“This is Annabel. The daughter of Rachel Price. That last part said in a knowing whisper. Because even though Rachel was gone, everything existed only in relation to her. Gorham wasn’t its own place anymore; it was the town where Rachel Price had lived. Number 33 Milton Street wasn’t Bel’s home, it was the house Rachel Price had lived in. Bel’s dad, Charlie Price, well, he was Rachel Price’s husband, even though the Price part had come from him.”

This passage serves as a reminder of the public’s contemporary fascination with true crime, for this cultural context frames the story. Bel’s life, her home, her town, and her father are of public interest because of their connection with Rachel Price’s disappearance, which incites considerable public debate and commentary. The immense impact of Rachel’s disappearance on Bel’s life is therefore established in the very beginning of the novel.

“‘It’s been OK,’ she said eventually. ‘I accepted a long time ago that we would never have answers. It’s not my fault I can’t remember any of it; I was just too young. And because I don’t have those memories, we will never solve the Rachel Price mystery, but I’m OK with that. Honestly. I have my dad.’ Bel paused, a small smile stretching her mouth, pulling her chin into a point. ‘He tried his hardest to give me as normal a childhood possible, under the circumstances. He’s the best dad I could ask for.’”

In the beginning of the story, Bel is grateful to her father, Charlie, who provided her with love and constancy in the wake of her mother’s disappearance. At this point, Bel is still loyal to Charlie and trusts him completely. However, Charlie’s initially favorable characterization hides the fact that he plotted to have Rachel killed by his own father, Patrick.

“‘But I wanted you there, Grandaddy would have too. But the only thing he really wanted, before he died, was to finally see his daughter’s killer behind bars. Where he belongs,’ she said pointedly, wiping her nose again for effect.”

Susan, Rachel’s mother, alleges that Charlie killed Rachel, and although this allegation is angrily dismissed by both Bel and Charlie, it nonetheless serves as distinct foreshadowing that Bel will eventually uncover the hidden ugliness of Charlie’s true nature as a violent and controlling man who coldly devised and attempted to bring about the death of his wife.