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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. Davenport takes Lily to see which friend?

2. Where do Hood's wife and child live?

3. What piece of evidence is there in the Andretti murder?

4. The killers begin to send letters to the ____.

5. The location is at the juncture of which two states?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Davenport force Liss to give up names of the people involved?

2. Who is Ray Cuervo? What is the man's business?

3. Discuss at least two of the pieces of bad news Daniel and others deliver to Davenport.

4. Discuss at least one of the arguments between Davenport and Kieffer.

5. How do the Crows react to the news? What is their next step?

6. Who are Larry and Carl Reed? What is their crime?

7. Examine the mission assigned to Billy Hood. How does Hood feel about the assignment?

8. What is the confession made by Shadow at the sweat lodge?

9. How does money come into play in the investigation?

10. What action does the Minneapolis police department take against the crime?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The main issue in the story is the political and personal war between the Sioux and the government. Discuss this long time issue. Why are Shadow Love, the Crows and others so angry with the whites? What issue is the biggest between the groups? How does the government deal with the situation? What caused the problem in the first place? What was the first action taken by the Sioux? When did it occur? How does knowledge of the Sioux culture help the reader to better understand the tribe's position? What could have been done differently by either side to prevent the murders and other violent actions? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Davenport turns to Elle for help in assessing the mental health and actions of the killers. As a psychologist, Elle offers her professional opinion. Explain the analysis given by Elle. Why does Davenport go to her instead of the police analyst or a consultant? Is Elle more qualified? Does Davenport just go to see his friend? What assessment does Elle make about the escalation of the case? What can be done to alter the path of the killers?

Essay Topic 3

Backstories are important as they fill in the gaps of characters' lives that may not have been addressed elsewhere. This is seen clearly in the backstories of the Crows, Shadow Love, and Davenport. Explain how Sandford uses the technique. When is the appropriate time for a backstory? Does the backstory always resolve unanswered questions? Where might Sandford use it in reference to other characters or situations? Give at least three examples and explain in detail. Also discuss the most important factor in each character's backstory.

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