Deeper than the Dead (Abridged)

By: Tami Hoag

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

Tami Hoag is in a class by herself, beloved by audiences and critics alike, with more than 22 million copies of her books in print. With Hoag's first novel for Dutton, she proves anew why the Chicago Tribune called her "one of the most intense suspense writers around."

California, 1984. Three children, running in the woods behind their school, stumble upon a partially buried female body, eyes and mouth glued shut. Close behind the children is their teacher, Anne Navarre, shocked by this discovery and heartbroken as she witnesses the end of their innocence. What she doesn't yet realize is that this will mark the end of innocence for an entire community, as the ties that bind families and friends are tested by secrets uncovered in the wake of a serial killer's escalating activity.

Detective Tony Mendez, fresh from a law enforcement course at FBI headquarters, is charged with interpreting those now revealed secrets. He's using a new technique-profiling-to develop a theory of the case, a strategy that pushes him ever deeper into the lives of the three children, and closer to the young teacher whose interest in recent events becomes as intense as his own.

As new victims are found and the media scrutiny of the investigation bears down on them, both Mendez and Navarre are unsure if those who suffer most are the victims themselves-or the family and friends of the killer, blissfully unaware that someone very close to them is a brutal, calculating psychopath.

Please note: This is the abridged edition. An unabridged version is also available.

©2009 Tami Hoag (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

“[A] nail-biting thriller…Once again, bestselling Hoag plots craftily and creates characters readers root for.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“Hoag's first-rate exploration of her characters imbues Deeper than the Dead with compelling plot twists.” (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

“There's a truly terrifying serial killer at the heart of Hoag's new page-turner...the chilling premise and exciting twists make Hoag's latest a thriller in every sense of the word.” (Booklist)

loved it, wish it was unabridged

Tami Hoag is my new favorite author! I listened to her Liska and Kovac books. My favorite of hers was actually Kill the Messenger. This was great and kept me on the edge of my seat.

I wish it was available unabridged. I have a lot of driving and I wanted it to last longer. Also, since it's the beginning of a series, I feel like things may have been cut out that add to the setting, characters, etc.. that will be relevant in other books in the series.

I really liked Kirsten Potter, she has a very nice voice and did a good job. My only SLIGHT complaint was her accent for Vince. He's from Chicago, but sounded more NY or East Coast. She could have done without an accent at all or a Chicago accent. I would listen to books by her again, good job.

Listened to this one in one sitting! Loved it!

Would you listen to Deeper Than the Dead again? Why?

Yes I would listen to it again and have because each time I listen to it it I find something I either missed or forgot from the first time! It is to me what they call a page turner! Couldn't stop listening until it was done!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes the plot kept me right there wondering how this was going to be solved! These characters are becoming old friends and I enjoy watching more of their personalities come thru with each book!

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite is watching the relationships develop. Anne's part in helping the kids is written with such compassion! This book is definitely a keeper!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The whole book moved me with the way Tami Hoag created her characters so you can watch them grow. I have listened to or read all three books in this series and have been glued to my chair listening/reading them. I hope Tami Hoag will keep them coming!

Any additional comments?

If you enjoyed this book please continue on with Down the Darkest Road and Secrets to the Grave! With each book the characters grow and these books will keep you on the edge of your seat. Kristen Potter is such a great narrator for these books! She is another one of my favorite narraters!