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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who were some of the narrator's new neighbors?
(a) Brooks Brothers, a bank, Bonwit Teller, Police Headquarters, and an ad agency.
(b) A bookie and a fortune teller.
(c) A dancer, a lawyer, a restaurant, and a newspaper agency.
(d) A nosy old lady, a card shark, a lawyer, and a bar.

2. What is Paul's response to Patty's "plan" in Chapter 7?
(a) He is relieved by the idea.
(b) He is unhappy with the idea.
(c) He is angry with the idea.
(d) He makes no response.

3. After solving the kidnapping case, when does Spenser hear from Patty again?
(a) In May.
(b) In April.
(c) In December.
(d) In October.

4. What kind of car does Elaine Brooks drive?
(a) A Jaguar ZX2.
(b) A red MGB with a gold luggage rack.
(c) A gold LaCrosse.
(d) A black Buick Regal.

5. What is Patty's reasoning for being married?
(a) To have a stable home life.
(b) To have a father for Paul.
(c) To keep her from being lonely.
(d) To get power and money.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the narrator hired to do in Chapter 1?

2. When Patty leaves for New York, what does Paul do?

3. At the beginning of Chapter 2, where is the narrator sitting?

4. Where does the narrator follow the woman to in Chapter 3?

5. Why does Spenser not want a personal relationship with Patty?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 6 we are introduced to Spenser's girlfriend, Susan Silverman. What type of a person does she seem to be, and how does that contrast or compliment Spenser's personality?

2. What type of person does the narrator seem to be?

3. What does the discussion that Patty and Spenser have in Chapter 8 reveal to the audience about Patty's real character?

4. What type of person does Patty Giacomin seem to be?

5. In Chapter 12 we meet Hawk. What kind of a person does Hawk appear to be?

6. What do Paul Giacomin's feelings for his parents appear to be?

7. What does Spenser's rescue plan for Patty and Paul along with its execution show us about yet another part of Spenser's personality?

8. In Chapter 9, Spenser makes an impromptu dinner for himself and Paul. At the dinner table, Paul seems surprised that Spenser can cook. The discussion that follows allows the reader to learn more about Paul and his relationship with the world around him. What did you learn about Paul and how he relates to the world around him?

9. When Paul arrives home, what is the reaction that mother and son both give and receive?

10. If you were Spenser, what would you have done differently in Chapter 2?

(see the answer keys)

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