Satanism

As this novel evolves, the theme of Satanism threads through the text, appearing more and more frequently. Torey is almost one-third of the way through her book before the first mention of Satanism appears. When Torey is visiting her boyfriend, Hugh, over summer break, he recognizes one of the symbols that Jadie has drawn as being similar to one he saw in an occult bookstore. As Torey learns more and more about Satanism, she finds herself wondering if it is this type of abuse in which Jadie is involved. Most of the people in Pecking with whom Torey discusses the case don't want to admit that something of the magnitude of Satanism could be taking place in Pecking. Even at the conclusion of Jadie's case, it is uncertain whether or not Satanism was involved in her abuse.

Although it was never determined if Jadie's abuse stemmed from Satanistic...