Muddy Water by Tom Steele

For discussion August 6, 2008 - 6:30 P.M.

What lies below the waters of the abandoned Hennepin Canal? The canal has been turned into a bike trail, stretching thirty-two miles through the center of rural Henry County. The best time to enjoy the trail is September, when the weather is moderate and the landscape ablaze with color. People from all over Illinois travel the pathway and enjoy the beautiful fall countryside. But county residents ride the trail with apprehension, for they believe the scattered remains of Katie Karver lie somewhere beneath the canal's murky waters. Amid the splendor of autumn colors and the apprehensions of the citizenry, freshman Sheriff Mike Armstrong plans his political campaign and aspires to become the county's longest-serving law officer. But with startling abruptness, unresolved questions of Katie's murder rise to torment the sheriff. Her ghost becomes a major obstacle to the sheriff's re-election dream and more. As the mystery engulfs Mike and seven others in tragedy, he must reopen a case long grown cold.

About the Author: Tom Steele is a retired high school teacher. During his career in education, Tom's teaching abilities were recognized with the following honors: the PTA Educator of the Year Award, the Western Illinois Master Teacher Award, the Illinois State Board of Education Award of Excellence, the Channel One Teacher Award, a USA Today Teacher Team Award, the American Councils Excellence in Teaching Award, the U.S. State Department Russian-American Art Exchange Award, and four Western Illinois University's Most Inspirational Teacher Awards. Tom served as a Staff Sergeant in Cu Chi, Vietnam and is the recipient of two Army Accommodation Medals and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He has resided in Henry County with his wife, Linda, for thirty years and has been a member of the Henry County Board for seven years. He is currently the Chairman of Henry County Administration Committee.

1. What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?

2. What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the novel? What do you think he or she is trying to get across to the reader?

3. Do the characters seem real and believable? Did your opinions about any of the characters change over the course of the novel? How do characters change or evolve throughout the story?

4. In what ways do the events in the book reveal evidence of the author’s world view?

5. Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? Why? Did this lead to a new understanding of some aspect of your life you may not have thought about before?

6. I there a part of the novel you didn’t understand? Are you confused by a character’s actions or the outcome of an event?

7. What is your favorite passage?

8. Why do you think the author chose the title? Is there significant meaning behind it?