Questions for Discussion

  1. Lorie still feels guilty for having taken a life, even though it was self-defense. Do you think she’s right to have this feeling, even though she saved two lives? Why or why not?
  2. Matt has had trouble forgiving his ex-fiancée and the friend with whom she betrayed him. Even though he has moved on and thinks he’s over the betrayal, it has affected his ability to trust women. Do you think this is a normal reaction, or has Matt carried it too far?
  3. Even though Lorie is being threatened, she has trouble trusting anyone in law enforcement. How would you react in her situation?
  4. Lorie left San Diego and returned to her roots in Western Arkansas because of the constant harassment after her acquittal. If you were in her situation, would you move or stay and try to fight?
  5. Illegal drugs are a problem in Dainger County. Are they a problem where you live? If so, how much of a problem, and how does it affect you personally?
  6. Neither Lorie nor Matt wants to be attracted to each other. Are they justified in their reaction? If so, who do you think has the better reason to want to avoid a romance, Lorie or Matt?
  7. Supervisor Pitt has a thriving legitimate business and attends a church, and yet he is leading a double life as a drug lord and Nazi sympathizer. Do you think it is possible for him to make peace with God? Why or why not?
  8. In 1974, when Pitt’s first wife was killed, Colombia was the scene of much unrest and political turmoil. How much do you think this affected his mental state, to lose his wife, and to believe his son was also dead?
  9. When Lorie is recounting the details of her case to Matt, she tells him the woman whose life she saved never showed up at the trial. What effect do you think this had on Lorie?
  10. Matt chose to go into law enforcement rather than become a rancher like his brothers. Do you think this was a wise decision or not?
  11. When Matt’s fiancée dumped him after he refused to turn down his scholarship to the University of Louisville, do you think she was just using that as an excuse? Why or why not?
  12. Lorie is constantly forced to face her fears and deal with the harassment and increasing danger. In her situation, would you let fear overcome you, or would you find a way to deal with it? If so, how would you deal with it?
  13. Lorie believes she can trust Supervisor Pitt because he helped her get her job. Do you think that Lorie was easily fooled, or was Pitt very good at hiding his true colors?
  14. When Lorie regains consciousness in the back of the ambulance, she immediately looks around for something to use as a weapon. What would you do in her situation? What tools would you choose for your escape?
  15. Matt and Lorie each pray as their situation unfolds. Do you think the story would have had the same ending if they had not prayed? Why or why not?