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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. How does Hilda describe an object still at the site where Deborah and Fred were found?

2. Where does Scarpetta go for exercise?

3. What does Pat Harvey want Scarpetta to give her?

4. When Scarpetta examines the bodies of Deborah Harvey and Fred Cheney in the woods, what does she notice?

5. What is the special name the media has for a series of unsolved murders?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the appearance of the bodies of Harvey and Cheney at the murder scene.

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

5. Why is Scarpetta concerned about the bodies of Cheney and Harvey being moved?

6. Why does Scarpetta think her personal competence as the chief medical examiner is being called into question?

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

8. Describe Scarpetta's reaction to the newspaper headlines after the abandoned Jeep was found.

9. Describe how Pat Harvey might be feeling when she first arrives at the rest stop where her daughter's abandoned Jeep has been found.

10. How does Ozimek explain what she does?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain how each of the following pieces of information assisted in the development of either the plot or the characters in this story. Be specific in describing how you came to your conclusions.

Pat Harvey's husband having an affair

Pat Harvey's dislike of Fred Cheney

The mutual dislike between Pete Marino and Abby Turnbull

Essay Topic 2

At one point, Scarpetta tells Marino she believes it's not the selection of the victims that's most important to the killer, it's the selection of the place. What does Scarpetta mean by that statement? Do you think her supposition is correct or not? Support your answer with examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Select one of the following and answer the questions:

1 ) Compare and contrast how much information is revealed about the killer, Steven Spurrier, and how much is revealed about Pat Harvey. Based on the information you present, indicate how realistic it is that Spurrier is the serial killer and in turn is killed by Pat Harvey? Be sure to use concrete examples from the novel to support your answer.

2) Compare and contrast how the authorities in the book handled these serial killings.

How would you describe the actions of the authorities?

What do you think they did right? What would you criticize?

Overall, are you sympathetic or critical of the actions on the part of the various policing and governmental authorities? Why? Be specific.

(see the answer keys)

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