Who is Kay Scarpetta? What is her occupation? What is unusual about this occupation? How is Scarpetta an unusual person for this line of work? How many years of schooling did it require for Scarpetta to reach her current occupation? Why did Scarpetta chose to get both a medical and law degree? How do these degrees aid Scarpetta in her work?

Discuss Ronnie Joe Waddell. Who is he? Why did he die in the electric chair? Did he die in the electric chair? Why are there questions about his death? Could Waddell have escaped death? Why does Waddell stop fighting his execution in his final months? Why was Waddell sure he would not get a reprieve from the governor?

Discuss Joe Norring. Who is Joe Norring? How did Waddell get his briefcase? Why does Norring want it back? What is Norring trying to hide...