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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. Where does Cross live?

2. Who finally makes a suitable selection?

3. In what hotel do the victims have a suite?

4. To whom does Cross routine confide?

5. What does William hate?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does the Mastermind sit and think about his superiority? In what areas is the Mastermind superior to Cross?

2. Why is Cross relieved when Kyle Craig agrees to fly to San Francisco? What about Craig makes Cross feel secure?

3. Why does the Mastermind keep leaving clues for Cross?

4. There are strong expectations put upon Cross about attending his son's concert. Why is there such significance about Cross' presence?

5. While at home, Cross takes little Alex out for a walk in his stroller. What does Cross request from Little Alex?

6. How do you think the Mastermind is connected to Cross? Why do Cross' partners keep being murdered by the Mastermind?

7. What did Snyder intend to do after the murders? How did Irwin plan to live out his dreams of being a true vampire?

8. What prompted William and Michael's love of extreme sports? Why are the sports so appealing?

9. What is Alex Cross' perception of Jamilla Hughes? Why is Cross reluctant to get close to Jamilla?

10. Why does Cross return to Washington? How does it affect the investigation into the vampire murders?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Part of the Mastermind's plan was to stalk and harass Cross before killing the detective. The Mastermind made good use of the phone to complete the plan. Craig electronically altered his voice and set up a remote trigger to place the calls. Explain how this might have been achieved.

Essay Topic 2

John Sampson typically plays an integral role in the Alex Cross series. However, in "Violets are Blue," Sampson has a supporting, albeit important, role. Why is Sampson's role in the story important? How might the story have changed if Sampson had not been involved?

Essay Topic 3

Peter Westin, the new Sire, is captured and taken off to jail. What do you think will happen to Westin? Do you think Westin will be charged with murder? What will happen within the vampire community without the presence of the Sire?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 631 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample