soon apparent that they have a serial killer on their hands in the town of Oak Knoll, as two other bodies have been found this way in the last two years. Investigator Mendez calls out FBI agent Vince Leone t0 help with the case. Vince is an expert at the controversial new skill called "profiling" (controversial back in 1985 that is...), and he uses his talents to find the killer. The story also delves into the lives of the children who found the body, and mainly focuses on their teacher Anne Navarre, who finds herself at risk of becoming the next victim.
Deeper Than The Dead was a great story! Although I was a bit disappointed with the ending and the "twist" that was not really a twist at all, I was still thoroughly entertained by this wonderful book.
The audio version worried me at first, as Kirsten Potters American accent is quite heavy, and I cringed at having to listen to it for 10 hours. However she did a really great job at the narration. I enjoyed her performance and after a little while the accent didn't distract me at all. I especially enjoyed her portrayal of Chicago's Vince.
The characters were all really detailed and enjoyable. The children were written really well , I really enjoyed how all the characters interacted and intertwined within the story. Loved the 1985 setting. I can barely remember when mobile phones weren't the norm, and fingerprinting was done by a fingerprinting expert and not a computer system. Really makes you thankful for the technology that we take for granted today. DNA evidence was unheard of, and even police reports had to be sent or faxed over. No email here folks!
Loved the romance, even though it was EXTREMELY corny. I want to marry you after knowing you for 3 days and going through an extremely traumatic ordeal... Yeah right... But still, I found myself getting swept up in it. I love a bit of romance with my thrillers!
My favourite character was Vince by far! Fabulous! Bullet in the head Vince. I hope he is in the future novels set in Oak Knoll, yes this is the first in a series apparently.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely! Thought it was a great read! Looking forward to future ones, hope the audio versions are done with the same narrator!
For more reviews visit my blog
www.booksbabiesbeing.com
Find me on twitter
www.twitter.com/BBB_Mel
January 20, 2011
The book took off from the very beginning. Every chapter was filled with suspense and drama and honestly, I couldn't put the book down. I especially loved how Tami Hoag described the characters and their surroundings with such detail. I actually felt like I was living in Oak Knoll! The book had me guessing who the serial killer was the whole time and just when I thought it was this person, new things happen and made me change my mind completely. She really did a phenomenal job!
review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...
review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...
July 8, 2025
“Jesus, Mary and Joseph … call an exorcist”!
Readers know the suspense thriller and the psychological thriller genres are very crowded places. Both successful writers and wannabe novelists whose work should never have seen the light of day are a dime a dozen. Now I knew that Tami Hoag was a well-established popular writer in the field but all I can say now is “Wow”! Tami Hoag clearly knows how to put the "psycho-" into “psychological thriller”!
There’s nothing new or fancy about the plot idea – a well-respected family man and a pillar of the community hiding in plain sight who’s a ruthless serial killer with a killing style that would give Hannibal Lecter reason to do a double take. But the devil is in the details and Hoag’s execution is flawless! Set in 1985, DEEPER THAN THE DEAD is jam-packed with atmosphere and realism – the birth of the science of profiling; the misogyny in 20th century law enforcement; music; family life; cell phones in small brief cases that were considerably less than portable; visual fingerprint matching; the barest beginnings of the use of DNA as forensic evidence; the laughably ironic reference to a boy and his loving, caring father sitting down together to watch Cosby, “a wholesome family comedy”; and more. Add a flamboyant, completely out-of-the-closet homosexual best friend whose outrageous LOL dialogue is at least as hilarious as Janet Evanovich’s Grandma Mazur. Craft a poignant side plot on childhood schoolyard bullying – certainly one of today’s hot button front page issues. Top the entire creation off with a generous helping of sensitively written romance. Blend well, et voilà, a compelling page-turner that will keep you glued to your favourite reading chair from first page to last!
Next up, SECRETS TO THE GRAVE!
Paul Weiss
Readers know the suspense thriller and the psychological thriller genres are very crowded places. Both successful writers and wannabe novelists whose work should never have seen the light of day are a dime a dozen. Now I knew that Tami Hoag was a well-established popular writer in the field but all I can say now is “Wow”! Tami Hoag clearly knows how to put the "psycho-" into “psychological thriller”!
There’s nothing new or fancy about the plot idea – a well-respected family man and a pillar of the community hiding in plain sight who’s a ruthless serial killer with a killing style that would give Hannibal Lecter reason to do a double take. But the devil is in the details and Hoag’s execution is flawless! Set in 1985, DEEPER THAN THE DEAD is jam-packed with atmosphere and realism – the birth of the science of profiling; the misogyny in 20th century law enforcement; music; family life; cell phones in small brief cases that were considerably less than portable; visual fingerprint matching; the barest beginnings of the use of DNA as forensic evidence; the laughably ironic reference to a boy and his loving, caring father sitting down together to watch Cosby, “a wholesome family comedy”; and more. Add a flamboyant, completely out-of-the-closet homosexual best friend whose outrageous LOL dialogue is at least as hilarious as Janet Evanovich’s Grandma Mazur. Craft a poignant side plot on childhood schoolyard bullying – certainly one of today’s hot button front page issues. Top the entire creation off with a generous helping of sensitively written romance. Blend well, et voilà, a compelling page-turner that will keep you glued to your favourite reading chair from first page to last!
Next up, SECRETS TO THE GRAVE!
Paul Weiss
February 8, 2010
I pushed myself through the first 50 pages (I try to give every book I pick up a fair chance). I then gave it even more time and it did move ok for a bit.
But it's asking too much of me. I just can not suspend disbelief enough to finish this.
1. A gay male kindergarten teacher. What more can I say? It's about as believable as a unicorn. He lives alone with his two dogs and he's the heroine's BFF. He literally referred to himself as her "sidekick". Argh! He comes across to me as the stereotypical gay man who wants to be a straight woman. Pro tip: Gay men do not want to be straight women.
Every time he shows up it's like nails on a chalk board.
2. The book is too conscientiously set in 1985. Again and again the year is mentioned. If I wasn't able to retain major plot points I'd be watching tv not reading.
3. The cops are psychic! They know that "In The Future" we will have computers and fax machines and national data bases that will make our jobs so much easier.
That's about it, I've read just shy of half the book and I'm done. Oh the killer! Forgot about him, because I just don't care.
But it's asking too much of me. I just can not suspend disbelief enough to finish this.
1. A gay male kindergarten teacher. What more can I say? It's about as believable as a unicorn. He lives alone with his two dogs and he's the heroine's BFF. He literally referred to himself as her "sidekick". Argh! He comes across to me as the stereotypical gay man who wants to be a straight woman. Pro tip: Gay men do not want to be straight women.
Every time he shows up it's like nails on a chalk board.
2. The book is too conscientiously set in 1985. Again and again the year is mentioned. If I wasn't able to retain major plot points I'd be watching tv not reading.
3. The cops are psychic! They know that "In The Future" we will have computers and fax machines and national data bases that will make our jobs so much easier.
That's about it, I've read just shy of half the book and I'm done. Oh the killer! Forgot about him, because I just don't care.
July 2, 2011
If you are looking for a romance novel with hot guys Deeper Than the Dead is not the book for you. However, if you want a novel that is going to keep you up late and worry about what your neighbors are up to, you are going to love this novel. Deeper Than the Dead has all the ingredients a good thriller needs including crooked cops, creepy kids, grisly murders, and bizarre burials.
One of Hoag’s trademarks is her writing voice; it is consistent and smooth. That alone would be enough to have her standing out from the mass amount of authors who are currently penning books. Hoag is able to use this voice to create complex settings and interesting characters. I was very impressed with Hoag’s ability to leap from one character POV to another. Usually the character hopping gives me a hopping, but Hoag was able to pull it off in a way that was very easy to follow. More importantly, by leaping POV’s Hoag was able to make me feel sympathetic towards the characters, even the ones who are clearly evil. All of her characters were well developed and stayed very consistent to themselves throughout the entire novel.
As soon as you open the book you are launched directly into the middle of a torture scene. Mixed into the victims thoughts are flashes of a letter that has clearly been written by a child, glorifying their father. The next scene is set in a fifth grade classroom and ends with the discovery of a decomposing body. The scene is important because it introduces you to many of the main characters in a way that is both interesting and believable.
Deeper Than the Dead reads very quickly, which is a good thing because once you start to read it, you will find that putting it down is very nearly impossible.
One of Hoag’s trademarks is her writing voice; it is consistent and smooth. That alone would be enough to have her standing out from the mass amount of authors who are currently penning books. Hoag is able to use this voice to create complex settings and interesting characters. I was very impressed with Hoag’s ability to leap from one character POV to another. Usually the character hopping gives me a hopping, but Hoag was able to pull it off in a way that was very easy to follow. More importantly, by leaping POV’s Hoag was able to make me feel sympathetic towards the characters, even the ones who are clearly evil. All of her characters were well developed and stayed very consistent to themselves throughout the entire novel.
As soon as you open the book you are launched directly into the middle of a torture scene. Mixed into the victims thoughts are flashes of a letter that has clearly been written by a child, glorifying their father. The next scene is set in a fifth grade classroom and ends with the discovery of a decomposing body. The scene is important because it introduces you to many of the main characters in a way that is both interesting and believable.
Deeper Than the Dead reads very quickly, which is a good thing because once you start to read it, you will find that putting it down is very nearly impossible.
March 23, 2024
4.0 Stars
I was completely hooked on this serial killer thriller. I often struggle that all these kind of stories all read the same but this one manages to stand out. I appreciated the 1980s setting which explored the dynamics of the time period as well as the limitations of forensics.This one had some good twists and turns, but the strongest element was the inclusion of so many morally complex characters. This is my first time reading this author but it definitely won't be the last.
I was completely hooked on this serial killer thriller. I often struggle that all these kind of stories all read the same but this one manages to stand out. I appreciated the 1980s setting which explored the dynamics of the time period as well as the limitations of forensics.This one had some good twists and turns, but the strongest element was the inclusion of so many morally complex characters. This is my first time reading this author but it definitely won't be the last.
September 21, 2017
If I had read this book first in the series, I would have never read books #2 and #3. Everyone (except for three out of the four kids) was terrible. Every adult was the worst ever. I felt like there were just too many characters for you to really focus on. I think if Hoag had either stuck with the lead detective to tell her story, or switched between him and the FBI profiler, it would have worked better. Instead we had at least 10 or more POVs I think. And we had the serial killer plot-line, the sociopath kid plot-line, the teacher and FBI agent falling in love, the detective trying to run his case, the one kid dealing with his terrible mother and absent father, another kid dealing with her parents, etc. Nothing hung together very well IMHO.
I can't tell you much about the characters besides what I said above. I liked the characters of Wendy and Tommy the best. Everyone else was awful.
The writing was not typical Hoag either. I feel like she was mimicking 1980s thriller/books back in the day which is the only way I can try to grasp why there was a lot of misogyny in this book. I just felt turned off by the two male leads, such as they were for this book.
The flow was pretty bad though. I think the main reason was that we had so many POVs and you found yourself (or excuse me, I found myself) getting impatient to get to who the serial killer was and the rest of the book felt like background noise. I get why Haog did it though, she follows up on two plot lines from this book (Wendy and her parents along with the pre-teen boy who is a bully and abusive) in book #2.
I will say that though the setting is the 1980s and Hoag makes a big deal about not relying on DNA evidence, this book was pretty weak. We don't get to see how not having DNA hampers the case at all. The town brings in the FBI to profile the serial killer. He is able to put together a pretty good profile of the killer. I really did want to see more issues like the Kinsey Milhone series does with her having to go and read microfiche, she had to go and interview a ton of suspects, her having to do a lot of nitty gritty work. This whole book was the cops going around and acting like jackasses for the most part to suspects, suspects wives and to kids at some points in the book.
The ending was a miss for me. I don't know what big takeway I was supposed to get, but unless Hoag has another book in the series I don't see what the payoff would be.
I can't tell you much about the characters besides what I said above. I liked the characters of Wendy and Tommy the best. Everyone else was awful.
The writing was not typical Hoag either. I feel like she was mimicking 1980s thriller/books back in the day which is the only way I can try to grasp why there was a lot of misogyny in this book. I just felt turned off by the two male leads, such as they were for this book.
The flow was pretty bad though. I think the main reason was that we had so many POVs and you found yourself (or excuse me, I found myself) getting impatient to get to who the serial killer was and the rest of the book felt like background noise. I get why Haog did it though, she follows up on two plot lines from this book (Wendy and her parents along with the pre-teen boy who is a bully and abusive) in book #2.
I will say that though the setting is the 1980s and Hoag makes a big deal about not relying on DNA evidence, this book was pretty weak. We don't get to see how not having DNA hampers the case at all. The town brings in the FBI to profile the serial killer. He is able to put together a pretty good profile of the killer. I really did want to see more issues like the Kinsey Milhone series does with her having to go and read microfiche, she had to go and interview a ton of suspects, her having to do a lot of nitty gritty work. This whole book was the cops going around and acting like jackasses for the most part to suspects, suspects wives and to kids at some points in the book.
The ending was a miss for me. I don't know what big takeway I was supposed to get, but unless Hoag has another book in the series I don't see what the payoff would be.
February 7, 2017
I have read Ms Hoag, but it has been quite a while back so I was happy to revisit her. This was OK for me. A good suspenseful who done it with so much going on that the reader was led from one suspect to another before the big reveal. A good job throwing out those breadcrumbs.
I appreciated that the author comments in the notes that she knew she wanted to tell a story set in the time of Dallas, shoulder pads, big hair and Miami Vice as this was her growing up time (as well as mine) What I thought was interesting was that she had to get rid of all the "high tech" that is in our world today. No cell phones, no computer or google searching, no FBI data base, fingerprints being matched visually! We have come a long way.
That said. I felt the "detectives" fell a bit flat, especially the hot shot profiler from Chicago. Perhaps he was not being fed all the same tidbits that the reader was! It took an awfully long time to get to the rather drawn out ending. I was also a bit amazed that in this small, idyllic town there were SO many dysfunctional people. And I mean a lot!! Goes to show you that we never know what goes on behind closed doors.
Entertaining? Yes. Edge of my seat? Not really.
I appreciated that the author comments in the notes that she knew she wanted to tell a story set in the time of Dallas, shoulder pads, big hair and Miami Vice as this was her growing up time (as well as mine) What I thought was interesting was that she had to get rid of all the "high tech" that is in our world today. No cell phones, no computer or google searching, no FBI data base, fingerprints being matched visually! We have come a long way.
That said. I felt the "detectives" fell a bit flat, especially the hot shot profiler from Chicago. Perhaps he was not being fed all the same tidbits that the reader was! It took an awfully long time to get to the rather drawn out ending. I was also a bit amazed that in this small, idyllic town there were SO many dysfunctional people. And I mean a lot!! Goes to show you that we never know what goes on behind closed doors.
Entertaining? Yes. Edge of my seat? Not really.
March 8, 2017
Audiobook narrated by Kirsten Potter
3.5***
Set in a California town a few hours from Los Angeles, in 1985, Hoag’s thriller begins when four children stumble upon the partially buried body of a woman while playing in the woods. Her eyes and mouth have been glued shut and it’s clear she’s been tortured. As the children’s teacher, Anne Navarre, tries to get them the help they need to process this horror, the local police turn to an FBI investigator, Vince Leone, to help develop a profile of the killer.
Hoag writes a tight, suspenseful tale. The action is fast-paced, and I was completely captivated from beginning to end. I liked the characters, especially Anne and Vince. This is the first book by Hoag that I’ve read; it won’t be the last.
Kirsten Potter does a fine job performing the audio book. She has good pacing, and enough skill as a voice artist to give each character a unique voice. I particularly liked the way she voiced Anne and Vince.
3.5***
Set in a California town a few hours from Los Angeles, in 1985, Hoag’s thriller begins when four children stumble upon the partially buried body of a woman while playing in the woods. Her eyes and mouth have been glued shut and it’s clear she’s been tortured. As the children’s teacher, Anne Navarre, tries to get them the help they need to process this horror, the local police turn to an FBI investigator, Vince Leone, to help develop a profile of the killer.
Hoag writes a tight, suspenseful tale. The action is fast-paced, and I was completely captivated from beginning to end. I liked the characters, especially Anne and Vince. This is the first book by Hoag that I’ve read; it won’t be the last.
Kirsten Potter does a fine job performing the audio book. She has good pacing, and enough skill as a voice artist to give each character a unique voice. I particularly liked the way she voiced Anne and Vince.
January 29, 2025
Listened. Kirsten Potter could do no wrong.
1,000 stars do I bestow on this intensely dark, suspenseful and totally riveting tale.
You know how sometimes, while listening to audiobooks, you almost feel as if you're watching a movie? This one did exactly that. I kept imagining each scene being played out before my eyes--the conversations, the fights, the detectives searching, the suspects being interviewed. All the main characters in this book were so fleshed-out, I could literally see them. I knew who they were.
At the beginning of the book, Hoag added an author note about what police work was like waaay back in 1985--how the many modern technologies surrounding forensics (even fingerprints) were not yet in existence. She made great use of the time period. I viscerally felt the frustrations Vince and the others felt about their inability to collect crucial evidence.
I was particularly moved by the inner dialogue spoken by the children in this book (although she might have erred on the side of over-maturity, given their young age. I forgive her for this, though).
There were some questions left unanswered, which, in most cases, would be annoying. For some reason, I didn't mind not knowing everything.
This was my first Tami Hoag read and it will most def not be my last. I already have #2 in this series on hold. Gosh, but I hope it's as good as #1.
1,000 stars do I bestow on this intensely dark, suspenseful and totally riveting tale.
You know how sometimes, while listening to audiobooks, you almost feel as if you're watching a movie? This one did exactly that. I kept imagining each scene being played out before my eyes--the conversations, the fights, the detectives searching, the suspects being interviewed. All the main characters in this book were so fleshed-out, I could literally see them. I knew who they were.
At the beginning of the book, Hoag added an author note about what police work was like waaay back in 1985--how the many modern technologies surrounding forensics (even fingerprints) were not yet in existence. She made great use of the time period. I viscerally felt the frustrations Vince and the others felt about their inability to collect crucial evidence.
I was particularly moved by the inner dialogue spoken by the children in this book (although she might have erred on the side of over-maturity, given their young age. I forgive her for this, though).
There were some questions left unanswered, which, in most cases, would be annoying. For some reason, I didn't mind not knowing everything.
This was my first Tami Hoag read and it will most def not be my last. I already have #2 in this series on hold. Gosh, but I hope it's as good as #1.
June 18, 2012
I give the novel two stars because I haven't found a typo. Unfortunately, that is the best trait of the work.
I have read several of Ms. Hoag's novels, as I'm an avid reader, and I try to give authors a few tries, especially if they have a sizable following. Sadly, all of her books seem to share some similar traits that just annoy me right out of the story. I try to be constructive with reviewing, so I'll explain my rating.
This novel is set in 1985. That's fine, but there are repeated references to the point where you just want to say, "I get it, it's 1985." The repeated head jumping has forced me to stop several times, just to make sure I know which character the author is speaking or thinking from. There are numerous instances of problems with showing vs. telling. We aren't given examples of how characters do what they do, we're simply told they are this way, because the author says so. The author also makes repeated allusions of approaching technology or procedure from the future, but the story is supposed to be in 1985.
There is also a good deal of parenthetical material, in the first chapters, which do not belong in parenthesis. They should've been given their own sentences.
The characters tend to come across as stereotypical portrayals, sometimes to the point of caricatures. This is something that has occurred in the other novels by the author. Likewise, characters are oddly moody or emotional towards one another. The dialogue is often clunky and clichéd. This book features the schoolmarm, the flamboyant stereotype of a gay man, the wife-beater, the redneck, and several others. Her best friend is flamboyantly gay so he makes a scene wherever he goes.
The main character in this novel, Anne, is the conventional old schoolmarm who never married. She's moody and often hateful, but she still isn't explained well enough to grant her real depth. The perspective of the kids is fairly well done, but you still get a sense that an adult is trying to depict what a kid is thinking.
The main character describes herself as "conservative as they come," yet this schoolmarm abandons her inhibitions to have sex with a man she's known a day and a half. As if that wasn't unbelievable enough for the character, they're outside on the back porch, with her father at home. She lives with her father. They're out in the open while there's enough light to discern what color the wine is. Any neighbor or passer-by can stop to watch, and several do.
The book has numerous instances of child abuse that no one cares about, even the teachers. We are given a child bully, and an adult bully, but no reason is ever given as to why they bully. One of the children in the novel is caught trying to force another child to eat a dead human finger, while a serial killer is on the loose, but the authorities don't really seem to care. It is implied the child is a deranged psychopath, but we aren't told why or how he became that way.
There's a pedophile mentioned in the book, one of the suspects, and he is the epitome of the stereotypical hillbilly. Human remains are found in the "hogpen," but oddly enough, any information on that wasn't important enough to include elsewhere.
An autopsy is performed, but it is described as if the corner is wearing a spacesuit.
These discrepancies in detail leave much to be desired from the readers' perspective. The most interesting characters are the ones least discussed. I am a fan of horror and supernatural novels, so long as the gruesome scenes justify the story. There are just too many loose ends, too much chaos, and too many questions left unanswered.
I have read several of Ms. Hoag's novels, as I'm an avid reader, and I try to give authors a few tries, especially if they have a sizable following. Sadly, all of her books seem to share some similar traits that just annoy me right out of the story. I try to be constructive with reviewing, so I'll explain my rating.
This novel is set in 1985. That's fine, but there are repeated references to the point where you just want to say, "I get it, it's 1985." The repeated head jumping has forced me to stop several times, just to make sure I know which character the author is speaking or thinking from. There are numerous instances of problems with showing vs. telling. We aren't given examples of how characters do what they do, we're simply told they are this way, because the author says so. The author also makes repeated allusions of approaching technology or procedure from the future, but the story is supposed to be in 1985.
There is also a good deal of parenthetical material, in the first chapters, which do not belong in parenthesis. They should've been given their own sentences.
The characters tend to come across as stereotypical portrayals, sometimes to the point of caricatures. This is something that has occurred in the other novels by the author. Likewise, characters are oddly moody or emotional towards one another. The dialogue is often clunky and clichéd. This book features the schoolmarm, the flamboyant stereotype of a gay man, the wife-beater, the redneck, and several others. Her best friend is flamboyantly gay so he makes a scene wherever he goes.
The main character in this novel, Anne, is the conventional old schoolmarm who never married. She's moody and often hateful, but she still isn't explained well enough to grant her real depth. The perspective of the kids is fairly well done, but you still get a sense that an adult is trying to depict what a kid is thinking.
The main character describes herself as "conservative as they come," yet this schoolmarm abandons her inhibitions to have sex with a man she's known a day and a half. As if that wasn't unbelievable enough for the character, they're outside on the back porch, with her father at home. She lives with her father. They're out in the open while there's enough light to discern what color the wine is. Any neighbor or passer-by can stop to watch, and several do.
The book has numerous instances of child abuse that no one cares about, even the teachers. We are given a child bully, and an adult bully, but no reason is ever given as to why they bully. One of the children in the novel is caught trying to force another child to eat a dead human finger, while a serial killer is on the loose, but the authorities don't really seem to care. It is implied the child is a deranged psychopath, but we aren't told why or how he became that way.
There's a pedophile mentioned in the book, one of the suspects, and he is the epitome of the stereotypical hillbilly. Human remains are found in the "hogpen," but oddly enough, any information on that wasn't important enough to include elsewhere.
An autopsy is performed, but it is described as if the corner is wearing a spacesuit.
These discrepancies in detail leave much to be desired from the readers' perspective. The most interesting characters are the ones least discussed. I am a fan of horror and supernatural novels, so long as the gruesome scenes justify the story. There are just too many loose ends, too much chaos, and too many questions left unanswered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2016
I listened to the audiobook. There was a lot going on all at once and all of a sudden here in small-town California: multiple murder suspects for multiple murders, families in discord and chaos (no wedded bliss here), children stumbling over dead people, one of the children is a sociopath, and even the police are not exempt from investigation.
One of those called in to investigate is an FBI agent from Chicago, but from his accent you would think him from New Jersey or New York. I bet the narrator has seen Chicago's police chief Garry McCarthy (he hails from NJ and NY) on the news, who happens to be the one and only person in Chicago who talks like that! First rule of narrating: If you're doing an accent, please get it right.
When I can guess the killer right off the bat, as I did here, it always gives me mixed feelings about the book. Either the writing was lacking or I am a genius. I usually have to go with the former, and for that reason 2 stars.
One of those called in to investigate is an FBI agent from Chicago, but from his accent you would think him from New Jersey or New York. I bet the narrator has seen Chicago's police chief Garry McCarthy (he hails from NJ and NY) on the news, who happens to be the one and only person in Chicago who talks like that! First rule of narrating: If you're doing an accent, please get it right.
When I can guess the killer right off the bat, as I did here, it always gives me mixed feelings about the book. Either the writing was lacking or I am a genius. I usually have to go with the former, and for that reason 2 stars.
July 9, 2019
"Absoluut een meer dan geslaagd eerste boek dat ik gelezen heb van Tami Hoag!"
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2019...
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2019...
January 24, 2025
Ein Thriller mit Weitblick, ganz nach meinem Geschmack: nicht zu grausam, mit Fokus auf die Charaktere und dysfunktionale Familien, mit guter Polizeiarbeit, kleinem "Romance"-Anteil, im 80'er-Jahre Setting und mit überraschend viel Humor. Die Auflösung war mir etwas zu vorhersehbar, aber insgesamt hat mich das Buch richtig gut unterhalten.
June 18, 2017
I enjoyed this, though it is the least favorite of her novels that I've read so far.
On the positive side, Tami Hoag knows serial killers. She has clearly read her share of true life crime and FBI profiling books. I've read them to.
I like that she explores the why in her fictional accounts. I think most true crime books explore the how, when, where and what but few give us a good sense of the why. That's where her time spent reading John Douglas and Roy Hazelwood shows.
She's also a good writer. The pacing is good and the multiple plots all come full circle.
On the negative side, I thought too many of Hoag's characters relied on tired stereotypes. And while I expect and even forgive unlikely coincidences, she seemed to push the envelope here.
Overall, an entertaining read. A little formulaic but hey, that's expected, and despite the cookie cutter approach, I think she brings some interesting insights to the table.
Bottom line: Should appeal to her fans and/or fans of this genre.
On the positive side, Tami Hoag knows serial killers. She has clearly read her share of true life crime and FBI profiling books. I've read them to.
I like that she explores the why in her fictional accounts. I think most true crime books explore the how, when, where and what but few give us a good sense of the why. That's where her time spent reading John Douglas and Roy Hazelwood shows.
She's also a good writer. The pacing is good and the multiple plots all come full circle.
On the negative side, I thought too many of Hoag's characters relied on tired stereotypes. And while I expect and even forgive unlikely coincidences, she seemed to push the envelope here.
Overall, an entertaining read. A little formulaic but hey, that's expected, and despite the cookie cutter approach, I think she brings some interesting insights to the table.
Bottom line: Should appeal to her fans and/or fans of this genre.
June 23, 2019
4 stars - Crime/Suspense/Thriller/Romantic Suspense
A pretty solid suspense thriller that’s dark, twisted, and creepy. I actually pegged the killer in the beginning, but the story still kept me guessing with lots of twists and turns along the way. The 1985 setting added an interesting aspect since DNA evidence wasn’t perfected or fully utilized yet and psychological criminal profiling was still a budding field met with skepticism. Some of the details were really gruesome, and the bully kid, Dennis, seriously creeped me out. I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator did a great job with different voices and accents for all the characters.
I was a bit disappointed with the abrupt ending. I’m currently reading the second book in the series, Secrets to the Grave, which takes place a year after the events in this. It centers on a new murder case but also provides a little more closure for this story.
A pretty solid suspense thriller that’s dark, twisted, and creepy. I actually pegged the killer in the beginning, but the story still kept me guessing with lots of twists and turns along the way. The 1985 setting added an interesting aspect since DNA evidence wasn’t perfected or fully utilized yet and psychological criminal profiling was still a budding field met with skepticism. Some of the details were really gruesome, and the bully kid, Dennis, seriously creeped me out. I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator did a great job with different voices and accents for all the characters.
I was a bit disappointed with the abrupt ending. I’m currently reading the second book in the series, Secrets to the Grave, which takes place a year after the events in this. It centers on a new murder case but also provides a little more closure for this story.
April 18, 2011
I have always been a fan of Tami Hoag. This was her first book after a little without a new one. I purchased it right after it was released, but then I kept picking others in front of it because I wanted to save it. I really really loved it. It kept me guessing all the way until the end. Each chapter left you with a new revelation. I couldn't put it down. I hope Tami continues to write more often!!!!!
February 12, 2013
Absorbing mystery. Scary suspense. But unfinished ending.
Well done story telling. Good character development. I liked interactions and conversations. The last hour was edge of your seat. There is an enjoyable romance, but it’s a minor part of the story. Anne’s friend Franny was very entertaining.
CAUTION FOR SENSITIVE READERS:
Violence and torture. The serial killer glues the eyes and mouth shut, destroys the ear drums, and tortures with a knife. There was not a lot of detail, but those ideas stayed with me more than I wanted. One expert said “The strength of your villain is the strength of your story.” Well this villain was very bad. It’s good to have bad villains. I don’t want to fault the author over this, but this one depressed me more than others.
Several children suffered, but I hurt the most for two of them - permanent damage by their parents. A significant part of the story was showing troubled marriages with different problems. One was a physically abusive father. Another was a narcissistic mother. I shudder at things done by both of them.
PROBLEMS:
I was happy toward the end with what happened to the killer. But I was angry with the author in the last few pages. She introduced a second bad person holding evidence from the victims and did not explain it. I had no idea how this person was connected to the crimes. It was an open ending. The book was not finished. I don’t know why authors do this. It makes me frustrated and angry. According to other reviewers these questions were not answered in the sequel.
A couple things were missing that I wanted to know. How did the killer get glue in the eyes without the victim seeing him before he did it? Where did he keep the victims?
THE NARRATOR:
The narrator was good except for her voice for Vince who was a former Chicago cop. The narrator used an east coast accent for him, part Boston, part Brooklyn. It was nothing like Chicago. One example of a Chicago accent is Dennis Farina, a Chicago cop turned actor.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 13 hrs and 43 mins. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but not often used. Sexual language: none. One brief sex scene. Setting: 1985 California. Book copyright: 2010. Genre: mystery suspense.
Well done story telling. Good character development. I liked interactions and conversations. The last hour was edge of your seat. There is an enjoyable romance, but it’s a minor part of the story. Anne’s friend Franny was very entertaining.
CAUTION FOR SENSITIVE READERS:
Violence and torture. The serial killer glues the eyes and mouth shut, destroys the ear drums, and tortures with a knife. There was not a lot of detail, but those ideas stayed with me more than I wanted. One expert said “The strength of your villain is the strength of your story.” Well this villain was very bad. It’s good to have bad villains. I don’t want to fault the author over this, but this one depressed me more than others.
Several children suffered, but I hurt the most for two of them - permanent damage by their parents. A significant part of the story was showing troubled marriages with different problems. One was a physically abusive father. Another was a narcissistic mother. I shudder at things done by both of them.
PROBLEMS:
I was happy toward the end with what happened to the killer. But I was angry with the author in the last few pages. She introduced a second bad person holding evidence from the victims and did not explain it. I had no idea how this person was connected to the crimes. It was an open ending. The book was not finished. I don’t know why authors do this. It makes me frustrated and angry. According to other reviewers these questions were not answered in the sequel.
A couple things were missing that I wanted to know. How did the killer get glue in the eyes without the victim seeing him before he did it? Where did he keep the victims?
THE NARRATOR:
The narrator was good except for her voice for Vince who was a former Chicago cop. The narrator used an east coast accent for him, part Boston, part Brooklyn. It was nothing like Chicago. One example of a Chicago accent is Dennis Farina, a Chicago cop turned actor.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 13 hrs and 43 mins. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but not often used. Sexual language: none. One brief sex scene. Setting: 1985 California. Book copyright: 2010. Genre: mystery suspense.
October 17, 2011
The end was insane. Really enjoyed this book. Out of all the Hoag novels I've read... this is the best.
January 2, 2021
Great story that has everything a mystery lover could want! A serial killer preying on young women in a small, seemingly perfect California town. It seems like everyone is a suspect and you can spend the entire book trying to figure it out. It also has a pretty good sense of humor and a bit of romance. I was excited that it takes place in my favorite decade, the 80s, too! Not all loose ends are tied up, but there is a sequel, which I’ll be reading soon. I highly recommend!
August 11, 2018
I can't believe the many high ratings here.
Now true, I only read to page 100 but it was the actual writing, not the story line, which made me drop the book to the floor. Yeah, I did, but I was watching the Red Sox lose (they finally won!) and had spent a long day at the hospital, so...
I found the writing so trite, so superficial and the characters so shallow, so weak, so exaggerated, I couldn't read on. Talk about stereotypes! Had I come across the 'whore with a heart of gold,' I'd not have been surprised. Maybe her other series is better? (I might try it.) But I just could not find an 'anchor point,' as in a character I could believe in - whether hero, villain or in-between.
So two stars, but I'll probably not try another in this particular series...
Now true, I only read to page 100 but it was the actual writing, not the story line, which made me drop the book to the floor. Yeah, I did, but I was watching the Red Sox lose (they finally won!) and had spent a long day at the hospital, so...
I found the writing so trite, so superficial and the characters so shallow, so weak, so exaggerated, I couldn't read on. Talk about stereotypes! Had I come across the 'whore with a heart of gold,' I'd not have been surprised. Maybe her other series is better? (I might try it.) But I just could not find an 'anchor point,' as in a character I could believe in - whether hero, villain or in-between.
So two stars, but I'll probably not try another in this particular series...
May 14, 2020
After starting and not continuing at least a dozen books this week, finally along comes a novel that not only kept my attention but held me rapt.
Tami Hoag is one of the staples of crime fiction, and this novel pretty much exemplifies why - the psychology and police methodology is both sound and authentic without turning stale, the killings are monstrous without making the reader feel voyeuristic, and (being set in the 80s) problematic behaviour and attitudes are pointed out without being over the top or feeling tropey.
The 80s was a truly interesting time for forensics and profiling - both of which fascinate me - so this book really was right up my alley. While the ending is definitely a resolution, enough open ends were left that I'm glad it turns out this is the first in a series.
Tami Hoag is one of the staples of crime fiction, and this novel pretty much exemplifies why - the psychology and police methodology is both sound and authentic without turning stale, the killings are monstrous without making the reader feel voyeuristic, and (being set in the 80s) problematic behaviour and attitudes are pointed out without being over the top or feeling tropey.
The 80s was a truly interesting time for forensics and profiling - both of which fascinate me - so this book really was right up my alley. While the ending is definitely a resolution, enough open ends were left that I'm glad it turns out this is the first in a series.
February 15, 2022
Kitaplığımda Ölümden Daha Derin gibi pek çok okunmamış, unutulmuş kitap var ve bazen "okunmamış kitaplar kitaplığım"ın önünde sırada ne var diye düşünmeye, sanki kitapçıdaymışım gibi elime alıp bırakmaya bayılıyorum. Japonların Tsundoku dediği şeyi sağlıklı bir şekilde yaşamaya ve 80'i geçmemeye çalışıyorum. Ancak şimdi ne okusam diye kitap sitelerinde dolaşıp bir de onların gelmesini beklemek gerçekten okuma ritmimi epey bozardı.
Neyse, bu benim ilk Tami Hoag kitabımdı ve açıkçası bir polisiyeye göre gayet beğendim. Akıcıydı, heyecan dozu yerindeydi ve en iyisi son sayfalara kadar da katilin kim olduğuna ilişkin ipucu bile vermedi. Franny gibi karakterlerin "acaba katil o mu" diye düşünelim diye araya serpiştirildiği çok belliydi ama yine de çerçevesi, evreni, örgüsü gayet iyiydi. 1985'te geçmesi ve çocuklar üzerinden ilerlemesi biraz Stranger Things'vari bir hoşluk da yarattı.
Yalnız piyasada bir tek bile Tami Hoag kitabı kalmaması enteresan. Yine Nadir Kitap yolları taştan. Yine 5 liralık kitaba 16.5 lira kargo vereceğiz anlaşılan.
Herkese keyifli okumalar!
Neyse, bu benim ilk Tami Hoag kitabımdı ve açıkçası bir polisiyeye göre gayet beğendim. Akıcıydı, heyecan dozu yerindeydi ve en iyisi son sayfalara kadar da katilin kim olduğuna ilişkin ipucu bile vermedi. Franny gibi karakterlerin "acaba katil o mu" diye düşünelim diye araya serpiştirildiği çok belliydi ama yine de çerçevesi, evreni, örgüsü gayet iyiydi. 1985'te geçmesi ve çocuklar üzerinden ilerlemesi biraz Stranger Things'vari bir hoşluk da yarattı.
Yalnız piyasada bir tek bile Tami Hoag kitabı kalmaması enteresan. Yine Nadir Kitap yolları taştan. Yine 5 liralık kitaba 16.5 lira kargo vereceğiz anlaşılan.
Herkese keyifli okumalar!
October 9, 2013
A solid thriller that I would have rated higher save for two reasons: the contrived 1980s setting, which I felt was little more than an excuse to so obviously shout, "Look we don't have DNA testing perfected; look we have huge cell phones" and really did not add to the story. I also kept expecting the 1980s to somehow tie into the present day, even in an epilogue, which made the whole time setting kind of pointless to me. I also was a little offended by the sole gay character who was so flaming he needed a fire extinguisher. Aren't we past this kind of homo uncle tomming? But overall, in spite of the above, it was a good read and held my interest until the very last page, so in the end I would definitely say the book's good points outweighed its negatives and would recommend it to those of you who enjoy suspense/crime fiction.
May 21, 2019
Για κάποιον αδιευκρίνιστο λόγο περίμενα ότι δεν θα μου αρέσει πολύ. Ευτυχώς διαψεύστηκα εντελώς. Η ιστορία είναι πάρα πολύ καλή, οι ανατροπές πάρα πολλές, ενώ οι ήρωες ήταν εντελώς ''άνθρωποι''. Τα προβλήματά τους, ειδικά των παιδιών, στα δικά μου μάτια δόθηκαν πολύ πετυχημένα και έβρισκα συχνά τον εαυτό μου σφιγμένο όσο διάβαζα. Μου άρεσε πολύ επίσης που το setting της ιστορίας τοποθετήθηκε στα μέσα του '85, καθώς αυτό περιόριζε πολύ τους αστυνομικούς στο να εξιχνιάσουν το έγκλημα. Πέραν αυτού, η εποχή αποδόθηκε πολύ όμορφα.
Ήδη πήρα και δεύτερο βιβλίο της συγγραφέως.
Ήδη πήρα και δεύτερο βιβλίο της συγγραφέως.
November 4, 2014
Good book with some whacked out characters! I'm fascinated by criminal profiling and this book is set in it's early stages. Not really focused alot on it but it's still an action packed read.
July 9, 2017
This was my first Tami Hoag book and I must say, I'm a fan. I got sucked in right away and read thru the entire night until I figured out "who done it". I think the best part about this book in particular was the fact that it was set in the past. A lot of crime series rely on modern day technology to help their protagonist solve the mystery at hand. This book takes place in 1985 before computers, criminal databases and even technology to analyze fingerprints existed. This book reminds me a bit of flashbacks from the show Criminal Minds. I appreciate the detailed profiling and the authors ability to keep the secret of who the monster was until the very end. Hoag throughout this novel reveals the families of 3 children all of which have a member who could be the killer. As an avid reader there is nothing I hate more than figuring out the answers too early. This book however provides so many perfect candidates you cant help but read on as you switch from person to person. As the story draws to a close I find there is still so much more I want to know about the family of the killer.. I must say.. I was left wanting.
August 25, 2021
BU İNSANLAR NEDEN BÖYLE ÇILDIRMIŞ
N E D E N
N E D E N
July 14, 2023
I need a long break from these murder mysteries. Though this is my favourite genre, I am not enjoying it anymore. The writers of thrillers like this seem to compete with each other on the amount of gore they can show in their books. I feel disgusted, not by the excessive violence inflicted on the victims, but by the gratuitous way the writers use this to sell their books. I wish these writers learn from Agatha Christie on how to write a decent murder mystery, without resorting to gruesome details. And she did sell millions of books (still is).
I like police procedurals, but here it was all wrong. The interrogation technique was poor. Why do the detectives have to use false pretenses for interrogating? They had every authority to question the witnesses. And why did they have to get the school teacher to interrogate kids?
The book was published in 2010, but set in the 1980s. The technology of using DNA mapping to nail criminals was not available then. But this book written with hindsight gives so much emphasize on this, with the detectives saying 'there will soon be a technology where we can use DNA to catch criminals, there will be a nationwide database to store this information'. These prophecies were so funny.
Jane Thomas (I am glad she was not called Jane Doe) worked with battered women. Her reaction when she realizes that one of her Clients is missing was hysterical and exaggerated. I get that she is upset, but crying copious amount of tears? She was not family or her close friend.
There were some unnecessary characters and subplots, making it a chore to read this legthy book.
Anne's best friend, the kindergarten teacher Franny was very annoying. Why do authors make a caricature out of gay characters? His dialogues were a mouthful and ridiculous, one of them quoted here- "We should hold a vigil for your vagina if you take a pass on the Italian stallion"
Why do we have to know about Anne's parents, their 30 yr age gap and what a prick her father was?
Why is everyone so good looking, if they were, how does that matter in a detective story? I noticed this in the other Tami Hoag book that I read "The Alibi Man" - all men were extremely good looking. And she keeps reminding us frequently.
There was a big show about Vince being a hot shot FBI profiler, but there wasn’t much of profiling he did. I have read much better books which use profiling and forensic details for solving murders, like books by Jeffrey Deaver and Michael Connelly. This book couldn't excite me with miniscule information on how the murder was solved.
Any other local detective would have solved the purpose of romancing goody-two-shoes Anne. It could have been the hot Spanish detective instead of the Italian FBI agent. Why did he have to be 20 years older than Anne? Why does this fact have to be repeated multiple times? Why is there a romance sub-plot in this murder mystery? And why did I read this book till the end? (I didn't have to --- my first guess turned out to be right, and I am not proud of that)
There were plot holes too. The detectives find a skeleton in a suspect's yard. But we never get to know who the victim was and how that one was killed. I guess it is in the sequel, (if there is any, I don't want to read)
I like police procedurals, but here it was all wrong. The interrogation technique was poor. Why do the detectives have to use false pretenses for interrogating? They had every authority to question the witnesses. And why did they have to get the school teacher to interrogate kids?
The book was published in 2010, but set in the 1980s. The technology of using DNA mapping to nail criminals was not available then. But this book written with hindsight gives so much emphasize on this, with the detectives saying 'there will soon be a technology where we can use DNA to catch criminals, there will be a nationwide database to store this information'. These prophecies were so funny.
Jane Thomas (I am glad she was not called Jane Doe) worked with battered women. Her reaction when she realizes that one of her Clients is missing was hysterical and exaggerated. I get that she is upset, but crying copious amount of tears? She was not family or her close friend.
There were some unnecessary characters and subplots, making it a chore to read this legthy book.
Anne's best friend, the kindergarten teacher Franny was very annoying. Why do authors make a caricature out of gay characters? His dialogues were a mouthful and ridiculous, one of them quoted here- "We should hold a vigil for your vagina if you take a pass on the Italian stallion"
Why do we have to know about Anne's parents, their 30 yr age gap and what a prick her father was?
Why is everyone so good looking, if they were, how does that matter in a detective story? I noticed this in the other Tami Hoag book that I read "The Alibi Man" - all men were extremely good looking. And she keeps reminding us frequently.
There was a big show about Vince being a hot shot FBI profiler, but there wasn’t much of profiling he did. I have read much better books which use profiling and forensic details for solving murders, like books by Jeffrey Deaver and Michael Connelly. This book couldn't excite me with miniscule information on how the murder was solved.
Any other local detective would have solved the purpose of romancing goody-two-shoes Anne. It could have been the hot Spanish detective instead of the Italian FBI agent. Why did he have to be 20 years older than Anne? Why does this fact have to be repeated multiple times? Why is there a romance sub-plot in this murder mystery? And why did I read this book till the end? (I didn't have to --- my first guess turned out to be right, and I am not proud of that)
There were plot holes too. The detectives find a skeleton in a suspect's yard. But we never get to know who the victim was and how that one was killed. I guess it is in the sequel, (if there is any, I don't want to read)
January 19, 2016
The year was 1985. Duran, Duran was on the radio, Queen's Radio GaGa was on video and dead bodies are half buried in the park. At least that is what four 5th graders discovered as they were racing through the park. To bad young sensitive Danny is the one that fell right on top of the victim. As Anne Navarre, their teacher, tries to help her students cope with the horror that they have uncovered. Law enforcement have to cope with the fact that this is not their first victim, this is their third.
As the town starts to grapple with whom in their midst is a killer, the killer carries on his secret life, for his next victim is already in his hands. He could be anybody, the lawyer who helped fill out your will, the dentist that fixed your cavity or even the guy who bags your groceries. Sheriff Dixon knows he is in over his head and decides to call in the FBI. Enter Vince Leone, a tall good looking dark Italian with a wise cracking mouth and a Tom Selleck mustache. All the better to keep you from staring at the scar that leads to the bullet still lodged in his brain.
Profiling is in its infancy, AFIS is not online yet and the only DNA crime database is still buried deep in some nerd's head waiting to be born. So Vince uses his knowledge of talking to many serial killer's over the years and getting in their heads. He is a man who never quits until he gets his man.
Meanwhile the kid's horror continues as the ripples of what they uncovered start to affect not only them but everybody around them as well. Anne does the best she can to protect her kids. Even if she has to stand up to Vince herself. Only once Vince gets sight of Anne he wants to do more than interrogate her. (Thank you Ms. Hoag for paying homage to your writing past as you include a bit of serious romance for those that miss your work so very much in that genre.)
As Vince and the rest of Oak Knoll's Law Enforcement struggle to find another missing young woman, the little Peyton Place of lies starts to unravel and perfect families facades start to crumble. Who will be left in the rubble? Broken homes, broken dreams and of course broken children. Oak Knoll, CA Pop. Small Town; Serial Killers Pop 1...for now.
If you have never read Tami Hoag I urge you to give this book a try. Vince is her new character and a serious contender for my heart. I can't wait to read the next one in the series, Secrets from the Grave. (Warning: There is graphic descriptions of the bodies in question and deeds of past serial killers.) Amazing good read!
As the town starts to grapple with whom in their midst is a killer, the killer carries on his secret life, for his next victim is already in his hands. He could be anybody, the lawyer who helped fill out your will, the dentist that fixed your cavity or even the guy who bags your groceries. Sheriff Dixon knows he is in over his head and decides to call in the FBI. Enter Vince Leone, a tall good looking dark Italian with a wise cracking mouth and a Tom Selleck mustache. All the better to keep you from staring at the scar that leads to the bullet still lodged in his brain.
Profiling is in its infancy, AFIS is not online yet and the only DNA crime database is still buried deep in some nerd's head waiting to be born. So Vince uses his knowledge of talking to many serial killer's over the years and getting in their heads. He is a man who never quits until he gets his man.
Meanwhile the kid's horror continues as the ripples of what they uncovered start to affect not only them but everybody around them as well. Anne does the best she can to protect her kids. Even if she has to stand up to Vince herself. Only once Vince gets sight of Anne he wants to do more than interrogate her. (Thank you Ms. Hoag for paying homage to your writing past as you include a bit of serious romance for those that miss your work so very much in that genre.)
As Vince and the rest of Oak Knoll's Law Enforcement struggle to find another missing young woman, the little Peyton Place of lies starts to unravel and perfect families facades start to crumble. Who will be left in the rubble? Broken homes, broken dreams and of course broken children. Oak Knoll, CA Pop. Small Town; Serial Killers Pop 1...for now.
If you have never read Tami Hoag I urge you to give this book a try. Vince is her new character and a serious contender for my heart. I can't wait to read the next one in the series, Secrets from the Grave. (Warning: There is graphic descriptions of the bodies in question and deeds of past serial killers.) Amazing good read!
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