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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is sitting with Pat Harvey at the press conference?

2. What does Scarpetta learn about Hilda Ozimek's findings?

3. What charity organization does Pat Harvey suspect is front for drug trafficking?

4. What is the main character's occupation?

5. What personal item of one of the missing teens was found at the crime scene?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the problem with the cartridge casing Scarpetta finds at the Cheney-Harvey murder scene?

2. How does Ozimek explain what she does?

3. What information is Scarpetta after when she meets Wesley for lunch in Chapter 9?

4. What does Pat Harvey believe about her daughter's death?

5. Why does Scarpetta dread having lunch with Pat Harvey?

6. What's stressful for Scarpetta in dealing with parents?

7. Discuss why Scarpetta and Marino feel in Chapter 3 as if they've been "handled" by Benton Wesley.

8. Describe Linda, the firearms expert who works with Scarpetta.

9. Describe Hilda Ozimek.

10. Give an example of Scarpetta's scientific approach examining the bodies of Harvey and Cheney in the woods.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Each character below had a feeling of incompetence that led to frustration and anger. Indicate what steps the character took to overcome their feelings. Be sure to use examples from the book to support your statements.

Kay Scarpetta

Pete Marino

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to write about:

1) Discuss the multiple issues the FBI was balancing while investigating The Couple Killings and the impact of those issues on the investigation.

2) Abby Turnbull and Pat Harvey share information with each other on a regular basis. Do you think this was a reasonable thing for Abby to do? Use examples from the story to support your answer.

3) Pat Harvey was convinced Steven Spurrier murdered her daughter and that Spurrier would never be convicted. Ms. Harvey decided to take matters into her own hands. What do you think of Pat Harvey's decision and should her actions have been foreseen by the police and FBI? Use examples from the book to explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the plot significance of Pat Harvey's job as "drug czar." Be sure to touch on the FBI, the Justice Department, the CIA, the questionable charities, the investigation of The Couple Killings.

(see the answer keys)

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