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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. Spenser knows there is a man in the woods behind him. Can he see any sign of him?

2. What has Roger already made arrangements to do?

3. Who on the steps yells for Vic?

4. Is there any way for the police to track the driver of the vehicle?

5. Where does the driver of this vehicle head?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who has come to Spenser's office? Why are they there?

2. Why does Susan call Spenser the following morning? What happens after that?

3. How do the Bartletts respond to the knowledge of the hearse and coffin?

4. How does Trask react to Spenser's arrival? Why?

5. What is odd about the ransom note?

6. What does Spenser notice about the inside of the home?

7. What information does Mr. Moriarty give Spenser?

8. What is known about Kevin at this point?

9. What happens after the man heads into the woods?

10. What is done regarding a stakeout?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Spenser has a sense of humor and is very sarcastic.

Part 1) Describe Spenser's sense of humor and sarcasm. How does it affect his relationships?

Part 2) How does his humor and sarcasm help him in his investigative work?

Part 3) How does this humor and sarcasm affect the reader, one's engagement in the book? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Susan and Spenser discuss Dr. Croft at the party.

Part 1) Why do they discuss him? What does this reveal about both Susan and Spenser?

Part 2) What does this reveal about Dr. Croft? How does help to explain what is later discovered about him?

Part 3) How are subtle details, such as this seemingly unimportant discussion, used as clues to solve the case?

Essay Topic 3

Spenser gains many clues through Vic.

Part 1) How does he encounter Vic? How does he prepare for these encounters?

Part 2) What clues does he receive through Vic? How are these clues significant?

Part 3) Are any of these clues necessary for finding Kevin? If so, which ones and why? If not, why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 928 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample