View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What had Rosalyn promised Melinda she would do until the killer was caught that Melinda assumed Rosalyn had done anyway?

2. According to Gareth's story, where was he at the time when Elena was murdered?

3. After the scuffle in Sarah Gordon's home when Lynley bursts in, who gets shot?

4. How is the second victim killed?

5. In Lynley's estimation, what is the professor from the jazz concert's best feature?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Sarah tells Anthony why she killed Elena, how does Anthony respond?

2. Why could the professor that Lynley meets at the jazz concert not be the father of Elena's baby?

3. When Rosalyn talks to Gareth, what can Rosalyn tell about Gareth Randolph?

4. After learning that his assumption about the father of Elena's baby is incorrect, what is Anthony Weaver's response?

5. What is a muller?

6. What does Melinda find when she returns home in Chapter 16?

7. To get around the petty dispute of the two forensics experts at the Cambridge Constabulary, what does Lynley suggest to the Detective Inspector?

8. Why does Glyn Weaver snoop around Anthony's house after Justine goes out for a run?

9. How does Mrs. Havers's caregiver deter Mrs. Havers from leaving the house when Mrs. Havers is insistent?

10. After taking Gareth Randolph's possessions to the police station, Lynley returns to the Weaver home. Why does Glyn believe Lynley is at the Weaver home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Both Rosalyn Simpson and Victor Troughton are not immediately forthcoming when questioned about Elena's murder. Compare the motivations each of these characters has for withholding vital information from Lynley. What changes for each of these characters before they tell the entire truth to Lynley? How does their truthfulness impact Lynley's investigation?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Examine how the character of Thomas Lynley changes as the story progresses. Be sure to include your assessment of Lynley's character when he is first introduced in the story, when he first suspects Sarah Gordon, when he solves the case, and at the end of the story with Helen Clyde.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 666 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample