What is the single most defining trait of Johnny Merrimon's character? What is his primary motivation?

What is the relationship of Detective Hunt to Johnny? To Katherine Merrimon? To Joakum?

What does Jack do, or not do, that infuriates Johnny and ruins their friendship?

What is Detective Hunt's obsession, and how does it affect his life?

What is the relationship of Ken Holloway to Katherine Merriman? Why doesn't she leave him?

Besides skipping school, what other types of antisocial—or illegal—behavior does Johnny display? To what extent are these behaviors motivated by fear?

What criminal offenses has Levi Freemantle committed, and how does his status as an ex-con affect the murder investigation?

Does Johnny's eventual surrender to Social Services seem like a good thing for him?

How might things have turned out differently for the Merrimon family if the father had...