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. Who tells Qwilleran that Iris Cobb's assumed ghost was really C. C. playing tricks on his wife?

2. Whose boot sole matches a footprint Qwilleran found in the Elsworth house?

3. Who helps Qwilleran hand the Mackintosh coat of arms over his mantle?

4. What do Qwilleran and Mary discover in his apartment?

5. How is the weather during the Junktown Block Party?

Short Essay Questions

1. After going to the Garrick Theatre with Ben, what does Qwilleran observe at the bar called The Lion's Tail?

2. Why does Qwilleran finally get around to hanging the Mackintosh coat of arms, and who comes to help him do it?

3. What arrangement does Qwilleran make with Ben Nicolas?

4. While Iris is away, what does Hollis Prantz come looking for?

5. What information does Mrs. McGuffey give Qwilleran that might possibly prove to be a motive for Andy's murder?

6. Who does Qwilleran suspect the drug dealer to be?

7. What is interesting about the pattern of the sole of Russell Patch's boots?

8. How does Koko inadvertently solve the mystery?

9. What amusing information does Cluthra provide when Qwilleran goes to visit her?

10. What does Riker tell Qwilleran about his writing when Qwilleran drops in at the Fluxion office?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on "Why I Thought [another character] Was the Murderer". Braun cleverly intersperses enough red herrings that almost any of the characters might have been the murderer. Pick out one other than Ben Nicolas and detail the mystery around that character that pointed to his or her possible guilt.

Essay Topic 2

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on "Why I Would (or Would Not) Recommend this Novel to Others". This paper should be written as a review of the book concluding with your recommendation to other readers.

Essay Topic 3

In two or more type written double spaced pages, write an essay on Braun's Use of Red Herrings in "The Cat Who Turned On and Off". Red herrings are stock in trade for mystery writers who put them in the plot to keep the reader guessing. Find at least three red herrings in the novel and explain how they are used to make the reader suspect different characters of actually being the murderer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 776 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample