The popularity of books about serial killers and FBI profiling techniques that help catch them suggests a strong general interest in scientific detective methods, abnormal psychology and the philosophical problems we encounter today. Patterson examines these and other problems in Pop Goes the Weasel.

1. The titles of Patterson's Alex Cross series follows Agatha Christie's lead in being snippets of nursery rhymes. Many authors and even movies have used nursery rhymes, children's toys and children's books to create a sense of horror. How does the use of names and objects associated with children engender horror? What does this practice say about our society?

2. Is Shafer evil? Is he just psychotic? How would you define pure evil? Does homicidal psychosis constitute evil?

3. Shafer is brought to trial but is allowed to go free. How does Patterson critique the court system in the United States?

4. Shafer is characterized as...