Family Relationships

Family Relationships are a strong theme in "The Poet" by Michael Connelly. Jack McEvoy and Sean McEvoy are identical twin brothers. Although very different in many ways, the brothers share a bond that is not often felt by many siblings. This includes a deep sense of what the other is experiencing and perhaps more importantly in this case, it creates a burning desire for Jack to uncover what really happened to his brother that night in Estes Park on Bear Lake. The crime scene photos make it hard for Jack to deny the possibility of Sean's suicide as all the signs are there. As a top reporter, Jack has seen many crime scene photos and knows what to look for in the way of the manner of death.

A strong underlying current in the story is the death of Sarah McEvoy, Jack and Sean's older sister. At...