Point of View

Jockeying between third and first person omniscient narrative is particularly effective in the progression of this plot. Much of the action is described by a third person narrative, as the murders occur, before the reader becomes aware of Chimera and Frank Coombs's connection to the killings. Once this is achieved, however, it is important to allow the reader to see inside the mind of Frank Coombs and, as well, the true killer, who initially appear to be one and the same. It is impossible to understand the motivation for the murders without a first person view in these sections. To understand Lindsay Boxer, moreover, first person narrative is absolutely essential. For example, the conflicted responses to her father' re-appearance and to her suspicions relative to his motivations must be seen through her eyes. As well, her analytical thought as she processes what she knows about Chimera...