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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 medical condition does Scarpetta learn Steven Spurrier suffered from?

2. What happened to Henna?

3. What do Marino and Scarpetta think about the cemetery location?

4. Who rescues Scarpetta when she gets lost looking for Wesley's house?

5. In Chapter 16, who has been staying at Scarpetta's house for several weeks?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What were some of the reasons Scarpetta does not believe it was a rogue CIA agent or a professional hit man that killed Deborah Harvey and Fred Cheney?

8. Why aren't the results from the serology reports for Spurrier and the blood found in Elizabeth Mott's car considered conclusive?

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

10. What is the result of the meeting between Detective Montana, Scarpetta and Marino in Chapter 13?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Hilda Ozimek, the psychic, played a key role in this story. The following two part question addresses the nature of this character in the development of the story's plot. Be sure to support your answer using examples from the story.

a) How is Ozimek's character useful in moving the story forward?

b) Could the author have used another device or character with equal effectiveness?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the differences and similarities between Pat Harvey and Abby Turnbull. How do these characteristics contribute to the success of each woman? The ultimate demise of each woman? Be sure to offer specific examples from the book to support your response.

(see the answer keys)

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