Book Club Discussion Questions for Death in Mud Lick by Eric Eyre

1. Author Eric Eyre packs his book with a fair amount of statistical data; nonetheless, or perhaps because of the data, Death in Mud Lick is shocking. What numbers stunned you most?
2. Discuss the role Debbie Preece played in cracking open this tragedy by initiating a wrongful-death lawsuit. Would you have had the courage or tenacity or energy she had? Consider, too, the doggedness of Eric Eyre, who, while investigating the roots of the opioid epidemic, was suffering from the onset of Parkinson's Disease.
3. Talk about West Virginia's opioid addiction, in terms of both its sheer numbers and its tragic toll on human life. How did it even get started?
4. Who are the big villains here? There are plenty. Talk about the pharmacists, doctors, and companies—all of whom profited—as well as the shameful lack of oversight on the part of government agencies.
5. William Morrisey, in particular, is targeted in Eyre's account. Explain his role.
6. Death in Mud Lick is also the story of a small town newspaper. What is happening to local papers, and how does this book reveal the importance local journalism?
7. Eyre ends his book with the question of whether or not a multi-million-dollar settlement from drug companies is sufficient. What is your opinion?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Scribner. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.