1. Nina Frost considers her role as a mother is a determinative factor in her decision to murder Father Glen. Consider a minor character – the mother of Father Glen and Father Gwenn. Discuss the implications of a cyclical pattern of revenge based on a maternal instinct.

2. Who did you first suspect of hurting Nathan? Why? What might your initial suspicion say about the criminal justice system and the severity of Nina’s act?

3. Nina tells herself that she had to act before the system (of which she was a part) failed her son. But when she suspects her husband, she immediately uses the “system” for a restraining order. Does it meet its function to protect her? Why might she have used the “system” in this case but not in Father Glen’s? If you were on the jury, would it have impacted your decision?

4. How do you feel about Caleb’s crime? Is he any less culpable than Nina because his victim was not innocent? Was he any more sure of Father Gwenn’s guilt than Nina was of Father Glen's?

5. How does Nina exploit the criminal justice system because of her inside knowledge?

6. Compare Nina and Quentin Brown as characters who are both officers of the court, but at times each bent (or broke) the rules for their family. From what you know of Quentin, how might he have acted differently in Nina’s shoes?

7. What is your opinion on Fisher Carrington? Do you find his role in the story admirable see more