Book Review - Secrets to the Grave by Tami Hoag

Title:  Secrets to the Grave
Author:  Tami Hoag
Pages:  464
Publisher:  Penguin Group
ISBN:  052595192x


Synopsis (from BN.com): 
#1 New York Times bestselling 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.


My thoughts:  This is the second book in Tami Hoag's Deeper than the Dead series.  I loved the first book and was eager to read this one!  This book brings us back to Oak Knoll, California, home of the See-No-Evil killer.  It also brings us back to the great characters of FBI Special Agent Vince Leone and Anne Leone, his new wife, former school teacher, and now Child Advocate.  


As Vince Leone and his team investigate the murder of Melissa Fordham, the story takes us on many twists and turns!  Who was Melissa Fordham?  What is the story with her best friend?  Meanwhile Anne uses her child psychology skills to attempt to get whatever information she can about the murder from Marissa's traumatized young daughter, Haley, who witnessed the event!   What does she know?  What did she see?


I really enjoyed this book.  It offers a twisting, suspenseful ride that lovers of Tami Hoag's books will enjoy!  Since the book is set in the early 1980's, it is fascinating to step back in time with regard to police procedure.  Characters in the book are frequently mentioning how nice it would be to have DNA tests available or even the use of computers to do their work.  When you read this book you realize how far technology has brought us when it comes to solving crimes! 


I am looking forward to more books featuring the characters of Vince Leone and Anne.


Overall, a good, fast read!


My Rating:  : )  : )  : )  : )   Liked it!

And remember,
Books Are Life,
Heather