DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Detective Abby Hart knows the courthouse is “where people came for justice,” but she still feels frustrated that her parents’ case isn’t getting its due share. Is there a situation in your own life where justice has not prevailed? Or can you think of an issue in society where justice has failed? What is the best way to respond to situations like that?
  2. Abby’s visit with her uncle Simon gives her the idea to dig deeper into Alyssa Rollins’s past. Why does Luke Murphy have a hard time buying Abby’s theory about Alyssa’s role in the Triple Seven case? Why does Abby feel so strongly that she’s on the right track?
  3. Luke reminds his daughter, Maddie, that God “is our protection, no matter what happens —earthquakes, floods, whatever.” When have you seen evidence of this in your life? When have you needed this reminder?
  4. Luke’s heart isn’t really in his relationship with Faye Fallon. Why does he continue to try to make it work with the blogger? Is it okay that he persists, or should he have called things off sooner? How well does Abby handle her feelings about his and Faye’s relationship?
  5. Constance Considine uses intimidation tactics against those threatening to question or prosecute her son for his fiancée’s murder. Is this simply a case of a mother protecting her son, or does it go too far? Does that make you more or less likely to think Chaz is guilty?
  6. Abby opts to investigate on her own a few times, ignoring Luke’s protests. Do you agree more with Abby, who believes there’s minimal danger and she can take care of herself? Or is Luke right to be worried for her safety? Which character do you relate to more? Do you tend to dive in or hold back to assess things?
  7. Woody challenges Luke to man up and tell Abby how he really feels about her. Describe a time in your life when you stepped up and revealed your feelings (romantic or otherwise), not knowing how the other person would respond. Would you do anything differently now? Why or why not?
  8. When Luke meets Victoria Napier, he sees “obsession on steroids” in the woman and worries that Abby might fall deeper into that mind-set. What similarities do you see between the two women and how they pursue answers? What differences are there?
  9. Pastor Terry tells Abby that sometimes after a person has been hurt, “they hold on to the hurt too long. . . . The hurt has become a part of them and it’s scary to let go.” How is this true for Abby? Is it true for you or for someone you know? What can you do to avoid holding on to a hurt too long?
  10. What does it take for Woody to finally surrender and admit he needs faith? Was there an event or situation in your life that convinced you to put your life in God’s hands? If not, is there something that’s holding you back?
  11. Despite appearing to have something to hide, J. P. Winnen shows up at surprising times, usually to antagonize the cold case task force. What prompts his change of heart late in the story?
  12. Padre Mike tells Abby, “I’ve learned that there’s really no such thing as closure. People learn to live with the hurt, the tragedy, or they don’t.” Do you agree with this idea? Why or why not?
  13. Even after confessing and resigning herself to a prison sentence, Kelsey Cox learns she still has a role to play for her employer. What surprised you about the actions she takes at the story’s climax?
  14. What do you think of the way the author wrapped up the story? The series? Are you satisfied justice has been served? Is Abby? Is Luke?