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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. In Chapter 12, why does Scarpetta meet Abby Turnbull for dinner at a Williamsburg restaurant?

2. What was found in cemetery where the bodies of Elizabeth Mott and Jill Harrington are discovered?

3. After Steven Spurrier is arrested, what do the police find searching his home?

4. How was Elizabeth Mott killed?

5. Who did Marino interview after Steven Spurrier is arrested?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Camp Peary come under suspicion soon after the Couple Killings started?

2. Describe Mr. Joyce and his relationship to Dammit.

3. After the meeting with Mr. Joyce, what does Scarpetta reason about the killer that leads her to the next step in her investigation?

4. Why does Abby find it hard to believe the murders of Harrington and Mott are connected to the Couple Killings?

5. What do Scarpetta and Marino discover in Chapter 14 about the cemetery where the bodies of Mott and Harrington were found?

6. What's the significance of Jill Harrington not having any bills for a newspaper subscription?

7. In Chapter 16, what do Scarpetta and Marino learn about Steven Spurrier, the man that approached Scarpetta and Abby in the Williamsburg Restaurant?

8. Describe Scarpetta's reactions to seeing Mark James.

9. What's the connection between Scarpetta and Anna Zenner and Jill Harrington?

10. What does Scarpetta learn about Deborah Harvey's father from an article in the Washington Post?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In many ways, it makes sense that an FBI profiler would seek out the expertise of a psychic. Compare and contrast how the work of Benton Wesley and Hilda Ozimek. Whose work do you think is more important to the solving of The Couple Killings and why? Support your conclusion with examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Another theme that plays throughout the book is that of betrayal and the havoc it wreaks on different individuals. Select two of the following characters and explain how betrayal impacted their lives and shaped their decisions:

Pete Marino

Pat Harvey

Kay Scarpetta

(see the answer keys)

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