Themes

Coping with Loss

As we know, if there wasn’t  Wellington, Christopher wouldn’t have discovered the truth, which prompts Christopher to think back on an earlier moment of loss in his life—the death of his mother. Father is telling lies to Christopher, that his wife, Christopher's mother is dead, in that way, he is trying to break off contact with her and cut her out of his, and Christopher’s life. And when relationship between Mrs. Shears and Christopher’s father ended, he works through his loss violently by murdering Wellington. 

Isolation

Christopher is isolated, and so totally psyched about it. He doesn't like being around people, really doesn't enjoy talking, and absolutely hates being touched. 

Detective story

 The novel is set up as a detective story from the outset. Christopher is trying to find out who had killed Mrs Shears's dog. But he finds out much more about his own life and family. The title represents what Christopher hopes to find out but within the title itself is another world of mystery that is uncovered as we go through the novel.The title represents what Christopher hopes to find out, but he discovered much more information, than he thought.