1. Despite a family connection to Sandy Lake, Packard wonders whether the decision to move there was the right one. Why is he conflicted? How does his reasoning about his motivation evolve over the course of the book?

2. Characterize the feud between Gary and Cora. How do they each feel about the other at the beginning of the book? Has anything changed by the end of it?

3. Though they were together for over a year, Packard and Marcus never openly discussed their relationship. Why do you think that is? After Marcus dies, how does Packard feel about the relationship?

4. Why did Emmett kidnap Wanda and the jogger? What did he want from them? Do you think he's being honest about his intentions or his recall of what happened?

5. Describe Packard's relationship with the locals (Gary, Cora, the sheriff, Susan). Do any of them really know him?

6. Emmett is a morally complex character: he somehow manages to play both the role of perpetrator and victim. Did you ever feel sympathy for him? Why or why not?

7. While he's not ashamed of his identity, Packard assumes that his sexuality could complicate his job. How does Shannon's revelation that the whole town already knows he's gay confirm or contradict those assumptions?

8. Emmett and Carl have been begrudging allies for years. Outline their similarities and differences.

9. The bond that Emmett starts to feel for Jenny is a strange one. Describe his feelings. How does his opinion of her change, and why?

10. What do you think happened to Packard's brother?