Those Empty Eyes

Those Empty Eyes moves through many different locations both inside and outside the US. Use textual evidence to examine how the novel uses these changes in setting to develop the plotlines, characters, and themes. What effect does the constant movement have on Alex?

The novel places much emphasis on Alex’s affinity for coffee. What does this detail say about Alex’s character? How does the text use this attribute, and to what ends?

Those Empty Eyes provides a thorough critique of true crime culture. Using textual evidence, examine whether the novel investigates any benefits of true crime narratives. Why or why not?

Jacqueline and Garrett firmly believe that the US justice system doesn’t properly address the crimes of sexual predators. Write an essay reflecting a stance on this opinion and examining whether Garrett and Jacqueline’s illegal actions (murdering sexual predators who commit crimes against youths and those who through silence abet such crimes) are justifiable.

This guide discusses Buck’s role in the novel as a red herring. What other red herrings does the novel use? Using textual evidence, explore how they contribute to the surprise of the novel’s ending.

The third and fourth sections of the novel use a heavily mosaic structure, oscillating between various characters who sometimes aren’t introduced until these sections. What effects did this structure have on the experience of reading the novel?

Chapter 72 ends with a cliffhanger: It’s unclear whether Garrett chooses to murder the Chadwicks. Using textual evidence related to Garrett’s character development and earlier actions, examine whether Garrett goes through with these murders. Why or why not?

Jacqueline tells Alex that “her mentor” was also involved in the killings; the novel’s final interlude reveals that this mentor was Garrett. Why doesn’t Alex investigate this angle? Does Alex know it was Garrett? If so, why doesn’t she confront him?