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SPOILER WARNING!

The discussion questions reveal the ending to the book. If you have not yet read, PARK RIDGE: A Senior Center Murder, please consider before reading on.

Question: Teresa’s presentation for the conference in Springfield uses portions of the videotapes and her own observations and conclusions. What purpose does the paper serve in the novel?

First off, for those that might not have read the book YET (hint, hint), the videotapes refer to five minute recordings made by students from Northwestern University. They asked each participant to respond to a single question: “What is the most significant activity you participate in here [at the Senior Center] and why?” I included partial transcripts from most of the murder victims as well as each killers in the novel.

In my mind, at least, these passages give us glimpses into the “real” person, particularly the killers. In the taping of the video each person is alone with the videographer. No one else listening in. Because of this, Jack can say, “Margaret and I could take those two easy.” Which is significant, considering that his partner is Ellie, NOT Margaret. We also learn that Jack was married and is a widower.

We also get a window into the thinking of the victims. For instance, Ben Wilson (retired car salesman) says: “First, you make your assessment of the person. What’s he got that you want? Second, you know what you want – either to sell a car, maybe a certain car – or you need an act for the show or for somebody to sing tenor in the chorus. Third, you need to know what the other person wants. Then you figure the odds of getting what you want based on who you think that person is and what they want.” Which is the first big clue as to the motive behind the killings.

So, answer number one, the fact that Teresa is choosing tapes and making excerpts from them for her presentation makes their reproduction in the novel possible. Answer number two is that the conference presentation analyzes the situation, makes some assumptions, and allows the reader an opportunity to agree or disagree with Teresa’s conclusion.

[NOTE: full text of the discussion questions for PARK RIDGE may be found on the author's website.]