1. What events unfold at the Jerome household between 9:02 p.m. and 9:51 p.m. on April 1st? How do the intruders gain entry into the home, and what is their treatment of Karen Jerome?

2. Describe the four teenage boys who vandalized the Jerome family's home. What drove them to commit this crime?

3. Contrast the characters of Harry Flowers and Buddy Walker. How do their similarities and differences play a significant role?

4. What activities do the four teenage boys engage in during their free time?

5. Why does Buddy struggle with alcohol? Describe his family dynamics and his relationship with his father.

6. What kind of person is Jane Jerome? Does she behave like a typical teenager her age?

7. Describe Jane's parents and the overall atmosphere within the Jerome family.

8. How does their family situation compare to that of Harry and Buddy?

9. How does Jane come to know Buddy Walker, and why are they drawn to each other?
10. Explore the reasons that lead to the end of their relationship.

11. Who is the "Avenger?" What motivates him to kill Vaughn Masterson and his grandfather?

12. Why does the "Avenger" abduct Jane, and how does she manage to escape unharmed?

13. How do you interpret the novel's title? What does it symbolize?