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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What book is Spenser reading in Chapter 7?
(a) To Kill a Mockingbird.
(b) A Distant Mirror.
(c) One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
(d) Of Mice and Men.

2. After solving the kidnapping case, when does Spenser hear from Patty again?
(a) In December.
(b) In April.
(c) In October.
(d) In May.

3. What new character is introduced in Chapter 6?
(a) Susan.
(b) Harry.
(c) Hawk.
(d) Buddy.

4. In what city does this story take place?
(a) Los Angeles.
(b) Boston.
(c) New York City.
(d) Miami.

5. Why does Spenser not want a personal relationship with Patty?
(a) Because he does not like mixing personal issues with business matters.
(b) Because he does not find her attractive.
(c) Because he is in love with Susan, and because he believes that Paul would think less of him if he were to get involved with Patty.
(d) Because it would be unprofessional and harm his professional reputation.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the narrator?

2. What is the setting of the first paragraph of Chapter 6?

3. What is the first question that the narrator asks the passenger in Chapter 4 after leaving the house?

4. Who is Elaine Brooks?

5. In Chapter 8, what does Patty inform Spenser in relation to the upcoming weekend?

Short Essay Questions

1. If you were Spenser, what would you have done differently in Chapter 2?

2. In Chapter 12 we meet Hawk. What kind of a person does Hawk appear to be?

3. In April, after Mel's thugs try to kidnap Paul, Patty Giacomin calls Spenser for help once again. This time, she asks Spenser to protect her and Paul. Why does Patty desperately call Spenser when she experiences trouble with her ex-husband in relation to her son?

4. In Chapter 8, Patty makes breakfast for herself and Spenser after Spenser drops Paul off at school. During breakfast the two of them get into a somewhat heated discussion about the roles of men and women in life, as well as their places in society. What are Patty's views on the topic as shown by that discussion?

5. Why does Spenser not like the growing sense of intimacy that he describes in Chapter 10?

6. In Chapter 11, Spenser and Paul have a discussion about why Spenser did not shoot the intruders. What does Spenser tell Paul about his reluctance to shoot Buddy and Harold?

7. What does Spenser's preparation of the impromptu meal in Chapter 9 reveal about his character?

8. What type of person does Mel Giacomin appear to be?

9. By the beginning of Chapter 6, some time has passed since Spenser's case with the Giacomins; but, he really cannot stop thinking about the whole situation. It bothers him at a basketball game during a date with his girlfriend, Susan. What does this extended concern that Spenser shows for Paul and the discontent that Spenser feel for Patty and Mel show about Spenser's character?

10. What do Paul Giacomin's feelings for his parents appear to be?

(see the answer keys)

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