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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. What is one theory as to who might have killed Deborah and Fred?

2. When Pat Harvey shows Hilda a picture of Fred Cheney, what does Hilda immediately know?

3. What did Scarpetta say about the skulls of Deborah and Fred?

4. Who is Hilda Ozimek referring to when she uses the phrase, "defender, someone who does battle"?

5. Which character is nicknamed the "drug czar" by the media?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Scarpetta reluctant to say Deborah Harvey was killed by a shot in the back?

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

3. Why does Scarpetta feel betrayed by Abby Turnbull in Chapter 4?

4. Why was Pat Harvey professionally interested in the Couple Killings long before her daughter was murdered?

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

6. Describe Hilda Ozimek.

7. Explain Wesley's reasons for not keeping Scarpetta informed.

8. As Chapter 1 opens, what is Scarpetta's perspective on working with other police agencies involved in VICAP?

9. How does Pat Harvey exert her influence to get a copy of the autopsy report of her daughter?

10. How does Ozimek explain what she does?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The issue of control is another dominant theme in this story. Select one of the following characters and describe how the issue of control played as both a positive and a negative influence in the character's decisions.

Kay Scarpetta

Steven Spurrier

Pat Harvey

Abby Turnbull

Essay Topic 2

Toward the end of the book, Benton Wesley discusses what he thinks are the psycho-sexual urges that motivated Steven Spurrier to kill. Explain how the contents as well as the condition of Spurrier's home supports or undermines Wesley's conclusions about Spurrier. Be specific.

Essay Topic 3

All of the evidence gathered in the search of Steven Spurrier's was considered circumstantial. In fact, there was no conclusive evidence that ever linked Spurrier directly to The Couple Murders. Do you agree or disagree with Scarpetta, Wesley and others that Spurrier was the serial killer? What information from the book would you point to to support your conclusion. Be specific.

(see the answer keys)

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