Readers of Sanders' later novels may find it interesting to reflect on the seeds of future characters here. It's easy to see the trademarks of Archie McNally, protagonist of the later McNally novels, taking shape; his beloved vodka gimlets already much in evidence. How many other such details can you spot?

Telford Thorndecker's morality or lack thereof should provide fertile ground for discussions of medical ethics, animal and human research, and when and whether noble ends justify ignoble means.

1. How believable is it that a whole town would cover up something like this?

2. What if Thorndecker had discovered the secret of immortality for all humankind by doing what he did? Would he have been wrong to do it?

3. How would you describe Julie Thorndecker's morality? Was she lying when she said she loved her husband?

And if Todd was right, and she knew he was dying...