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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. Who is the person Scarpetta invites to visit her in the summer?

2. What activity has the CIA been banned from carrying-out since the Ford Administration?

3. In Chapter 12, why does Scarpetta meet Abby Turnbull for dinner at a Williamsburg restaurant?

4. Who else is killed at Steven Spurrier's home?

5. What does Abby Turnbull discover about the owner of the car with the license plate number Marino traced?

Short Essay Questions

1. What's the sequence of events that Marino thinks led to the murders of Spurrier and Abby Turnbull?

2. What is the result of the meeting between Detective Montana, Scarpetta and Marino in Chapter 13?

3. What does the use of the Hydra-Shok bullet suggest to Scarpetta about the killer and the investigation?

4. After the meeting with Mr. Joyce, what does Scarpetta reason about the killer that leads her to the next step in her investigation?

5. Describe Mr. Joyce and his relationship to Dammit.

6. Describe what the authorities find in Spurrier's bookcases and living room in Chapter 17.

7. Why does Abby find it hard to believe the murders of Harrington and Mott are connected to the Couple Killings?

8. In Chapter 16, what do Scarpetta and Marino learn about Steven Spurrier, the man that approached Scarpetta and Abby in the Williamsburg Restaurant?

9. What's the significance of Jill Harrington not having any bills for a newspaper subscription?

10. Explain the importance of Spurrier's aplastic anemia.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At one point, Scarpetta tells Marino she believes it's not the selection of the victims that's most important to the killer, it's the selection of the place. What does Scarpetta mean by that statement? Do you think her supposition is correct or not? Support your answer with examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

All of the evidence gathered in the search of Steven Spurrier's was considered circumstantial. In fact, there was no conclusive evidence that ever linked Spurrier directly to The Couple Murders. Do you agree or disagree with Scarpetta, Wesley and others that Spurrier was the serial killer? What information from the book would you point to to support your conclusion. Be specific.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to write about:

1) Discuss the multiple issues the FBI was balancing while investigating The Couple Killings and the impact of those issues on the investigation.

2) Abby Turnbull and Pat Harvey share information with each other on a regular basis. Do you think this was a reasonable thing for Abby to do? Use examples from the story to support your answer.

3) Pat Harvey was convinced Steven Spurrier murdered her daughter and that Spurrier would never be convicted. Ms. Harvey decided to take matters into her own hands. What do you think of Pat Harvey's decision and should her actions have been foreseen by the police and FBI? Use examples from the book to explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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