Research studies of psychopathology that both support and refute the theory. Using any of the Merton children, present a character reading that centers on that sibling’s responsibility for their anti-social behavior. Are their tendencies genetic? Taught? Something else?

Does the responsibility for the murder extend beyond Jenna? Consider the novel’s major themes with your answer.

Why does Shari Lapena set Dan up as the most suspicious character? How does his backstory—the situation with Tina, the incident with Rose, and so on—affect his character? Does Lapena do anything similar with Catherine and Jenna? Why or why not?