Secrets to the Grave by Tami Hoag

In college I read books that were not on my literary list for classes faster than publishers could keep up.  I would devour a minimum of one book per day.  It was shocking.  It was expensive.  I became a regular at a used bookseller near to my dorm, purchasing books for less than a dollar.  I would trade in those that I had already finished and wait, impatiently, as they decided how much credit to give me.  Then I would pay the difference as I had always filled my arms with more than they thought my trade was worth.  That is how I first discovered Tami Hoag.  On a shelf underneath a picture of James Patterson's Along Came a Spider was a load of her books.  The cute little tag someone stapled to the wall read "If you like James Patterson you'll love these books!"  I graduated from college over 12 years ago (YIKES!) and I am still reading her books.

This book, however, read like a sequel.  I kept finding mention of a character or an action that had previously happened.  I knew I should know who this was, but flipping back through pages I just couldn't figure it out.  I was frustrated.  There is no mention of this being a sequel anywhere on the cover or in the book.  Later research turned up a first novel called "Deeper than Dead".

Regardless, I loved this book.  Anne is a deep character whom I can associate with.  I felt actual pain when Dennis' case turned.  I continue to adore Tami Hoag and I will be forever grateful to the clerk in Flagstaff who once suggested we try her books.  Hoag's writing is brilliant!

It was fun that this book is set in the 80s, without DNA evidence that we have come to rely on.  This one is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a smart detective novel.