Just Another Missing Person

Analyze the character of Price, paying attention to his relationship with, and loyalty to, Julia. What is his function in the story, and how does his relationship shape the reader’s understanding of Julia?

Julia’s perspective on the law and relationships shifts from dichotomous to recognizing ambiguities. How and where does this shift occur? Offer specific examples.

How do the transcripts of Olivia’s social media posts add to the meaning of the novel? How would the novel be different if the content of the posts were related by the narrator instead?

Discuss Julia’s relationship to her profession. What does the novel suggest about why is she committed to her work? What characterization devices does the narrative use to develop her character as a devoted police officer?

How does the novel explore the effects of online anonymity? Be sure to address how these effects differ from generation to generation.

Many characters in the novel are convinced that they are doing the right thing even when engaged in illegal activities like blackmail, evidence tampering, and invasion of privacy. What does the novel suggest about the relationship between legality and morality?

Discuss the function of the two main spouses, Art and Yolanda, in the narrative. How do they shape the themes of the novel? How would the meaning change if Julia or Lewis were single?

As the narrative follows Julia, the reader is offered glimpses of an imagined police culture. How does the text portray that culture, and how is Julia’s character revealed by her relationship with it?