1. How does Dave accidentally alert Mapes and Vidrine that he is looking into the fire at Dixie Lee's place? Why do you think the Sheriff allows this to happen?

2. What horrific event has happened not to long ago to Dave and how is he handling it?

3. How does Dixie Lee try to pressure Dave into helping him about the conversation Dixie Lee overhears?

4. What do you think the package in Dave's mailbox means?

5. What does Dave read about Dixie Lee a week later?

6. Describe and evaluate the character, Dixie Lee.

7. Why does the executive of Star Drilling Company have Dave thrown off the premises and what theme does this touch upon?

8. What happens to Dave the day after his encounter with Mapes and Vidrine and do you think he is a responsible parent in that incident?

9. What does Dave do to Vidrine and Mapes and do you think this is appropriate on his part?

10. What evidence is there that Purcel is still on the wrong side of the law?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In most fiction, readers would like all the loose ends to be neatly "tied up." Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Black Cherry Blues is successful as a detective novel? Why or why not.

2. What about this book would motivate you to read another of James Lee Burke's Robicheaux series? What would discourage you from doing so?

3. Were all the "loose ends" satisfactorily settle for you? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

The two Native American murder victims are members of an organization called AIM (American Indian movement). Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly research and analyze AIM: include its goals, activities and effectiveness at obtaining its goals.

2. Analyze the incidents that took place at Wounded Knee in 1890 and 1973. How is AIM involved in the later incident? Was justice served?

3. Why is Clayton Desmarteau and his cousin killed? Does it have anything to do with their AIM activities? Explain fully. Were the two Native Americans justified in opposing Dio, Mapes and Vidrine?

Essay Topic 3

Dave Robicheaux is the main character in a number of mystery novels by James Lee Burke. One of the most interesting things about Robicheaux is his Cajun background. It is therefore, useful to understand a little of Cajun culture. Discuss the following:

1. Who are the Cajuns? In what area of the United States do they reside? Who are several famous "real-life" Cajuns?

2. Describe some of the major aspects of the Cajun culture.

3. What about Dave Robicheaux reveals his Cajun heritage?

4. Why do you think James Lee Burke chooses to make his primary protagonist Cajun?

(see the answer keys)

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