Kathryn Casey
Mysteries and True Crime

(If you haven't read the book yet, be careful: there are spoilers below.)



1) What is it about law enforcement that drew Sarah to a career as a Texas Ranger? How do you view her initial contribution as a profiler to the Lucas investigation?

2) Do you think it’s difficult for women in law enforcement? Is it still a man’s world? Is this unique to law enforcement or are women still treated differently in the workplace?

3) In Sarah’s world there are turf wars between agencies, from the local police departments to the rangers to the FBI. Is that unusual, or do you see examples of it in your everyday life?

4) Sarah is still grieving for her husband and appears ill equipped to handle Maggie’s pain. When, if ever, does that change? How could Sarah have reacted or what could she have done that might have made a difference for her daughter?

5) Murder investigations today are a combination of forensics and old-fashioned police work. In the Lucas case, what plays the most important role? Or are both facets equally important?

6) How do you view the relationship between Sarah and David? Is it one of convenience/​opportunity or do you believe it has possibilities for the future?

7) Does Sarah do the right thing when she follows her conscience and goes public? What would you have done?

8) Do you believe evil exists in the world? What do you see as the primary factors that turn individuals into monsters like the killer in the book?

9) Does Sarah set into motion the events at the end of the book? Should she have seen them coming? Could she have prevented Maggie’s and Nora’s involvements?

10) At the end of the book, Sarah is momentarily reluctant to pull the trigger with her daughter watching. Is this a sign of weakness or something else?