Deceit

In the opening, Joanne Weeks stands alone in suspecting Baxter Jackson, successful businessman and respected church elder, of killing two wives. If you were in Joanne’s position, would you keep quiet, or would you keep after the police to investigate, as she did?

Joanne loves Jelly Belly jelly beans. Is there a favorite food in your life that you use for comfort?

Joanne is a skip tracer. Did you find her line of work interesting?

The story jumps from the current action to what happened in the Jacksons’ house six years ago. Did you find this style of writing effective?

How do you react to the fact that the suspect, Baxter Jackson, is so active in the church?

Linda, Baxter’s first wife, had secrets of her own. Was she wrong to keep them? What do you think would have happened if she’d gone to her pastor about the issues in her home?

Melissa confronts Joanne about her, Baxter, and Linda lying. When Joanne retorts that Melissa is a liar too, she responds, “There’s one difference, Joanne. Between you and Baxter and Linda—and me. I don’t call myself a Christian.” What is your reaction to her statement?

Joanne tells Melissa, “Christians aren’t perfect, Melissa. God is. Don’t judge him by our shortcomings.” Is Joanne right to say that?

At the end of the book, do you believe Baxter’s heart has really changed?

How did your opinion of Melissa change as the story progressed? Is there one point in the story that made you start perceiving her differently? At the end of the book, do you have any empathy for her?

What was your favorite part about this book? What was your least favorite?

After reading this novel, are you more aware of deceit in your own life?