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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. As the story opens and Elena is out running, how many figures does she see on the path ahead of her?

2. According to Dr. Cuff, when did Lennart get home on the day that Elena died?

3. When Lynley returns to the crime scene, what does he notice nearby where Elena's body was found?

4. While investigating Elena's murder, where is Lynley staying?

5. What is the name of Helen Clyde's oldest sister?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Barbara Havers is introduced in the story, what decision is Barbara contemplating?

2. What does the preliminary report into Elena's murder state?

3. Why did Anthony Weaver's assistant start working for Weaver?

4. According to the New Scotland Yard's Superintendent, who contacts the New Scotland Yard to request assistance in the investigation into Elena's murder?

5. According to her sister, what does the large wooden puzzle that Helen and Christian are working on say about Iris's tastes?

6. What is a Ceephone?

7. Why did Pen originally decide to become a stay-at-home mother?

8. After driving her mother to an assisted-living facility, why does Barbara Havers return to Acton?

9. In Chapter 3, why is Helen Clyde staying at her sister's house?

10. According to Chapter 7, what does Pen feel oppressed by?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Thomas Lynley and Barbara Havers can be seen as kindred spirits. Although they are not quite the same, they share a number of similarities. Identify and describe these similarities. Then, based on your discussion of their similarities, identify the ways in which these two police officers' similarities facilitate the plot's development and move the story forward.

Essay Topic 2

Compare Victor Troughton and Lennart Thorsson.

a. Compare the role that love plays in each of their lives. How is each character affected by the concept of love, both positively and negatively?

Essay Topic 3

There is no doubt that Gareth Randolph is greatly affected by the death of Elena. Discuss how Elena's death and the events thereafter affect Gareth's worldview. How do Gareth's experiences affect his mental state, his ability to trust, and his willingness to help Lynley?

(see the answer keys)

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