Deeper than the Dead by Tami Hoag
Mystery Readers Book Club July 2016
“Anne Navarre
felt herself shaking inside as she walked away from Frank Farman and the crime
scene her students had stumbled upon - shaking from the shock of what she had
just seen, shaking with anger at Frank Farman.”
Tami Hoag
Deeper than the Dead is a complex and scary thriller
with detailed descriptions of the residents of a quiet college town and the
police who worked diligently to solve a series of horrific crimes against young
women in the community. Readers said
that the book kept them guessing the identity of the serial killer terrorizing
everyone connected with the victims. Even experienced mystery genre readers couldn’t
figure out who the serial killer was right away. Most readers were waylaid by
the author’s clues adding to the book’s appeal. Everyone said that the book was
an excellent read despite the graphic and disturbing nature of the crimes.
Most
were surprised that the story involved children and commented that this was unusual
in a murder mystery. Readers discussed the characteristics and family
backgrounds of the four fifth graders as if they were real and were concerned
about the effect of the crime and its eventual outcome would have on each of them.
They talked about how the school staff and police dealt with children and their
families in the aftermath of the discovery. Set in 1985 quality psychological
support for the ten-year-olds was practically non- existent. Their young teacher,
Anne was a sympathetic character with some basic education in child psychology who
tried to help all of her students deal with the trauma. Readers said that she
was believable and that perhaps she would appear in a sequel having left her
career as a teacher. They were anxious about the future of the four students as
well but did not think there was much hope for positive outcomes especially for
the boys with disturbing family relationships.
Forensic science and criminal profiling was in its
infancy in 1985 and the author wrote credibly about the difficulties of finding
a serial killer. The character of the FBI profiler was multi-dimensional and
readers appreciated how he dealt with his personal and professional life. Vince
was an interesting character whose attraction to Anne added a romantic interest
despite their age difference. It didn’t matter to readers and they said this
was common these days. 1985 seemed like ancient history and readers compared
the differences in culture as well as police work.
Readers spent time discussing other mysteries and
authors that they enjoyed reading. Two book club favorite authors, P.J.
Tracy Monkeewrench and Linda Castillo’s Kate
Burkeholder series Pray for Silence and Sworn to Silence were mentioned. Other recommended titles; Stephen King’s
Bill Hodges Trilogy, Mr. Mercedes,
Finders Keepers, End of Watch, and James Patterson’s Women’s Murder Club
Series.
Have you read Deeper than the Dead? What did you think? Please share your
thoughts in the comments.
