Dark Design

As she began to lose consciousness, she realized that she'd just made a very serious mistake. . . .
She tried to call out for help, but she couldn't see anyone on the shore.
There was no one to save her.

When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, she joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, in Virginia. Their reunion, only a few months after fending off an eerie killer in the woods of Tennessee, is bittersweet, as Kaely has been tasked by the FBI to recruit Erin's help to identify a suspect. The FBI's team is stumped by the murderer who re-creates killings from the books of multiple authors, with only ominous notes left behind. As Erin is drawn further into the web of fear and chaos, Kaely begins to fear for Erin's safety.

On top of tracking down a murderer, Erin must shoulder the weight of a haunted past and claims that she stole the plot of her novel from one of her sources. As she struggles on multiple fronts, the enemy looms closer than ever--and Erin's life hangs in the balance.

"Readers will be riveted by this non-stop, twisty thriller."--Elizabeth Goddard on Shattered Sanctuary

Bestselling author Nancy Mehl threads a plot of police investigations and shadowy evidence with heart-drumming suspense in this clean, high-stakes read that will thrill fans of Lynette Eason and Elizabeth Goddard.

This discussion guide was provided by the publisher, Baker Publishing Group.

Book club questions for Dark Design by Nancy Mehl

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

When Kaely asks Erin to stay at their house in Fredericksburg, Erin feels insecure about the invitation. She’s not sure Kaely really wants her there. Do you struggle with insecurity toward other people—even when they claim to be your friend? If so, why do you think that is? What does the Bible say about this?

Kaely is very careful about witnessing to Erin. She doesn’t want to turn her off. She believes it’s ultimately the Holy Spirit’s job to lead someone to faith in Christ. Have you ever been in Kaely’s situation? How did you handle it?

Adrian Nightengale is a Christian, but Erin isn’t. Yet he has feelings for her. How do you feel about this? The Bible tells us to not be unequally yoked. What advice would you give a friend in Adrian’s situation?

At one point, Kaely advises Erin to not worry about the woman who is claiming that Erin stole her book. Matthew 6:34 says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Do you have problems concentrating on today only and not worrying about what might happen? Why do you think we struggle with this teaching sometimes? Is there a difference between planning and worrying?

Before going into the command center, Kaely prays for Erin. For the first time, Erin feels the peace of God. She feels His presence and realizes that God is real. Have you felt the presence of God? How important is that experience to you?

After finding out that a serial killer committed murders based on the plots of books—including her own novel—Erin wonders if she should ever write again. Is this a reasonable reaction? How do you think you would have reacted?

When Jesus paid the price for our sins, He not only bought our forgiveness with His blood and His death, He “became sin.” How does that knowledge impact you personally?

When Erin accepts Christ, she is full of joy. Do you believe that you’re the righteousness of God through Christ? Or do you struggle with being “good enough”? Do you find yourself trying to earn God’s love and acceptance?

After accepting Christ, Erin struggles with how to change her writing. Did you have any kind of similar experience after becoming a Christian? What adjustments did you have to make in your life?

At one point in the story, Erin sees the difference between heartfelt kindness and manipulation. Can you share an example of how that might happen in your own life? How do you make certain your motives are pure when you want someone to do something for you?

The killer in Dark Design rejects Christ as a child and kills innocent people. But in their last moments, they ask Jesus to save them. How do you feel about that? Is this Scriptural?

Dark Design Book Club Questions PDF

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