#1 New York Times best-selling author Tami Hoag returns with her second thriller in the Deeper than the Dead microseries, exploring the early days of forensic investigation, the characteristics of innocence-and the nature of evil.
Marissa Fordham had a past full of secrets, a present full of lies. Everyone knew of her, but no one knew her.
When Marissa is found brutally murdered, with her young daughter, Haley, resting her head on her mother's bloody breast, she sends the idyllic California town of Oak Knoll into a tailspin. Already on edge with the upcoming trial of the See- No-Evil killer, residents are shocked by reports of the crime scene, which might not have been discovered for days had it not been for a chilling 911 call: a small child's voice saying, "My daddy hurt my mommy."
Sheriff's detective Tony Mendez faces a puzzle with nothing but pieces that won't fit. To assist with his witness, Haley, he calls teacher-turned-child advocate Anne Leone. Anne's life is hectic enough-she's a newlywed and a part- time student in child psychology, and she's the star witness in the See-No-Evil trial. But one look at Haley, alone and terrified, and Anne's heart is stolen.
As Tony and Anne begin to peel back the layers of Marissa Fordham's life, they find a clue fragment here, another there. And just when it seems Marissa has taken her secrets to the grave, they uncover a fact that puts Anne and Haley directly in the sights of a killer: Marissa Fordham never existed.
©2010 Tami Hoag (P)2010 Random House
I am an Air Force wife, mother of 8 kids, a homeschooler for 19 years- I love reading and listening to audiobooks . Mystery/thrillers rock!
"Totally superior!!"
I absolutely loved this book and the one before it!!! Tami Hoag came up with some characters for this 2 book series that are just stupendous. I hope she continues to write more books involving them - it would be a real shame to just abandon such a great set of characters and a great setting. I would gladly pay full price at a book store for this audiobook and the one before it (Deeper than the Dead) so don't hesitate to use a credit on it. I could not stop listening once I started it and stayed up till nearly 3 am to finish it!!! Go for it, this is great!!
I was an avid reader of books before my work took most of my time so now I listen to Audible books when I'm exercising or walking my dog. I like mystery and thriller novels, particularly good serial killer novels. I'm a writer and a psychotherapist.
"A Winner"
This book will keep your attention and have you listening at time when you should be getting something done. I couldn't turn it off after my commute and just kept listening.
That's no reason to cry. One cries because one is sad. For example, I cry because others are stupid, and that makes me sad.
"I do love Tami Hoag as an Author"
At first I was thinking Did I purchase a book I have already "READ", however this book is a follow up book from an earlier novel, with some of the character's now moving along. I do love the way she writes, and I enjoy Tami's gift of suspense and character development. Well done and I will buy the next book that she publishes.
Rating scale: 5=Loved it, 4=Liked it, 3=Ok, 2=Disappointed, 1=Hated it. I look for well developed characters, compelling stories.
"Stands on its own"
I read the first book in this "mini series" (Deeper than the Dead) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Couldn't wait to move on to this one, and was not disappointed. Good continuation of the previous story with familiar characters (both good guys and bad guys), but it is also a story that stands on its own 2 feet. While I did figure out who the murderer probably was well before the end, I couldn't put all the pieces together as to why or how. I like a story that I can follow but not figure out too quickly. The end leaves us knowing that there has to be another installment, and I will be eagerly looking forward to that one too.
"A good series - I recommend."
I've listened to the first two books in this series, and I'll continue with the next. Sometimes it's a bit gruesome, but that's murder. Even after only two books, I've gotten attached to the characters, especially Ann's best friend Franny. He's a hoot!
Give the first book a try - "Deeper than the Dead" - and maybe you'll be hooked on the series like me!
Reading has always been my guilty pleasure. I would take stacks of books from the library. Now I listen to Audible.
"Fabulous"
Kept us guessing and wondering until it was time to really know what was happening. Loved it!
"Could not quit listening"
Yes, could not stop slistening.
The story line.
This was the best combination of story line and reader I have ever listened to.
This book kept me so emotionally engaged. The performer drew you into the story as though you were part of it.
I am excited to start the next book with the same characters
Audio Book Junkie!
"Great Trilogy"
I read Secrets to the Grave and immediately downloaded the next two books in the series. It is a series that I will listen to again. I like Tami Hoag, she is one of my favorite authors.
"Great author!"
I would listen to it again because Tami Hoag is one of my favorite authors and she stays true to form with this one.
Loved all the different voices and inflections.
There were a couple times I laughed during the reading of this book.
"Just enjoyed it..."
Yes, it is an entertaining novel with good intrigue...
Yes, just a great story...
A great listen...