The overall theme in the book Belly Up is never judge a book by its cover even if you think you think you know them. For example, Doc was the top vet for the Bronx Zoo before FunJungle. JJ McCracken (owner of FunJungle) picked Doc, to be their vet knowing he was very good. This connects to the movie, The talented Mr. Ripely, where everyone trusts him because he acts like a good trustworthy person and is actually a murderer

Theme