Who is Mary Amesbury? Why does Maureen change her name? Why does Maureen refuse to answer to any name other than Mary Amesbury after her husband's death? What does this say about Maureen English? How does this separate Maureen English from the woman who falls in love with Jack Strout and kills Harrold English?

Who is Willis Beales? What does Willis want from Mary? Compare and contrast Willis and Harrold English. In how many ways are they alike? How is Willis's affection for Mary like Harrold's affection for his wife? How is Willis's attention frightening for Mary? Why? Why does Willis tell the private detective where Mary is? Is this done with malice? Why or why not?

Who is Jack Strout? Why does Mary become attracted to Jack? What is different about Jack as compared to Willis or Harrold? Why does Jack become attracted...