What type of career might Scarpetta have chosen if she'd left Johns Hopkins?

How do you think sexism has affected Scarpetta's job and personal life?

How would things change if Kay adopted Lucy?

What reasons might Marino have for being openly hostile to Scarpetta?

Do you think Benton Wesley and Pete Marino are well suited as partners in VICAP? Explain.

Do you think the killer was escalating his behaviors because of media coverage? Explain.

What might have happened if Scarpetta had been fired from the case?

What do you think causes Amburgey's resentment against Scarpetta?

What might have happened if Lucy had been the one to breach Kay's computer security system?

What would it have been like if Kay had confronted her sister about eloping and neglecting Lucy? Explain.