Content Warning: The source material and this study guide reference death by suicide.

Fifteen-year-old Samantha “Sam” Mather and her stepmother, Vivian, drive from New York City to Salem, Massachusetts, to move into the Mather family home, where they have never been. Samantha’s father is in a coma, and they must move into a house without rent to pay his medical bills. Sam notes the ghost and witch-themed establishments, pretending she isn’t interested. Sam knows her relatives were responsible for condemning Salem witches in the 1600s.

Upon arriving at 1131 Blackbird Lane, the enormous Mather ancestral home, the neighbors—a very cheerful Mrs. Meriwether and her handsome teenage son, Jaxon—greet them. Jaxon helps Sam with her things and shares sarcastic quips. He seems pleased that she loves the house and her antique-filled room, which his mother helped prepare. When Jaxon leaves, Sam feels like herself for the first time since her dad got sick.

Sam and Vivian have a tense conversation about Sam’s father, Mrs. Meriwether, and Salem. Vivian hints at Sam’s socially troubled past and tells her to curb her attitude. Despite her snarky comments, Sam is sad her relationship with Vivian has deteriorated since her dad got sick.