1. Do you think Vince Leone and Anne Navarre are equal partners in their relationship? In what ways are they unequal, and how are these inequalities balanced? Do you foresee conflict in their future due to the varying lenses they use to view violent crime and the justice system? How are they affected by their age difference, previous romantic relationships, his bullet wound?

2. Discuss the relationship between Anne and Dennis Farman. How is Anne uniquely prepared to deal with Dennis? Why does she continue to visit him? Does she succeed in getting through to him? Should a young man like Dennis ever be considered irredeemable?

3. If you were Anne, would you have taken in Haley? Why or why not? Do you think it was a good idea?

4. Tami is well known for creating unusual characters. Which character(s) in this book did you find most disturbing/frightening/intriguing? What are the similarities and differences between Dennis Farman’s and Marissa’s killer? If you have read Deeper Than the Dead, discuss how Peter Crane is similar or different.

5. Tragedy often is a catalyst for change. What future do you envision for Anne and Vince? What do you envision for Dennis, Wendy, and Haley? Are they young enough to overcome the traumas they've endured? If not, how might their scars play out?

6. Of all the secrets kept by the characters, which one do you think was most important to solving Marissa’s murder? Which one was the most damaging? What do you think the author is saying about what lies beneath the surface of ordinary people --- and the importance of protecting one's image? Have you experienced anything similar in your own world?

7. Does Milo Bordain have the capacity to love others, or does she only manipulate them? What are her true feelings for her husband, son, and Hayley?

8. Was Marissa right to lie about the identity of Haley’s father? What would you have done in her circumstances?

9. When Zander Zahn was suspected of Marissa’s murder, did you believe he could be guilty? What aspects of his personality led you to your conclusion?

10. Were there any characters you thought were too good or bad to be true? If so, would making them more ordinary increase or decrease the effectiveness of the story?

11. In Deeper Than the Dead and Secrets to the Grave we see Oak Knoll as a town of contrasts. Discuss the best and worst aspects of Oak Knoll. What role has it played in the shocking events of these two books? If it were a real place, would you want to live there?