of James Harte. She has a bright and bubbly personality. She is a dedicated mother that puts her children first. She is also best friends with Melanie Gold. She is at a crossroads when she is left to defend her son's character in court, while trying to mend a relationship with Melanie who has already convicted Chris before the jury has even reached a verdict. Jordan McAfee: The charming and witty defence attorney of Chris Harte. When circumstance and evidence seem to be going against his client, he has to muster up all his creativity and legal expertise to try and save Chris from imprisonment. Themes Friendship: The Pact emphasizes the lines that blur between that of close friendships and family, and how they can be tested when there is an unexpected death and evidence points to a member of the group. Love: The book discusses the power of love and how it goes beyond the grave. It also considers the idea of loving someone so much that one would be willing to do anything for them even if it means ending their life, and endangering one's own freedom. Family: The Pact delves into family bonds, and explores the question of how well parents can know their own children. Loss: The novel considers the pain of loss and demonstrates the varying ways individuals express and feel grief. For instance, Melanie Gold distances herself from others and becomes resentful from grief, Gus Harte keeps herself busy, being anywhere she is needed, and James Harte tries to ignore the situation entirely. Recognition The Pact was on the New York Times Bestseller list. Film adaptation On November 4, 2002 Lifetime Television debuted a film adaptation of the novel, The Pact. Directed by Peter Werner it starred Henry Czerny (as Michael Gold), Megan Mullally (as Melanie Gold), Jessica Steen (as Detective Anne-Marie Marrone), Juliet Stevenson (as Gus Harte), Bob Gunton (as James Harte), Eric Lively (as Chris Harte), and J.C. Mackenzie (as Jordan McAfee) Differences Film Adaptation and Novel In the film, Chris Harte attends Emily Gold's funeral. However, in the novel Chris is undergoing a mental evaluation, after he was found at the carousel and neither the hospital nor his mother think it would be a good idea for him to attend the funeral. In the movie Melanie Gold and Gus Harte interact considerably more and are more central characters, while in the