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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. What has Roger already made arrangements to do?

2. Where does Dolly go after emerging again from the house?

3. With whom does Spenser believe Kevin hangs out?

4. What does the driver do after passing Spenser?

5. Margery continues to cry and Maguire suggests that they do what to calm her down?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is in the coffin?

2. What does the ransom note demand?

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

4. What do Healy and Spenser do when they arrive at the stables?

5. What does Spenser note about the Bartlett home?

6. What is known about Kevin at this point?

7. What takes place first on the morning of the pickup?

8. Who is in the Bartlett home?

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

10. On what does Spenser fill Susan in?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

This case ends with the return of Kevin.

Part 1) What might be Kevin's fate now that it is learned he was not kidnapped as first thought?

Part 2) What will happen to Vic? Will Kevin try to help him? Why or why not?

Part 3) What might come of the other characters in the book, now that the case is over?

Essay Topic 3

Spenser and Susan grow close.

Part 1) Describe their first encounter. How does this foreshadow a developing intimate relationship?

Part 2) Why do they feel a connection? What causes this?

Part 3) Why does Spenser involve Susan in this case? Should he have involved her? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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