leading him to become distressed and enter a catatonic state. Realizing that Christopher has discovered the letters, Ed admits to lying about Judy's death; she is still alive and living in London with Mr. Shears. Ed also confesses that he had killed Wellington in anger after an argument with Mrs. Shears. Christopher decides to run away and live with his mother. After a long, event-filled journey, evading policemen and feeling ill from the trains and crowds around him, he finally finds his way to the home of his mother and Mr. Shears, much to the delight of the former and chagrin of the latter. Soon after arriving, Christopher wants to return to Swindon in order to take his mathematics A-level. Judy leaves Mr. Shears as he becomes increasingly hostile towards both her and Christopher. After an argument, Judy agrees to let Ed see Christopher for brief daily visits. Christopher remains apprehensive of Ed, hoping he will be imprisoned for killing Wellington. Ed gifts Christopher a puppy, promising that he will gradually rebuild trust with his son. Christopher declares that he will take further exams and attend university. He completes his mathematics A-level with top grades. The book ends with Christopher optimistic about his future. Characters Christopher John Francis Boone the protagonist and narrator of the novel who has many behavioural issues and who investigates the murder of Mrs. Shears' dog Wellington. Ed Boone Christopher's father, boiler engineer and single parent. When the story begins, Christopher has been living with Ed for two years. Judy Boone Christopher's mother. Early in the book, Christopher writes that she died of a heart attack two years before the book's events. Toby Christopher's pet rat. Wellington Mrs. Shears' large black Poodle, found dead in the night-time, with a garden fork sticking out of him. Siobhan Christopher's paraprofessional and mentor at school. She teaches him how society works and how to behave within its complex guidelines. Eileen Shears dog Wellington's owner; consoled Ed for a time after Christopher learns of his mother's death. Roger Shears Mrs. Shears's ex-husband and Judy Boone's lover. Mrs. Alexander an elderly neighbour who offers information to help Christopher's investigation regarding his parents and Mr. and Mrs. Shears. Mr. Jeavons Christopher's psychologist. Rhodri Ed Boone's employee. Sandy Christopher's Golden Retriever puppy that his dad buys for him at the end of the book to rebuild their relationship. Reverend Peters The invigilator at