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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. Amanda tells the Prime Minister that she must leave early to catch a plane to which location?

2. Who calls and asks Stone to meet her for a drink?

3. In what town did Amanda grow up?

4. The woman was ousted from her family for her ties to ______.

5. The job regards which of the following?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the scene between Stone and Amanda during their trip to Connecticut. What agreement does the couple make?

2. Who is Amanda dart? Why is she an important figure on the New York scene?

3. Describe the meeting between Stone, Eggers and Glynnis Hickcock. What is Stone's response?

4. What happens to Amanda when she attends the book signing of her friend Norm Barton?

5. Who is Stone Barrington? What is his role in the story to date?

6. Discuss the conversation between Dino and Stone regarding Arnie. Also describe the events at Arnie's funeral.

7. Examine the meeting between Amanda and Bill Eggers.

8. Stone believes that someone has planted bugs in his house. Discuss other potential victims and Stone's plans to take care of the problem.

9. Where do Stone and Amanda go after having drinks at her apartment? Who does Stone meet?

10. Describe the first date between Stone and Arrington.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Reputation is a touchy subject in places like New York and Los Angeles, particularly when dissected by someone like Amanda Dart or Allan Peebles. Examine Amanda's reputation and its importance. Why is Amanda's reputation important in New York? Also examine Allan Peebles' role. Why is Peebles' reputation important in Los Angeles? Are the two friends, enemies, colleagues or strangers? Are they competitors? Explain. How could their jobs backfire on them if others gathered inside information on their personal lives? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author's use of Manhattan for the setting in the Stone Barrington series. Why do you think Woods chose Manhattan? How accurate do you think the setting is in regards to the real location? What areas are most commonly referenced in the story? What other location might have worked as well, if not better, than Manhattan? What is unique about the setting? What regionalisms are exhibited by Barrington and the rest of the characters? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Symbolism is an important part of a mystery, often giving clues to the reader and the story's detective. What are the ways in which Woods uses symbolism in his stories? Give examples of blatant symbolism and more subtle symbolism. Compare and contrast the symbolism used in Woods' mysteries and the mysteries written by another famous author.

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