• Hometown Vendetta

    1. At the beginning of the book, Amberlyn has a negative impression of Luke. How does her opinion of him change? How does she reconcile her first impression with her current opinion?

    2. Between Luke's trauma and Amberlyn's loss of her best friend, how do we see evidence of the adage "time heals all wounds" throughout the book? What caveats would you add to this adage in their situations?

    3. In this book, we see the trope of a fake relationship creating real feelings. How do you think this trope added to the story? Did it take away from the story in any way?

    4. How do you feel about the role of churches and religion in this book? Does the service performed through these churches inspire you to do anything specific in your community?

    5. While Luke has low self-esteem from his high school years, Amberlyn develops a much higher opinion of him. How does this help you see your own self-worth in a different way? Does this inspire you to be kinder to yourself?

    6. How do you feel about Luke's hometown of Pine Falls? What brings it to life from the page? How does it compare to your own hometown?

    Victim #8

    1. Despite the chemistry we see between Luke and Amberlyn in Hometown Vendetta, Luke has put a lot more distance between them. Do you think this was helpful or detrimental to his healing? Why or why not?

    2. Throughout the book, we see Luke dealing with his grief and the trauma it stirs up. What actions does he take to move through it and past it? What actions does Amberlyn take to help him? How effective are the methods they take?

    3. Despite their personalities, Luke is closer to his coworkers than Amberlyn is to hers. Why do you think this is?

    4. In the serial-killer investigation, we see multiple road blocks due to red tape and inter-departmental disconnects. Do you think the red tape is necessary in some situations? Are the benefits greater than the costs?

    5. Mikhail, the Russian minister of defense, is mainly motivated by power. How much of his lust for power is motivated by better living conditions? Did his circumstances fuel his desires and inclination to act on them, despite the cost?

    6. During Thanksgiving weekend, Brianna, Luke’s sister, corners Luke into speaking his thoughts out loud. Do you think this helped him process his grief or caused him to regress? Do you think Amberlyn reacted well in the aftermath?

    7. Do you think Mikhail’s plan was overly complicated for what he tried to accomplish? Why or why not?

    8. Despite clear interest from the president, Amberlyn’s behavioral analysis unit drops the serial-killer case. Do you think their decision made sense with the information they had? Is there more you think they could’ve done?

    9. We see significant, seemingly paranoid precautions by Feodor, the Russian informant. Do you think his precautions were justified? Was he not cautious enough?

    10. When Luke and Amberlyn are trying to get to the president in time, do you think it’s believable for them to make it past all the guards the way they did? What was believable and what wasn’t?

    11. Do you think the ending for the story was satisfying? Were there any loose ends you noticed that you hope will be resolved in later books in the series?

    12. Do you think this book could still be enjoyed without reading Hometown Vendetta? What events and character development from Hometown Vendetta enhance Victim #8?

  • Hometown Vendetta

    “Hometown Vendetta is Traci Hunter Abramson at her best! I fell in love with Luke and Amberlyn and am counting the days until the next Luke Steele adventure.”

    —Dani Pettrey, bestselling author

    “Fast-paced and fun, characters to root for (and a few to dread)—Abramson brings her A-game with Hometown Vendetta!”

    —Michaelbrent Collings, bestselling and award-winning author

    “Hometown Vendetta is the latest example of Abramson’s mastery of this genre; intriguing political thriller woven through with a satisfying romance sure to exceed readers’ expectations.”

    —Josi S. Kilpack, bestselling author of the Sadie Hoffmiller Mysteries

    Victim #8

    “A taut, electrifying thriller. Smart, emotionally rich, and packed with international intrigue, you will be turning the razor-sharp pages well into the night. Abramson is one hell of a writer!”

    —Brad Thor, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Edge Of Honor

    “Filled with international spy suspense and relentless action.... This is a must-read for anyone who loves high-stakes suspense, jaw-dropping twists, and characters who refuse to quit.”

    —J. Luke Bennecke, award-winning #1 Amazon bestselling author

    “International intrigue, compelling characters, and an authenticity only a DC insider can bring—what more could you want in a thriller? Block out your weekend because you won’t want to put this one down.”

    —Alex Finlay, bestselling author of Parents Weekend

    “A heart-pounding thriller that cuts deep and exposes the hidden battles that linger long after war.”

    —Jack Stewart, bestselling author of Unknown Rider

  • Hometown Vendetta

    Victim #8

  • Hometown Vendetta

    • 2025 Whitney Award Winner—Mystery / Suspense

    • 2025 Silver Falchion Judges’ Top Pick—Thriller